First shotgun

BobSock

BobSock

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I'm looking to get a shotgun, not sure if you can provide any recommendations that fit the following criteria:
-pump action
-12 Gauge
-3 1/2" chamber (This will allow all shorter shell lengths to be used, correct?)
-synthetic/black/tactical stock

Main use will be for shooting clays (informally) but I'd like to be able to shoot the occasional slug too. I'm very inexperienced but assuming that you would need to have a cylinder bore to shoot slugs, is this a suitable choke for skeet shooting?

Hoping not to spend too much, maybe ~$300 if that's reasonable?
 
hard to beat a remington 870 express. Good quality, inexpensive, lots of aftermarket stocks,grips,barrels etc. I personally don't have/see the need for the 3.5" chamber. Skeet and trap shooting you normally shoot light 2 3/4" trap loads. You can use the same for upland game birds. A 3" is lots for ducks and geese at reasonable ranges. 3.5 " ammo is expensive as well. Just my 2 cents. My first 12 gauge was an 870 express, i still have and shoot it regularly, never had to do anything to it and it works ALL the time.
 
my suggestion: stick with 3 inch chamber for the 12 guage. Go with either an 870 express or whatever the mossberg equivalent would be. If you want to shoot clays, make sure you get a bit longer barrel than the 18 that most "tactical" rifles will have. Its not required, but it will make it easier to hit them at first. Buy a couple other choke tubes if you want. A choke wrench is a good idea, but a quarter works in a pinch. On a decent sale, the 870 express can be had for $300. Expect to pay $400ish.

Once you have your shotgun, whatever it may be, go to wally world and buy some cheap 12 guage ($32 for 100) in about 7 1/2 shot for shooting things. Blast away. Fight off the occasional jam until the gun breaks in. The more you shoot it, the better it will get.
 
For what you're planning on doing, you don't even need a 3" gun. There are great deals to be had on older model 870 Wingmasters (2-3/4" chambers, fixed Full chokes) which have far superior quality than a modern Express gun. Have a gunsmith open the choke to IC or Mod and you'll be hitting targets before you know it. (There are lots of other older 2-3/4" Full guns out there besides the Wingmaster, some pumps, some semis).

Why do you think you need / want the tactical stuff?
 
rifled slugs are at a full choke diameter. you do not need to go cylinder bore.

some slugs are sabot and require a rifled barrel. this is different.
 
Mossberg 535, thats what i picked for my first. I shoot everything with it. I put about 500 rds through it last year, not a single failure to load or fire. I also like the older 870 wingmaster, but the mossy comes with a complete setup-3.5" chamber, chokes, fiber optic bead, etc.
 
Thanks for all the replies. After reviewing some of these guns I think I'll go with the Mossberg 590, seems to be the best fit. Now just to find one at a nice price.


1 ozzy said:
I personally don't have/see the need for the 3.5" chamber. Skeet and trap shooting you normally shoot light 2 3/4" trap loads. You can use the same for upland game birds. A 3" is lots for ducks and geese at reasonable ranges. 3.5 " ammo is expensive as well.
Click to expand...
I guess I don't really need to worry about the chamber size as I don't expect to be doing much hunting with it.

Grouse Man said:
Why do you think you need / want the tactical stuff?
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I don't need the tactical stuff, and also don't need a pump action for that matter. I would probably just go for a semi auto but since movies/TV/video games have had an influence I want the cool looking pump shotgun. :D
I'm not one of those guys that dress in the tactical gear but would like a gun like that as my others are the standard wood stock.
 
BobSock said:
I'm looking to get a shotgun, not sure if you can provide any recommendations that fit the following criteria:
-pump action
-12 Gauge
-3 1/2" chamber (This will allow all shorter shell lengths to be used, correct?)
-synthetic/black/tactical stock

Main use will be for shooting clays (informally) but I'd like to be able to shoot the occasional slug too. I'm very inexperienced but assuming that you would need to have a cylinder bore to shoot slugs, is this a suitable choke for skeet shooting?

Hoping not to spend too much, maybe ~$300 if that's reasonable?
Click to expand...

A Mossberg 535 will meet most of your criteria, but a 500 or a Remington 870 would do it all but 3 1/2". A 3 barrel 500 set can be had for $460.00 from one of the dealers on the EE. Yes more than your $300 budget but you are getting a LOT for your money.

A 590 is not what I'd call a suitable clays or skeet gun. The barrel is too short and lack of choke tubes leaves range very limited. They also tend to be more expensive than your $300 budget.

The Mossberg 500/Remington 870 allow changing chokes for various situations and allows changing barrels as well. The bets of all worlds!

Stick a short barrel and black synthetic stock on either and you have a semi tactical look. Add a heat shield to complete the look.
 
It's been awhile and looking into prices and and what I wanted and the Mossberg 500 made the most sense.

I did place an order for a Mossberg 500 that came with a 28” vent rib with fixed modified choke and an 18 ½” smoothbore barrel with fixed cylinder choke and front bead sight. I'd be very happy with this gun but it's been back ordered for over 3 weeks now and I'm still waiting with no one able to determine when they may get more in stock. :mad:

For a little more I can get Mossberg 500 that comes has 20" plain barrel with fixed cylinder bore, front bead sight that is not back ordered.

Would I notice a significant difference between a 28" and a 20" barrel when shooting clays?
 
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