The best second-hand semi-autos for under £850

Option 3 Benelli semi-auto

Why haven’t I recommended a particular model? Well, there are lots to choose from and they’re all good.

• Like the new Browning A5, Benellis work on the inertia system rather than being gas-fed. The bolt turns as it moves forward and lugs engage with the mouth of the chamber, giving a very firm lock-up at the moment of firing. The first time I reviewed a Benelli I wrote “just like an AK47”, much to the amusement of the then importer.
• It’s a “clean” system, with no gas ports and pistons to get fouled up with hard carbon deposits.
• If you are looking at new guns, top of the range is the Rafaello Executive, with a recommended retail price of more than £4,000, but on the second-hand shelves there are plenty of models which will be well within the £850 budget. Twelve-bores seem to range in weight from seven to eight pounds.