Southwood,

If you buy a gas operated model for handloads and tss, be careful which recipe you use.

I know you said stoeger was out, but I’ve heard good things about the 3020 and you can purchase them new for close to your price point.

I bought a brand new 1187 compact at Walmart last year for $249. You just have to wait and find them on sale.
I’m not sure what the weatherby, Mossberg, or other Turkish made imports go for, but everyone I know that personally has one, or had one, has had either cycling issues or broken bolt issues. Parts can be difficult to come by, as some companies do not have the parts available to their US customers right off the shelf. CZ’s are prone to issues also. I have a cousin who has had to have his browning silver fixed twice. Tristar semi’s have a history of bad lifters.

If it were me, I’d up my spending when I could and aim for a Franchi Affinity or an older Benelli M1. I have one of each......never issues with either. Only potential issue I know of is the feed is picky about overall length on roll crimped 3” loads.


I know it’s more than $500, but you said you’d pay more for the right one. I know where there is an hk “Benelli” 20 gauge for $650.