The BEST Semi-Auto Shotguns of 2022

[@johnbutterworth5645]

Bought my son a Beretta A300 Ultima almost exactly a year ago to shoot on his high school’s trap team. He has over 1900 rounds through it and he’s never had any issues with the trigger!

[@gageshippy2256]

How well would you say the handling and accuracy are?

[@bigal4334]

I just bought the Mossberg 940 for my first foray into clay shooting. I read several reviews and most listed it as a decent option for the price and it's American made. 👍

[@Redneck_Engineer]

I'd like to see a video of the SX4 vs the 940 pro. Particularly interested in the recoil and ease of follow up shots.

[@kevinyoung1447]

I’m a shotgun lover myself and I love both the Beretta A400 Xcel and Xtreme! I must also say that I shoot my Benelli SBE3 and my Winchester SX4 equally as well! I have recently bought 2 Beretta A400 Xplor chambered in 20 and 28 guage but haven’t had a chance to shoot them yet! Thank you for the video content Steve! Keep up the good work brother!

[@jpena53]

A300 Ultima owner here. Bought it in the Summer. So far, ran around 300 or so rounds thru it with no trigger issues yet.

[@Bbbbsslm]

Bought an a300 for my backup shotgun this season…. The charging handle doesn’t stay in at all , can even get a shot off without it flying out

[@jaydenferris8413]

got mine december of last year used it all duck season turkey shot snakes turtles and deer with it and clays and dropped it in water yesterday and theres been no issues with mine

[@jpena53]

@@Bbbbsslm Ouch. Might be worth getting it corrected via warranty thru Beretta.

[@apriliaguy4life198]

Used mine to shoot clays all summer. 500-600 rounds and not one issue.

[@evanduhon4353]

Same man I understand why he didn’t put it on the list because he had issues with his. I bought mine like last November and have never had any trigger issues about 750 round through it. I had some cycling problems is the first 100 rounds but that’s expected when breaking it in. After the first 100 I haven’t had a single failure since then.

[@harrydA10]

I don’t think most people know this but where I am from in VA and NC our primary deer hunting weapon is a shotgun with buck shot since rifles are illegal to hunt with. Growing up I used the same gun for deer, geese, dove, and fox. I always thought it was the norm around the country but I guess not. Maybe a content idea would be including a deer gun review catered towards buck shot hunters for us east coast guys. I bet it’s a market bigger than you would expect.

[@unclebob870]

I bought an Affinity III Elite this past year because of your reviews, probably the best all around shotgun I’ve ever owned! Thank you for your reviews!

[@grasser82]

I've been looking at them myself I dove hunt duck hunt turkey hunt and shoot clays some do you think it will do all of those good ?

[@justanobserver9132]

I bought the Beretta A300 Ultima in Max 5 Cammo Pattern after watching your videos, even the ones about the trigger issue. So far i'm very satisfied.

[@DEVILDOG1964]

I JUST BOUGHT 6/16/23 THE SAME EXACT GUN SENT BACK TO FACTORY IN A WEEK. THE BARREL WAS HARD TO GET OUT OF THE RECEIVER AND NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE TO PUT THE BARREL BACK INTO THE RECEIVER. IT SHOULD JUST SLIDE IN FAIRLY EASILY. IS YOURS EASY?

[@Marcus_972]

All great choices but I have to go Browning Maxus II for waterfowl because of the magazine cutoff and quick load features. I'm used to that system and love it and the gun fits me better than the A400. Both obv are subjective opinions, can't go wrong with either really.

[@brocknilson1425]

@Nicholas von Ohlen I agree. His choice doesn't make sense because the maxus 2 beat out the Beretta A-400 and he said the Beretta slapped him in the face and he could also feel it in his hands. He liked the super black eagle 3 better then the Beretta as well.

[@dennisd382]

I totally agree that the features and build of the Maxus II are a step above the others you chose, Steve.

[@travissmith8709]

I think that the browning maxus 2 should be in there for waterfowl guns, I know the a400 extreme plus is a great gun but man that thing pulls my beard hair out every time I shoot it. The maxus 2 is just as soft shooting but you don’t get that hair pull effect.

