Citadel 12 ga Semi-auto shotgun

[dverna]

I know...not a rifle...if this should go elsewhere I can repost.

My buddy asked me about them. He found them on sale for $220. He knows I shoot Trap so asked me if they are OK but I know nothing about them.

If anyone has handled one, or owns one your opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Tokarev]

It's Turkish. Probably works about the same as Hatsan. I'd be weary of enriching the manufacturer.

[GhostHawk]

I have had good luck with my Hatsan's, love the wood. I have also heard good things about Turkish Shotguns.
Best solution would be to take friend to where he can get hands on with one. Make up his own mind.

I doubt they are as good as the best of the Rem 870 Wing-master's from the 50's and 60's as they were IMO very good.
They could very well be as good as what Rem is selling today. I never bought an express, compared to the wing-master's they looked like it junk, felt like it junk. And over priced junk IMO. Frankly I would be as willing to trust a Turkish Shotgun maker as much as I used to trust Remington.

But the Devil is in the details.

[GhostHawk]

Big 5 sporting goods I found this review.

"So here is the deal with this gun. If you are shooting low power shells like bird shot these will not be powerful enough to actually cycle through how it is supposed to. You'll get a lot of jam ups and shells will be caught up and not ejected well. However once you switch to a high power load such as two or three shot or buckshot these will make it cycle and function correctly and smoothly."

If it was me I'd push him towards a pump.
A pump gun with practice loses very little speed to a semi auto and has some advantages.
Its not as ammo fussy. And when you have shot your 4 rounds a pump is easy to single feed. Flip a round in with your right hand, crank it closed and shoot. Repeat. Semi Auto's not so much.

[dverna]

Thanks for the replies. I would be less worried if it was a pump but a semi-auto is something else. I know the guy is looking for something for self-defense, so reliability is important.

[GhostHawk]

"This incredible CDA-12 Force pump shotgun is chambered in hard-hitting 12GA and features a 3rd capacity. This model is compact and lightweight with its polymer furniture and 20" barrel making it ideal for home defense or tactical shooting. This model also features a Hi-vis front sight post and an adjustable rear ghost ring sight. This model is rugged and will fire 2 3/4 or 3" shells. The pistol grip configuration on this model makes it maneuverable and allows it to be tucked tight into the shoulder when firing.

If you are looking for a reliable, economical, and rugged shotgun, then look no further than this incredible CDA-12 Force pump shotgun. This model is chambered in hard-hitting 12GA and is chambered to fit up to 3" shells. A great feature of this model is the pistol grip configuration. This grip allows the shotgun to be tucked tightly into the shoulder and help minimize felt recoil. This model is also incredibly lightweight with its polymer furniture and 20" barrel. This lightweight design makes it easily maneuverable and ideal for home defense applications as well as self-defense. This model comes standard with a Hi-vis front sight post and an adjustable rear ghost ring sight. This model also features a Picatinny rail section along the forend, which is perfect for mounting any tactical accessories of your choosing."

[GhostHawk]

I worry about Semi Auto's some work some don't. Some are very ammo touchy.

Pumps feed and shoot everything and are IMO 10x as reliable.
And they also tend to be cheaper.

[GhostHawk]

https://shootingsurplus.com/hatsan-u...f=1&in_stock=1

They have a Hatsan/escort 12 ga pump, wood stock 3" for under 260$.

That is the one I'd try if it were me.

[RickinTN]

I just bought a Benelli 12 ga pump off of Gunbroker for $399. It struck me as being a buy and no concerns about reliability. Might take a look there.
Rick

[dverna]

I use Mossberg 500’s....so agree that a pump is the best choice. Sometimes people expect others to agree with their choices. My buddy knows I shoot a lot and know a bit about guns, but has obviously ignored my suggestion to get Mossy or 870.

[Frosty Boolit]

I bought a single shot 12ga from rock island armory. I know it's Turkish and probably made the in the same factories as all the others that look similar with a different name. Itnis an absolute piece of garbage. The trigger was so heavy my son could not pull it except with two fingers. It might be cheap but every dollar is wasted on that trash. Gone are the good ol days of new $100 nef single shots.

[Tokarev]

Time to buy your son a wrist builder.