Budget shotgun recommends?

[schick]

I tried searching before I ask.

I made a mistake a few years ago and bought a peice of crap shotty. I am more than little cautious now of repeating this. I have to admit that I am still on a tight budget though.

I would like a over under shotgun, but I really don't want to spend a pile of money (yes another cheap bastard that wants the ultimate for little).

I want to share this shotgun with my wife to just go out and bust clays once in a while, so I really don't need anything too fancy. She is against used guns (I can't convice her otherwise). I don't care about engraving and all that. I just wonder if a guy can get a decent, accurate firearm without breaking the bank.

Is it easier just knowing what to avoid? What about russian, or turkish?

I'm guessing there's nothing around for $500 or so I also don't understand the whole ejector extractor difference. I don't recall which, but one was not recommended.

Thanks.

 

[Panman]

I tried searching before I ask.

I made a mistake a few years ago and bought a peice of crap shotty. I am more than little cautious now of repeating this. I have to admit that I am still on a tight budget though.

I would like a over under shotgun, but I really don't want to spend a pile of money (yes another cheap bastard that wants the ultimate for little).

I want to share this shotgun with my wife to just go out and bust clays once in a while, so I really don't need anything too fancy. She is against used guns (I can't convice her otherwise). I don't care about engraving and all that. I just wonder if a guy can get a decent, accurate firearm without breaking the bank.

Is it easier just knowing what to avoid? What about russian, or turkish?

I'm guessing there's nothing around for $500 or so I also don't understand the whole ejector extractor difference. I don't recall which, but one was not recommended.

Thanks.

I'm shopping myself, but leaning towards a used premium model like a Beretta or Browning to maximize my dollar, and ensure I'm happy long-term. Hopefully some of the more experienced guys will chime in for you, but my lessons learned so far:

The Baikals and BRNO's, etc seem to get decent reviews from those who just play occasionally. The Stoegers seem to be rated similarly as well. The cheapish Mossberg Silver Reserve gets slayed in reviews, with many reported problems. There are not too many cheap options, and if you try each of them, you'll see why the 1500-2500 models are more popular at the range than the cheaper russian models. That doesn't necessarily mean the sub $600 model will shoot any poorer, especially if you are not going to be a serious regular shooter.

As for extractor vs ejector, the ejector aggressively launches your spent shells out of the chamber when you crack the rifle (like a pump or semi does) while the extractor just lifts them out slightly allowing you to manually pull the casings out in a controlled manner and drop them in your bag or the spent box.

Extractors are desirable when you need to pick up your casings and speedy reloads aren't a priority. The ejectors clear the chambers quickly, but toss your casings all over hell's half acre. Around our range, most guys prefer extractors as they simplify clean up in the field. Less time picking up casings at the end of the day. There is a bit of a fun factor to the ejector though, and they are no big deal if you can just sweep up the pad at the end of the match.

 

[a j cave]

The Mossberg Silver Reserve sells now for just over $600.