Beginners Shotgun

drpestilence

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Got some advice over reddit way but this place is typically more active. I'm on to getting a shotgun as I'm interested into getting into some duck (and other assorted bird) hunting. I'm also into trying trap as is looks fun as heck. I really dig the over under look but the more I read the more it seems bang for buck (if you'll excuse the pun) options are often of the pump variety. Love to hear some opinions so I've got an idea of what I might like to keep an eye out for at the local shop.

Definitely prefer the wood furniture but I'm open to any and all opinions, I'd love a lever shotgun but I hear they are mostly Chinese made which comes with some certain considerations.
 
Best thing is to handle some different guns and see which feels best. Go to your LGS or wherever and see what you like.

Pumps seem to be most bang for your buck, and for waterfowl most people seem to want at least 3" capable.

I'd say try an remington 870 or mossberg 500 with removable chokes, those are the staples of shotguns these days it seems
 
First and foremost is something that fits you and is pleasing to hold, preferably threaded for chokes. I’m a pump action fan but I hunt upland bird for the most part, most waterfoul guys I’ve talked with seem to shoot semi autos.
 
Best thing is to handle some different guns and see which feels best. Go to your LGS or wherever and see what you like.

Pumps seem to be most bang for your buck, and for waterfowl most people seem to want at least 3" capable.

I'd say try an remington 870 or mossberg 500 with removable chokes, those are the staples of shotguns these days it seems

That has been what my research has been telling me as well.
 
First and foremost is something that fits you and is pleasing to hold, preferably threaded for chokes. I’m a pump action fan but I hunt upland bird for the most part, most waterfoul guys I’ve talked with seem to shoot semi autos.

Hoping to visit my LGS in the next couple of weeks for exactly that purpose.
 
Mossberg or Remington as a starter for sure. Even the Maverick 88 has removable chokes, uses same one as the Moss 500 series.

Tenda has the 18.5"/28" combo for $340 last I saw.
Looks a little odd using it for trap but they hold their own just fine.
 
Get a gun that fits you. Shoulder or even try to shoot them if you can before you buy one. I've had a Mossberg 500 once and it did not fit me at all - not to talk about the others "features" I did not like about this thing. Sold it right away. Then I tried a friends Rem 870 and a Super Nova - not for me either! I finally settled on a BPS. Fit, finish, built quality is way superior compared to the afore mentioned. Yes, it is a bit on the heavy side - a feature you will appreciate when shooting 3" steel loads.
 
First and foremost buy a gun that fits and is comfortable .also remember that fall and winter jackets will make the gun fit differently than a t shirt and a light jacket . A pump is a good starter gun as it is pretty versatile . Oh and buy the best you can afford the quality of the firearm will make using it that much more enjoyable .
 
First and foremost buy a gun that fits and is comfortable .also remember that fall and winter jackets will make the gun fit differently than a t shirt and a light jacket . A pump is a good starter gun as it is pretty versatile . Oh and buy the best you can afford the quality of the firearm will make using it that much more enjoyable .

That's what I did with my first .22 and have zero regrets.
 
i started with a maverick 88 with two barrels 18.5 and a vented 28 with interchangeable chokes
thinking well ill get some 12 gauge time and when i know more what i am talking about i can
upgrade to what i need ,,,,,,,,,,,still haven't changed it, does it all
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Remember that an upland gun should be lighter, as you will be carrying it all day. Waterfowl guns tend to be heavier generally. I try not to go over 7lbs if I will use it for upland as well, but go too light and the recoil of those 3" waterfowl loads gets a bit much. I would say 6.5 to 7.5 lbs is a good range.
 
Remember that an upland gun should be lighter, as you will be carrying it all day. Waterfowl guns tend to be heavier generally. I try not to go over 7lbs if I will use it for upland as well, but go too light and the recoil of those 3" waterfowl loads gets a bit much. I would say 6.5 to 7.5 lbs is a good range.

Thats very good to know, cheers.
 
Withing the budget you mention, assuming fit, look at the Browning BPS or Benelli Nova/Supernova, both are better quality than the 500 or 870. Browning offers a trap model, the Benelli's come with 3.5" chambers should you feel the need to torture yourself while shooting Geese.
 
As long as you get a gun with choke tubes, just about any 12 gauge pump gun will do the job for you. Once you've shot it for a while - and practiced wingshooting! - you'll figure out what you'd like for your next gun.
 
Skip the 3.5 and get whatever fits. A good rule of thumb is that you should have a comfortable trigger press while holding the butt of your gun in the bend of your elbow. Check the used market as well - lots of good deals on the ee.

If you have intentions of using it for any sort of hunting go for at least 26 inch barrels and screw in chokes
 
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