[@BillyBob-gp8bm]

Then chop your beard

[@matthewcoombs4535]

Awesome 👌 I just switched to shooting left handed from all the info I got from this channel and would like to see a battle of the left handed guns. Thanks

[@gwing7861]

Your pick of the Affinity 3 for waterfowl and watching your reviews has piqued my interest in this gun. Keep up the good work.

[@cbrochu22]

It’s a great gun. You won’t be disappointed

[@Joshcockrum]

Love and appreciate your videos so much. I was in the market for a new shotgun this year for mostly duck hunting but also an all purpose shotgun and your videos were so helpful. I went with the Franchi affinity 3, and had it custom done by Rob Roberts custom gun works and couldn’t be happier! The best shotgun is the one you don’t think about when you use it, and when I’m hunting that gun just mounts well, cycles well, and I know I don’t have to worry about it failing as it takes the abuse a duck gun goes through. Thanks so much, your channel has helped so much and saved a lot of buyer remorse!

[@seank3753]

I love my Affinity 3. I upgraded the loading gate to the TTI Accuguide extended carrier and oversized safety. Perfect now.

[@jman4573]

Bought sx4 based on your reviews a year ago and still a phenomenal gun, have at least 1000 rounds through it running full course sporting clays and not 1 single jam!! Great choice!

[@matthiassukkau2540]

That's what I did too. Love my SX4 and I've also never had a jam with over 1000 rounds through it. All sorts of variety of ammo.

[@kenconti7053]

Do you have a 3 inch or three and a half inch model? I'm just trying to decide between thee two, wondering if the 3 and a half inch will cycle light 2 3/4 inch target loads!?

[@matthiassukkau2540]

@Ken Conti I would go with a 3 inch gun. Just on the assumption that it would cycle the target ammo better

[@kenconti7053]

@@matthiassukkau2540 that's what I was thinking. I don't waterfowl hunt so I don't really see myself shooting 3.5"

[@leshunter4409]

Nice video. Thanks for putting the chapters in the description so I could jump around easily. 👍

[@ferriskampos518]

Keep up the good work 👏 Steve. Just like you said.....stay target focused. Happy new year...

[@bradnat05]

I have two of them! The A5 Sweet 16 and the Affinity 3. My Franchi is 20 gauge. I absolutely love them both!

[@jarrettm3728]

Sold mu franchi got a 20 would not work

[@hesko125]

How is that a5. Thinking of getting one for do all mainly turkey

[@jarrettm3728]

@@hesko125 would suggest the maxus 2 beretta a400 or remington versamax at the price

[@bradnat05]

@@hesko125 I love mine. It weighs about 5.5 lbs with the 26” barrel. I’ve only put around 100 rounds through it - but couldn’t be happier so far

[@davidpeterson7976]

I was in the market for a new semi auto shotgun this fall to upgrade from my Winchester SXP. I used a lot of your videos to make my choice and I'm happy that I decided to go with the Affinity 3.5. I was originally looking for a 3 but I got the 3.5 from Reeds and they had a deal that made it cheaper than or close to the price of the 3 models. It's great, highly recommended. Some of my friends are now getting the itch to buy a new gun so I direct them to these videos.

[@lusitanooutdoorchannel680]

I've been seeing some guns in some gun shops here in Portugal and because of the uncertainty about the future of lead shot I decided that I'm going to buy a Steel Proof gun. It will very likely be an Affinity 3 with the wood stock and forend.

[@MrGrowian]

Me too...Best bang for the Buck

[@alexjorgenson2819]

Steve this new year I’m hoping to see you go over the TriStar G2 and Viper and I know this is a older gun but I would love to see you do a comparison between the Mossberg 930 and the Mossberg 940 Pro

[@curtiswolf2100]

I agree. I love mine.

[@AngelHernandez-vh8vz]

Please look for the Benelli Ultra Light...has the rib, Light has a small kick but nothing a limbsaver can't handle. Super easy to clean..great swing.

[@run-a-milekyle3835]

Just bought that A400 xcel sporting with a 30in barrel. Great shooting shotgun.

