So, what are the opinions of getting a new gas operated 12 gauge shotgun for hunting? I am interested in only the more recent models, not the wonderful Remington 1100 (my favorite), or the Beretta. Not interested in inertia guns, have had the Franchi and Benelli (both wonderful). Looking for lower recoil with full loads, speed as well. I mainly shoot an 870 and have for decades. Getting older is starting to be a problem with my shoulder (has been rebuilt), hence no inertia guns. I am open to all opinions, even with non -USA made guns, just not the modern Beretta. Also interested in what everyone thinks of going to a 20 gauge as well. Thank you!
bernie herd
20GA is just fine IMO, especially 3" chamber . A G2 viper in 20 your choice of finish. Also a G2 Viper in 12ga but shoot 1oz 1180fps loads, I have one and mine cycles them just fine. Also, the Viper 12 runs around 6.8lbs, light enough for hunting IMO. You've got options that's for sure. Viper G2 PRO - TriStar Arms Viper G2 - TriStar Arms Viper and Viper pro links for you to shop.
Fabarm L4s in 12 gauge weight 6.75 pounds. About the same as many other gas 20 gauges. And it can shoot 3" shells which might be handy if you need to shoot non-toxic loads, like in CA or some areas of ND. Or all of Europe.
It's very soft shooting and simplicity to take apart and clean. Build like a swiss bank vault.
Yes, even the L4s Initial Hunter seems expensive now, but compared to similar priced Berettas, I think it's nicer. But when you get to the point where money isn't worth as much as having a great shotgun to carry, this was my choice. I have other shotguns. If I go out and really want to bring home a bird, this is the one I take. My Syren (fabarms) Elos D2 over and under is a close second place.
For me, I don't want a bunch of moving parts in my butt stock, plain hardwood has worked fine for hundreds of years, and still works fine.The gas recoil system soaks up the punch, so no need to play with the stock.
When you're ready to go top of the line, I think this one is worth the effort to find a dealer and handle it.
It's very soft shooting and simplicity to take apart and clean. Build like a swiss bank vault.
Yes, even the L4s Initial Hunter seems expensive now, but compared to similar priced Berettas, I think it's nicer. But when you get to the point where money isn't worth as much as having a great shotgun to carry, this was my choice. I have other shotguns. If I go out and really want to bring home a bird, this is the one I take. My Syren (fabarms) Elos D2 over and under is a close second place.
For me, I don't want a bunch of moving parts in my butt stock, plain hardwood has worked fine for hundreds of years, and still works fine.The gas recoil system soaks up the punch, so no need to play with the stock.
When you're ready to go top of the line, I think this one is worth the effort to find a dealer and handle it.
The Browning Maxus 2 is worth a look. I've used one of the original Maxus's for upland hunting, trap, and sporting clays. It is a very soft shooter and very reliable.
Another vote for the Viper G2. If you reload then 12 gauge for sure. If you don't then the conversation is more interesting. Still, finding a wide variety of 20 gauge shells is more difficult then 12 gauge. I have a 20 gauge Viper and after I broke it in it seems to shoot everything from 3/4 loads up to full magnums. I only have about 500 rounds through it so I can't speak to longevity. I'm currently looking for a 12 gauge version.
If you're looking for a smooth-shooting gas-operated 12 gauge, I'd recommend the Fabarm L4S Hunter, as it’s soft on recoil and lightweight at 6.75 lbs. It’s built like a tank, simple to clean, and can handle 3" shells. For something a little lighter, the TriStar Viper G2 in 20 gauge is a great option, especially with 3" chambers.
It's easy on the shoulder and cycles light loads well, but it really depends on what you're hunting. A 20 gauge can be just fine for upland birds, but if you’re after larger game, you might prefer the 12 gauge. Always great to have options!
It's easy on the shoulder and cycles light loads well, but it really depends on what you're hunting. A 20 gauge can be just fine for upland birds, but if you’re after larger game, you might prefer the 12 gauge. Always great to have options!
Don’t know what you’re hunting but I don’t notice a difference using a 28 gauge. Look at the Sbe3 in 20 and 28
I have 2 Tristar Viper G2 20 gauge shotguns. One ran everything flawlessly right out of the box, while the other needed a little break-in. The bronze model came with gorgeous wood, and it is a prettier gun than a lot of the other options that cost significantly more. I have 12 gauge guns as well (though no Viper G2's), and I shoot the 20 gauge as good or better. Overall, I'm very pleased with the Viper G2 20 gauge guns, and I think it would be difficult to find a much better gun, and definitely not one for the price.
I really love my Winchester SX4. I have the Upland edition. It's a really soft shooting gun. I have zero complaints with it's performance and reliability. I probably have in the neighborhood of 3000-4000 rounds through it so far, and it hasn't had a single issue. I've used it quite a bit for skeet and sporting clays as well as pheasant hunting. I've shot it alongside a Beretta A400 Xcel, and actually prefer the Winchester. Beretta loyalists may not agree.
Surprised how many LS4 recommendations there are here... there is another thread, exact same but 4 days earlier and 4 or more pages. And almost all those answers are "Beretta A400", few LS4 if any. Worth reading for the OP I guess for more opinions.
I haven't tried Berettas, but do like my Browning Maxus a lot, as well as my Win SX3, that's all I can comment on for currently produced guns.
I haven't tried Berettas, but do like my Browning Maxus a lot, as well as my Win SX3, that's all I can comment on for currently produced guns.
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