The three shot gun you used was indeed a semi auto.
The Beretta semi auto is one of the very best you can get. I know because I`v had all types of semi autos and currently own one of the latest AL391 Urika 2s which I use for clay shooting competitions, pigeon shooting, and also tuition 2/3 times a week. I have to say I love it, but the ejecting the cartridges over into the next field thing does get to me at times.
All you need is a shotgun certificate for one of these 3 x shot autos not a f.a.c. You will only need one of those if you want it to shoot more than 3 x shots or you want to buy one that fires more than 3 x shots.
If you enjoyed shooting with the Beretta auto so much, don`t let ANYONE put you off getting one or you will always wonder what it would of been like to have owned one.
The only major drawbacks with an auto is that they are not the gun to have at a pheasant shoot, it`s deeply frowned on I`m afraid, also they are more difficult to clean.