[@rbgfishboy]

Steve, I love your videos! I’m a hopeless shotgun nut, shooting clays about 90% of the time, but took up bird hunting 2 years ago for the first time in my 66 years, I shoot a variety of shotguns, mostly older classic ones (Remington 1100, 870 Wingmaster, Browning Auto 5, and Browning over/unders. One gun I have that simply doesn’t get any press is a Remington V3. I sure wish you would do a review on it. It has a truly unique gas system and shoots and handles great. I’d like to see Remington get some favorable press. Thanks!

[@icejjfish2191]

I have 6,000 shells through my affinity without a singly cleaning and 0 malfunctions Absolutely love it looking to upgrade to a ethos just for that nicer cosmetics

[@ElkoCowboy888]

Bought a Franchi 500 back in 1978 I believe after reading an article in American Rifleman. They were good guns back then just never heard of.

[@aimkhan83]

I’ll have to disagree, with all due respect. Imo, Best bang for the buck Gas: Browning Silver Inertia: Franchi Affinity or Benelli Super Vinci Turkish made guns don’t even come close. When you hunt with them in below 10 F, rain snow and high wind conditions, you’ll appreciate the browning/Beretta/Engineering and reliability.

[@caseysimpson1806]

I love shotguns and still shoot with my Wingmaster from 1969. Purchased Beretta A300 Outlander and I am liking semi autos. Really enjoy your shotgun videos. Currently looking for a hard use, foul weather 20 gauge.

[@Zach-td5mb]

Benelli M2

[@matthiassukkau2540]

I prefer the raised rib as it is on SX4. The sight seems to line up better for me when I shoulder it. Also, the SX4 is probably the best gas shotgun out there. Bought mine this summer and I have over 1000 rounds through it this season already and I have never had a single jam with all kinds of ammo!

[@danielsullivan9865]

Definitely good picks. The Beretta A 400 sporting clays definitely in a league by itself. The A 400 sporting would also be a good choice for all-around gun. I agree stepped rib better for me because I have a long neck. Test the A400 multi target fully adjustable high rib. Love to hear your opinion. Great video!

[@danielsullivan9865]

I shoot a Beretta 391 custom built by Ballistic Specialties. Should I get a new A 400? or would I just be trading a cat for a dog

[@SideSwipePB]

@@danielsullivan9865 A400 has a better gas system and recoil dampening. Easier to disassemble as well.

[@roosterboy7357]

That’s one thing I would have expected Mossberg to figure out by now. Give us a raised rib or as you call it a stepped up rib on that 940. My favorite of all, badass gun. No hump..

[@HoneyBeagle]

I just bought a citori hunter grade 2 had it out for some bunny hunting today and absolutely loved it! Next one is gonna be an auto. Think I’m gonna have to go browning again but who knows maybe I’m just overly impressed with the citori and it’s swaying my opinion

[@BackwoodsTrapper]

I love my A 400 xtreme plus. Just got it a few weeks back and man it shots great. Just duck hunted with it yesterday. The ducks sure don’t like it. Lol

[@edkephart3030]

I love my Franchi affinity I also have a SBE 3 and my Franchi runs neck and neck with my benelli super black eagle 3 .. I used it for everything.. skeet shooting , pheasant hunting, and turkey hunting.

[@reeceealy577]

Do you have the 20 or 12 gauge?

[@justinhuddleston2303]

Great list. Best bang for your buck I would have to go with the ATA neo. It is a weatherby element clone. My 15 year old sun uses it and loves it. I think I paid around 400$.

[@ppvfd121]

Great review as always Steve! For the money, it’s very very difficult to justify NOT going with the Franchi Affinity or Winchester SX4. Both are great, reliable guns. My Affinity has been afield with me since 2014. Geese, ducks, upland, squirrel, rabbit, turkey, clays, this gun just keeps going! I finally replaced the hammer spring and recoil spring this year at around 8,000 rounds and she’s ready for 8,000 more.

[@run-a-milekyle3835]

I have an Affinity 3 with a 26in barrel. Fast and light. Amazing value.

[@kevinyoung1447]

Thank you for another great video Steve! I’d like to see some reviews on some of the CZ shotguns. I love CZ pistols and I’m curious if their shotguns are as awesome as their handguns! Happy New Years to you and your family!

[@jpena53]

I want to see a review on the CZ Drake and CZ Redhead premier as well.

