Hunting Rifles & Shotguns
12 Best Semi Auto Shotgun for Hunting
The best semi auto shotgun is one that works with the power, action, and force you expect. It also must provide the type of high-quality design and construction you can count on for reliability and durability. When using one for the first time, traditional shotgun owners quickly understand why it is easy to fall in love with a semi-auto. Their fast firepower and reduction in recoil make a good semi-automatic shotgun a prize to own.
Not all shotguns are created equal and, in fact, many people prefer semi-automatic shotguns. Commonly called semi-autos, these shotguns are not known to be as reliable as the standard pump-action models, but their reduced recoil and fast rate of fire make them coveted firearms for many hunters.The best semi auto shotguns can be used for a variety of purposes. While gun enthusiasts may have a number of shotguns at home, the best semi auto shotguns are both portable and powerful. Commonly, a full-size shotgun is used for personal defense and security, but there are many other reasons gun owners keep a semi-auto shotgun in their arsenal. These can include hunting, law enforcement, target practice, and much more. Many of these guns can fire ammunition of all types, including shells, buckshot, rubber, sandbag shells, and slug shells.One of the most common reasons gun owners purchase one of the best semi auto shotguns is for hunting. Unlike traditional pump-action models, these shotguns are designed to provide more rapid-fire action. Because of their power, these shotguns are uniquely powerful hunting tools due to their semi-automatic firing action and explosive power.A shotgun is well known to be a powerful, proven choice for a firearm. However, if you have never shot one, you may not realize just how much of a punch one really packs when fired. Firing a traditional pump-action shotgun at a gun range will offer you the opportunity to shoot this type of gun. Then, you may fall in love with the deep shoulder position, pure power, and range of ammunition choices you get with a shotgun and decide to try a semi-automatic model. A semi-auto shotgun offers the power you love in a shotgun without the tiring pump action.
Product FAQ
Image by Alexander Lesnitsky from Pixabay
If you have never held or fired a shotgun of any type, you may wonder what it is like to fire rounds from a semi-automatic shotgun. Here are our responses to some of the most common questions we hear about the best semi auto shotguns.
Can I Shoot with One Hand?
No. Never. While you can probaably execute a shot with a semi-automatic shotgun without using both hands, this is considered unacceptably dangerous by all gun safety standards.
Does a Semi-Automatic Shotgun Kick?
Yes. Some people mistakenly believe that using a semi-automatic weapon eliminates the backfire force into your shoulder known as a “kick.” That’s simply not true. When using any shotgun, always use caution and prepare for the kick with a proper stance and secure hand placement.
Do Semi-Autos Have a Faster Rate of Fire?
As you may imagine, without the pump requirements, a shotgun is much easier to fire, and thus quicker as well. The best semi auto shotguns have a faster rate of fire than conventional models.
Will I Be Able to Use a Semi-Automatic Shotgun?
Most people struggle, at first, to use a semi-automatic shotgun comfortably due to the complex design. However, for experienced gun owners, this type of shotgun is ideal for many applications.
How Do Shotguns Work?
Essentially, a pump-action shotgun works with a user-friendly manual slide from the front end toward the rear. You have to cock this type of shotgun with a spring-operated mechanism. Then, the used cartridge is ejected and you have to load a new one. In contrast, either a gas-powered or recoil-powered system may be used to reload a semi-auto gun rather than manual force.
Can I Afford a Semi-Auto Shotgun?
For many, purchasing a shotgun is a priority for home defense. If you are purchasing one for this reason, you should expect to spend a sum of money for a new, reliable gun. If you want to purchase a more high-end shotgun, you can spend up to just about any number you choose.
How We Reviewed the Best Semi Auto Shotgun Choices
After analyzing numerous customer reviews across the web, the following products were reviewed based on these parameters: Features, Pros & Cons, Price, Where to Buy, and Warranty.
NOTE: It is important to realize that even though these were found to be the best semi auto shotgun products on the market, the price will probably play a big part in your final buying choice. Overall, the prices for the best semi auto shotguns vary wildly, leaving some higher-priced models and lower-priced models in surprising ranges upon evaluation.
What We Reviewed
- Browning A5
- Benelli M4
- Stoeger 3500
- Remington Versa Max Competition
- Beretta 1301 Tactical
- FNH SLP Mark 1
- Mossberg 930 SPX Tactical
- Mossberg 930 JM Pro
- Weatherby SA-08 Deluxe
- Stoeger M3500
- Beretta TX4 Storm
- Beretta A300 Outlander
Browning A5
This A5 hunter was originally designed by John Browning. Today, this auto-5, 12 gauge, 4+1-round, semi-automatic shotgun features a 30” barrel and fixed magazine for a balanced and lightweight shot. You can truly take your experience back to the old days of classic hunting with this Browning A5. Its maker touts this model as the most reliable, fastest-cycling, best-performing, and softest-shooting recoil-operated (yes, recoil-operated!) autoloader available.
PROS
- Versatile, fast-cycling, and recoil-operated
- Lightweight aluminum alloy receiver
- Kinematic drive system
- Inflex II technology recoil pad
CONS
- Basic design
- Made for heavy loads
- Considerable likelihood of jamming
Where to Buy
Benelli M4
The Benelli M4 tactical weapon was first made for the U.S. Marine Corps and now you can have it for home defense. You may choose this weapon for its unique auto-regulating, gas-operated (A.R.G.O.) system, which was developed exclusively by Benelli engineers.
PROS
- ARGO system
- Ultra-large round capacity
CONS
- Significant likelihood of jamming
- May be too complicated for beginners
Where to Buy
Stoeger 3500
This Stoeger shotgun features a red-bar, fiber-optic sight for outstanding target precision. You can use this shotgun to hit your mark even in low-light conditions. From dusk until dawn, you can trust the Stoeger 3500’s famed inertia-driven operating system for a sure shot every time.
