Looking For First Shotgun

austkwills

austkwills

New member
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Location
Southwestern Ontario
Relatively new to shooting and I'm in the market for my first shotgun. I've been looking at the 870 Express Super Mag, Browning BPS, Mossberg 535 and the Benelli SuperNova. I found the 870 Express to be quite attractive because of the popularity and the amount of aftermarket options. However, by reading more and more I have found that a lot of people report issues with the gun. I really don't know what the best option is. Need a good all around gun with interchangeable choke.

75% of my shooting will be skeet, with a bit of turkey, waterfowl and deer.

Bbudget is between $400-600 bucks.

Cheers
 
If you are hesitant on the 870 (can't say as I blame you) I would look at a Mossberg 500. I don't feel that the 3.5" is needed. If most of your shooting is 2 3/4" stuff no need for the larger shell. Longer stroke of the pump to cycle. Los=ts of aftermarket options for the 500.
 
Look at the Supernova ... very, very, very closely .. it's the best one out of that list. The remington's are quite cheap, a bunch of the guy's I hunt with have them and they have all had problems. From not cycling to spent shells jamming in the cylinder. Some guys in our group have had the 535 as well and they also have problems, the finishes are garbage on them and get ruined quickly. I treat my supernova well during the off season but come hunting time it takes a beating and I have had NO problems. I have shot deer, yotes, ducks, geese, clays, turkies, cans haha, it is exceptionally accurate... I put a head shot on a running coyote at 145 yards this year .... I WAS LUCKY and it took all 3 shots (it really did happen) ... but seriously, I have taken at least three deer that were on the run over 90 yds with challenger slugs, it seems to really work well with them.

It is certainly MUCH heavier than the remington, less recoil tho, and is longer than the others listed (i'm 5' 11" ish and its a bit long for me). I'd also check out the sxp, but dy far the supernova is the most accurate and durable that I've shot. Best gun purchase I've ever made.
 
If your intent is to shoot actual skeet, I would suggest a semi auto shotgun. For clays thrown with a hand thrower, or a portable thrower, a pump will be fine.
 
austkwills said:
I found the 870 Express to be quite attractive because of the popularity and the amount of aftermarket options. However, by reading more and more I have found that a lot of people report issues with the gun.
Click to expand...

I had a couple issues with my 870. Too much bluing in the chamber, kept jamming rounds. And I broke a small guide rod putting it back together once. The rivet in the end makes for a weak spot, and didn't look obviously broken. Six months wait to get it back from the factory, too:(

I'd recommend a Weatherby PA 08, but I'm not sure about the chokes... Mossberg is nothing pretty or fancy but they work all the time, and IMO, have the most ergonomic bolt release out of any brand.
 
Don't count out the winchester sxp. Reliable, smooth action and is a real contender. Look for fit regardless. Happy shopping.
 
I have had good luck with 870's but yes there are prone to some issues, but I grew up with the wingmasters and bought a 870 express a few years back been good to me so far but a few friends have had nightmares with them as well. good luck with what ever you choose and happy hunting :)
 
If u can spend $700 buy a 870 wingmaster and u will have a gun for the rest of your life . All the others except for the bps are grude in comparison
 
Don't rule out a BPS. I bought one for my first gun and got a trap model for around 700. It was quite nice. Of course, as most people will probably tell you, it lasted about 6 months then I snapped and picked up a 725 Citori. You will trade up, but if your budget is firm then I'd say take a look at the BPS.
 
I bought my 870 in 1989 and have fired thousands of shells through it...not one single issue, ever. There's a reason Remington has made and sold so many of them...they always go bang! I just use a bit of G96 to clean and lube it, nothing fancy. If you're not shooting at high flying passing geese, you
don't need the 3.5" chamber...
 
I was in the same position as you last year, looked at the same shotguns, and if it fits, buy yourself a BPS, you will never regret it. I never read a single negative report on it, and never met anyone who didn't love theirs. When I compared it to the others you have mentioned, they felt cheap and loose, the BPS is a tank, bottom eject is awesome, and when you handle it, you can feel the build quality, like the salesaman said to me at the time- you will hand this gun down to your son someday, and I believe it
 
My first shotgun was an 870. I've had it for over 2 years now and it as never given me a single problem. I would recommend one for sure. I've hunted grouse in the pouring rain, got this thing loaded with grit and junk while hiking and it has never failed. Heck, just last week I had to fire some buckshot in the air to scare some coyotes away from my tent! Lots of options for this gun too. Just my 2 cents.
 
I was in your position a few years ago and bought a used NIB 870 express super mag, 28" barrel. It was a smoking deal. The gun has been very reliable over the past few waterfowl seasons, no trouble in the freezing cold, salt water or chezzecook mud. The receiver and barrel rust before your eyes though.

That said irregardless of what brand you go with, find the one that fits you best. I have had to extend the stock almost and inch on the 870 supermag express to get a length of pull that fits me. I have long gangly arms and a long neck. Took a lot of misses and some rounds of skeet with some experienced shooters to help me with gun fit. If you can go shoot clays at your local club, there are typically always people willing to help a new shooter and let them try their guns for a round or two. Trying a gun in the store is one thing, going out and shooting one is really where you will find out how it fits.

Best of luck!
 
As a new shooter, I love reading threads like this one to help with my future decisions. I'm now drooling over that BPS. ;)
 
870's at gunshows go for cheap I picked up a beautiful 73 wingmaster for 200$. From there you add 100$ for a barrel of your choice and another 100$ for accessories and you got the best shotgun money can buy for 400$
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom