Hey everyone...... I'm thinking of getting into waterfowl hunting and the problem is... What gun to use ? I'm thinking a Remmington 877 Nitro pump Camo. There seems to be so many types out there, I really don't know where to turn. I really don't want to spend alot of money, or should I say my wife won't let me spend alot of money LOL Any and all help would be appreciated
Ideas For the Best Duck Gun ?
- Thread starter CRUZER
- Start date
Up until now, I would have said Remington 870 Express, but with all the reports( as well as myself) of having problems with stuck shells, I'd say a Browning BPS would be your best bet. If the price of that is too high, check the equipment exchange for older 870's or BPS's. Good luck with it, it's an awesome sport!!!!!
Pump: 870 Wingmaster or SuperMag
Semi: Xtrema II
Both have been 'field tested' extensively during winter hunts on the mudflats of the Bay of Fundy and worked flawlessly. If they can handle that amount of grimy, salty mud and salt ice they can handle anything!
Semi: Xtrema II
Both have been 'field tested' extensively during winter hunts on the mudflats of the Bay of Fundy and worked flawlessly. If they can handle that amount of grimy, salty mud and salt ice they can handle anything!
TheCoachZed
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Winchester 1200/1300/120 series shotguns are very affordable and probably as good as the 870s for most intents and purposes. I have one and I think it's pretty reliable and easy to clean. They also have the speed pump feature, which some people like a lot.
Mossberg 500s and their derivatives also work for lots of people. One of the guys I went duck hunting with swore by his Maverick 88 12 gauge. So if you really want to buy a duck gun on the cheap, all those options are on the table.
I've never had an 870, but everyone on here says they are the best, and most of them have more experience than I do. I think it would be easier to find a Winchester or Mossberg in good shape for a low price, though, if cost is a big factor, and I know the Mossbergs are very affordable new as well.
300Spartans
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Canada of course
I would be in the 870 Express camp if you don't want to break the bank, and there's no shortage of older used Express guns out there. A couple of cans of Krylon Camo spray can do wonders for an older pump that you want to take out waterfowling. My own 870 Express has been very reliable and I think the only problem I have ever had with it was when the plug I was using jammed the follower (a small piece of very thin dowel).
BrotherRockeye
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Rural Saskatchewan
I'd go with an older used Wingmaster.
You get better fit and finish than an Express at a reasonable price.
I know where there's a real good one priced right with wood and synthetic furniture
PM me if you like
You get better fit and finish than an Express at a reasonable price.
I know where there's a real good one priced right with wood and synthetic furniture
PM me if you like
I have shot a fair number of ducks and geese, but haven't hunted them since they went to compulsory non toxic shot. So here is a question (or two.)
1) Is a 3 inch chamber necsessary for steel shot?
2) Is a full choke old pump, like Stevens, OK for steel?
1) Is a 3 inch chamber necsessary for steel shot?
2) Is a full choke old pump, like Stevens, OK for steel?
canadian hunter312
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Brant County
870 express super mag....
mines been through hell and back without letting me down once. mine has been dropped in mud, snow, water, etc and will keep on throwing lead...unless its cold out and it freezes shut
tons of parts out there for em and they keep getting smoother and smoother as ya shoot them
mines been through hell and back without letting me down once. mine has been dropped in mud, snow, water, etc and will keep on throwing lead...unless its cold out and it freezes shut
tons of parts out there for em and they keep getting smoother and smoother as ya shoot them
- Location
- Near Coldwater, Ont
There aren't as many options in 2-3/4" steel loads as there are in 3" and 3-1/2 ". However Kent and Winchester both have steel, 2-3/4", 1-1/16 oz of shot @ 1550fps, which is almost identical to my 3" goose load (the 3" is 1-1/8oz of shot). I wouldn't feel at a disadvantage with this ammo provided it patterned well out of my gun. I do know one guy who shoots steel out of an old full choke Stevens pump. It hasn't damaged the gun (yet), but the pattern is terrible, he can't hit a damn thing with it. You might want to think about having the choke opened to modifed or even a bit more open, or get it set up for screw in choke tubes.
For Cruzer, ideally look for something with a synthetic stock (camo looks nice, but adds to the price and isn't reall necessary and wood takes a beating when waterfowling). 3" or 3-1/2" chamber, screw in choke tubes, 26" or 28" barrel and fits your budget, so most likely a pump action. I use a 500 Mossberg, I have friends who use Rem 870's and Browning BPS's and none of us seems to have any issues. Handle a few then buy the one you like and can afford.
Jim
- Location
- Back in the Peace Country
none of the above...
If money is an issue and you want a functioning shotgun that can take some abuse and isn't that bad to look at and throws to the shoulder pretty decent, pick up a MP 153 Baikal.
I trialed one of the season for a season and was nothing but impressed with bang for buck.
