My go-to pheasant shotguns are a Browning Citori and a Winchester SX4, along with a Browning BPS 3.5" (my go-to waterfowl shotgun that occasionally get pressed into service for upland) and several Remington 870s. I probably take the Citori 40% of the time, the SX4 50% (usually start using the SX4 in Nov when the conditions start to turn), and the pumps split the remaining 10%. My wife hunts exclusively with a Beretta A300. Neither of us had a jam, hang up, or misfire with any of them. In fact, I can't ever recall an issue with any of them, other than a rare short-stroke with the BPS when hunting geese with 3.5" shells.
I will advise that after each outing or clay bird session, whatever shotguns we used gets wiped down, the bore(s) snaked, and quick inspection. Once a week during hunting season, usually Sunday afternoon, I break down the shotguns we used that week and thoroughly inspect, clean, & lube them.
The Citori and pumps are pretty much bulletproof, but I firmly believe the regular inspection & maintenance of the autos is why we've never had an issue with them. Personally, I find cleaning weapons relaxing and therapeutic, not a necessary chore. Have every since I was first issued a 1911 45ACP and M-16 when I was in the Army post-Vietnam...
