Buying my first gun

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dizrack

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Hi all,

I am looking to buy my first gun (shotgun) soon just waiting for my PAL. I will be using it for target shooting/recreation shooting. I have been researching for a while and narrowed it down to Remington 870 express tactical and Benelli nova pump. I will only buy new. I am just curious to hear from people who own any of these 2 guns to see what kind of experiences they have had. Thanks

Also like the Winchester sxp black shadow.
 
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Never shot either of these guns, but some advice that I live by is always prefer quality. This way you either avoid the need to upgrade or if necessary make it easier to sell. From what I've read, both of your choices are well respected firearms and should fit the bill nicely.

So as always it comes down to buy whichever one fits you better. Good luck and enjoy.
 
From what i hear, Remington has lost their quality on those 870s, go for a mossberg or the benelli. Benelli is always a good choice.
You might have a hard time getting some accessories for the nova but then again it has most of what is needed built in.
The Remington has more accessories available, but again, they lost their touch when it comes to quality.
You might not want to buy used, but if you find a 12 to 20 year old 870 in good shape, its better then the new ones.
 
I think it will be between the Benelli Nove and Winchester SXP Black Shadow, just have to wait for my PAL and yhen it will be down to shouldering them.
 
The nice thing about the 870 is tons of aftermarket support with reasonable prices for everything.
You will probably find other guns more appealing after owning it for a while, but you can turn your 870 into anything you want, from a tactical home defense gun, to a trusty field gun. Or leave it as is, and just enjoy it.

As mentioned, the best thing to do is pick them all up, and if possible, shoot them before buying.
Don't discount the 870 because you heard it was terrible... it isn't! (the mossberg 500 is though) lol
 
If those are your only options, I would go with the Benelli simply because of the reputation and lack of QC coming out of Remington in the last few years. If 870 is your choice, I would look for an older one that is in good condition, or better yet get a Mossberg 500. They are in the same price range and are a better quality gun.
 
I'd suggest do a search on this subforum for any of the shotguns you are considering. If any of them have chronic problems, you can bet there'll be questions about them on here. I'd also suggest you search for each one on the ee. If there's lot's of one model for sale and not seeming to sell very quickly, well, there you go. ;)

Other than that, shoulder them, look them over carefully, and pick the one you like. Don't forget to consider included/available chokes and chamber sizes. Just because you want to shoot clay this year doesn't mean you won't be turkey or goose hunting next year.

While the mossbergs are IMO a very exceptional gun for the dollar (I recently bought one for my daughters first gun), I'd compare the benelli more with say, a Browning, or the Winchester maybe? (just apples to apples pricewise)?

Have fun, do your research, and enjoy!
 
dizrack said:
Hi all,

I am looking to buy my first gun (shotgun) soon just waiting for my PAL. I will be using it for target shooting/recreation shooting. I have been researching for a while and narrowed it down to Remington 870 express tactical and Benelli nova pump. I will only buy new. I am just curious to hear from people who own any of these 2 guns to see what kind of experiences they have had. Thanks

Also like the Winchester sxp black shadow.
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Remington 870 vs a Benelli Nova pump is no comparsion. I take the Benelli Nova in a heart beat. They are going to be a tonne of guys tell you what that there 870`s are great guns and are so reliable (these are very old Remington`s). Remington does not make them like that anymore. Don`t buy the Remington 870.
 
I spent the evening working on my 870. The orange plug in the tube comes out too far and hit the shell carrier causing a jam. I grinded it down. Such junk.

My father has a 870 Express to in 20 gauge. I tried to steal his plug but they are different. His gun even looks cheaper than mine!

Stay away from Remington. They dont desirve your money. People keep buy junk, they will keep making junk.

Buy a Browning BPS and it will last you your whole life.
 
I just bought a Winchester sxp black shadow! Sweet shotgun! The fact that it pretty much slides back on its own when you shoot is awesome. I bought a 3" version that will shoot the 2 3/4, an 3" shells. It's a bit light so it still has a good kick to it, but it does come with the inflex recoil pad (same ones as browning x bolts). That absorbs a good amount of recoil! Also the gun uses invector plus choke tubes (same as browning bps) the inside of the barrel is chromed. And the length of pull was a hair shorter, so it fit me good! I'm only 5'9",

I handled the mossbergs and they're alright, but I was looking to buy something a little nicer. I owned a maverick for a short while last year, and if the internal parts are the same on the mossy 500, then I don't want another one! The winchester is so easy to disassemble. Watch some you tube reviews on the guns you're interested in, pick them up and cycle them. Feel how they swing. There is one draw back to the Winchester, the trigger guard is pretty tight, not sure there will be much room once the gloves are needed! Good luck on your search!
 
