First shotgun

Hovenator

Hovenator

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
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Location
BC Fraser Valley
Hi all,

I'm new here. Looking for a little advice on a first shotgun. I intend to use it for bird hunting and some skeet shooting. I'm looking for something that will be durable, reliable and under $500. I've never shot before and I'm a lttle concerned about recoil on a 12 gauge. Thinking a 20 might be better.
I have some friends at work who hunt and they think a 12 would be fine. Thoughts?

Note: my PAL is in the "processing" stage.
 
At that price range id look at a used 870 wingmaster. Lots of them around and they are very reliable guns. Its not the best gun for skeet but will do at that price range and is a excellent bird gun.
 
Over 30 years old. I overpayed at 350 and it was the first firearm I bought. She is all good now but took a bit of tlc. Used in the 70s era I would pay $300 max and that wood be with decent blueing and decent wood as well as a good barrel. They are super easy to breakdown as well.
 
Ya a older wingmaster should be between the 200-400 range there is a couple on auction on canada wide gun auctions on facebook. Aswell as usualy a few on the ee
 
removable chokes are a must imo, in a do-all gun.

Winchester SXP is reasonable and will do what you need. Or perhaps a used Browning bps

stick with 12 gauge. 1oz target loads are powder puffs, and cheap.
 
Go into a gun store, and tell them you wanna see their shotguns under $500. That'll give you a good idea of what is out there.

Can't go wrong with a rem 870 or Mossy 500 though.
 
I would seriously look at a used WINGMASTER , not just an 870 express , or something that has been Tactilized and butchered. They hold their value, and the last . I have 2 from the 50;s that still function flawlessly, and modern barrels with chokes fit .
 
If you are going to shoot skeet, and not just shoot clays thrown with your own thrower, I would look at a used 1100. Get one with a 2-3/4" chamber, and it will work fine for skeet, and for shooting birds. If you aren't going to shoot actual skeet, then a used Wingmaster might be a better choice.
 
stubblejumper said:
If you are going to shoot skeet, and not just shoot clays thrown with your own thrower, I would look at a used 1100. Get one with a 2-3/4" chamber, and it will work fine for skeet, and for shooting birds. If you aren't going to shoot actual skeet, then a used Wingmaster might be a better choice.
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For starters it will just be clays with a thrower just for practice and to get used to shooting. Sounds like a used Wingmaster is the popular consensus.

Also thanks for the suggestion to go to a store and actually shoulder some different shotguns and get some input form them. Anyone suggest a good store in BC's lower main land? We have a Wholesale Sports in Langley that seems to have a pretty large selection.

Just had a quick look at the Tradex site.... Well I can kiss away another hour looking at the Internet now!!!

Cabelas is building about 10 blocks from my house but they won't be open for another year.
 
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stubblejumper said:
If you are going to shoot skeet, and not just shoot clays thrown with your own thrower, I would look at a used 1100. Get one with a 2-3/4" chamber, and it will work fine for skeet, and for shooting birds. If you aren't going to shoot actual skeet, then a used Wingmaster might be a better choice.
Click to expand...

A used 1100 is another good option but as a first shotgun i would still recomend a pump. Used 1100 can be very finicky with target loads. Also i have seen many people run skeet with pumps (mostly 870 wingmasters) so dont think a pump cant be successful at skeet.

To OP when i say 870 wingmaster i dont mean the tacticool ones those are for three gun you want something with a 26-30" barrel and interchangable chokes.

Id go to a local shotgun club and talk to some skeet or sporting clay shooters. It might feel ackward going to talk to complete strangers about it but most sporting and skeet shooters are always happy to help. Most of them will tell you O/U is best but thats not in your budget at the moment. Theres a good chance you will meet some guys that might let you try out some guns.

Checking out guns in a store is a good idea but remember 1 870 might not be the same as another due to cast and other options and models.
 
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