What To Buy? Franchi I-12 vs. Stoeger 2000?

[Fechumupbud]

Hey everyone. I'm posting this question on behalf of my brother-in-law. He's committed to getting into waterfowl hunting and today we went to the gun shop to look around. He wants a semi auto, but can't spend more than the 1187/I-12 price range. The SBEII's, the Extrema 2's, etc out of the picture.

While in the shop today, we began looking at the I-12's and he fell in love. Everything seemed perfect, but we held off for the night. As we sit here on our laptops doing our due dilligence, we have both read several things that state the I-12 and the Stoeger 2000 are the same gun with different prices. For whatever reason, that just doesn't sit with me and I'm looking for a little help. I just don't believe that anyone gets something for nothing. Why would the same gun be several hundred dollars cheaper?

This is going to be his day in, day out waterfowl gun. There's not going to be a backup pump in the pickup in case an o-ring goes bad (more of a Remington comment I guess) or whatever may come up.

Should he forget about the Franchi and go for the Stoeger? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Kevin

[Fechumupbud]

Well, I'm a little embarrassed. I didn't realize the same question was posted back in May. I think we've cleared up our questions, but opinions are certain welcome. Thanks!

[evbutler]

You are paying for the looks of the I-12. The exterior is pretty. The innards are virtually identical.

[TMAC]

I would still replace that o-ring in at 1100 or 1187 once a year before I messed with the I12 or M2K.

[evbutler]

TMAC, my Rem 11-87 is over 20 years old. Same O-ring that the factory put in it. I carry a spare Viton #21 O-ring in my shell kit bag but have never needed it.

[blacklab]

i am the original posters brother in law, and i thank you guys for the replies. I ended up purchasing the Franchi I-12. i read a bunch of reviews on it and felt comfortable that the bugs were worked out (mostly) and i suppose only time will tell how it works!!

my first choice was the 11-87, but after reading up on it i quickly decided against it. my father has an 11-87 from a long time ago with the o-ring is original in it, and i really like his gun. I just couldn't bring myself to get it after reading all the horror stories and after the gun shop told me for the same amount of money i could get the franchi. (which he spoke highly of)

again, thanks for the replies!!

[willworkforguns]

You will not regret it. I purchased my I-12 almost 2 months ago now in APG and I love it. I have been using the federal top gun target loads in 1 1/8 ounce and have not had a single cycle failure. I have put almost 500 rounds through mine now. I did break mine in with some winchester super X high brass.

[geoman458]

Love mine too, I haven't quite shot 500 rounds and need to cycle some more heavy loads through the gun. It fits me very well and the doves are dropping well. Easy to clean and reassemble