What is a good first time shotgun to purchase?
- Thread starter Ghost Tyler
- Start date
I went with a browning silver hunter (semi auto). I've had it a couple years - shot trap (couple thousand rounds) and hunted upland birds. It wouldn't cycle one brand of light target loads, would actually jam the empty in the chamber, requiring a rod to push it out. Everything else no problem. It also gets pretty dirty after 100 rounds, never had a failure because of dirt, but I clean it religiously. Since then I've purchased a bt99 (break action single) - great for trap but that's about it. Now I'm thinking about getting a pump - something I don't mind abusing a bit, for hunting.
Guns seem to have a way of multiplying. As my wife says "I thought you were just gonna buy one" my reply "one of each honey".
That may be my new sig line!
Guns seem to have a way of multiplying. As my wife says "I thought you were just gonna buy one" my reply "one of each honey".
That may be my new sig line!
Ghillie Man
CGN frequent flyer
Remington 870 imo
The obvious ideal approach would be to try as many different guns as possible before deciding. If that's not possible, I would say that a nice used Rem870 or my personal favourite, an Ithaca 37, would be the safest choice. I think galamb hit it on the head: don't throw away money on a cheap semi, when for the same or less money you can get a good pump.
The 870 is a great shotgun. I've never owned one but I've shot enough of them. Take care of the 870 and you'll probably get all your money back if you decide to sell it. I had a Mossberg 590 and have nothing but good things to say about it. It was a great shotgun for the price I paid for it. Maverick 88's are a good budget option.
- Location
- South Ontario
Can't go wrong with an 870.
Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
For the most part the Ithaca weighs in a full pound lighter in the same configuration.
M37/87s generally are very accurate with slugs with or without a slug barrel. (No shimming required here folks)
an 870 is a great gun. ergonomically speaking i like the layout of the mossberg 500 better, (slide release and safety) but to each their own. I also prefer the bottom being open compared to the 870's elevator arm. (gloves pinch easily in the 870 when loading. can still happen in the mossberg too, but less often.)
try to find a used wingmaster imo. the old ones if in good condition are better than the new ones.
those old ithaca 37 shotguns are pretty darn nice too imo. but less options there if you go this route.
try to find a used wingmaster imo. the old ones if in good condition are better than the new ones.
those old ithaca 37 shotguns are pretty darn nice too imo. but less options there if you go this route.
Weatherby SA-08 semi-auto 12ga.
I don't know about their pump actions, but this gun runs like a top.
No malfunctions 1000+rds through it already. (Mostly target load, 50rds of 00 buck)
It's light as a feather, comes with 3 chokes, heavy/light load gas tubes and stock spacers to adjust length of pull.
Check it out on youtube
I don't know about their pump actions, but this gun runs like a top.
No malfunctions 1000+rds through it already. (Mostly target load, 50rds of 00 buck)
It's light as a feather, comes with 3 chokes, heavy/light load gas tubes and stock spacers to adjust length of pull.
Check it out on youtube
Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
^Personally, I am not very impressed that Mossberg borrowed the Roadblocker title from another fine shotgun.
I think they are doing just fine with their 590 Blackwater edition, but that's just me!
whatever.......
I think they are doing just fine with their 590 Blackwater edition, but that's just me!
whatever.......
Hey Tyler, what use would you be looking at for your first shotgun? Bird hunting, trap or just ripping paper and cardboard apart for fun?
For giggles you can't beat a short pump. I don't use mine for matches of any sort but I would never part with it just because of the giggle factor.
It's a cheap and basic 870 Express by the way. And yes, while the rough textured finish is prone to rusting under the wrong conditions and if left ignored an occasional wipe down with oil or something like Fluid Film or perhaps EEZOX dry film lube and protectant will keep it looking fine. It's also been 100% reliable during the thousand or so rounds I've put through it over the years.
If your goal is bird hunting or shooting clays then I'd suggest a break open double or single. Trap doesn't require that you spend thousands on your shotgun either. You can do a lot of good clay shooting with a lower end single or double. If it turns out that you're loving it and shooting enough that you wear out the first one THEN buy a nicer $1500'ish mid grade or go as nutz as your budget permits without faulting on rent or mortgage....
For giggles you can't beat a short pump. I don't use mine for matches of any sort but I would never part with it just because of the giggle factor.
It's a cheap and basic 870 Express by the way. And yes, while the rough textured finish is prone to rusting under the wrong conditions and if left ignored an occasional wipe down with oil or something like Fluid Film or perhaps EEZOX dry film lube and protectant will keep it looking fine. It's also been 100% reliable during the thousand or so rounds I've put through it over the years.
If your goal is bird hunting or shooting clays then I'd suggest a break open double or single. Trap doesn't require that you spend thousands on your shotgun either. You can do a lot of good clay shooting with a lower end single or double. If it turns out that you're loving it and shooting enough that you wear out the first one THEN buy a nicer $1500'ish mid grade or go as nutz as your budget permits without faulting on rent or mortgage....
does the pistol grip not bother you regarding trying to use the action release? my buddy had a pistol drip on his, and i thought it was terrible because it took away my muscle memory and forced me to change my grip to use it. imo that's the beauty of the mossberg 500. all the buttons are right where they need to be without having to move you hand from the trigger position.
i'm not trying to criticize, just want to understand.
