What are the best semi-auto shotguns for under £1000? Here is eGunroom’s guide to finding your next semi-automatic shotgun without breaking the bank.
With harvest upon us shooters start to turn their attention to pigeon shooting, and with this comes the thought ‘should I buy a semi-auto shotgun for pest control?’. A semi-automatic shotgun does have its advantages: reloading is easy if you are in a hide, recoil can be less than an over-and-under or side-by-side shotgun due to the systems used, you have a third shot (which is always good to have when the birds come streaming over) and many models have synthetic stocks as an option so you don’t have to worry about damage like you would with your fine game gun.
There are some great semi-automatic shotguns on the market that don’t cost the world, so with that in mind here are the best semi-auto shotguns currently on the market for under £1000.
ATA Arms Venza – RRP from £464.99
The ATA Venza semi-automatic shotgun incorporates a newly designed Gas Pressure Control System (GPCS) as well as reciprocating barrel technology to provide the perfect combination of performance and dynamic appearance. This new system uses larger gas release valves that allow gas to escape faster when firing heavy shot loads. When fired with a heavy load cartridge the barrel moves backward and at the same time gives the first movement to the breech bolt. This movement also opens the gas valves to exhaust extra gas pressure from the forend side vents and forend cap holes. This reduces recoil and minimises the muzzle jump.
There’re a number of Venza models available, from camo to laminate to Grade 2 Turkish walnut, all have 3″ chambers and are available in either 12 or 20 bore.
Hatsan Escort – RRP from £478.99
This gun has the highest number of different models (16 to be exact) out of all of the guns on this list, however some, like the Slug Auto, won’t be relevant when looking at the best semi-auto shotguns under £1000 for shooting in England. There is sure to be a Hatsan Escort model to suit your tastes, from the standard model to the XtremeMAX (which can handle 3.5″ 66gram cartridges) to the Luxano with a high-class Turkish walnut stock.
The Hatsan Escort’s come with an aluminium receiver (with 11mm grooves should you wish to fit a red dot sight or other scope), a rubber butt pad and 3 spare shims so you can adjust the length of pull. You have a choice on 3″ or 3.5″ chambers depending on the model and steel shot can be fired through all of them. This is a popular gun and spares should be easily available should you run into any issues.
Franchi Affinity 3 – RRP from £850.00
The Franchi Affinity 3 offers unquestioned reliability as well as excellent value for money. Lightweight and well-balanced models, make them a firm favourite with gamekeepers and wildfowlers. Available with a MAX-5 Camo pattern, wooden stock or black synthetic finishes. With their Inertia driven system and TSA recoil pad, they are easy on the shoulder, whether you’re out in the field or on the clay range.
Franchi Intensity – RRP £925.00
A firm favourite with gamekeepers and rough shooters alike, the lightweight, well balanced Intensity shotgun is a pleasure to shoot. Ultra clean and reliable, owing to the inertia cycling system, this 12 gauge 3.5″ chambered gun is superior steel proofed and comes supplied with 3 chokes. It has a red fibre-optic sight and has 28″ barrels.
Benelli M1 Super 90 – RRP £1,150.00
The Benelli M1 Super 90’s RRP does come in a little over the article’s title of ‘Best Semi-Auto Shotguns For Under £1000’, however if you look around you can find one new for under this price point.
All Benelli ‘M’ Series shotguns are very versatile and totally reliable and therefore especially suitable for hunting in the toughest conditions. None more so than the M1 Super 90 which features a matt black receiver and black technopolymer stock that requires virtually no maintenance, yet will not perish with time.
It comes with 28″ barrels and 3″ chamber
Beretta A300 – RRP from £1,150.00
Whilst the Beretta A300’s RRP starts at £1,150.00, it has been included in this article because you can find one under £1,000 if you shop around.
This attractively styled semi auto is made using genuine Beretta parts throughout and manufactured in Italy. This gun is a great all rounder with superior steel proofed multi choke barrels included at no extra cost. Available in 12g only with 26″, 28″ or 30″ barrel lengths. Also available in a tough synthetic stock version as an alternative to wood.
The A300 Outlander Max-5® camo is here to get the job done, whether you’re waterfowling, rough or woodpigeon shooting, you’ll get great results! The A300 Outlander Max5 semiautomatic shotgun features a Steelium barrel, a self-cleaning piston and 3″ chamber.
The A300 Outlander Silver is the latest evolution of Beretta’s 300 series gas operated, semi-automatic shotguns. Featuring a contemporary, silver nickel finished receiver which perfectly complements the walnut stock and forend; giving the gun a smart modern look.
