I've been thinking of getting a decent 12 gauge semi auto shotgun for a few years now. I have a fair number of shotguns, but they are all pumps or double barrels, no auto. Looking for an all around shotgun to do some hunting, trap, sporting clays, and maybe someday give 3 gun a try. And looking for a higher quality one, not a budget gun(but not super expensive either). I just got my bonus and decided it's finally time.
My problem is I'm fairly short (5' 5"), so very few models fit me. All those Benellis(and most others) with their 14.5" length of pull are way too long. If I'm wearing a jacket, I can barely reach the trigger.
Compact/youth models fit well with a 13" ish LOP.
I've been eyeing the Winchester SX4 Compact for quite while, and those feel really good to me. But I haven't seen any for a couple years now.
I recently found that the Mossberg 940 JM Pro and the Beretta 1301 Comp Pro both have adjustable stocks(with spacers) and have a 13" LOP with the spacers removed. After doing lots of reading and watching countless Youtube videos, I decided the 1301 is what I want. Except, you can't find them anywhere so I can't even pick one up to see how it feels.
They come in a 21" and 24" barrel options, and I want the 24".
The other night, one popped up on Gunbroker for a good price. I waited a couple days, then yesterday after work decided I'd gamble on the gun without ever holding one. I hit the Buy Now button, but my WiFi had disconnected since my laptop wasn't plugged in. After it reconnected, it showed that the gun was sold, so I was happy. I went to my Overview page and it didn't show up! I contacted the seller and he said someone else snagged it.
I shouldn't have waited.
There are several of the 21" models out there, but I'm going to wait for the 24". There is one out there on Guns.com, but it is $250 higher than the one I missed.
So now I'll keep watching. More will pop up sooner or later. Pictures to come......... at some point.
My problem is I'm fairly short (5' 5"), so very few models fit me. All those Benellis(and most others) with their 14.5" length of pull are way too long. If I'm wearing a jacket, I can barely reach the trigger.
Compact/youth models fit well with a 13" ish LOP.
I've been eyeing the Winchester SX4 Compact for quite while, and those feel really good to me. But I haven't seen any for a couple years now.
I recently found that the Mossberg 940 JM Pro and the Beretta 1301 Comp Pro both have adjustable stocks(with spacers) and have a 13" LOP with the spacers removed. After doing lots of reading and watching countless Youtube videos, I decided the 1301 is what I want. Except, you can't find them anywhere so I can't even pick one up to see how it feels.
They come in a 21" and 24" barrel options, and I want the 24".
The other night, one popped up on Gunbroker for a good price. I waited a couple days, then yesterday after work decided I'd gamble on the gun without ever holding one. I hit the Buy Now button, but my WiFi had disconnected since my laptop wasn't plugged in. After it reconnected, it showed that the gun was sold, so I was happy. I went to my Overview page and it didn't show up! I contacted the seller and he said someone else snagged it.
I shouldn't have waited.There are several of the 21" models out there, but I'm going to wait for the 24". There is one out there on Guns.com, but it is $250 higher than the one I missed.
So now I'll keep watching. More will pop up sooner or later. Pictures to come......... at some point.
