12 gauge shotgun recommendation?
- Thread starter JQIAN
- Start date
If you want a recommendation it would be beneficial to know what you plan to use the shotgun for.
I would look at the Beretta A350 Xtrema and Browning Silver (Winchester SX4 same thing). Proven field guns from top brands.
I like this one (looks like it only has a mod choke but OBHP is common): https://store.prophetriver.com/bere...ted-rib-4rds-optima-hp-mod-mfg-7h41e2a3a5052/
I like this one (looks like it only has a mod choke but OBHP is common): https://store.prophetriver.com/bere...ted-rib-4rds-optima-hp-mod-mfg-7h41e2a3a5052/
For availability of chokes? Or is there a performance reason?
Rayleigh_Scattering
Regular
- Location
- Under the arch
Two suggestions:
If you stick with a North American model with a long history and broad support base you can easily get pdf manuals and repair videos online, and you'll be able to buy parts and accessories that fit from multiple suppliers.
If you want to shoot it a lot and carry it a little, buy something heavy. If you want to carry it a lot and shoot it a little, buy something light. Light in the hand = hard on the shoulder.
If you stick with a North American model with a long history and broad support base you can easily get pdf manuals and repair videos online, and you'll be able to buy parts and accessories that fit from multiple suppliers.
If you want to shoot it a lot and carry it a little, buy something heavy. If you want to carry it a lot and shoot it a little, buy something light. Light in the hand = hard on the shoulder.
Yet you don't see them very often on the skeet or sporting clays fields, or in the goose blinds. For a couple of hundred more, the Winchester SX-3/4, is far more common.
Falconflyer
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
The cheapest economy car will get you down the road as well but not everyone wants to drive one.
ok, Now I can see it's a Mercedes v.s. Corolla argument.
My budget is around 1500, no more than 2000.
I do understand that by and large a $300 one can shoot probably same as $3000 one. That's why I put up a budget up front.
As I said, I have never shot a shotgun before. I did shoot lots of pistol, and some small rifles (most of them are 22LR).
So the shotgun experience is new to me, and I think the feeling on the gun is important. Aesthetic is also a factor.
For the application, I assume 99% would be just having fun at the range, some target shooting and some traps. *Maybe* later if I have enough time, I can take it to a field trip for hunting small to medium games no bigger than an elk.
Falconflyer
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Not so much a Mercedes vs Corolla argument because both are good cars in function. And I'm not saying that the Mossberg isn't a good gun but it may not fit you well or it may not please you astecially and mechanically, all are important atributes.
It's not about style or being fancy, the cheapest semi auto shotguns generally are not as reliable , especially if you use light target loads for clays. When you get to the SX-3/4 or Browning Silver level, you are talking some very reliable, proven actions, that don't cost a lot. But it is more than that, if you are going to shoot to potential, you need a shotgun that fits you, so picking a shotgun based on appearance or price, can leave you with a gun that you don't shoot well.
Rayleigh_Scattering
Regular
- Location
- Under the arch
The 12ga that fits me the best is an old Turkish semi I bought from a fellow locally.
Sadly, parts are broken and getting replacements for those I could not fabricate has proven impossible. The original importer did what they could, but the factory “No habla anglais” when you’re looking for support.
I keep an eye on the EE for a parts donor.
Hence the first suggestion from above.
Sadly, parts are broken and getting replacements for those I could not fabricate has proven impossible. The original importer did what they could, but the factory “No habla anglais” when you’re looking for support.
I keep an eye on the EE for a parts donor.
Hence the first suggestion from above.
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Go to some stores and try some out. But in general you don't need to drop 1500 on a 12 gauge. That's way past the point of diminishing returns on these things.
After 7-800 you're just paying for bells and whistles. If you want that, that's fine, but it's not necessary and I would never personally recommend a new shotgun user to spend that much.
