Finding a gun at the right price can be tough. We’ve listed 20 shotguns for under £1000 here that we think are well worth a look, both new and second-hand. It’s also worth reading our advice on buying a shotgun second-hand where you might pick up a real bargain. If…
Semi-automatics
A semi-auto can be a popular choice for its recoil absorption properties
The single barrel of semi-autos makes the front end of the gun much lighter and more controllable – a really useful asset for beginners and slightly built individuals. Couple this with the lower recoil associated with the reloading mechanism of the semi-auto, particularly gas-operated versions, and you’ve got a winning combination.
Furthermore, it’s easy for a coach and client to use. On completion of a training shot, the client can receive advice and simply offer the open chamber for reload by the coach, who drops in a cartridge, pushes the reload button and off they go again; it keeps the lesson at a very focused pace.
Like double-barreled shotguns, semi-autos come in all the usual bore sizes; from 12, 20 and 28-bore. All have a selection of chokes. Autos in .410 gauge are available as well.
In the UK, the magazine tube of semi-autos is restricted to allow a maximum of two cartridges in the magazine plus a third in the chamber, so you can get three shots.
It is possible to possess a semi-auto which will take more than two cartridges in the magazine, but a firearms licence is required in the UK to do this. You would need to establish a serious vermin control requirement, for example, to be granted this certificate.
Many owners of semi-autos put safety flags in the loading slot to show the gun is safe
Visible safety
A common gripe about semi-autos is that they don’t open like a ‘’break action’’ double-barrelled shotgun. This is true, but if you know what to look for in semi-auto safety, it is immediately apparent, i.e. the open receiver slot where the cartridge is loaded. Any user of a semi-auto should carry the gun so that this is apparent. Many owners of semi-autos put safety flags in the loading slot.
The Remington 1100 set a new standard for semi-autos
Brands of semi-autos
There are many different semi-auto makes on the UK market and many are very good value for money. American and Continental European brands predominate, but in recent years Turkish manufacturers have become more apparent.
Benelli M2 Comfortech Cerakote
Whenever I handle a Benelli M series semi-automatic, it makes me think of the king of gamebirds, the grouse. These guns are to grouse moor management what the Winchester lever-action rifle was to winning the West. My first introduction to the M series Benelli semi-auto was 20 years ago when…
The Savage A22 Pro Varmint
Our Verdict The Savage A22 Pro Varmint semi-automatic rimfire rifle is Savage Arms’ answer to the Ruger 10/22, which has long dominated this area of the market. The A22 is available in many guises but here we have the Pro Varmint stock version, giving a distinct heavy varmint profile. Like…
Why there should be no snobbery about semi-automatics
Semi-automatics are enduringly popular with the gun-buying public. For people coming into the sport of shooting, they tick many boxes. Advantages of semi-automatics They are relatively cheap, so first-time buyers are immediately drawn to the attractive price tag. Also, it should not be overlooked that the option of a third…
Maxus Limited Edition JM Browning
The Browning Maxus has been a favourite on the semi-auto market since its release in 2009. The latest addition to the Maxus line-up is sure to prove popular with diehard Browning fans across Europe, too. Released in the autumn, the Maxus Limited Edition JM Browning has joined the growing range…
Duck-flighting and dining with a Masterchef semi-finalist
Freddie Innes is a man who, like the majority who shoot, clearly shares a love of good food. At 26, Freddie is a young chef, yet he already boasts an impressive CV, hard won in some of the finest professional kitchens in the UK. A MasterChef semi-finalist This passion for…
The CZ 511 – an absolute bargain
The CZ 511 is essentially the same gun as the older Brno 581 which had previously been in production since the 1950s, the newer name simply reflecting the rebranding of Brno to CZ. Its design therefore comes with a strong pedigree, and even owners of older Brno models report that…
How to clean and care for a semi-auto shotgun
Take 10 minutes to clean a semi-auto shotgun properly every time you use it and you’ll avoid a lot of issues. Another reason is that you also save money on repairs and get more for it if you ever want to trade it in or sell it. Lack of cleaning…
Can my brother leave his semi-auto at my house for cleaning?
I own a three-shot semi-automatic on my shotgun certificate. My brother owns the same model and make of semi-automatic, but it is a five-shot and it’s on his firearm certificate. The only difference between the guns is my magazine has been restricted to two cartridges by a gunsmith. My brother…
Beretta Outlander semi-auto
Our verdict on the Beretta Outlander semi-auto I spend most of my working day teaching driven shooting and sporting clays so an opportunity to shoot a semi-auto is always a welcome change. The Beretta A300 appeared to be a good-looking gun when it was delivered and I was already dreaming…
Here’s what you need to know about fixed-barrelled guns
Semi-auto and pump-action shotguns have been around for a long time but have not been as popular in the UK as they have in the USA. Shooters shy away from them mainly because of the uncertainty of how to operate and handle them in a safe way. Those that use…
Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus
I’ll be honest with you, the first thing I noticed about the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus was the price. At £2,195 it is not cheap for a semi-auto. Regular readers will know I like value for money. That’s not saying I just like economy – I don’t. If I have…
The gun every shooter should have in their gun cabinet
I give my shotguns names. My AYA No 3 I dubbed ‘Lazarus’ because, thanks to my friend Adam Bragg’s craftsmanship, it was brought back from the dead. My Lincoln Premier is named ‘John’ (as in Wilkes Booth). I don’t like the Lincoln and am determined to get rid of it.…
Old dog, neat tricks
A team of dogs usually comprises varying age and ability levels. It is common to have at least one youngster that is in training and learning its trade from older members. The middle-aged gundogs are generally the main workers that are old enough to know their job and young enough…
Benelli M2 – a ‘workhorse’ semi-auto
If you had to sum up the Benelli M2 semi-auto in one word it would be, ‘practical’. It has been designed like every semi-auto should be, where function dictates design. After all most semi-autos are workhorses. They are not designed to look pretty; they are designed to perform even in…
How to choose the right shotgun and cartridge for pigeon shooting
Shotguns and cartridges for pigeon shooting First off, what sort of gun would be best for you out in the pigeon field? Invest in the best gun you can afford. This doesn’t mean you have to buy new, there are plenty of good quality second-hand guns around. A properly made…
The Breda Xanthos – cheap but holds its own against more expensive rivals
The Breda Xanthos is not expensive but bears comparison with its more pricey competitors
Is it time to change our mind about pump-action shotguns?
We British are a traditional bunch. Only in recent years have we finally accepted the presence of over-and-under shotguns on driven shoots. If you turned up at a shoot with a semi-auto or pump-action you would probably be asked to leave because it is considered somewhat unsporting to use three…
Beretta A400 Upland 12-bore
It seems to be the season to review semi-automatics, with the latest offering — a new A400 Upland 12-bore — coming from Beretta. This one is a little sexed up compared with our last two camouflaged offerings, with a wooden stock and nickel-plated action, complete with some pheasant and partridge…
Breda 3.5SM Kyrptek Mandrake
This month’s gun on test is a 12-bore with a pretty impressive name: Breda 3.5in Super Magnum in Kryptek Mandrake camouflage. Researching the camouflage pattern revealed it’s designed for hunting in dark timber or Georgia pines and excels in dark forest surroundings or the jungle. I’m not sure the average…