Help choose 12 gauge shotgun

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BerSerK

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Hi,

I'm looking to buy a 12 gauge shotguns for partridge, duck, goose.

Is it worth it to choose a shotgun capable of using 3.5" shells ?

I was looking into those, anyone has any comments/suggestions ?

- Remington 870 Express
- Remington 870 Express Super Magnum Synthetic
- Remington 870 Express Super Magnum Waterfowl
- Remington 887 Nitro Mag
- Browning BPS Stalker
- Benelli Nova

The Browning is there but I would really like to get something good for less money than the Browning...

I heard that the Nova pump rattles...true or not ?

I heard a lot of positive AND negative stuff about the 887, I'm leaving it in the list but it's my last choice right now.

I'm kinda lost right now...should I really invest in a Browning ?

Thanks
 
Simple answer is yes on the Browning and leave the 3.5 inch at the store.
Or if you really doubt my opinion check out the shotgun ammo velocities and payloads and decide for yourself.
Also factor in the cost of the 3.5 inch ammo when you do your research after listening to all those who will reply.
There is one shotgun you left off the list and that is the 870 WingMaster that is in my opinion better than the Browning and not by much.
Rob
 
95% of the time you'll never need or want the 3.5 stuff especialy in a pump, the recoil just isn't worth it. You'll have to handle the BPS to see if its for you, I love the idea behind it but they just don't fit me the way an 870 does.
The only down side to the 870 express is the finish can leave a little to be desired, not sure if its the same for the waterfowl edition, but with very basic regular maintenance ie don't leave it in the case after using it, give it the occasional wipe with a oily rag this is a non issue.
I don't know enough about the 887 to comment.
The super Nova is the only of the Nova, P-350 family I would be willing to own, if they rattle it isn't going to be enough to spook waterfowl and partridge aren't terribly skitish in these parts atleast.
 
For the gun, fit and function should be your two main concerns. The BPS is a heavy shotgun (mostly because it's made wih actual quality materials). It also has a long action - even in 3". The Nova has a long stroke as well. The Nova can have it's LOP sjortened by going to a slip-on pad, and that's it. The BPS can be adjusted for LOP by a pad change as well, but shimming uis best eft to a smith - the Nova can't be shimmed. The Super Nova comes with shim kit, but the gun itself is actually bulkier than the original Nova, and it costs as much, if not more than a 3" BPS will - and please note, Browning Invector+ barrels tend to throw great patterns. As for the Nova rattle - that would only concern me for turkey hunting or slug hunting deer - there are two allen key screws on the forestock - tighten them and the rattle goes away. The Nova is a very reliable gun.

Remington - unless you're buying a used Wingmaster, I'd steer clear. The 877 is worse than the new 870's, and they are nowhere near as reliable as the old 870.

As for 3 vs 3.5 - for your purposes, 3" makes the most sense for a few reasons:

- pumps and 3.5" are no fun - they kick pretty bad, and that will have bad impacty on your shooting form...not to mention your shoulder.
- upland shooting generally means walking...guns are best kept compact and light. 3.5's have a long receiver, making them heavier and longer - both are bad for this type of hunt.
- good chokes matched up with quality 3" loads will do anything a 3.5 can - even on late season honkers and wary snows.

One gun you haven't mentioned that I would give some consideration to is the Winchester SPX. It will beat your other options on price, it has a great rep thus far, and if the rumors are true, the SX3 shim kit fits it, so you can adjust your fit. I would look at one with a 26" barrel for your needs.

Good luck.
 
- Remington 870 Express
- Browning BPS Stalker
- Remington 870 Wingmaster

In no particular order I would certainly be happy with any of the above.

If you feel the need for 3 1/2" get a 10 ga. Folks have been getting their limits using 2 3/4" shells for decades so 3 1/2" shells are not necessary.
 
As usual, awesome feedback from great people on this forum!

I will go to a shop and get a feel of the guns before making a decision.

My father gave me his Browning .308 and BL22 Grade 1 recently and the look and feel screams quality so if 3" is enough a BPS Stalker is really tempting.

But If I can get a simple 870 Express for 200$ less and invest it in my hunting supplies...it's kinda tempting too...

