r/canadaguns • u/ivanlarav • Jun 23 '26

Buy recommendations Best “Do-It-All” Semi-Auto Shotgun Under $1,500?

Which semi-auto shotgun?

I’m debating between a few options. The main goal is to have a “do-it-all” shotgun for:

  • Casual clay sports (trap and skeet)
  • Hunting
  • General range use

Beretta A300 Ultima 28”

This one goes for about $1,400.

Mossberg 940 Pro Field 28”

I can get this one for $899, or the Cerakote version for $1,149.

Mossberg 940 JM Pro 24”

This one goes for about $1,320.

I like the JM Pro because of the 24” barrel. It doesn’t seem too long or too short, and it feels like a good middle ground. I can’t seem to find the A300 with a 24” barrel, at least on Almost Prohibited.

I know there’s no true “one-size-fits-all” shotgun, but I’m trying to stay under $1,500 and get something that comes as close as possible to covering all three uses.

What would you pick, and why? Any other models I should be looking at in this price range?

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u/CrowsFeast73 Jun 23 '26

I'm a fan of my Stoeger M3500. It does struggle to cycle shells under 1oz, even with the light recoil spring, so I guess it's not suitable for skeet but it's fine for trap. It cycles great with hunting loads, handles great and looks great (imo, cerakote with reed camo).

If used is an option then you can find lots of great Franchi or Browning shotguns as well.

I avoid Mossberg because I've seen way too many having multiple issues during trap.

If used pump is an option, you can never go wrong with an 870.

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u/BisonCompetitive9610 Jun 23 '26

Do you have the gen 1 or gen 2? I haven't had issues cycling anything with the gen 2. 

With that extra cash, he can get a vortex red dot, tube expansion, and trigger upgrade. Great gun! 

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u/CrowsFeast73 Jun 24 '26 edited Jun 24 '26

I wasn't even aware there were different generations?

ETA: looks like I have the gen 1. I installed an oversize bolt handle and release button myself. The stock I already find fits me very well, though the trigger reach is a little bit long as I recall. I haven't shot too many 3.5s through it yet but I certainly never felt the need for an improved pad and I don't even have the recoil weight installed.

The manual does talk about not being able to cycle light target loads but I think if I ran enough loads through to really break in the light recoil spring it would run better (on light loads); so the biggest thing I'm missing is the beveled loading port (which I'm not planning on messing up the finish).

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u/BisonCompetitive9610 Jun 24 '26

Gen 2 was a major improvement