First all purpose 12 gauge pump-action, what would you choose?

D

delavan

Regular
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Location
Alberta
Hi,

I'm about to buy my first shotgun. I settled for a pump-action.
I want a versatile and durable gun that will last a long time.
I'm new to hunting anyway, so it's hard for me to exactly tell my preferences. I want to learn how to shoot, try different things like clays, small game, etc...

I figure I need a 26-28" barrel (I would prefer the 26", just for compactness). I wouldn't mind a 3.5" chamber, to cover the spectrum, but it's not an obligation. Budget $500 MAX

-Mossberg 500 (plastic trigger guard)
-Rem 870 Express (non replaceable riveted case ejector)
-Winchester SXP field or black shadow (import from turkey)
-Weatherby offerings (import from turkey)

I don't want to start a big debate on the moss vs 870, but I reallly like what I read on the WIN SXP.

any ideas?
 
Go with the 870 express, it's built like a tank and you won't care if you scuff the express finish. It's liberating to not cry over every little ding or scratch in the finish.
 
So that ejector thing that supposedly breaks and has to be sent back for repairs to Remington is not a factor? I mean is it overblown?
 
I'm in the same boat you are...looking for a good all purpose, relatively affordable pump. I would suggest going to a shop and trying a few out. I did this last weekend and it really helped me narrow down the choices. I think I am settled on a Benelli Nova 26" which seems to be going around $550.
 
Yes, the nova...nice thing.

Those are just more expensive than what I plan to spend....=( a 870 Express 3.5 super mag sells for $399 at my place...
 
I have owned and used most of the inexpensive pumps. They all work fine and can have their quirks, even big money guns can have problems. The important factor with a shotgun is pick the one that points the most naturally for you. Fit is everything when it comes to successful shotgun shooting. Do yourself a favor and handle and rehandle the guns in your price range and pick the one that feels the best.
 
maliboy67 said:
I have owned and used most of the inexpensive pumps. They all work fine and can have their quirks, even big money guns can have problems. The important factor with a shotgun is pick the one that points the most naturally for you. Fit is everything when it comes to successful shotgun shooting. Do yourself a favor and handle and rehandle the guns in your price range and pick the one that feels the best.
Click to expand...

Good point. I tend to think about firearms as pieces of machinery that have to be the most reliable for me to choose...but if I don't like the feel of it I'm not doing better!
 
I have a 40 year old Mossberg that works for me, my freiend just bought an SXP and he loves that thing. I shot it a round of trap withe the SXP and I guess I am used to my old tank of a Mossberg, I found the SXP felt 'light' for me - but not too light I wouldn't own one. ;) So, as mentioned, get the one that feels 'right' for you.
 
Save up another $150-200 and buy a Browning BPS or a 870 wingmaster and u will have a life time shotgun the others are all very poor quality bordering on junk.
 
Go with an 870. They can be had used for very good prices and new they don't break the bank. The design is tried and true and aside from the "Special Field" model essentially all parts are interchangeable (not bolts and carriers).
 
Mossberg 500 , 3 barrel combo gives you a goose, turkey and rifled slug barrel for around 550. Can't get much more multi purpose than that. I've had mine for 5 yrs now and have no complaints at all for recreation or hunting. Hope this helps

Cheers
 
Pay attention to the control layout ie: safety and slide release. Comfort and usability with those is key.
 
I'm eyeing those 2 kits:

http://www.cabelas.ca/product/39602/winchester-sxp-campfield-3-12-gauge-pump-shotgun-combo

and

http://www.cabelas.ca/product/3964/mossberg-500-combo-3-12-gauge-pump-shotgun

I just don't like the plastic trigger guard and plastic safety on the Mossberg. I assume you have to be quite unlucky or rough to break those, but is it overblown? I seen a few reviews that mentionned that the 500 is NOTORIOUS for breaking at the trigger guard housing (close to the loading port).

The 870 is always recommended by a lot a people and most swear by it. There is quite a few people that complain about having to polish the internals and remove a burr before it cycles properly...I would like to blindly buy the 870 based on reputation only, but hey I just can't do it...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom