Uco: That Benelli is a thing of beauty and the AA12 looks like fun, but I’m fundamentally mistrustful of semi-auto shotguns in a combat situation and solely because of the potential for jams.
Many of the semi-autos will ‘re-rack’ like a pump action. Two ways to jam. The auto mechanism gums up creating too much drag and a feed problem – which happens to have the same characteristics as a feed problem on a pump action because a good percentage of the internal feed mechanism is similar between the two.
This is why I like the Benelli too.. it does not use gas pressure to feed, therefore the mechanism is less likely to get gummed up.
I like the AA12’s ability to be reloaded.. just like an assault rifle or semi-auto handgun. Some of the shells for the AA12 are also quite nice (not all shotguns can handle them).[/quote]
Uco: Interesting info. Given that I haven’t seen a shot fired in anger in over 20 years, my knowledge is obviously dated.
I’ve fired the Benelli M90 and the Remington 1187 in a shoot house, and both performed flawlessly. The Benelli’s action is amazing and felt recoil was much, much lower than a pumpgun. Still, I would have that nagging worry about a misfeed (not rational, I know, but still there).
Speaking of pumps, I had an opportunity to fire the old Winchester Model 97 (WWI trench gun) when I was in the Army. Amazing weapon and one of the best actions ever. Smooth pump/cycle and a great shooter. Not pretty, but really got the job done.
