Entry level duck hunting shotgun
- Thread starter ryno1
- Start date
Love NAS Turkish Hunter XO one shotguns, singles, SXS and over unders. I have the XO-01 over under takes Benelli mobile chokes and shoots lights out with Carlton chokes. I'm 5'9 and had it shortened a full 2" to fit me proper so on you it would be a close fit I'd assume (worth checking). Believe they range from $550-699$ can't get more entry level than that. They do come with a full set of chokes but they suck as do most factory choke sets.
Best of luck, don't let guys tell you you need to spend 1000$ for hunting ducks 500$+ will get you in the game and later if you want to drop $2500+ That's a new ball game.
Best of luck, don't let guys tell you you need to spend 1000$ for hunting ducks 500$+ will get you in the game and later if you want to drop $2500+ That's a new ball game.
I'd recommend a pump. Not because they are the best for duck hunting, my SX3 is fantastic, but in all seriousness if you are just getting into duck hunting you will waste a lot fewer shots with a pump since it is much easier to take follow ups you weren't going to hit anyways with a semi. I'd say try a Winchester SXP on for size. You may need shims or a longer recoil pad to get a proper length of pull for your size. Once you are proficient with a pump then it is time to upgrade to a semi should you so desire.
I started Hunting Waterfowl a couple years ago with a Mossy 500, it did the job just fine.
I started Hunting Waterfowl a couple years ago with a Mossy 500, it did the job just fine.
leveractionjunkie
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Kamloops, BC
I'm by no means a waterfowl expert. Barely an apprentice really, as such some of my duck hunts have been a lot more akin to mud covered ####shows than hunting. I've never batted an eye or shed a tear when my 870express gets soaked in muddy water as the dog shakes off, I stumble in a beaver run while wading and need to use it as a wading staff (which is a good thing to have) or when it rains from hrs before daylight till the decoys are loaded back at the truck and you've spent the interim in a mud hole trying to see if the birds are coming around without looking at them.
This nov I bought a versa max because I wanted to try an auto, i'm a recoil p&$$! and cabelas had them on $600 off. But I agree with above try a cheap pump and see if it's your thing.
This nov I bought a versa max because I wanted to try an auto, i'm a recoil p&$$! and cabelas had them on $600 off. But I agree with above try a cheap pump and see if it's your thing.
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unstableryan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Beautiful Okanagan Valley
I'm a beginner at most things shotgun, but I bought a 870 super mag to cover them for the time being. Nothing fancy but it works just fine.
I second the pump recommendation. I also agree the Mossberg 500, and Winchester SXP are great choices. I disagree with the Remington 870, I did not enjoy it at all. I bought two a few years ago, I still have one that I haven't shot, sold the other, that is how much I disliked it.
TheCoachZed
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Yeah, listen to Jay. �� I have a brand new Nova for sale if you're interested ��
But seriously, I'd buy a pump. Best bang for buck starting out, easily converted for deer hunting, good backup gun if you move on to a semi auto in a few years.
But seriously, I'd buy a pump. Best bang for buck starting out, easily converted for deer hunting, good backup gun if you move on to a semi auto in a few years.
Remington 870, Mossberg 590 series, Winchester garden variety. If you can, go to a gun store to try them for fit and feel. Buy the one that is most comfortable for you.
TIP: Don't discount the youth models, they come with a shorter length of pull and are sometimes a little cheaper. This beats having to shave the buttstock on a brand new gun and regrind the buttplate.
This tip has helped many of my friends who are avid duck and rabbit hunters lol. Good luck!
TIP: Don't discount the youth models, they come with a shorter length of pull and are sometimes a little cheaper. This beats having to shave the buttstock on a brand new gun and regrind the buttplate.
This tip has helped many of my friends who are avid duck and rabbit hunters lol. Good luck!
Knowing you budget would help a great deal with recommendations.
First piece of advice, you don't need a gun with 3.5" chamber... especially in a pump... the action length is unneccesarily long, heavier and I don't recommend that you EVER shoot 3.5" shells on waterfowl.
Second piece of advice, get a gun with a 28" barrel... barrels shorter than 28" are conducive to picking up some bad shooting habits, barrels longer than 28" are tough to maneuver in tight blinds and boats... and this first gun will probablybe sold at some point and 28" guns are what sell.
Third piece of advice, get a camo gun... not because you need camo for hunting ducks, but in a gun configured for waterfowling, camo guns are more resistant to wear, look better after some field use and are an easier sell in the used market.
Fourth piece of advice, a modified choke is what you will use 95% of the time, so don't get distracted by guns that are offered with five or six chokes from xtra-full to cylinder.
I will offer up some more thoughts once you post your general budget.
First piece of advice, you don't need a gun with 3.5" chamber... especially in a pump... the action length is unneccesarily long, heavier and I don't recommend that you EVER shoot 3.5" shells on waterfowl.
Second piece of advice, get a gun with a 28" barrel... barrels shorter than 28" are conducive to picking up some bad shooting habits, barrels longer than 28" are tough to maneuver in tight blinds and boats... and this first gun will probablybe sold at some point and 28" guns are what sell.
Third piece of advice, get a camo gun... not because you need camo for hunting ducks, but in a gun configured for waterfowling, camo guns are more resistant to wear, look better after some field use and are an easier sell in the used market.
Fourth piece of advice, a modified choke is what you will use 95% of the time, so don't get distracted by guns that are offered with five or six chokes from xtra-full to cylinder.
I will offer up some more thoughts once you post your general budget.
