First Shotgun

Animatronic Fireman

CGN Regular
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Saskatoon
Hey fellas

With all the sales happening this weekend I think I would like to get my first shotgun.

I want it to be a pump action. Not sure whether to go standard tube or the newer mag fed options. I eventually would like to try bird hunting but that is a way's off (a feature like an easily removable barrel for a longer hunting barrel would be slick. I do shoot skeet with a friend every once on in awhile have just been borrowing his semi auto (Benelli I think). Most likely would just be something I carry in the woods so shot or slugs may he carried.

Thanks for the help.
 
Skeet will not be possible with a PA, but it seems you already know that and can use your friends Benelli.
You didn't mention a budget, but on the low end, you really can't beat a Remington 870 express or a Weatherby PA-08, the latter having the advantage of including chokes with the purchase, and the former having easy access to more barrels, stocks, etc.
From what I've read, the 3" capacity 870's have had fewer feeding issues than the 3 1/2" ones
Barrel changes take about 10 seconds with an 870. I've never owned a Weatherby...yet.
 
OK, so I just searched Wiki, and to clarify it is oly just clay pigeon shooting and not skeet, that's just what we called it.

Things like 3" over 3.5" is the kind of tips I need.

I thought the Remington 870 DM Predator looked really cool, so maybe $1000. Mossberg 500 / 590 looked nice back the last time I tried looking into them.
 
My first gun was an 870 express supermag and I have never once regretted that purchase, although I recently picked up a stoeger over under at a great deal and it has been an instant hit (and I wouldn't hesitate to bring it in the field)
 
Buy an 870 combo package, you’ll get a pump action capable of 2 3/4” & 3” shells with a 20” and 28” barrels that are threaded for chokes. 20” will be good for slugs and small game hunting in thicker bush and the 28” will be good for waterfowl and clays as well as hunting small game in more open areas.

I don’t hunt waterfowl yet so I use 2 3/4” shells almost all the time for upland game, I do have a couple boxes of old imperial 3” magnums in #4,5,6 I use when I want some extra oomph further out so the 2 3/4” & 3” capability is great.
 
Buy an 870 combo package, you’ll get a pump action capable of 2 3/4” & 3” shells with a 20” and 28” barrels that are threaded for chokes. 20” will be good for slugs and small game hunting in thicker bush and the 28” will be good for waterfowl and clays as well as hunting small game in more open areas.
This^ there are a few combo guns on the EE right now that come with both barrels. I say an 870, BPS or SXP.
 
i like my 870 guns as they are truly versatile. i have everything from 12.5 inch barrels to long barrels . easy to take down and parts if you need them are not a problem . i also have a mossberg but it is not as versatile regarding barrels as the 870 if the short barrels are a factor.
 
You can order the 2018 Mossberg catalog here: <https://www.mossberg.com/catalog-request/>
 
Stick with tube feed, you won't regret it. As for an actual brand, there are some good suggestions. Pump shotguns are suppose to be utilitarian so you can't go wrong with your Remi's, Mossbergs and Winchesters. If you are thinking that this will be a keeper because it is your first shotgun and you want to brag about it for years to come, spend a little more and get something like a Browning BPS with removable chokes. The fit and finish and action is nicer than your average pump which is why I costs just a bit more.
 
my first was and still remains a Maverick 88
picked up all the accessories over time as all mossberg 500 stuff fits
short barrel for fun long with chokes for trap
a gun for all occasions
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Imo; a classic moss500 or remi870 would suit you just fine as a first. Easily field stripped and maintainable. I've heard too many horror stories for mag fed shotguns + you can always get a +6 extension tube & lots of fun accessories
 
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