PROS
- Cycles reliably
- Strong performance & reliability
- Inertia-driven operating system
CONS
- High risk of jamming
- May clog with birdshot
Where to Buy
Remington Versa Max Competition
Exclusive Versa Max technology is said to set a new standard for reliability and make the Remington Versa Max Competition unlike any other gun on the market. Tested in extreme situations, the Remington Versa Max Competition gun is ready for action. Made with a tubular magazine, it cycles 12-gauge loads consistently. Tested over thousands of rounds, this gun has proven its endurance. It also features a compact action system that automatically shifts the balance of the gun for lightning-fast handling.
PROS
- Known for reliability
- Low-maintenance design and build
- Offers the ultimate in consistent performance
- Easy to handle
CONS
- Spring-loaded clip inside the receiver
- Safety is inconveniently placed
Where to Buy
Beretta 1301 Tactical
This is a shotgun model most commonly used by law enforcement and for home defense. Engineered with cutting-edge technology, it is easy to use and known to be ultra-reliable.
PROS
- Easy to customize
- Ultra-fast shooting
- Cycles at least 36% faster than a typical shotgun
CONS
- May have trouble cycling low-power ammo
- Needs regular cleaning and maintenance
Where to Buy
FNH SLP Mark 1
With over 100 years of autoloading shotgun engineering experience, FNH made the SLP Mark 1 for commercial, military and law enforcement use. Featuring ultra-reliable gas operation, this semiautomatic shotgun includes a matte black aircraft-grade alloy receiver, fully adjustable rifle sights, an extended magazine tube, and a durable synthetic stock.
PROS
- Gas-operated autoloader
- Interchangeable recoil pads
- Fully adjustable sights
CONS
- Heavier design
- High risk of jamming
- May clog with birdshot
Where to Buy
Mossberg 930 SPX Tactical
Made with a self-regulating gas system for stability, the Mossberg 930 SPX shotgun also includes an autoloader. This feature aids in recoil reduction to eliminate stress on critical components. Your 930 autoloader will chamber 2.75-inch or 3-inch, 12-gauge shells with ease. Every Mossberg 930 includes a set of specially designed spacers for quick adjustment of the horizontal and vertical angles of the stock so that you can get a custom fit for every shot.
PROS
- Gas system vents
- Quick-empty magazine release button
- Ghost ring sights
- Magazine extension
CONS
- Prone to jamming
- May be too complex for beginners
Where to Buy
Mossberg 930 JM Pro
This competitive shotgun offers a shorter fore-end than most other barrel guns. It is made with a fiber optic front sight, and the stock and receiver feature a Kryptek Typhon pattern. This Mossberg firearm includes an oversized bolt handle and release, along with adjustable over-travel.
PROS
- Accu-Set chokes
- Extended magazine tube
- Fast-cycling gas system
CONS
- Prone to jamming
- May be too complex for beginners
Where to Buy
Weatherby SA-08 Deluxe
This semi-automatic shotgun is equipped with a vent-rib barrel that features chrome lining and a 26-inch length. it has a 3-inch chamber, a Briley choke system, a walnut stock with a high-gloss finish, and an aluminum receiver with a blued finish.
PROS
- Drop-out trigger system for easy cleaning
- Dual-valve gas system
- Push-button safety
CONS
- Increased likelihood of jamming
- May be complex for beginners to use
Where to Buy
Stoeger M3500
This weapon features a red-bar, fiber-optic sight for a semi-automatic shotgun blast that delivers target precision. You can anticipate using this shotgun to hit your mark even in low light, and the famous inertia-driven operating system helps ensure a precise shot every time.
PROS
- Cycles reliably
- Excellent overall performance & reliability
- Inertia-driven operating system for precision
CONS
- Action springs may fail
- Jams on shell eject are fairly common
Where to Buy
Beretta TX4 Storm
As part of an exclusive line of defense weapons, this lightweight Beretta is gas-operated and semiautomatic. The 18” barrel’s design is based on the A400 line of shotguns made just for hunting. However, recently this new version was born to fairly wide acclaim.
PROS
- A solid autoloading home defense gun
- A recoil-reducing stock add-on is available
- Comfortable to hold & shoot
- Ranges from low- to high-pressure rounds
CONS
- Fair probability of jamming
- May have trouble cycling low-power ammo
Where to Buy
Beretta A300 Outlander
Representing one of the best values in a semiautomatic shotgun, the Beretta A300 Outlander is a gas-operated firearm. The popularity of this gun is based on its unbeatable performance as well as outstanding value. “Durable, lightweight and tough” is a great description of the Beretta A300 Outlander.
PROS
- Reversible safety button
- 28-inch MobilChoke barrel
- Semi-automatic action with a 2-round capacity
CONS
- Significant likelihood of jamming
- May have trouble cycling low-power ammo
Where to Buy
The Verdict
Image by Konchai Klangkanasub from Pixabay
As a modern twist on the traditional pump shotgun, semiautomatic shotguns are made a little differently. The “Godfather” of modern shotguns, the Browning Auto-5, is the gun known for revolutionizing the world of hunting. Today, there are new versions available, including the Browning A5, along with other top-rated shotguns. We hope that you will use this list of the 12 best semi auto shotguns to help you shop in person or online for a new firearm that suits your needs. This is just a small sample of what the world of hunting guns has to offer.
Are you ready to shop for a new shotgun? Use this list of the best semi auto shotguns on the market to aid in that quest. After taking the time to analyze them based on the most effective parameters to deliver the reliable results, we came up with this guide. Please, feel free to get excited about the exciting selection of the best semi auto shotguns available now. We did!