[@garrettirwin8165]

I’ve got a CZ 1012 and love it

[@johnathanstorm6939]

Maybe Check out the Impala plus inertia shotgun, from what I’ve heard and read it’s made in the same factory as the SXP. An inertia shot gun with a stepped rib for around the $500 mark. It would be interesting to get your opinion on it. Great video man

[@darkwolf527gr.3]

My first shotgun was the remington 1100, a great gun, gas operating system, 8lb (3,5 kilos), light recoil and more. A review of this gun will take everyone back in time

[@darkwolf527gr.3]

@DM....Target_focused_lifeGAW sorry, i said i don't want the prize

[@mitchellgertner7942]

That’s a solid list! For me of course I’m biased towards my beretta a400 xtreme plus being the best overall. But great video as always!

[@rudyelizondo1935]

Great review Steve, I love my Beretta A400 lite shotgun, smooth shooting and it shoots great at clays and duck hunting. Mine is coated and all black which is perfect for all shooting.

[@jeffreyhall838]

I also much prefer a raised rib shotgun...nice review!...Thanks

[@juanzuniga5976]

Awesome video just want I need info wise. Can you do a video talking about the rib and how it helps or affects your shooting

[@duckbrian7973]

Since your advice on getting my SX2 figured out. It’s my favorite waterfowler and sweet 16 for upland. Imo this is the best combo.

[@32bluewing]

Sx4 and affinity 3.5 are my favorite duck/goose guns hands down.

[@asilva6875]

Hey Steve, I absolutely love your content!! Can you please make a best 12 gauge shotgun video?!❤️

[@Ranger.Vt.]

I have that same Affinity 3 and it’s incredible for the money. I have a SBE2 and like the Affinity more.

[@williamcastleberry7338]

I would like to see you review a G Force Arms GF1 with the 28" barrel in Burnt Bronze finish comes with 5 chokes. It is a gas operated semi auto. I bought one about 2 and a half months ago. So Far it shoots great. I have put about 2 boxes of shells through it (1200 fps) and haven't had the first problem or misfire. I did let it sit in the corner with the bolt locked back for a week or so. And I got the gun for $269.00 + tax.

[@jonathonghowarth]

Just got a 940 pro field for $615! Thanks for the review helped me make a buying decision

[@darkwolf527gr.3]

A great idea for a review is the remington v3 realy special gun with a hybrid operating system

[@brentbusick2245]

I love my V3

[@stevencaldwell838]

I dig your content. Your view on the CZ Sharptail 20 gauge sold me! After months of doing research on my next upland gun, I kept going back to the Sharptail. At the price point ( within my budget ) and being fn sexy too, I’m in! Speaking of budget’s, ( which I’m sure most of us are on ) how about reviewing budget shotguns? Maverick 88, Charles Daly, Stevens, etc etc. I don’t wear camo, I wear brown 😂

[@danfordbubolz6553]

What about Fabarm L4S and Fabarm Waterfowler in reviews?? Have L4S Initial Hunter 12 ga 3" 28" barrel weighs 6.5 lbs, feels great in hands, wood stock has shims, gas system best build, soaks up recoil, choke system top rated, as is customer support (Beretta gets poor reviews) and bought it new for $1200. And thr Waterfowler model in Ceracote looks and feels great! Please Test Fabarm and report back next year.

[@Steelslinger]

How about a list of anything made in the last 20 years in each category but include best defense, beater, and odd (or less popular) gauge.

[@BarkingIron]

Great Video Thank You!!! I’ve been in search for a new Sporting Clays gun. I opted to go with the Beretta A400 Xcel Sporting. Can’t wait to put it to use. Thanks Again!!!

[@marshassassin9583]

Hard to beat the franchi, my affinity 3.5 is by far my favorite semi auto ive owned

[@chrisross5728]

Great option besides the 940 pro, I bought one and it was a lemon sent it back multiple times now is a paperweight.

[@General_Lefty]

STEVE. Review the Beretta A400 Extreme Plus 20 Gauge.

[@claysnwingsshotgunning]

I have the Kinetic Drive Browning Sweet 16, that old statement that" it carries like a 20 and shoots like a 12" could have been penned for that gun. It's a fun gun just to shoot and a hunting machine. I'll be out hunting late season p[pheasant with it tomorrow here in PA.

