Recommendation for Shotgun?

Marty Mcfly

Marty Mcfly

Regular
EE Expired
Rating - 100%
3   0   0
Location
Toronto, ON
Hi CGN,

Im looking at buying a 12guage sometime in the very near future but I'm looking for some recommendations.

Im not looking for a "Home Defense" shotgun nor am I looking for a hunting specific shotgun. Im looking for one that I could take to the range and shoot targets and Im also interested in Trap shooting once in a while.

Id like a pump action and im hoping to pay sub $600.

Any recommendations?? I was looking at the Benelli Nova and the Remington 870


Im sorry if this topic has been done to death!
 
Last edited:
While this may be an over discussed topic, its not worth #####ing about. There are 2 schools of thought on this, Mossberg 500 or Remington 870. I have never had any issues with my 870, I don't like Mossberg 500's, but I also own and love a Winchester SXP. If you are looking for an all round shotgun, and it sounds like you are, get an 870, lots of parts available, get an older wing master if you can.
 
Marty Mcfly said:
Im sorry if this topic has been done to death!
Click to expand...

Marty, It has, but if you new guys didn't come on here and ask ... then us old guys would have nothing to do all day. We would not be able to pontificate and impress ourselves with our vast knowledge and insight (FOFLMAO). I'm not a pump guy, so I'll let the pump guys fill you in.
 
crasheralex said:
Bought my mossberg 500 field with wood furniture for $300 after tax from crappy tire and haven't looked back. 0 complaints. Great fun awesome value.
Click to expand...

x10. Have a 500 in 20g and one in 410. Both used on the skeet field, on and off. Massive bang for the buck, tried and true, not much to go wrong. Have a 590 Mariner which I learned to shoot with, well over 10K and never an issue.
If you learn on a pump, I guarantee it will make you a better shooter, plus it's cheaper.
Always a talking point when someone can run 25 or 50 straight in skeet with a fixed full .410 pump.
Doesn't get any harder then that.
 
Last edited:
Whatever you do don't buy a semi. I've been searching for an unjamable auto loading shotgun all my life and the only thing that came close was an old Auto 5 (and yes I tried beretta and benelli), and it wasn't perfect either. Find the pump that fits you best. My personal preference is the wingmaster 870 followed by the browning bps. If you're not planning on goose hunting don't waste your time with 3 1/2" chambers either. Many bird hunters still don't use those 3.5's anyway.
 
For your intended use I would recommend a "home defense" shotgun with a field barrel. Mosseberg Maverick 88 is available with a field length barrel. If you want a reliable shotgun for cheap just to shoot targets and trap then there is no reason for you to be spending $400+ on a shotgun. The 88 is a cheap Mossberg 500. Someone said they don't like Moss 500's. I wouldn't know why... I like them tons and find that they are easier to port load with without jams. You will be port loading if you plan to take part in skeet rounds at a range. I've never shot trap so I can't speak for that but the point is made. If you do buy a 870, just note that if your ejector breaks, have fun fixing it, hope you got a warranty. You'll want something user maintenance friendly.
 
I have a Winchester 1300 that I bought new in the early 90's for around $300. I have no idea what they sell for now but I have had no problems with it and I have used it a lot. It's my rough use shotgun.
My friend has a Mossberg 500. He has had it forever and he also has many high end shotguns. Whenever we do any hunting out of a boat or a canoe he brings it so the pretty guns don't get marked. He laughs about it and says that he should hate it because it's cheap but how can he complain when it always works and what he shoots at usually falls down.
Handle a few different shotguns and see what feels best to you. Buy that one and don't look back.
 
ShotgunNut said:
For your intended use I would recommend a "home defense" shotgun with a field barrel. Mosseberg Maverick 88 is available with a field length barrel. If you want a reliable shotgun for cheap just to shoot targets and trap then there is no reason for you to be spending $400+ on a shotgun. The 88 is a cheap Mossberg 500. Someone said they don't like Moss 500's. I wouldn't know why... I like them tons and find that they are easier to port load with without jams. You will be port loading if you plan to take part in skeet rounds at a range. I've never shot trap so I can't speak for that but the point is made. If you do buy a 870, just note that if your ejector breaks, have fun fixing it, hope you got a warranty. You'll want something user maintenance friendly.
Click to expand...

is there a specific barrel length I should look for? I'd imagine a tactical 18" wouldnt be a good idea?
 
For your intended uses, I would go with one of those combo barrel deals that pop up occasionally, with an 18 inch barrel and a field barrel. Now I'm a big fan of Mossy 500's, have a 20 and a 12 as well as a maverick 88 12 gauge. However, I gotta be real, it's a heck of a lot easier to get short barrels for the remy 870 (which I also own). I finally got an 18 inch barrel for my mossy and maverick off the EE, but it took a while, whereas I could have had a short barrel for the remy in a day.

Two barrels, or two guns, that's what you be wanting! If you're going to shoot clays, you want the field barrel.
 
I bought the Mossberg 500 combo with the 18" barrel and 28" fixed modified choke barrel for $329 last summer at Cabs Edmonton. Look the kit is still around this year with a slight increase in price at $350.

Can't go wrong, gives you a little more flexibility and all for a very decent price...
 
Last edited:
Take a good look at the safety on whatever one you buy. I prefer a tang safety and would naturally lean to the BPS or 500 (I hate to admit it they(500's) feel cheap and they rattle, but they are easy to take apart and go bang every time and I've owned both). If you prefer the cross bolt and the 870 fits, then its a great choice (I also had a Wingmaster for a while).
 
I like the idea of a combo, you can get a Mossberg 500 combo with a 28 inch barrel and a 18 1/2 inch barrel for under 400 bucks.
 
I like the moss bergs pumps, in my opinion that is the only decent shotgun they make. For a bush gun, I think they are the best. IF you are going to shoot trap occasionally, it will be decent too.
870s are all steel, and in the bush they get heavy if you want to go for a walk. If you are set on the 870, get a nice old wingmaster model and avoid the express jun. Better finish and better quality overall.

I have been shooting trap and skeet with O/U but for the last 2 years I have been shooting semi auto Beretta. I owned 2 Berettas 391, and A400. And to put it in simple words, I really like the way O/U looks, but shooting them is not so fun when you get that kick in the face.
Being slapped in the face by a POGO stick gets old really fast, now, If I was thinking of competing, well maybe. But for fun, I will take the semi auto, every day, all day.
I got rid of the O/U and currently shoot the semi autos only. I love them.

Yes you get the ODD jam, but if you buy a good quality TARGET shotgun, an shoot decent target ammo ($6-7 bucks a box) it is odd to get them to jam.

I have seem many semis jam at the range though: people trying to shoot trap with target loads in combat shotguns tuned for stout rounds. Never fails.

Have fun.
 
An 870 with a 28" barrel threaded for chokes would be a good starting point, and will be easy to sell if you want something else. Lots of options for 870's.
 
I ended up buying a used 500 w/28" barrel in excellent cond and great price. My LGS has a 18" barrel for sale too which i might grab asap! Pretty happy with my decision!!

Thanks for all the input guys and gals!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom