Reliable First Shotgun

K

K.s.47

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
16   0   0
Location
Edmonton Area
My sister got her PAL and is looking for a shotgun. Mainly for grouse and maybe ducks along with shooting clays for practice. I gave her a single shot 12g but she wants a pump action 20 gauge.

My issue is out of all the guns I've seen fail 80% of the time they're pump action shotguns. (For 12 gauges, not much experience with 20 gauges). It's her first gun so she doesn't want to spend a ton but just wants something that works. Just from the few times I go bird hunting in the last few years I've seen a 2019 870 lockup after most shots. A winchester SXP with ejection issues even on 2 3/4" target loads, a winchester sxp with pump/handguard falling off, a new benelli Nova with a lip where the barrel and receiver meet causing issues.
I haven't seen any issues with mossberg but I don't know anyone who has one.

I'm looking here for advice and I know any name brand is probably fine but I'd like to hear you thoughts/experiences.

My current recommendation was:
$400-500: Mossberg 500 or benelli -Probably fine but wouldn't say I'm shocked if theres issues.

$500-600: Older used 870 -Pretty solid. Have always seen and heard good things but don't have any personal experience

$800+: BPS -Best pump on the market IMO. Most guys I know try different guns and end up here and with all the people I know with them have never seen an issue

I have a 12g BPS I'd sell her for $600 but she is worried about too much recoil and honestly for grouse a 20g is probably better as far as I'm aware (not a grouse guy)

What are your thoughts and what would you recommend?
 
A Rem 870 or a Mossberg 500 is the easy button here. Reliable, affordable, available in all different flavours and with lots of aftermarket support if you find something lacking. No need to overcomplicate this IMO.
 
Mossberg 500.

Yes the old wingmasters are nice too.

BPS are very nice but also very heavy.

I personally don’t like benelli nova the forend pinches me.
 
Mossberg 500 or a older Rem 870. Both have a good reputation if something does break parts are readily available. The new Remingtons have lost their reputation. New management a couple of times screw that up. Mossberg 500 have kept their reputation well. I have a mossy 535 a 12 ga that takes the 3 1/2” she’ll. Basically a 500. Probably owned it for 10 years without any issues, except for a stiff safety. Which I found had a machining burr, easily removed with a file.
 
Mossberg 500. Think you can still get the "combo" that comes with interchangeable barrels for winged and 4 legged protein. Rifled barrel was also an option but rifled slugs have come a long way, that being said excellent results can be attained with sabots.
 
steamy teabag said:
Mossberg 500. Think you can still get the "combo" that comes with interchangeable barrels for winged and 4 legged protein. Rifled barrel was also an option but rifled slugs have come a long way, that being said excellent results can be attained with sabots.
Click to expand...
The big thing about the Mossberg that many like compared to the Wingmaster is the safety location Many are far more comfortable with the thumb safety on the Mossberg.
Cat
 
I'm partial to mossberg. Never really been a fan of the 870s for no real reason other than I'm a mossberg guy.

One thing to think of though is the volume of ammunition that she'll be going through. 12 gauge 6, 7, 7 1/2 shot is going to be much cheaper than 20 gauge (#6 field loads are expensive now either way) for grouse and skeet and theres not much difference in recoil. Admitedly one generally doesn't go through tons of ammo chasing grouse but skeet is another story.

What's the non-toxic/steel situation in 20 gauge if she want's to go after ducks? Again, not really a life changing difference in cost but availability could be an issue.
 
Add my vote for an older Rem 870 Wingmaster in nice condition. Rock solid and reliable, plus tons of aftermarket stuff out there for the 870.
 
iron cat said:
The big thing about the Mossberg that many like compared to the Wingmaster is the safety location Many are far more comfortable with the thumb safety on the Mossberg.
Cat
Click to expand...

Also the location of the action release - behind the trigger guard rather than in front.

I'm a Mossberg guy due to the controls. Love my 500. Maverick 88s are a fantastic value too, no tang safety but cheaper than a 500 without having to go Turkish.
 
Maverick 88 that way you have removable chokes and can change it same things as a mossberg 500 just cheaper. Steel shot is going to require less choke and steel rated barrel.

Other than that old bolt actions cheap and never failed me.
 
1899 said:
Maverick 88. Skip the 20g IMO. Ammo is more expensive and recoil will be similar in basic loads.

Click to expand...
I never fired a 20ga till last year been shooting shotguns since I could go hunting 12ga mainly. Found a 1oz load recoils about the same as most 20ga guns are a smaller frame and lighter.
 
Last edited:
There has to be a reason why Remington made 11,000,000,000 870's...
And being of poor design is not even in the vocabulary. (*pre-Marlin take over of course*).
A school mate went from a 410 to a 12 gauge in like grade 4 back in the day.
So a 20 LW Wingmaster would be my choice if I where to foprce the choice upon my child.
Let her decide what gun fits her best and in ease of carry for a few hours afeild.
Rob
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom