I will second this choice. Lightweight, but still fits four 3" shells. Low recoil for its weight due to being gas operated. Not the cheapest option though.
Suggestions on a lighter gun
- Thread starter TGM
- Start date
birdhunter65
New member
If you are considering used guns also, you might like a Winchester Model 59. I’ve got one, it’s an exceptionally lightweight shotgun. I just looked at gunbroker, they’ve got about a dozen currently.
Roaniecowpony
Member
I'm not much of an autoloader shooter anymore. But, I've had a few over the years, 1100, S&W, and a couple Berettas. When I did some smithing for a few years, I worked on a bunch of them. My choice, if I had to have a autoloader, would be a Beretta gas gun. Takes a little more maintenance than a recoil operated gun like the Benelli, but shoots soft for a quick recovery to the second shot. I also moved away from 12ga maybe 15 years ago. I have guns in every gauge, but for most hunts I grab a 20 or 16 ga. The beauty of the 16 is, of course, the availability of light guns built on 20 ga frames, but be aware of ammo availability while on the road...bring what you need. Of course, these days, that goes for any size ammo.
The 20ga is a sweet spot IMO. Smaller/lighter guns, low recoil, noticeably lighter and smaller shells than 12, but hell, you only need 3 right?
The 20ga is a sweet spot IMO. Smaller/lighter guns, low recoil, noticeably lighter and smaller shells than 12, but hell, you only need 3 right?
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Roaniecowpony
Member
While we're talking weight, figure out how many shells you normally tote around, weigh them. Then ask yourself if you're hauling around too many.
Try weighing the same number of shells in a smaller gauge you'd be willing to use. You might be able to save quite a bit of weight there, in addition to the lighter gun for the smaller gauge. I shoot a lot of .410, 28 and 20 these days. I don't feel under gunned on roosters with a 20ga and adequate shot size, even in 2 3/4". 1 oz of #5 lead will whack a rooster hard, even at modest velocities.
Try weighing the same number of shells in a smaller gauge you'd be willing to use. You might be able to save quite a bit of weight there, in addition to the lighter gun for the smaller gauge. I shoot a lot of .410, 28 and 20 these days. I don't feel under gunned on roosters with a 20ga and adequate shot size, even in 2 3/4". 1 oz of #5 lead will whack a rooster hard, even at modest velocities.
Tuckr2
Active member
Ran into something)g similar a few years ago. Had a nice Beretta semiauto. Elbow injury made the gun too heavy to hold up by days end in the field. About that time Winchester came out with the SX4. Coming in at the upper 6 pound range in 12 gauge it was definitely worthy of looking at. I’ve been shooting it at the trap range and in the field since 2016 at least 1000 rounds with no significant issues. Recently purchase a camo version in 20 gauge. A few ounces lighter but they both shoot the same. while I own numerous other nice shotguns these two have become my go to for trips, long days in the field. Pric3 point in the 650/900 dollar range. Love the oversized shell release, safety, and trigger guard- especially in inclement weather where gloves are needed. Adjustable length with 1/4 spacers. Numerous colors from black synthetic, about 5 camo versions, along with some nice wood versions. Definitely worth a look.
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Tuckr2
Active member
Yes, one of my hunting buddies has one. Super light. Down side is I can buy (2) winchesters for the price of one.
westksbowhunter
Well-known member
Mine should be here next week. Did you notice much recoil?
westksbowhunter
Well-known member
I thought about the Masai Mara but went with the Gordon in the end. I do like the way the Masai Mara breaks down for cleaning.
dhuggins
Member
The quick release trigger mechanism, quick unload feature, and the better recoil pad are the main differences. Is it worth the extra $300-400? Maybe, maybe not.. I don't necessarily "miss" them. The Gordion is a very fine, reliable, lightweight gun. I opt taking that over my Benelli or a Franchi all day long.