Best Semi-Automatic Shotguns: Reviewed

Semi-automatic shotguns are popular among hunters and sport shooters for good reason. They’re powerful, fast, and easy to use. Whether you’re hunting ducks or protecting your home, these shotguns can do the job. But with so many choices out there, how do you pick the best semi-automatic shotgun for you?

In this review, we’ll look at five great semi-automatic shotguns you can find at RK Guns. We’ve chosen shotguns from brands like Benelli, Stoeger, CZ-USA, GFORCE, and Rock Island. These guns fit different needs and budgets.

Are you an experienced shooter looking for something new? Or maybe you’re buying your first semi-automatic shotgun? Either way, this guide will help you choose. We’ll tell you what’s good and not so good about each shotgun. We’ll also suggest who might like each one best.

What to Look for in a Semi-Automatic Shotgun

Before we dive into our top picks, let’s talk about what makes a good semi-automatic shotgun. Here are the key things to keep in mind:

• Reliability: A good shotgun should work every time you pull the trigger. It shouldn’t jam or misfire. Look for brands known for making dependable guns.
• Recoil: This is how much the gun kicks when you fire it. Less recoil means it’s more comfortable to shoot and easier to aim for follow-up shots.
• Versatility: Can the shotgun handle different types of shells? Can you use it for hunting and home defense? A versatile gun gives you more bang for your buck.
• Fit and Feel: The shotgun should feel good in your hands. It shouldn’t be too heavy or awkward to hold. Make sure you can reach all the controls easily.
• Price: Semi-automatic shotguns can vary widely in price. They cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Think about your budget and what features matter most to you.
• Ease of Cleaning: All guns need cleaning. Some are easier to take apart and clean than others. This matters if you plan to use your shotgun a lot.
• Capacity: This is how many shells the gun can hold. More shells means more shots before reloading, but also more weight. You’ll need to balance shots vs. weight to determine the ideal capacity for your purposes.

Remember, the best semi-automatic shotgun for you depends on how you plan to use it. Keep these points in mind as we review our top picks.

Top 5 Semi-Automatic Shotguns Review

Now that we know what to look for, let’s check out our top 5 semi-automatic shotguns. We’ve picked these guns because they’re some of the best on the market right now. Each one has its own strengths, and we’ll tell you what makes each special. Remember, the best shotgun for you depends on what you need it for. As we go through each gun, think about how it might fit your shooting style and needs.

Benelli M4 Tactical

Overview and Key Features

The Benelli M4 Tactical is a top-notch semi-automatic shotgun. It’s the same gun used by the U.S. Marine Corps, so you know it’s tough. This shotgun has some cool features:

• It’s 12-gauge, which means it packs a punch
• The barrel is 18.5 inches long, making it good for close-range shooting
• It can hold 5+1 rounds, giving you plenty of firepower
• It has ghost ring sights to help you aim quickly
• There’s a rail on top for adding scopes or other sights
• It weighs 7.8 pounds, which isn’t too heavy for a tactical shotgun

The M4 uses a special gas system called A.R.G.O. (Auto-Regulating Gas-Operated). This helps it work reliably with different types of shells.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Very reliable — it’s been tested by the military
• Versatile — you can use it for home defense or tactical training
• Easy to aim with the ghost ring sights
• Can add different sights or scopes

Cons:

• It’s a more expensive option
• Might be more gun than some people need
• Heavier than some other shotguns

Best Suited For

The Benelli M4 Tactical is perfect for people who want a top-quality, reliable shotgun and don’t mind paying for it. It’s great for home defense, tactical training, or just having a really cool gun. If you’re new to shooting or on a tight budget, this might be more than you need.

Franchi Affinity 3

Overview and Key Features

The Franchi Affinity 3 mixes Italian design with American hunting needs. Here are its main features:

• It’s a 12-gauge shotgun that can use 2-3/4″ and 3″ shells
• The barrel is 28 inches long, good for hunting and sport shooting
• It holds 4+1 rounds
• Uses an Inertia Driven system, which helps it work smoothly
• Has a TSA recoil pad to reduce kick
• Comes with a fiber-optic sight to help you aim
• The controls are bigger than normal, making them easy to use with gloves
• It’s pretty light at 6.9 pounds

The Affinity 3 is made to feel good when you hold it. It’s designed to help you point and shoot quickly and naturally.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Smooth shooting with less recoil
• Versatile — good for hunting or clay shooting
• Easy to use controls, even with gloves on
• Comes with three chokes for different shooting needs

Cons:

• Might be too light for some shooters who prefer a heavier gun
• The 28-inch barrel might be long for some hunting situations
• It’s a mid-range option in terms of price

Best Suited For

The Franchi Affinity 3 is great for hunters who want a lightweight, versatile shotgun. It’s also good for clay shooters who need a gun that’s easy to swing. If you’re looking for a shotgun that can do a bit of everything, this could be a great choice. You get a lot of features for a low price. It’s particularly good for young or small shooters or those who need to carry their gun for long periods.