[@paulk6077]

How many of them will shoot reloads? My guess is only the the A400.

[@chengsterboi07]

Love the reviews. Would like to see the retay and the Weatherby 18i or fabarm arms reviews too.

[@Halfsac03]

picked up the a400 extreme dosnt feed out of the box not even shot yet, rack a shell from the tube and it spits out on the ground.

[@sprayandprayhunting5711]

When are you going to do the 20vs 20g review gas Vs Interia. Love them ❤️

[@jacobharmon1977]

been waiting for this video for a while

[@DracoGP]

I own the exact same A400 Xtreme Plus and my only issue is that recoil goes up instead of back and you feel it in your face instead of your shoulder.

[@crossbowhunter9118]

I got a Winchester sx4 12 gage the black synthetic stock one. I have put 200 rounds in it and I love it so much my favorite shotgun I have better then my old 870 pump my sx4 came with 1 shim I got the 3 inch version

[@kylecaton4337]

I would love to see a cheap semi auto review, or at least a review on the Girsan MC312 for the people that cant afford an expensive gun

[@DFox-ud3gx]

I just bought a Fabarm XLR 5 This is a great gun for clays. I gotten rid of my Beretta's just to much going wrong with them Fabarm is my favorite semi auto. I see why the Fabarm's are not on the list they cost way more in this tutorial's price Range. And much more balanced than other's plus you get a neigini gun Case as well not a cardboard box, 5 chokes ....

[@brunodias3806]

Which would you recommend as my first semi shotgun? I'm in doubt between these 3 Winchester SX4 Beretta A300 Beretta 1301

[@mattlund9300]

Please try the Fabarm L4S. Would love to hear your thoughts and review. I currently shoot a Stoeger 3500. Have never had an issue even after sinking it in mud, league trap shooting and seasons of pheasant. But the gun is heavy and I was not expecting it to be a top performer. It was cheapest that shot 3.5 at the time.

[@BeatRock253]

I would never buy an SX4 because it doesn't have a shim system. What were they thinking removing them? Keeping cost down I guess?

[@loganwalz1532]

You should test out the POINTER FT3 as a trap shooting gun I was looking to buy one but have no clue about semi automatic shotguns

[@teamyolo2642]

I love your channel it’s very informative

[@chieffan92588]

Have you shot/done a review on the mossberg 930 all-purpose hunting and/or the cz 712? I'm looking at a getting a 12 gauge and was thinking either one of those two. I'm onlimited income and can't spend a lot on a gun. I'm also in a wheelchair so I can only shoot semi-autos.

[@jacksonkennedy5987]

I have a berreta a400 xtreme plus and it is my favorite gun of all time

[@johnnygagnon4968]

nice video! i am wondering why you always choose the sx4, when this is the same gun as the browning silver ? good job ! nice new shotgun year!

[@edkephart3030]

I think you should do some exhibition shooting with the Franchi Affinity 3

[@deweypratt3039]

I second another comment about a review on lefthanded shotguns. I'm right handed, yet because of an accident to my right eye I now shoot lefthanded. It's frustrating at times because of the limited options for southpaw shooting

[@averystewart3869]

You need to do a review on the mossberg silver reserve

[@dillanb78]

Great video man I would like to know what you think about the benelli super Vinci

[@XollyWolly]

Wish to see Beretta 1301 Comp. Pro vs TFL SX4

[@waynecastleman1363]

You help in decision making for new shotguns I've come to like the SX4 in camo for the price it's a good choice. Thanks again!

[@shawnwilson5789]

Mossberg 940 pro water land model is my next semi auto shotgun.

[@stephenhayden2712]

Steve, I enjoy your videos and reviews, God's speed my friend !!! 🤞🤞

[@davidgrissom2951]

I agree the 940 is a fantastic gun

[@chadnesdoly42]

In the showdown with the a400 ext team and the maxis 2 you said you preferred the browning. Why the change?

[@MattsArchive]

Is the only difference between the standard BEST Ethos and the Cordoba Ethos the ported barrel? Would love to not have the ported if possible.

[@scottmoore5719]

Great reviews! Thanks Steve.

