Semi-auto defense shotguns usually cost a lot, and the Stoeger M3000 is the one that tries to change that. It is a 12 gauge with an 18.5" barrel and a seven-round capacity, in black, part of the Freedom Series.

A semi-automatic shotgun reduces felt recoil, and seven rounds in the tube gives you more capacity than most pumps. An 18.5" barrel is short enough to handle well in a home. Pattern your chosen load on a large sheet of paper at the distance you expect to shoot, because every shotgun prints a little differently. Clean and oil it after wet days, since humid North Carolina air finds bare metal quickly.

The price is far below Benelli and Beretta, which makes this an option for budget-minded buyers who want a semi-auto. Some owners find these guns need a break-in, so run a few boxes of shells through before you depend on it, and test it with the loads you intend to use.

Clean it after the range, since gas guns collect carbon. A cleaning kit costs little and keeps the gun running.

New condition. It ships to a North Carolina FFL dealer for pickup and the background check.