Help me figure out what to buy

[okshooter]

I'm looking for a shotgun that I can take to the range for trap (so barrel >= 28") and one for wilderness defense (12.5" <= barrel <= 18.5"). Ideally one I could eventually use for IPSC/3gun, when I get into action shooting later on (so 18.5" <= barrel <= 24").

One option is to buy a general long gun that can work for trap (an O/U or higher end pump), a great 18.5"-20" tactical gun with a few options for action shooting (say a Mossberg 590), and ideally an even shorter one for hiking/inna woods wilderness protection (say a DA grizzly or such).

As much as I'd love to buy three shotguns right now, it's really not in the cards. Even if I were to buy two of them, I'd already have to sacrifice the quality of what I can get. For example, I could buy a Browning BPS or a Benelli Supernova (which are my favorite pump action shotguns) but that would leave me with virtually no budget for the shorter end of things.

Downgrading from the Browning/Benelli, I could buy a combo like the Winchester SXP and that would cover everything, just not particularly well in any respect. A little too long for the woods, not many options for IPSC, etc. (Yes, I also looked into the equivalent Mossberg options.)

The other completely different approach would be getting a lego project like a Remington 870. It's not as nice as any of the shotguns I mentioned, in my opinion, but you can do anything to it. I can buy a 12.5" DA barrel for the woods, 18.5" or something like that for IPSC/3gun, and 30" for trap. I can customize it pretty much as I want if I do decide to get into IPSC/3gun.

So the answer would appear easy and obvious. Except things in life are rarely that easy. I have been told that I shouldn't buy a new 870 express because they easily rust and have quality assurance issues. They call them Rustington for a reason. That pretty much forces me to buy used (Wingmaster in particular) which is something I'd rather not do as I don't have the proper expertise to evaluate used guns (I'd also rather have a 3" chamber which is less common in older wingmasters). Are there dealers / people selling 870s that have been properly parkerized and improved? That might also be an option.

Sorry for the ranty, incoherent cloud of thoughts. I just wonder what you guys think about it. I tend to over research and over think relatively big purchases.

 

[Beretta687EELL]

Any of the new guns that you buy that are "inexpensive" will not stand up to the rigors of shooting clay targets. If 95% of the ammunition you are going to put through the gun is going to be shot at trap targets, then buy a trap gun. The main thing to look for in a target shotgun, is fit. If the gun doesn't fit you, then you will never shoot it to your full potential.

IMHO, the 870 is the best option that you have listed. An 870 trap gun are good shooters. The negative thing about a pump gun is that it is less than ideal for two shot clays games. Extra barrels are readily available.

 

[pisces-guy]

Remington 870 Express, worst case scenario you have to sand the action to chamber path a wee bit, but they're dead reliable.
I got a 14" barrel for mine from Dlask Arms and had them put a brass bead on it...fits in my quad box or pack, is convenient
for protection, and I can use it to harvest grouse in season when the shots aren't too long. It's a short cylinder bore, no choke.
They also make them in 12.5" but that made it too short for any hunting use.

 

[jwhy]

A couple of years ago I purchased an 870 Marine Magnum as a bear gun for back country fishing. I use it often for clay's (Over 1000 rounds) and the only problems I've ever had were ammunition issues (I bought a box of bulk federal ammo at walmart one day & found out that cheap ammo is cheap ammo! It fired fine but I found that it was very dirty! I now only shoot Remington shells!) A friend of mine bought a Mossberg, and is equally happy with his purchase. However at the end of the day my 870 is broke down, cleaned, & reassembled long before his Mossberg! If I were to get more serious about trap, I would definitely look for a trap gun. Another friend of mine, with 25 years+ in the infantry (7+ as a range instructor) swears by his 870 he has been shooting for over 20 years! I would stay away from the Express models, you can tell they are a cheaper, mass production model from just a quick look. As for buying used, I have only made one purchase through the equipment exchange here on Gunnutz, but I bought from a member with good ratings, & positive comments, & got exactly what was advertised! If you get to look at the item before you buy, look at overall condition (if it looks like it hasn't be taken care of, it hasn't!). The feel of the action (it is a mechanical device so if it feels sloppy or loose it has something wrong with it, or it is getting worn out). And talk to the owner, ask about use (was it a range gun, a hunter, was it a safe queen or did it bounce around behind the seat of a pickup truck). If you can find an older Wingmaster for a decent price (Keep looking they do show up now & then) I think you would be very happy.