Time to end snobbery on semi-autos?

Semi-automatic shotguns are enduringly popular with the gun-buying public. For people coming into the sport of shooting, they tick many boxes.

They are relatively cheap, so first-time buyers are immediately drawn to the attractive price tag. Also, it should not be overlooked that the option of a third shot is a lure to newcomers. This is especially true in a pigeon hide, where many start on coming into the sport.

As we gain more experience, we discover that the third shot is rarely used other than in desperation, but it is part of human nature to automatically think three is better than two. Very few beginners can shoot a ‘threefer’ — three shots for three cleanly killed pigeons.

For gamekeepers, the semi-auto is often the tool of choice and extra shots can make the difference between downing the partridge-predating crow or not. Most semiautomatics are robust and up to taking the mud-spattering