[@jakedavis7835]

Franchi affinity 3 just purchased love it. Great choices

[@johnbeilhartiv1042]

Can we get an A400 Xtreme Plus 20ga review! Maybe a shotgun showdown between that and the SBE3 or Franchi Affinity 3 20ga.

[@jlewallen1717]

Affinity over the SBE3 for a waterfowl gun even if cost isn’t considered?

[@pclarke70]

Do you guys have the Browning Maxus 2 in the USA? 🤔 apparently it’s quite good! 😉

[@dinodunning8866]

What do you think about the Winchester SX4 Universal Hunter? I know you dont care for 3.5 in. I love this shotgun.

[@Indictedheart]

Personally Benelli ETHOS 12gauge is the best choice on this. I think you should review Home Defense Tactical all-around guns next. As well as do a review of the best Magazine Fed Semi--Autos that can be used for sport. I've been looking for a 12 gauge that not only accepts a magazine but also allows for the bottom chamber that can hold 6 Shells. I have for a very long time been looking for a gun that has both. Sort of how the Benelli M3 that can be used as a Pump or semi-auto. But now I want to find a magazine fed that can be used to add extra shells to the already existing 5 or 6+1 Chamber below the gun. Yet I haven't seen any company come out with that format. I think it's a design that should be considered. so you can turn your 5shot super reliable semi-auto all around into 10 or 20round magazine that feeds the tube chamber that holds 5 or 6 shells already. Would be a very interesting gun if it existed. Can you imagine to switch between feeding the rounds by hand to just popping on a 10 or 20 round magazine and able to switch between the two? That would be super cool. Basically everytime you shoot with magazine fitted it adds a round to keep that tube full, Or you can pull back that side control and slap a single round for +1 or remove the magazine and hand feed rounds a truly multi feeding Shotgun. I doubt it exists, but if does I'd love to see it. So in a way take the Fostech Origin 12 & Benelli M4 and combine both ways of feeding the chamber, instead of Magazine going directly into the chamber, it feeds that tube, allowing for Inertia and gas driven guns to function the same as they always do, but you can slap a magazine to increase the amount of rounds instead of loading one by one. I don't think this exists but a combo of Origen 12 Fostech and Benelli M4 feeding styles would be extra cool. In my opinion. Go from 5+1 or 6+1 to 5+whatever magazine holds. should eliminate feeding issues but I'm no engineer so I'm sure there is a reason no one has combined the two gun styles into one.

[@crabmanbc21]

What's your thoughts on CZ shotguns? They seem like a quality shotgun at a good price.

[@parkerweaver9184]

Can you do a review on the Remington V3

[@expansioniskeyrn]

Looking for a slim/thinner forearm grip like the sb3. Wondering which other shotguns has a similar or slimmer forearm for a 12 gauge?

[@rc_tyler]

I would love to get the Beretta A400 Excel, but I like the Mossberg 940 Pro price!

[@scottwinkle5503]

Another great video. Thanks.

[@coreydavis7810]

I'd toss in the Fabarm L4S Initial Hunter as one of the best "bang for the buck" gas gun contenders, and the Fabarm XLR Chesapeake and Waterfowler as contenders for best gas duck guns at the ~$1.8k to $2.1k level. The A400 Xtreme Plus is a fantastic gun, though -- and I don't disagree with your choice.

[@mdp4656]

Great review Steve! I agree with most if not all of your pics. I bought and SX4 field when they came out, was told shims would be made available soon....unfortunately that hasn't been the case and I need more drop at the heel and it's just sat in the safe since I can't hit much with it. Happy New Year and keep up the good work on the reviews.

[@2Boutdoors]

still no shims ?

[@mdp4656]

@@2Boutdoors still not commercially available. I had mine brought to a gunsmith to add more drop and cast and now I shoot it great.

[@2Boutdoors]

@@mdp4656 I’ve read about people trimming/filing down the sx3 shims to get them to fit the sx4 but looks like you got it figured out👍🏽

[@2Boutdoors]

@@mdp4656 also do you know what your gunsmith did to get it to fit properly?

[@mdp4656]

@@2Boutdoors I'm not exactly sure which shim he put in there and filed down but I have heard the maxus 2 shims fit well. The shim that is in mine fits great on the top but beneath the trigger guard it has some small gaps between the receiver and the wood.