Help on a first time shotgun

K-Roc

K-Roc

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While I know there is no such thing as a shotgun that does it all and does it all well, what is a good shotgun for a first time purchase? Still looking to expand my collection from an SKS and a .22... of course the Remington 870 seems to be the one... what others make a decent "all around" shotgun? Clay shooting, hunting, end of the world zombie gun ? Under $500 and generally in stock in Canada? I'm still new to firearms and look to this website for guidance haha. I was considering a Dominion Arms Backpacker awhile ago but never jumped on it, seemed cheap... anyway...

This one caught my eye. Price and reviews seem to be positive.

http://www.wanstallsonline.com/optima-aimguard-12-gauge-optaim1220fs.html

Thanks in advance.

Also this might be a stupid question but how can that shotgun chamber both 2 3/4 inch and 3 inch shells?
 
A gun that has a 3 inch chamber will take any shell up to that length, meaning you could shoot 2 3/4' or 2 1/2" out of it. However you don't (or shouldn't) shoot a 3" shell out of a gun that is only chambered for 2 3/4".
As far as what to buy, there are many choices so pick a gun that fits you.
 
I would suggest a Remington 870, a Mossberg 500, or the Hatsan depending on how much you want to spend (in decreasing order of cost). They're both reliable enough for someone who's new to the sport or hunting, inexpensive enough that you won't mind the occasional dent and ding, versatile enough that you can use it for anything you'd like, and if it's new it'll take steel shot, letting you go for waterfowl.

If it were me, I'd go to your local store, and try those two and see which fits best. They'll try to sell you something more expensive or "better", but if you go in knowing what you want, there's not much they can do.

Another thing to consider, if your budget is 500$, a 500$ shotgun doesn't leave you any room for cleaning brushes, trigger locks, magazine plugs, clays, throwers, etc. Plus you might want to spend some money on shells.
 
Ah I see in regards to the chamber size... I googled that but couldn't really find a satisfactory explanation, thanks!

I will check out those other shotguns, and yeah the $500 limit is just for the shotgun only.
 
Mossberg 500 28 inch vent ribbed barrel with accu-chokes and wood stock. 319 from cabelas.ca. (best deal I could find) its where I got mine. You can do anything with it.
 
You can get a Remington 870 express combo (20 inch rifled and 26 inch smoothbore/removable choke) in the $500 range.

This should cover most of your shotgunning needs.
 
They covered shotgun chamber size in your PAL course, no?

Don't get the gun you've linked to. Get any basic hunting pump from any big name maker, 12 gauge, choke tubes, 26" or 28" barrel would do just about everything relatively well. They'll all do what you want to do.
 
B rampton Mike said:
Go to LeBarons and get the 20 guage 870 combo! Great deal!
Click to expand...

Mike could be right.

I was in your shoes last week.
If you haven't gone to LeBaron's you really should - close to you in Ottawa.
$325 will get you a Remington 870 or a Mossberg 500(LeBarons doesn't carry Mossberg).
Go to Youtube and watch the comparison videos on those shotguns.
Check the EE here, lots of shotguns are for sale and more every day.

I'm not sure about the 12Ga / 20Ga thing. I think had I known about the ammo price similarity I may have gone for a 20Ga. Still not sure about that.

I got a well made, well maintained 12Ga pump from a good guy off the EE for way less than a new gun and am very happy with it.
If you want something you don't need to fiddle with, get a new 870 or 500.
Be wary of the Chinese knock-offs that cost 8% less, are heavy, and who knows what else.

I don't know what you don't know so that makes this post very relevant for you. Or something. :D
 
Yeah Im a semi regular at LeBaron's and Sail... I always ask a lot on here and check youtube reviews ect because I dont like being "sold" things at the store. I like those stores but I am more comfortable knowing exactly what I want and going in and buying it. That being said, its nice to hold them first, even better to shoot them too... Getting opinions on here helps. Thanks!
 
I saw that Maverick 88 and dismissed it bc anything at the cheapest end of the scale I avoid, although I also avoid the top end lol... but I see that it is actually Mossberg and made in the USA, interesting. The youtube reviews look positive. It is sold out at Frontier right now but I am in no hurry to buy and will keep my eye on it.

It almost seems difficult to purchase a bad shotgun, any of the main producers at a price point of $300 plus seem good.
 
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