Help buying first shotgun!

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heroldm

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Hey guys and girls, i just got my firearms licence and im looking for some advice on buying a shotgun. I have obviously never owned a firearm but ive been around them tones and fired many times. I will be hunting the basics (duck, deer, moose etc.) Ive been told by friends involved in hunting to go with a remington 870 expres mag. combo. Ive also been told the wingmaster is a solid gun, but i dont know much about it and i deffinatly want a rifle barrel included. Any feedback would be awomse! (ps. Im for sure looking for a 12 gauge)

thanks,
Mike.
 
Picked up a new Maverick 88 for $240 about a month ago. It's a little rough around the edges, looks cheap, but has worked fine for the first 200 target loads through it. I believe it will take Mossberg 500 barrels.
 
Sounds like your on the right path, I've had several 870's in 12 gauge. My wife has a 870 in 20 gauge. They are decent guns.

One question... Why use a shotgun for moose? I'd use a rifle...

Cheers
Jay
 
heroldm said:
Hey guys and girls, i just got my firearms licence and im looking for some advice on buying a shotgun. I have obviously never owned a firearm but ive been around them tones and fired many times. I will be hunting the basics (duck, deer, moose etc.) Ive been told by friends involved in hunting to go with a remington 870 expres mag. combo. Ive also been told the wingmaster is a solid gun, but i dont know much about it and i deffinatly want a rifle barrel included. Any feedback would be awomse! (ps. Im for sure looking for a 12 gauge)

thanks,
Mike.
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Well I like my Mossbery 535 more than my friends 870 express.
I really liked the feel of the Browning BPS, but it was a bit out of my price range.
I'd go shoulder the different guns and see which one feels best, most people are at least satisfied with their shotguns, they're all pretty decent these days.
 
+1

MrMatt said:
I'd go shoulder the different guns and see which one feels best, most people are at least satisfied with their shotguns, they're all pretty decent these days.
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I couldn't agree more. I took a few friends out yesterday shooting with both my 870 and 500. Each of them had a specific preference for a gun based on comfort, and it really showed in their scores. So get your hands on a bunch of guns at the local shop, and see which one feels best.
 
Save your pennies so you can afford a decent gun, then buy the one that fits you best. What people tell you to buy don't mean jack if you can't hit anything with it.
 
I can only comment on the Remington as it's the only shotgun I use on a regular basis...

I have an 870 express (3" chamber), parkerized finish with synthetic stock.

Totally reliable firearm. never had a failure to feed / eject whether shooting shot shells or slugs in either 2 3/4" or 3". Very easy to clean & maintain.

Love that you can switch out the barrels. I have a fully riffled slug barrel and a smooth bore with changeable chokes. Am thinking of getting a long smooth bore for skeet.

If I had to do it over again would I still get the Remington? Absolutely!

Good luck with your decision...
 
Norinco (available through Marstar) makes an 870 clone as well.

Never seen, held, or fired a Norinco so I have no comment on them beyond they're out there...
 
manbearpig said:
you have a .30-06.
are you in a WMU that has a shotgun-only season? why do you need a rifled barrel for your shotgun?
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I guess your right, that is pretty stupid. I never mentioned that when talking to different people about the shotguns. So there's no reason to really have a rifled barrel then is there?

Going in a shouldering them makes alot of sence, i know my firearms instructor was saying theres different stock lengths and stuff to so i guess you gotta get somthing to suite you best. One more question, ive sent out my papers with passport photo and stuff so i know i wont recieve my licence for a while, but if i go to a shop will they let me shouldner the guns? or will i need to have a licence on me?
 
It's not against the law, but it is against some store policies. Here in Calgary for example, Bass Pro won't let you, but everywhere else is okay without seeing your PAL.
 
why not post a thread in the general forum and ask if anyone in the Toronto area that is heading to the range will take you with them.

throw in a few bucks for some ammo or buy them a couple beer afterwards and im sure theyd be happy too.

would give you a chance to handle some firearms anyway.
 
Jump right in and get one. Then you'll spend the remaining years of your life learning about shotguns and refine your likes and desires as you go along. It's a journey, not a destination.
 
I have the Mossy 500 with a smooth bore and a rifled barrel. Very versitle gun, in camo for less than $500 smackers. I have shot an 870 that felt pretty good too. Between the two you really cant go wrong.
 
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