First Shotgun Advice.

FirstGenHunter

FirstGenHunter

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hey guys, ive been looking around for a shotgun that I want to start hunting with. After some research i really like the appeal of the Mossberg 535 with the combo barrels. I really want something in 3 1/2. Can anyone else give some tips on someone new to the hunting game? im also in college so the more I save the better, but i will pay for quality.
 
I have the 535 and love it. The wood version is heavier then the synthetic one. I love the gun and use it for everything. 3.5" isn't needed for hunting but if you want it go for it. I use 2 3/4" 99% of the time. 3" for geese and bears. The 500 has more barrel options if you can only afford 1 gun. You can't go wrong with a mossberg pump. The 535 has a longer stroke aaand longer reciever which some like and some don't. Try shouldering both the 500 and the 535 aand see what fits you best
 
If you want quality, take a look at the Benelli Supernova and Nova line. They are a little bit more pricewise than conventional shotguns but are much better built IMO. I own a 14" Supernova Tactical, and it's the cats meow.
 
I started hunting with a 500 and it gave me no problems so I think it is a good entry level shotgun. Be aware if you get a 3.5" pump the stroke and action are long enough to make it more difficult to use for smaller framed shooters.
 
Remington 870 tried and true , excellent quality and a good price as well , lots of dealers stock them , it also comes in a whole swath of camo schemes and set ups.
 
My vote goes for the 870 as well. It was my first shot gun when I bought it new from the store about 5 years ago and has not had so much as a hiccup. That thing fires anything I feed it and never complains. Also the after market parts for it are unbeatable.

If you can find an older 870 wingmaster, even better! They don't make em quite like the used to, I picked up a used one in great shape and that gun is a thing of beauty!

People will complain of Remington's quality control issues but I am yet to see it or actually know anyone who has. Just IMHO anyway...

Either way try them out and see what is best for you. Goodluck!
 
I'll come out and say it - don't get a 3.5" gun. You won't need it. It costs you in extra weight and a longer stroke. The shells are expensive and punishing. And if you can't hit it with a 2-3/4" shell, you'll miss with the bigger one as well. You're just learning to wingshoot, so stick with a standard 3" gun. Hell, even an older 2-3/4" only gun would be fine for most hunting as long as you can run steel shot through it.
 
Grouse Man said:
I'll come out and say it - don't get a 3.5" gun. You won't need it. It costs you in extra weight and a longer stroke. The shells are expensive and punishing. And if you can't hit it with a 2-3/4" shell, you'll miss with the bigger one as well. You're just learning to wingshoot, so stick with a standard 3" gun. Hell, even an older 2-3/4" only gun would be fine for most hunting as long as you can run steel shot through it.
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As per usual ...sage advice !

You can tell 'em, but will they listen (and understand) ? ;)
 
brybenn said:
I have the 535 and love it. The wood version is heavier then the synthetic one. I love the gun and use it for everything. 3.5" isn't needed for hunting but if you want it go for it. I use 2 3/4" 99% of the time. 3" for geese and bears. The 500 has more barrel options if you can only afford 1 gun. You can't go wrong with a mossberg pump. The 535 has a longer stroke aaand longer reciever which some like and some don't. Try shouldering both the 500 and the 535 aand see what fits you best
Click to expand...


im 6'2 and i have super long arms, so having a longer gun with a longer stroke doesnt affect me that much, i am happy to hear the 535 is great! i also like the fact that with a 3.5'' i can shoot anything through it. I do want this shotgun mainly for hunting, but of course having the shorter barrel come with it is an added bonus when thinking about home defense.
 
Mossberg all the way but their is no need for 3-1/2" shells IMHO. When I first started shooting everyone would tell me to make sure you get a shotgun that can shoot 3-1/2" shells with no real valid reason or logic behind it. They would just say that it is nice to have the flexibility to shoot any size shell if I want. I have talked to many hunters and not one of the ones I talked to use 3" shells. That is not to say that some hunters still don't use 3-1/2". After shooting for myself both sizes I can honestly say there isn't much the 3" shell would not take down with a few possible exceptions.

That is my $0.02.
 
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