Welcome to BGH. I think what I'd do is to look at the guns that have been ariund a good while without to many complaints. I shoot sxs"s, an over/under and a pump. If I were going to get a auto, first thing I'd look for is an 1100 Remington. I had a 301 Beretta and gave it to a brother for his son, I never shot it. Another gun if you can find one reasonable is the Browning Auto 5.

The only auto I ever had that I liked was an old Browning Double Auto, good luck finding one.

You did mention the 11-87 Rem but the few duck hunters I know prefer the 1100. Another gun people either hate or love is the Win Super X. That one never really took hold but some guys just love them. think for the money that Mossberg makes guns that can't be beat, I've have several mod 500 pumps and they are about my favorite pump.

As a waterfowl gun I've been completely satisfied with my Remington 11-87 Special Purpose 3" magnum for the last 12 years. Never had a single hang up with it while shooting waterfowl loads. The down side to the 11-87 is that this gun was specifically designed as a field hunting gun to cycle a shell of at least 3 dram equivelent with 1 1/8 oz shot at minimum. It's gas system really is not designed to use the relatively small amount of gas from light target loads to properly cycle the action. It will shoot those light and extra light loads but will usually rechamber the spent hull. When I use mine for sporting clays I end up using a heavier load that is at least 3 dram or more with 1 1/8 oz shot.

Very soft recoiling gun. I can shoot 3" magnums all day and not be the least bit sore from recoil.

A semi-auto is fine but tell us why you don't want a pump. Given your criteria and budget, I think a good quality pump fits the bill quite nicely.

I am with Chester here, tho every one have given you good advice on autos.
Since you son has obviously shot (and hunted?) the pump 20 guages why not look into a good pump gun? You could get a new Rem 870 for well within your budget.

He just wanted to try a semi-auto. He also thought a gas operated gun is supposed to kick less, but we don't know that for sure. I am open to a good quality pump.

But any thoughts on the Charles Daly? Or the Benelli super 90 I found for $600?

I'm going to be shopping for a while so all these tips are great.

thanks!

Gas operated semi-autos will noticeably reduce felt recoil.

Charles Daley? Don't take this a gospel, but I've know a few guys who have owned them and had nothing but problems and hang-up with them, and not even in the field either, I'm talking about on the trap range. I know these guys well and know that they are all sticklers when it comes to weapons maintanence. Not saying Daleys are junk, just telling you what I've heard.

If you decide on a pump then I think for the price you'd pay for CD, you should just get a Remington 870 Express.

If you are looking for an inexpensive semi, Remington has taken on the Spartan which is the Baikal brand semi and it has an excellent track record. I know a hunter here that has a Baikal and he has not had a single problem with it using magnum rounds. The 11-87 SPS is also fairly decently priced.

If you go for a Used Daily get one Pre 75 before they went Jap...The Belgum made Daily's are EXCELLENT weapons....I have my Dads old Field one and she still to this day cycles like a Brand new one...Never had a single Jam EVER....But its a VERY light gun so It does have a bit of a slam to it...Not TOO bad but you notice it after say a 50 target sporting clays shoot...As Far as a Benelli goes Ive never had one or fired one myself...But they "hype" on them is good... I usually take me old Mossburg 500 pumper out (the Daily I keep locked up cuzz its 98% and I wanna keep it thata way) and never had a problem with it either...Plus I have a deerslayer barrel for it scoped n stuff and its a tack driver with the lightfields... I got it onna deal at wally world for 325 WITH the deer slayer barrel...Killed alota bunnies and tree rats and pheasants with the old girl and a few Deer...If the boy is worried about recoil get a slipover LimbSaver recoil pad for it and he will be just gigglies...I personally dont like autoloaders for younguns cuzz it keeps the mind set wrong ( oh well if I miss I can get another shot off fast) Just a lil info for ya there and good luck

Go with the Super 90. Depending on the condition that isnt too bad of price. New should go for 900. Had a Super 90 and it was awesome. (Upgraded to a super black eagle.) Shot every load without a problem. Very easy to clean. Completely disassembles into 9 pieces. Can be done in the field if necessary. The recoil may be a bit more with this gun as it is recoil operated instead of gas. Only downside is they can jam if not kept reasonably clean and never used a lot of oil on the action. Fastest cycling gun on the market. Very good balance and points very naturally. One thing to check on would be the age of the gun and to see if the recoil spring in the buttstock has been replaced. Very important if many rounds have been shot through it.

Anything wrong with a good used winchester 1400 or 1500? They can be had for less than $200 and it would be a cheap starter gun just to see if he likes semi-auto better for target shooting.