Thanks
 
If you like the 870 and your budget can handle it, I would suggest going with the Wingmaster. $200/300 worth of "supplies" will disappear in a flash, but the quality fit, finish, and function of the Wingmaster will provide a lifetime of service and satisfaction. I currently have a newer 3" 12g, and an earlier 20g. Also, I recently came into possession of my Dad's 2 3/4" 12g which was made in the early 50's ... still looks great and functions perfectly. I find that the less costly 870s don't have the same appeal, or quality feel about them. JMHO
 
Are you saying that the Wingmaster would be better than the Browning BPS too ?

I guess it should because the wingmaster is more expensive too.
 
BerSerK said:
Are you saying that the Wingmaster would be better than the Browning BPS too ?

I guess it should because the wingmaster is more expensive too.
Click to expand...


i won't say better. But I own 2 Wingmasters and zero Brownings.
If money is available I agree with Iceman, if the Express fits you it may be worth the extra $$ to get the Wingmaster.

I use my Wingmaster with its high gloss finish for duck (12 ga) and grouse (28 ga) hunting and target shooting (informal clays, skeet).

You may want to look around for used guns. There are lots of used Wingmasters out there (over 10,000,000 sold). Many at good prices.
 
I would say the Nova, or even the Supernova. I have the supernova for a year now and have shot hundreds of rounds of trap and skeet with it. Took it out for the youth day last Saturday and again was very pleased. It will cycle anything flawlessly. Mine doesn't rattle 1 bit.
 
i like the bps, smoothness, tang saftey and the way it shoulders i like the wieght of it , the 870 fits me to a tee you can throw one shell in quick and go the 870 is almost 200$ cheaper though.
 
Browning cycling problem - it'll happen to any repeater, but it doesn't happen to BPS's often...the SNova had a lot of issues when they were released - they appear to be resolved now.

Wingmaster or BPS - purely fit - they, along with the Winchester M12, represent the finest pump action shotguns ever made. The Bennies ARE good guns, but they don't ooze class the way the other three do.:cool:

Another plus for the BPS - empties are easier to clean up - lol.
 
Benelli Nova
Benelli Super Nova
Wingmaster

I have them all I would go with the Wingmaster.. The price does not break the bank. And seems to be every good as the Benelli. Mind you I have an older wingmaster.
The 3.5" shells I normally leave as my last shot. Kills the shoulder but gives that bit exta shot. That or for goose
 
One thing to note is that 3 1/2" shells really aren't more effective than 3". The shot column in flight with magnum loads has been chrono'd at 25 to 30 feet long if I remember the article correctly. Basically, anything past a square load (shot column in the loaded, unfired shell is as tall as it is wide [bore diameter]). That represents a standard 2 3/4" load with 1oz of steel shot, 1 1/8th oz of lead for upland. A 3" steel load is better for waterfowl than a 2 3/4", but only marginally as much of the shot pattern's wasted compared to a squarer load. By the time you get to 3 1/2", it's a case of diminishing returns. I can guarantee there's nothing a 3 1/2" load can do a 3" can't.
 
I would also consider the Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag.
IMO it a reasonably priced, 3.5 inch shell capable (although I have never used in mine) available in Camo (if desired). Comes with an overbored barrel and ported too.

I haven't hand any problems with mine, shoulders and shoots very nicely.

Of the choices listed... the Benneli
 
Personally, I think everyone who hasn't shot a 3 1/2" load from a pump should borrow one from someone who has one...just for one shot. I think if you did a consensus, it's my opinion that 7 out of 10 would walk away knowing they won't ever really have a need to shoot said loads. Like Rob replied, "leave the 3 1/2" at the store". Woolly replied, "people have been getting their limits with 2 3/4" loads for decades". I concur. (Although I do use 3" with heavy loads for predator hunting a few times a year)
I'm not much for the nova, mostly because of fit and overall appeal. The 870 (Express, Wingmaster and 1100's) Remingtons always fit me right out of the box. I have and like the BPS alot as well, but generally have to shorten the LOP a hair for proper fit. (From previous postings, you obviously have noted how fit is important).
Big plus to the 870 is the variety of barrels available that can be picked up at a reasonable price to basically make the shotgun you're "do-all" firearm. Accessories abound. Browning has quite a few barrel offerings also. The nova, I don't know?
By now, you may have been to a gun shop and handled your mentioned models. Try going to a local clay games range if you get the chance. Explain you're dilema to the members and I'm sure you will get the opportunity to then do some field testing. (This time of year, there is usually a greater variety of shotguns on the racks). You'll then have a much better inkling into what suits you and what you want in a shotgun.
 
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