First Hunting Pump

T

The Gun Nut

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Dear wonderful gun nutz,

I'm looking for a new or used first shotgun for bird and deer hunting in Ontario. I want to go with a reliable pump action. Budget is 1000.

I did a quick research and the following were suggested to me:
  • Remington 870 Express / Fieldmaster / wingmaster
  • Mossberg 500 / 590
  • Browning BPS
  • Benelli Nova / SuperNova
I trust you guys the most. You helped me buy my first gun, a beautiful CZ457 varmint. So please share your thoughts.

With love,
A new gun nut
 
I'm a Mossberg fan. I prefer the controls over a Remington - tang safety and action release behind the trigger guard on the Mossberg, vs crossbolt safety and action release infront of the trigger guard on the Remington.

I bought a Mossberg 500 two-barrel set, with a 28" vent rib barrel and a 18" security barrel. I love it. Would recommend a Mossberg 500 to anyone looking to get a pump shotgun.

That 3 barrel set that boone052 linked above would have all your bases covered for an Ontario hunter in a shotgun only zone.
 
I shot a supernova for years before I upgraded to a super black eagle. They shoot great would highly recommend.
 
If you're going to use slugs, make sure you don't get a fixed full choke. I think most manufacturers recommend IC for for accuracy reasons.
 
The Gun Nut said:
Sorry I'm not familiar with that terminology. What is IC?
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My apologies, the choke of a shotgun, which is either fixed or adjustable. In this case, IC stands for "improved cylinder", which is usually best for slugs. The basic choke range from most open to closed is CYL(cylinder bore, no restriction), IC(improved cylinder, just a little restriction), MOD(modified, a little more tight) and FULL(traditionally the most restricted.)

Now, there are a multitude of chokes available now like IM, skeet, turkey and everywhere in between. There is no standard really either, it varies by manufacturer but is close enough.

1729598931475.png
 
rimfirerick said:
Can't go wrong with a wingmaster.

Loads of extra parts to make it cover whatever you want.
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or a Browning BPS, a Mossberg or any of those mentioned by the op.
We can all suggest a great firearm that will last a lifetime... we also know how that plays out.. you will not be able to stop at just one brand
until you test it yourself.
Btw, Remington of the late 80's early 90's gets my vote every-time.
 
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Heliian said:
My apologies, the choke of a shotgun, which is either fixed or adjustable. In this case, IC stands for "improved cylinder", which is usually best for slugs. The basic choke range from most open to closed is CYL(cylinder bore, no restriction), IC(improved cylinder, just a little restriction), MOD(modified, a little more tight) and FULL(traditionally the most restricted.)

Now, there are a multitude of chokes available now like IM, skeet, turkey and everywhere in between. There is no standard really either, it varies by manufacturer but is close enough.

View attachment 839581
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Thank you for your explanation. So the mossberg 500 mentioned above is no good, then? It has a rifled cylinder bore.
 
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FLHTCUI said:
or a Browning BPS, a Mossberg or any of those mentioned by the op.
We can all suggest a great firearm that will last a lifetime... we also know how that plays out.. you will not be able to stop at just one brand
until you test it yourself.
Btw, Remington of the late 80's early 90's gets my vote every-time.
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I suggest remmy because it is the leader in surplus parts for sale. And yes the earlier ones are my go to. An old Wingmaster in 2 3/4 is smooth as silk and modern ammo keeps it running.
 
Heliian said:
If you're going to use slugs, make sure you don't get a fixed full choke. I think most manufacturers recommend IC for for accuracy reasons.
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Most foster slugs are just fine through a full choke. If they're not they'll say as much on the box. The ribs on the slug are for swaging through chokes, not to impart spin.

Here's what Brenneke says as an example:
BRENNEKE slugs (with the exception of the “Gold” and “SuperSabot” cartridges) are suitable for all types of chokes. Even a tight full choke is not a problem. The BRENNEKE design with angular ribs is not to create spin, but to ensure problem-free choke passage.
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Some claim better accuracy through more open chokes, but that's not a safety thing. (Also it all depends on the gun, try different chokes to see that works best in your gun.)

And of course you don't want to shoot sabot slugs through a choke, those should be reserved for rifled barrels.
 
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The Gun Nut said:
Thank you for your explanation. So the mossberg 500 mentioned above is no good, then? It has a rifled cylinder bore.
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Quite the opposite actually. The gun linked comes with 3 barrels and every one can shoot slugs.

The 28" vent rib barrel and the 24" turkey barrel will both have removable choke tubes, allowing you to pick what choke restriction you have. Both of those are safe to use with slugs - just don't try firing a slug through the X-full turkey choke, that can damage the gun.

As for the rifled barrel, it is specifically designed for shooting slugs, preferably sabot slugs but you can use foster slugs in em too.
 
Try to find one of the good name brand guns used, but in excellent condition.
The older the better, 'cause they just don't make 'em like they used to.
 
The 870 is probably the most common/readily available... but personally, I always found the BPS "prettier". It also got a tang safety...

If I couldn't hunt birds with a SxS, this is probably what I'd want to use

l1_shotguns_browning_bps_field_model_20_ga._665898.jpg


And a rifled barrel is available should you want to shoot slugs

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While I agree the browning Bps is prettier in the wood versions they are overly long in the receiver. I do still own a bps and enjoy it. But I also own 2 Mossberg 535s. An Ithaca 37. Model 12. SW version of the 870. Beretta 151. Mav88 and a Canuck regulator. Who ever said you'll buy multiple brands is likely correct
 
brybenn said:
While I agree the browning Bps is prettier in the wood versions they are overly long in the receiver. I do still own a bps and enjoy it. But I also own 2 Mossberg 535s. An Ithaca 37. Model 12. SW version of the 870. Beretta 151. Mav88 and a Canuck regulator. Who ever said you'll buy multiple brands is likely correct
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So true. I only have the one pump action, a Mossberg 500, but I've got 3 other shotguns and none of them are the same brand.
 
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