Thanks for all the responces, I was down at the gun store yesterday and held a bunch. I liked the Mossberg but the Tristar Viper felt the best for the length. I do agree with getting a pump first tho, do you guys recommend buying brand new or trying to find something used? I don't want to spend to much money but i want something that will last. I inherited a a couple swedish mausers and a vz 24 that i dont think i have any use for, should i try and trade them or is worth more to sell them??
Your instinct to avoid the semi was a good one.... The viper may fit you, but in my opinion the words "budget" and "Semi" should never be used in the same sentence... especially when it comes to shotguns.....
Get a membership to our equipment exchange and look for a good used Remington Wingmaster... beautiful guns, and if you are only shooting ducks with it, you can get a real bargain on a 2/34" chambered gun and save on shells.
The little experience that I have with Tristar shotguns is certainly not positive. As for a pump versus a semi auto, the decent quality semi autos are very reliable, and felt recoil is significantly less with a gas operated semi auto. And if you should decide to shoot sporting clays or skeet at some point, a semi auto is an advantage, especially for a beginner. As for your surplus rifles. you are probably better off selling them.
- Location
- Barrie, Ontario
The things I have learned waterfowling;
1) It will be cold and raining, you will have more clothes than you have ever worn before. I wouldn't worry about a long LOP.
2) If you don't hit it on the first shot, the followup from a semi wont help. Get a pump gun.
3) 2 3/4 or 3 is more than enough. A #3 Mag in 2 3/4 works perfectly for me. Getting feathers drug through you mallard breast, when its the best tasting one you have downed all day, SUCKS.
4) Learn to identify ducks while flying. The ones you cant eat (or chose not to that is) like mergansers, still count to your limit, so save the shot...
5) Only use a dog if it has been properly trained. If your buddy says "yeah, my brother has a retriever he says is great with tennis balls!" Stay far far away. Bring a tin tippy or a canoe.
6) Ducks seem to be getting smarter, especially late season. Don't fall for the Cabelas ads that show spreads of 20-30 decoys. Where I am, 3-4 quality ones out performs a big spread of sh*t plastic ones. And BTW, the plastic ones sink when you shoot them, the foam ones don't - food for thought.
7) If it hits the water, and its close, shoot it again. Often you have just stunned it and knocked it out of the air. Steel shot misses the mark in that regard. Same reason upland guys have dogs.
Have Fun
C
1) It will be cold and raining, you will have more clothes than you have ever worn before. I wouldn't worry about a long LOP.
2) If you don't hit it on the first shot, the followup from a semi wont help. Get a pump gun.
3) 2 3/4 or 3 is more than enough. A #3 Mag in 2 3/4 works perfectly for me. Getting feathers drug through you mallard breast, when its the best tasting one you have downed all day, SUCKS.
4) Learn to identify ducks while flying. The ones you cant eat (or chose not to that is) like mergansers, still count to your limit, so save the shot...
5) Only use a dog if it has been properly trained. If your buddy says "yeah, my brother has a retriever he says is great with tennis balls!" Stay far far away. Bring a tin tippy or a canoe.
6) Ducks seem to be getting smarter, especially late season. Don't fall for the Cabelas ads that show spreads of 20-30 decoys. Where I am, 3-4 quality ones out performs a big spread of sh*t plastic ones. And BTW, the plastic ones sink when you shoot them, the foam ones don't - food for thought.
7) If it hits the water, and its close, shoot it again. Often you have just stunned it and knocked it out of the air. Steel shot misses the mark in that regard. Same reason upland guys have dogs.
Have Fun
C
madtrapper143
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Steep Rock Lake NWO
I think a Remington 870 Express in 3" magnum is the best choice, 12 gauge. It has been noted in US based shotgun sites that the 870/1100/1187 series of shotguns fit most shooters very well. The gun is dependable, solid, reasonably priced and unless you have a very strange build will likely fit you quite well. New Remington shotguns have lifetime warranty now also. A plus is that there is no shortage of aftermarket barrels, chokes, slings, sights etc for the 870 series pump guns. EDIT: just re read your post 6'6" means long arms. For the guy with extra reach a Browning BPS cannot be beat. Cost is higher than the 870 Express but the finish is better and build quality is very good.
Darryl
Darryl
the spank
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Planet Earth Wearing My Tinfoil Hat
This^^^choose one that has a proven reputation for quality, reliability and allows you to adjust it to fit you.
Any gun mentioned here will do the job. Your budget and preference are what will decide for you. But none of them are going to fit you off the shelf. None of them, possibly even the ones that come with a spacer. If the gun don't fit, you won't hit $hit.
You will need a visit to a gunsmith, specifically one who can add a spacer or thick recoil pad to bring your eye into proper alignment along the barrel. Fitting of a recoil pad could be $100; actually lengthening a wooden stock nicely will be much more. I'm sure people here can give you a ballpark figure on what that might cost. But it will be worth every penny. If you get it done to something common like a Remington 870 or 11-87, you can easily change guns.
If you do go this route, you'll also find that a 30" barrel will help balance it out better so it doesn't feel so light at the muzzle. 32" might even feel better, but that'll be hard to find.
You will need a visit to a gunsmith, specifically one who can add a spacer or thick recoil pad to bring your eye into proper alignment along the barrel. Fitting of a recoil pad could be $100; actually lengthening a wooden stock nicely will be much more. I'm sure people here can give you a ballpark figure on what that might cost. But it will be worth every penny. If you get it done to something common like a Remington 870 or 11-87, you can easily change guns.
If you do go this route, you'll also find that a 30" barrel will help balance it out better so it doesn't feel so light at the muzzle. 32" might even feel better, but that'll be hard to find.
