Buyer's Guide/References?

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Rye_one

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I'm looking to buy my first shotgun, and I'm trying to educate myself in terms of what features I want/need, and what I should expect to pay to get those features. While I can find a lot of 'Top 10 Lists' and 'Why I think this gun is better than that one' websites and postings, I haven't been able to find a good general reference on shotgun buying that breaks things down clearly. I have done a lot of reading, and I understand the importance of fit, trying it first if you can, etc., I'm more interested in something that explains all the things that separate a $500 gun from a $5000 gun, and a $500 gun from maker A from a $500 gun from maker B. Any suggestions?

I appreciate any help and guidance folks are able to give me.
 
Rye_one said:
I'm looking to buy my first shotgun, and I'm trying to educate myself in terms of what features I want/need, and what I should expect to pay to get those features. While I can find a lot of 'Top 10 Lists' and 'Why I think this gun is better than that one' websites and postings, I haven't been able to find a good general reference on shotgun buying that breaks things down clearly. I have done a lot of reading, and I understand the importance of fit, trying it first if you can, etc., I'm more interested in something that explains all the things that separate a $500 gun from a $5000 gun, and a $500 gun from maker A from a $500 gun from maker B. Any suggestions?

I appreciate any help and guidance folks are able to give me.
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There are several books that will explain how and why something works, but the best think I can say is that you will know it when you see it.

Much of what separates a usable double shotgun to one of exceptional value isn't generally mechanical, but decorative. The higher the quality of wood and metal engraving will dictate the value. And the only way to really judge that is to see it.

Some is mechanical. Like a proper sidelock is generally more expensive to make than a box lock. Not always, but you will generally pay more if they were stocked the same.
 
Depends on what you want it for and what fits you, both physically and financially.
There will always be a huge debate over which is better. A big thing to look for if looking at a pump action is the ergonomics. Some guns you have to release your grip and reach for either the safety or action release. I choose my two favourite pumps because I can work the safety and action release without moving my hand off the grip.
Go to a few stores, handle a few models, find what is best for you. The whole Chevy vs. Ford debate has been done, and done, so I won't even bother mentioning my two favourites. I'll leave it up to you.
 
Thanks for the replies. I am hoping for a reliable resource that explains (without the opinion or debate) he differences between various systems in a shotgun - whether it's the cycle in a semi auto, the trigger system in an O/U, or any other system that sets one gun apart from another. If I understand how it works, I feel more comfortable deciding whether or not its worth paying more for.
 
Lots of info online, lots of forums and such. I think you need to decided what you want to do with the gun, then zero in on different types from there.
 
Rye_one said:
Thanks for the replies. I am hoping for a reliable resource that explains (without the opinion or debate) he differences between various systems in a shotgun - whether it's the cycle in a semi auto, the trigger system in an O/U, or any other system that sets one gun apart from another. If I understand how it works, I feel more comfortable deciding whether or not its worth paying more for.
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I don't think you are going to find what you are looking for. At least I am not aware of its presence and if you do find this reference material make sure you share it with us. :p

There are just too many variables for anyone to cover it all, especially if you are talking comprehensively for break, pump and semi actions. Don't be surprised to discover that fit and finish is a big part of the equation for pricing, and like anything aesthetic you can find strong opinions all over the map on the topic.

On the other hand it is really easy to find good information on more specific aspects of the same sort of question. If you narrow down to two o/u models as a random example and you want to know specifically what the inertia vs mechanical trigger system differences are, what it means to you, and which you then prefer, there is a plethora of good ways to get that sort of info.
 
Rye_one said:
Thanks for the replies. I am hoping for a reliable resource that explains (without the opinion or debate) he differences between various systems in a shotgun - whether it's the cycle in a semi auto, the trigger system in an O/U, or any other system that sets one gun apart from another. If I understand how it works, I feel more comfortable deciding whether or not its worth paying more for.
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I don't think this really exists. Any list that explains why A is better than B is just the writers opinion.

There are several resources that will explain the differences between a Remington 870 and a mossberg 500. It is then up to you you decide which features are important to you.

I bought an upland gun this year.
Knew I wanted a 20.
Over under or sxs, didn't matter. But ou was cheaper.
Single trigger was critical. Light weight was critical.

Then I just saw what my options where and bought one.
 
What is the intended purpose of the gun? A gun that might last twenty years shooting 100 rounds per year, might fail and be total garbage within a year if you try and shoot 10,000 rounds per year at trap or skeet. The lower end guns have inferior fit and finish, and may be made using sub standard materials that will fail prematurely. Cheap multi barreled guns have a much higher risk of the barrels not shooting to the same point of aim. The low end guns often have triggers that are much heavier, and gritty, compared to the better quality guns. Once you reach that $1000-$1200 range in semi autos, and the $2000-$2500 range in O/U guns, you can at least expect reliable guns made with decent materials, with decent fit and finish,
 
What everyone else has said...

What's the intended purpose?
What's your budget?

These two questions do matter. Answer these (at least) and the forum will have a better of where you want to go/ what you're looking for.
 
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