I'm looking to CA for some recommendations to research further for a reliable, mid-priced 12 gauge shotgun. Use will primarily be for skeet shooting and even some hunting perhaps (haven't been in quite a few years but dad does and I'd like to get back into it for another thing we can share together along with my half-brothers).

I'd like an automatic rather than pump, but it really will come down to price. I'd like to purchase some more handguns in the future and do some work on my truck so I don't want to go real crazy with the shottie. Home defense is not a need at this time, I have my XD9 for that.

My dad told me to look into the Remington 1100 model, but after googling it I saw it retails for over a thousand $$, way above what I want to pay.

I know there's firearms enthusiasts on here way more in the know than I, so can you recommend some options for me to look into for a 12 ga. shotgun?

Price Point = $<600
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Check out Browning BPS
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You will be vary hard pressed to find an auto for that price. What I would recommend is to contact you local gun dealer and see what he can find used for you. Going through a dealer will give you better odds of not getting someone else's problem.
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Here is a link to my Auto. I love this gone, it feels great and I can shoot it all day. It is a little higher than your price point but not by much and you can probably find it cheaper.

http://www.weatherby.com/product/shotguns/semiauto
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My Weatherby looks very similar to the Uplander. My father in law got it for me used for $300 I think. I've shot countless rounds through it with only a couple hangups. And I believe that was due to cheap shells. I'd buy another one in a heartbeat.
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Justin, i've had a Remington 870 Wingmaster since I was a teen, probably going on 25 years old. It still shoots very reliably. It's a 2 3/4" Modified and has given me years of pleasure. I know it's not a auto and it's still outside your $ range new. Maybe you can find a used model.
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Remington 11-87 maybe? My dad gave me one for Christmas when I was 12 years old. Still have it 25 years later.
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A used Remington 1100 skeet or sporting would fall into your price category. Check your pawn shops. Also go to your local trap, skeet or sporting clays clubs and check their bulletin boards for some great deals in your price range. Used Benelli's are also very good and so are the Stoeger brand (same firing system). 28 inch barrel may be a little better for skeet, but 30 inch will also let you enjoy trap. Make sure you get one with interchangeable choke tubes. Ive been into the shotgun sports for a long time and these fall in your price range (new and used).
My auto is a Beretta Teknys Gold 30" but I favor my Perrazi Mirage Sporting 29 1/2" for skeet and my Browning 525 30" for trap and sporting clays. Hope this helps.:-)
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Take a look at the Remington 870. I replaced the stock with a recoiling absorbing stock and I can shoot the thing one handed. It's nice :-)
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Heres one you can find under MSRP that fits the bill.http://http://www.stoegerindustries.com/
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I'll second the BPS... One of the best shotguns I've ever owned.
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If you click the over arrow. you can get the synthetic stock one for just over $500
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This...because I like to shoot left handed sometimes andthe BPS is bottom ejection.:-)
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wow, lots of great info and suggestions. that's why i love this forum. thanks, I have some research to do..
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11-87 Best all around for the price point
870 if any nee for home defense. Sound of slide might be enough.
20 gauge Citori w/english english stock. Favorite upland bird and dove gun.

.02
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1100's are over a G?? Holy chit, I'm getting old.
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x2
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Just like with an escort, get one with a nice rack. :-)
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How about a Mossberg 930 autoloader? Around $5-600 retail. The couple of people I know who own them love them.
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I've always had good luck with the Remington 870. I know it's not an automatic, but I've been shooting three gun with it and not very many people are that much faster or more accurate with it than me. It's an excellent gun, put together well and can serve you for years to come. Plus it's cheaper and you can spend all the money on practice. But then maybe I'm just ridiculously talented along with my dashing good looks... Image
and rugged charm
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