I haven't been in the shotgun market for a long time but I've been a big Remington fan for the last almost 40 years. I am a very avid turkey hunter and have been using a 12ga 11-87 Super Magnum (camo Special Purpose) since the 1990's. Unfortunately, production of this gun and its parts was discontinued around 2020 plus the bankruptcy. I know there were issues with some of these, especially with repeated 3.5" shell use. I actually had some issues of my own with one last year that I was lucky enough to be able to find parts for but it's just going to get harder and harder to find parts. I have not kept up with all the latest and greatest offerings from shotgun manufacturers over the last 2 decades but I'm starting to think about getting something new for my turkey gun. I have always been a dedicated green blooded Remington fan tried and true, but would consider something different if the quality and dependability was proven. I haven't purchased a new shotgun in over 20 years. In today's market, what would be the top recommended camo 12ga 3.5" auto-loading models? I don't want to discuss 12ga vs. 20ga or 3.5" vs. 3", I already know I want a 12ga 3.5" auto-loader. I want something dependable, good quality, not too heavy, and common enough I can find parts for if needed. What should I be looking at? Thanks for any feedback.
Benelli super black eagle 3
Mossy 935. It will put up GREAT numbers at 40 with the Back bored barrel and plenty of chokes available.
Depends on your budget. If you want absolute best and most reliable Beretta A400 Extreme in a gas gun. Benelli SBE 3 in inertia gun.
If you want best value Winchester SX4 in gas gun, Franchi Affinity 3.5 in inertia.
Having said that, in my experience the Remington Versamax was incredibly reliable with none of the issues that plagued the 1187 SuperMags.
I have had or shot most mentioned.
My favorite overall is my Browning Maxus 2.
Light and soft shooting.
I dont think you could go wrong with the SBE3, A400, or A5. All are awesome guns.
Also read great things about the Mossberg 940.
Quote from: highball on December 23, 2025, 03:16:31 PMBenelli super black eagle 3
X2, most reliable action on the market. Never had a misfire/jam with the Benelli Montefeltro bolt action system. Super smooth for sure. Good luck, you'll get a lot of great advice on this one....
Shot a Winchester X-2 for years and never had an issue with it.
Browning Maxus 2 is what I have. I've shot waterfowl, doves and plenty of turkeys. I really liked the way the gun shouldered which was the reason I bought it. It's been reliable and eats all kinds of loads.
ANY of the Winchester gas guns. They're all bulletproof.
Super X2
Super X3
Super X4
Another vote for the Winchester SX line. I have 4 of them
Franchi affinity3.
All of them listed are very good. I would go to store pick them up hold them see what one fits you the best. That will make a world of difference.
Thank you for all the great advice!! I've never held a versamax or most of the others mentioned here. I'm on a budget but don't mind paying for quality. Heck, I blow a lot of cash chasing birds all season already. Would there be any preference in a turkey gun as far as gas vs. recoil operated action?
And do all of these manufactures offer a shorter 21-23" turkey barrel option over the standard 26 or 28"?
Thanks!!