Just went though the same process as you and picked up a Winchester SXP 3 1/2 Waterfowl 2-weeks ago. (Cheapest I found was 449$ at Sail)

So far I find the recoil is very reasonable. I really liked that it came with 3 chokes. Have taken it to the range and so far am very happy with my choice. I also think it looks great, but that's a personal thing.

Good luck
 
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GlouGlou said:
Just went though the same process as you and picked up a Winchester SXP 3 1/2 Waterfowl 2-weeks ago. (Cheapest I found was 449$ at Sail)

So far I find the recoil is very reasonable. I really liked that it came with 3 chokes. Have taken it to the range and so far am very happy with my choice. I also think it looks great, but that's a personal thing.

Good luck
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They really mean looking! I like that about mine! I would have bought the Camo, but I couldn't justify the extra cash for the Camo! Maybe my next one! I'm kinda kicking myself for not waiting till p and d in Edmonton had the combo guns in. I paid the same price at Cabelas for the 28" barrel as p and d sells the camp field combo for! Oh well, I only tend to have patience during hunting season! Great guns! Wish I could afford another one!
 
i would go remington. they have good workmanship and i enjoy to see my masters freinds fire thiers. good thing about remington is they are good for parts and upgrades if you wanted them. my doggy earmuffs are remington make, they protect my canine hearing! whatever you choose i hope you really enjoy it. welcome to the world of shooting my human freind!

woof!
 
Buy a ford... ;)

When I was looking for my first Shotgun, I asked the same question and got 49 different answers. The best way is to go to the shop, handle each one, shoot a buddies if he has one, only look at guns in the price range you want to buy and then get the one you like the best.

I have the Benelli Super Nova (I was actually looking at the Nova) but I liked that with the Super Nova I could add shims to the stock to make the length of pull further and drop the stock a bit so my fat head wouldn't get in the way, the second bead on the barrel (not sure if there was a second one on the Nova or not) and I liked the larger trigger guard.
 
If you are planning to try skit shooting - get a semi-auto shotgun, Benellis are really good. With the pump action you will only be able to shoot on trap, which is still fun and requires a single shot. On skit you get to shoot doubles and they are fast, so it's practically impossible with a pump shotgun (unless you're a real pro).
 
ONE said:
If you are planning to try skit shooting - get a semi-auto shotgun, Benellis are really good. With the pump action you will only be able to shoot on trap, which is still fun and requires a single shot. On skit you get to shoot doubles and they are fast, so it's practically impossible with a pump shotgun (unless you're a real pro).
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I think you mean skeet ;). I'm certainly no pro but I hit doubles more often than not with my pump...far from being "practically impossible" it is a lot of fun!

Don't be afraid to pickup a pump for your first shotgun. If you fall in love with skeet you can always pick up an over/under or a semi down the road. The versatility, price, and reliability of a pump shotgun make it not only a great first gun but a good one to hang onto.
 
Runningfool said:
I think you mean skeet ;). I'm certainly no pro but I hit doubles more often than not with my pump...far from being "practically impossible" it is a lot of fun!
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Yes, I certainly meant "Skeet", good catch. :)

Regarding the doubles - you must be really good if you get more than half of them with a pump. There are also different types of skeet, the "international" one is about 1.5 faster than regular, so it's pretty tough. In any case it's hard to argue that semi-auto would be easier for this purpose.

Other than this, totally agree. Pumps are more reliable, cheaper, easier to clean and maintain. There is also some kind of authentic feeling about handling a pump. But if you can afford a semi-auto, you'll save yourself an upgrade cost later.
 
I have an 870 Express Synthetic and I love it. Mine is over 6 years old so I haven't had any issues with it so far, but I have heard the newer ones made in the past 3 years or so are starting to become more and more unreliable.

I love my 870, but I would buy something used and in excellent condition if you chose that route. The great thing is, as others have mentioned, is the great after market products and relatively cheap parts and accessories. If you do get an 870 that is rock solid, it will be one of the most reliable pumps you'll ever own.
 
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