Best $800 Waterfowl Shotgun?

M

Max-4

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Location
Southern Ontario
I am looking for a 12g shotgun for hunting ducks and geese here in southern Ontario. I already have an idea of what fits me and the options I list below all fit or can be made to fit me with shims. I am kind of on the fence weither I want a semi-auto or a pump, wood or synthetic and 3" vs 3.5". With $800 would I be better served looking for a semi auto like a Beretta A300 Outlander or Stoeger 3000/3500 or should I put that money into a quality pump action like a Benelli Supernova or Remington 870 Wingmaster? Here are the options that fit my budget:

Semi Auto
1. Beretta A300 Outlander Max-4, 28", 3"
2. Stoeger M3000 or M3500 Max-4, 3" or 3.5"
3. Mossberg 935 Max-4, 28", 3.5" (not interested in the 930 because I dont want a ported barrel)

Pump
1. Benelli Supernova Max-4, 28", 3.5"
2. Remington 870 Wingmaster 28", 3"

Any opinions on what would be the best way to spend my $800 budget? Thanks
 
Mossberg 935 will have a ported barrel too just FYI
I have an addiction to 870 Wingmasters and will always have at least 1 so of the guns you listed its my automatic first choice.
For $800 you should be able to find lots of used options, and that would be the route I would go. Winchester SX2/3, Browning Silver, Gold, Auto5, a variety of Berretta options and even the occasional Benelli all can been found within your $800 price range. Don't over look older Remington 1187's and 1100's they are awesome guns as well if you want a semi. The Browning BPS is also a great pump gun and would be my second choice after a Wingmaster if I was going the pump gun route.
 
I just bought a used M2 Adv Timber from Epps for $900 and it would be my choice over those on your list, by a long margin. The gun arrived in new condition, and I had to forensically inspect it to see if it was actually used. Shoots like a dream, points beautifully. With some patience you will find a used M2 close to your price range. Try and find a bad review of an M2 online, you cant. They are simply good solid reliable guns, easy to clean, point nicely, raised stepped rib, adjustable fit. Cant say enough great things about it.
 
Thanks, I can appreciate the recommendations for the Brownings and Winchesters, I know they are great guns for the money. Unfortunately I have spent enough time with my buddies BPS and have shouldered a few SX3's to know that neither the Browning and Winchester shotguns fit me. There is not enough drop in the comb or heel, I find myself looking down at the rib when shouldered and not along it as I should. I need right around 1.5" drop at comb and 2.5" at heel, the guns listed are close and can be made to fit. I am almost certain the Mossberg 935 is not ported like the 930, it has overbored barrels but isnt ported.
 
I'd buy one of the pumps. I then would use the balance for ammo and practice, practice, practice. Until you shoot like Tom Knapp there is still room for improvement.:)
 
There is a new Ithaca mod 37/87 guide gun on right now on the EE, hell of a nice pump for $630 shipped I believe. I was very tempted myself except for the fact that I'm a sxs man...
 
Max-4 said:
Thanks, I can appreciate the recommendations for the Brownings and Winchesters, I know they are great guns for the money. Unfortunately I have spent enough time with my buddies BPS and have shouldered a few SX3's to know that neither the Browning and Winchester shotguns fit me. There is not enough drop in the comb or heel, I find myself looking down at the rib when shouldered and not along it as I should. I need right around 1.5" drop at comb and 2.5" at heel, the guns listed are close and can be made to fit. I am almost certain the Mossberg 935 is not ported like the 930, it has overbored barrels but isnt ported.
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If neither the Browning oe the Winchester shotguns have ebough drop at the comb, change out the shims to increase the drop. If that still isn't enough, you can forget any of the Italian guns, because they have less than Browning or Winchester. The Brownings fit me better than other shotguns, because they are the ones that tend to have enough drop to fit me.
 
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I think the only way I would go with a 3.5" gun is if it was a good gas operated semi that could tame recoil or a benelli super black eagle 2 with comfortech which I cant afford. How would the recoil compare on Mossbergs 935 gas system vs Stoeger 3500 recoil reducer insert? I don't like the idea of a sqrewed in recoil reducer on the M3500 inside the stock, seems like a pain in the butt to install and take out if shooting lighter loads. Would the Mossberg 935's gas system with maybe a good aftermarket recoil pad installed be better?

I may be leaning towards a good 3" semi auto like a Stoeger 3000 or Weatherby SA-08 or Beretta A300 Outlander. Im big on fit/finish and no rattle with good cnc machining and durable camo. Which one could I count on to provide this?
 
I have an 835 its ported world's greatest gun. I also have a 935 good gun but won't cycle 2 3/4 inch shells. go with the 930
 
My Weatherby PA-08 upland is the only gun I won't sell. The fit and finish is second to none. For the same price as an 870 express, you get a lot more gun. You get a real finish, real wood, chrome lined internals, and gold plated trigger. My next purchase will be an SA-08.

It handles beautifully, has absolutely gorgeous wood and has functioned flawlessly. Best $400 I've ever spent.

FF
 
After doing a little more research, I don't think I am interested in the Mossberg 930 because of its ported barrel and although the Weatherby SA08 seems like a decent option and has good fit and finish it only weighs 6.5 pounds which I think is a strike against it for a waterfowl gun. I may be interested in the Mossberg 935 but we haven't confirmed if it has ported barrels or not, I don't think it does.

I am still considering the new Stoeger 3000, the Mossberg 935 or the Beretta A300 Outlander. Any others I should consider or any opinions?
 
The Wingmaster is 100% dependable, well finished, afforable, handles well and offers tons options for aftermarket add-ons.

Current semi-autos are far better than the past offerings but the 870 speaks for itself. The best semis are quite expensive and there is nothing more frustrating that a cheap semi that fails to function properly. BTDT.

Also, before you buy either, try both 26" bbl and 28" bbl. The 26s are becoming very popular as they handle as well and are a bit shorter in a blind. I'd not go back to a 28" again.
 
Never had a problem with my 870 Express (yes, Express:D). has served me well for everything, Waterfowl, Grouse, trap... My A400 Unico and a host of double barrels barely see any action.

In all fairness, part of my affection for 870 is because they fit me well, so pick the one that fits you the best. My next practical shotgun would be a Wingmaster with 26' barrel. If I only could justify it!....Die Express...Die!
 
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