Stoeger M3000

Overview and Key Features

The Stoeger M3000 is a semi-automatic shotgun that offers a lot of bang for your buck. Here are its main features:

• It’s a 12-gauge shotgun that can handle 3-inch shells
• The barrel is 28 inches long, great for hunting
• It holds 4+1 rounds
• Uses an inertia-driven system, which helps it work with different types of shells
• Comes in Mossy Oak Bottomlands camo, perfect for hiding from game
• Has a red-bar front sight to help you aim
• Weighs 7.4 pounds, which is a good middle ground

The M3K is known for its reliability. It also works well with different types of shells without needing adjustments.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Versatile — can handle different shell sizes without adjusting
• Camouflage finish is great for hunting
• Reliable Inertia Driven system
• Comes with three chokes for different shooting situations
• Good value for the price

Cons:

• Might be heavier than some other options
• The 28-inch barrel could be long for some hunting situations
• Basic features compared to more expensive models

Best Suited For

The Stoeger M3000 is a reliable, versatile shotgun with a reasonable price tag. It’s especially good for waterfowl hunting. This is thanks to its camo finish and ability to handle different loads. If you’re looking for your first semi-automatic shotgun, consider the M3K. It’s a dependable gun for various hunting situations and a solid option for good performance without all the fancy extras.

Rock Island VR60

Overview and Key Features

The Rock Island VR60 is a semi-automatic shotgun that looks a lot like an AR-style rifle. Here are its main features:

• It’s a 12-gauge shotgun that can use 2-3/4″ or 3″ shells
• The barrel is 20 inches long, shorter than typical hunting shotguns
• It holds 5+1 rounds, with larger magazines available
• Uses a gas-operated system
• Has a carry handle and rail on top for adding sights or scopes
• Weighs about 7.4 pounds
• Comes with two 5-round magazines

The VR60 is designed to look and feel like an AR-15, which many shooters are familiar with. It’s made to be versatile and easy to use for different types of shooting.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Familiar AR-15 style controls
• Can add different sights or scopes easily
• Comes with two magazines
• Good for home defense or sport shooting
• More affordable than many other semi-auto shotguns

Cons:

• May need a break-in period to work smoothly
• Some users report issues with certain types of ammo
• Might be too “tactical” looking for traditional hunters
• Shorter barrel might not be ideal for some hunting situations

Best Suited For

The Rock Island VR60 is great for people who like the AR-15 style but want a shotgun. It’s good for home defense, sport shooting, and some types of hunting. If you’re on a budget but want a semi-automatic shotgun with modern features, this could be a good choice. It’s also good for customizing with different sights or accessories. However, if you’re looking for a traditional hunting shotgun, this might not be the best fit.

CZ-USA 1020 G2

Overview and Key Features

The CZ-USA 1020 G2 is a semi-automatic shotgun that’s built to handle tough conditions. Here are its main features:

• It’s a 12-gauge shotgun that can use up to 3-inch shells
• The barrel is 28 inches long, good for hunting and sport shooting
• It holds 4+1 rounds, with the option to add extensions
• Uses an inertia system instead of gas to operate
• Comes in olive drab green with a camo stock
• Weighs only 6.5 pounds, making it easy to carry
• Has the CZ Active Choke system for better shot patterns

The 1020 G2 is special because it doesn’t need as much cleaning as gas-powered shotguns. It can also handle many different types of shells without problems.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Needs less cleaning than many other semi-autos
• Can use light target loads and heavy hunting loads
• Very reliable — tested to 5,000 rounds without issues
• Lightweight and easy to carry in the field
• Can add magazine extensions for more rounds
• Safety can be switched for left-handed shooters

Cons:

• Might have more recoil than gas-operated shotguns
• Inertia system might not cycle very light loads as well
• More expensive than some basic semi-auto shotguns

Best Suited For

The CZ-USA 1020 G2 is perfect for hunters who want a reliable, low-maintenance shotgun. It’s great for waterfowl hunting, upland game, and even clay shooting. If you like to hunt in tough conditions, this could be your ideal shotgun. It’s also good for shooters who use a variety of ammunition and want a gun that can handle it all. However, if you’re recoil sensitive or you shoot very light loads, you might prefer other options.

