Advice on first shotgun

sailorjosh

sailorjosh

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So I got my PAL today, and it's shotgun time. I'm looking for something in the 300-500 dollar range. 12 gauge, preferably pump action (not 100% necessary, though) It's going to be a christmas gift from my dad for me. (my pal didn't come in time to get it for christmas) There's the 870 express, Browning BPS, stoeger has a bunch of shotguns in that range, and a couple other brands..basically, I just don't know what to choose. It will definitely be used for turkey. (if that helps), that is the only game I know for sure will be hunted with it, but I'm basically looking for a general purpose shotgun. So, anyone got any advice/recommendations/whatever?
 
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Here's my 2 cents;
Remington 870 Express.

First off, this rig is of good quality(I've had several, no probs).
There is a reason this gun is so comon aswell as popular with
countless LE agencies all over.
Second, there are SO many aftermarket parts, accesories and other
options for this gun, I can change mine from a wood furnitured
duck plucker to a full-on tactical 'SWAT' machine on a weekly basis,
if I want. (and I do, from time to time).
Third, this gun 'Blows a big hole', but not thru your pocket book,
their reasonable.
Remington now has a full line of finishes to suit any shooter.
From the classic, black on black, to OD green, to the all stianless
marine model.
Now, I'm not completly sure on this, but I think the Express Super Magnum,
is the one that will digest a 3 1/2" shell. And that's what you'll want
for turkey's! I know someone here can Yay, or Nay that for you.

There ya go, hope that help'd.

....WW
 
If you want to make a tacticool looking rig, the 870 Express is a great way to start! There are hundreds of accessories available for the 870 so you can configure it almost any way you want (or can afford) to.
 
For a turkey gun, you'll probably want Full choke. You'll be using lead shot so older guns will be fine. You don't need 3-1/2" or even 3" shells, as a 2-3/4" magnum packs a wallop.

You are one of the few guys who could use one of the very decent older excellent condition guns on the EE. A Wingmaster (not an Express), or 1100, or a Belgian A-5 would all be perfectly suited for this task. And in your price range. You'll be getting a far better shotgun than you could ever buy new at that price. Me, I'd look for an A5.
 
I've shot the Rem 870 express and although I can say I haven't shot alot of shotguns I can say it was definitely a positive experience! If that helps at all...
 
As Grouseman said, for turkey you will want a full choke or x-full. For virtually anything else, you will want modified or more open (improved cyllinder, skeet, cyllinder for example). If you decide you want to try waterfowl, it will need to be able to shoot steel shot. I would look for something with 3" or 3-1/2" chamber, you can still use 2-3/4" shells in it, but you can't use bigger shell in a 2-3/4" chambered gun. Most of the current production pump actions have all these features, you just need to get out to the gunshops and handle a few to decide which one you like best.
 
You can get a a nice express (3in 26 in barrel) for 355 and its all synthetic. Personally I dont see the point of blasting 3 1/2 in shells. You can add diferent chokes to suit anything you need.(comes with mod) Pick up a Primos Jelleyhead for turkey and you'll be set...add an improved for ducks and you'll be laughing!
 
sailorjosh said:
So I got my PAL today, and it's shotgun time. I'm looking for something in the 300-500 dollar range. 12 gauge, preferably pump action (not 100% necessary, though) It's going to be a christmas gift from my dad for me. (my pal didn't come in time to get it for christmas) There's the 870 express, Browning BLR, stoeger has a bunch of shotguns in that range, and a couple other brands..basically, I just don't know what to choose. It will definitely be used for turkey. (if that helps), that is the only game I know for sure will be hunted with it, but I'm basically looking for a general purpose shotgun. So, anyone got any advice/recommendations/whatever?
Click to expand...
I believe the Browning blr is a centerfire lever gun. The bps is their pump shotgun.
 
Grouse Man said:
For a turkey gun, you'll probably want Full choke. You'll be using lead shot so older guns will be fine. You don't need 3-1/2" or even 3" shells, as a 2-3/4" magnum packs a wallop.

You are one of the few guys who could use one of the very decent older excellent condition guns on the EE. A Wingmaster (not an Express), or 1100, or a Belgian A-5 would all be perfectly suited for this task. And in your price range. You'll be getting a far better shotgun than you could ever buy new at that price. Me, I'd look for an A5.
Click to expand...


I would have liked to have waited and watched the EE but my dad was buying it for me and it was supposed to be a christmas gift, so he wanted to pick it up sooner rather than later.

I ended up with an 870 express. I'm really happy with it! Thanks for the advice everyone.

rem870001.jpg
 
sailorjosh said:
I would have liked to have waited and watched the EE but my dad was buying it for me and it was supposed to be a christmas gift, so he wanted to pick it up sooner rather than later.

I ended up with an 870 express. I'm really happy with it! Thanks for the advice everyone.

rem870001.jpg
Click to expand...

WTF! Is that an express!? Looks great!
Can I change my synthetic with that butt stock and forend? :dancingbanana:
 
sailorjosh said:
I would have liked to have waited and watched the EE but my dad was buying it for me and it was supposed to be a christmas gift, so he wanted to pick it up sooner rather than later.

I ended up with an 870 express. I'm really happy with it! Thanks for the advice everyone.
Click to expand...

Is that new or used? The recoil pad kinda throws me off.
 
Yup, it's an express :D. The laminated wood looks even better in person, I was really surprised when I saw it.

macka said:
Is that new or used? The recoil pad kinda throws me off.
Click to expand...

It's brand new. It might be the angle I took the picture at maybe? The recoil pad isn't quite as enormous as it looks there (although it is pretty substantial).
 
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