Deciding on type of shotgun

Crazy.kayaker

Crazy.kayaker

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I'm mulling over what type of shotgun I should get. I'd like to get an O/U but the cost of the cheapest ones still cost to much for me to afford so I'm down to a cheap SxS off the EE or a NEW Pump. Any recommendations would be appreciated. I'm leaning more towards the pump as you can easily get different chokes and barrels for them (more versatile) then you can on a cheap SxS off the EE.

I'm thinking I'd get a NEW, solid and reliable Remington 870 nothing fancy other then a $20 splurge and get it in left hand I want a gun I don't have to worry about hot brass in the face. Then purchase a slug barrel. Any other setups I should look at before I decide?
 
Crazy.kayaker,
The 870 is a popular choice for the money. I am not sure there is a lefty verson available with a slug barrel or an extra slug left barrel available?
 
Covey Ridge said:
Crazy.kayaker,
The 870 is a popular choice for the money. I am not sure there is a lefty verson available with a slug barrel or an extra slug left barrel available?
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WSS has the left hand for an extra $20 there was one there last time I was in the store they aren't a large mover as they have a limited calling for. I don't think I need a Left hand barrel I'd just get one as an extra and think they'd be universal for either lefties and righties.

As for what I want to use it for. What can't I use it for. Rabbit, Grouse, Pheasant, Duck and Geese. I need a do all shot gun as I can't afford a single shotgun for each type of game. Price is around $400-$500.

I have a nice single shot but it's a full choke and can't handle steel shot which is required for waterfowl.
 
Crazy.kayaker,
I think that the right hand barrel is notched on the right side to accomodate a right extractor. I think that the left is notched on the oposite and so would not be universal?
 
a 12ga 870 will serve you well then. barrel length will be personal choice. I've shot heavy goose/waterfowl loads through 26" - 28" - 30" barrels and personal pref leans to the longer barrels for sight radius and quelling the muzzle blast.

a long barrel is a hinderance for upland/rabbits though, swings slower and is a major pain walking the tight stuff.

26" is a nice compromise but I found the noise and muzzle blast with 3" HV steel to be uncomfortable, something to consider if you're going to be doing more waterfowl then upland. or maybe you won't notice it at all and I'm just a big girly man :)

spare barrels for the 870 series arn't hard to find (although I have no idea if they are left/right specific) Slug barrels come up for sale in the EE all the time, I've even got a 26" express NIB pipe for sale/trade ;)

cheapo walmart bulk packs of 12ga #7.5 2 3/4" are $25 for 100 and work fantastic on bunnies and grouse.

a limbsaver recoil pad will set you back $40ish, they are drop in fit for 870 and turn them into pussycats even with the heaviest loads.

hard to go wrong with an 870
 
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How are the Remington EXPRESS 870's for rusting I was told that they tend to wear fast on the edges and rust much easier then other models. What other makers make left hand shotguns I'm not getting a righty as I said I'm tired of taking hot empties in the face. I have a little burns on my hand to my face from my .308 and .22
 
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Crazy.kayaker said:
As for what I want to use it for. What can't I use it for. Rabbit, Grouse, Pheasant, Duck and Geese. I need a do all shot gun as I can't afford a single shotgun for each type of game. Price is around $400-$500.
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When you put it that way, there is nothing that an 870 can not do and do well. I think that you may be a little out on the price. An 870 express costs about $329.95 at WSS and most of the other retail biggies. The Wingmaster quite costs more than $500.00. Maybe you were looking at an 870 SPS which I think is no longer available unless someone has a leftover.
 
Crazy.kayaker said:
How are the Remington EXPRESS 870's for rusting I was told that they tend to wear fast on the edges and rust much easier then other models. What other makers make left hand shotguns I'm not getting a righty as I said I'm tired of taking hot empties in the face. I have a little burns on my hand to my face from my .308 and .22
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The express does rust a little easier, but with a ittle care after shooting, it should not be a problem. I am not immediatly aware of any other companies that make a left pump. May I suggest you look at a Browning BPS. It has bottom eject so those hot hulls will not be a problem and you can get aftermarket barrels that do not care if you shoot left or right. Fine gun. Right now about 499.00. Most big stores have them. In my opinion far better than the express.
 
Covey Ridge said:
When you put it that way, there is nothing that an 870 can not do and do well. I think that you may be a little out on the price. An 870 express costs about $329.95 at WSS and most of the other retail biggies. The Wingmaster quite costs more than $500.00. Maybe you were looking at an 870 SPS which I think is no longer available unless someone has a leftover.
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$400-$500 is my budget. WSS has the BPS for $489.95 which makes it just within my budget range. Best of all I wouldn't take any empties in the face and I don't have to worry about left hand and right hand barrels. Still looking for other recommendations.
 
Crazy.kayaker said:
How are the Remington EXPRESS 870's for rusting I was told that they tend to wear fast on the edges and rust much easier then other models. What other makers make left hand shotguns I'm not getting a righty as I said I'm tired of taking hot empties in the face. I have a little burns on my hand to my face from my .308 and .22
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Mine totally pumpkined out after being shot in the rain, packed back in the case and not dried until the next day. (Drive home) Now I know that this was being unusually hard on a shotty, and I'm sure that if I had dried it then and there or later that day it would have been fine. However I am a lazy slob and I expect durability. I vowed that day to only buy nickel plated (REM 870 MM or stainless for all my guns.)

Suprising was that my stoeger SXS hardly rusted at all under the same conditions. The Remmy was the one that got beat up. However the king of the wet stuff has got to be the MM.

Good luck.
 
I have a few freinds who are lefties and have no problem with a right handed 870.
Hhowever there is a BEAUTIFUL M37 ( bottom load/ejection)on the exchange right at the moment for $500 IIRC, with an adjustable choke!
This gun will do it all for you.
As far as rusting, even a stainless gun will rust if not dried out before casing it....
Cat
 
well I plan on taking a trip up to WSS today and see which of the two guns feels nicer in my hands then I will decide which one to seriously start looking to get. Keep the recommendations coming please.
 
There is a difference between left-handed and right-handed barrels. However hastings makes rifled barrels for the left handed 870.
 
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