Comparison of Our Top 5 Shotguns

To help you see how these shotguns stack up against each other, let’s look at them side by side:

Feature	Benelli M4	Franchi Affinity 3	Stoeger M3000	Rock Island VR60	CZ-USA 1020 G2
Gauge	12	12	12	12	12
Barrel Length	18.5″	28″	28″	20″	28″
Capacity	5+1	4+1	4+1	5+1	4+1
Weight	7.8 lbs	6.9 lbs	7.4 lbs	7.4 lbs	6.5 lbs
Operating System	Gas (A.R.G.O.)	Inertia	Inertia	Gas	Inertia
Best For	Tactical/ Home Defense	All-Purpose	Hunting	Tactical/ Sport	Hunting

Now, let’s break down what these differences mean:

1. Barrel Length: The Benelli M4 and Rock Island VR60 have shorter barrels. They’re better for close-quarters use like home defense. The others have longer barrels, which are better for hunting and long-range shooting.
2. Capacity: Most of these guns have similar capacities. Yet, some can use extended magazines for more rounds.
3. Weight: The CZ-USA 1020 G2 is the lightest, which is great for long hunts. The Benelli M4 is the heaviest, but that can help reduce recoil.
4. Operating System: The Benelli M4 and Rock Island VR60 use gas systems. They can soften recoil but need more cleaning. The others use inertia systems. They are simpler and need less maintenance but might kick more.
5. Best Use: Each gun shines in different areas. The Benelli and Rock Island are more tactical. The others are geared toward hunting and sport shooting.

When choosing, think about what you’ll use the shotgun for most. If you want a do-it-all gun, the Franchi Affinity 3 or Stoeger M3000 might be good choices. For home defense, consider the Benelli M4 or Rock Island VR60. If you’re a serious hunter, the CZ-USA 1020 G2 could be your best bet.

How to Choose the Right Semi-Automatic Shotgun for You

Picking the best semi-automatic shotgun can be tricky. Here are some things to think about when making your choice:

1. What You’ll Use It For

• Hunting: Look for longer barrels (26-28 inches) and camouflage finishes.
• Home Defense: Shorter barrels (18-20 inches) are better for moving around indoors.
• Sport Shooting: Choose a versatile gun that can handle different types of shells.

2. Your Budget — Semi-auto shotguns vary widely in cost. Figure out how much you can spend before you start shopping. Remember, more expensive doesn’t always mean better for your needs.
3. Fit and Feel — A shotgun should feel comfortable when you hold it. The length of pull (distance from the trigger to the end of the stock) should fit your arm length. If possible, try holding different guns to see what feels right.
4. Recoil Management — Semi-autos generally have less kick than pump-action shotguns. Yet, some handle recoil better than others. Gas-operated systems often have less felt recoil than inertia systems.
5. Maintenance Needs

• Gas-operated shotguns need more cleaning but often have softer recoil.
• Inertia-driven shotguns need less cleaning but might kick more.

6. Versatility — Think about what kinds of shells you’ll be using. Some shotguns handle a wider range of loads than others.
7. Brand Reputation and Warranty — Look for brands known for quality. A solid warranty can give you peace of mind.
8. Extra Features — Consider things like:

• Adjustable stocks for a better fit
• Extended magazine options
• Easy-to-use safety mechanisms
• Sights or optics rails

9. Try Before You Buy — If you can, test-fire a shotgun before buying it. Many gun ranges offer rentals, which can help you make a better choice.

Remember, the “best” shotgun is different for everyone. It depends on your specific needs, body type, and how you’ll use it. Take your time, do your research, and choose a shotgun that feels right for you.

Final Thoughts

Semi-automatic shotguns offer a great mix of speed, power, and ease of use. Whether you’re hunting in the woods, defending your home, or competing in sports, there’s a semi-auto shotgun that’s right for you.

We’ve looked at five top models. Each has its own strengths:

• The Benelli M4 is tough and reliable, perfect for tactical use.
• The Franchi Affinity 3 is a great all-rounder for hunting and sport.
• The Stoeger M3000 offers good value for hunters on a budget.
• The Rock Island VR60 brings AR-style features to a shotgun platform.
• The CZ-USA 1020 G2 is a low-maintenance option for serious hunters.

Remember, the best shotgun for you depends on your needs, budget, and shooting style. Think about what you’ll use it for most, how it feels when you hold it, and how much care it needs.

Don’t rush your decision. If you can, try out different models at a gun range. Talk to experienced shooters and read reviews. Take your time to find the shotgun that feels right in your hands and fits your shooting needs.

With the right semi-automatic shotgun, you’ll have a reliable partner for years to come. Whether you’re in the field, at the range, or protecting your home, a good shotgun can make all the difference.

Visit RK Guns to see these models and more. Our team is ready to help you find the perfect semi-automatic shotgun for your needs. Happy shooting!