If money is an issue and you want a functioning shotgun that can take some abuse and isn't that bad to look at and throws to the shoulder pretty decent, pick up a MP 153 Baikal.
I trialed one of the season for a season and was nothing but impressed with bang for buck.
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The answer is which ever one fits you best and which ever one you like best.
I've owned a shotgun or two and can tell you a few things. If you want an 870 Express, go for it. Pay no attention to those who tell you the Wingmaster is a better gun, their the same gun. One is made to hunt with, one is made to show off. The old wingmasters are not the same as the new ones, back in the day the old Wingmasters were the cheapy gun equal to the Express. And back in the day they didn't cost $800 even though guys who own the old guns like to compare them to the new ones.
I've owned several Express models in 3 inch and 3 1/2 inch. First, you don't need a 3 1/2 to shoot a duck. I own a few decoys but rarely use them. I'm too much of a simplton to get that elaborate and just too lazy. I like to pass shoot as the birds fly over and that means longer shots. Your shell choice and shot size are far more important then how long your shell is. I shot many, many birds before I owned a 3 inch gun and they all fell down the same just like they did with 3 or 3 1/2 inch shells. Now I like to shoot 3 inch only because it's easier to find BB shot in that length, my prefered size, though 2 3/4's can be had.
As for the gun, my first choice is the 870. I've never really had any serious issues with any except one didn't like Federal Black Cloud shells. It ate everything else fine. I like them because they fit me, but you may be different. The only other modern pump I've owned was a Winchester but it never really did anything for me. My best advice to you is to buy a synthetic stock as you will beat it up. I've dragged my guns through mud and cat tails, I've made them swim, sit in the rain and snow and ride on my dashboard. A synthetic will handle the abuse better then wood. As for the 887, I've never shot one but I like the concept and if the gun is good it would be the perfect waterfowl gun.
I've owned a shotgun or two and can tell you a few things. If you want an 870 Express, go for it. Pay no attention to those who tell you the Wingmaster is a better gun, their the same gun. One is made to hunt with, one is made to show off. The old wingmasters are not the same as the new ones, back in the day the old Wingmasters were the cheapy gun equal to the Express. And back in the day they didn't cost $800 even though guys who own the old guns like to compare them to the new ones.
I've owned several Express models in 3 inch and 3 1/2 inch. First, you don't need a 3 1/2 to shoot a duck. I own a few decoys but rarely use them. I'm too much of a simplton to get that elaborate and just too lazy. I like to pass shoot as the birds fly over and that means longer shots. Your shell choice and shot size are far more important then how long your shell is. I shot many, many birds before I owned a 3 inch gun and they all fell down the same just like they did with 3 or 3 1/2 inch shells. Now I like to shoot 3 inch only because it's easier to find BB shot in that length, my prefered size, though 2 3/4's can be had.
As for the gun, my first choice is the 870. I've never really had any serious issues with any except one didn't like Federal Black Cloud shells. It ate everything else fine. I like them because they fit me, but you may be different. The only other modern pump I've owned was a Winchester but it never really did anything for me. My best advice to you is to buy a synthetic stock as you will beat it up. I've dragged my guns through mud and cat tails, I've made them swim, sit in the rain and snow and ride on my dashboard. A synthetic will handle the abuse better then wood. As for the 887, I've never shot one but I like the concept and if the gun is good it would be the perfect waterfowl gun.
Wingmaster Berretta
You can't go wrong with an older Wingmaster in a pump. My hunting partner and I have both been shooting one for the past 30 years. We have hunted with them in every condition imaginable. Snow, rain, freezing rain....Of late I've started shooting a Berretta semi-auto Optima.
I've not managed to jam this gun yet.....Light loads shoot just as well as heavy loads. The nice part is, you just have less recoil.... Gotta love that...
You can't go wrong with an older Wingmaster in a pump. My hunting partner and I have both been shooting one for the past 30 years. We have hunted with them in every condition imaginable. Snow, rain, freezing rain....Of late I've started shooting a Berretta semi-auto Optima.
I've not managed to jam this gun yet.....Light loads shoot just as well as heavy loads. The nice part is, you just have less recoil.... Gotta love that...
the spank
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Planet Earth Wearing My Tinfoil Hat
Stay away from the 877, it is an absolute piece of junk! If it were me I would go into the exchange forum under shotguns, there are a couple of good synthetic autoloaders and pumps in there. I absolutely love the traditional wood, bluing type look of a good waterfowling piece but after chasing waterfowl for 31 years I can tell you in all honesty forget the traditional look and go for functional. I bought a camo synthetic autoloader, best move I ever made. You can climb in and out of boats, dunk them in ponds, drag them over layout blind frames, lay them in mud, grain stubble and all sorts of other manner and not a mark on them. They are tough, durable and the camo patterns hide small scratches well. You cant see them without looking very hard. Thats just my .02 worth, oh and I am a browning fan myself!
P.S The best advice you have been given so far has been by pharoah 2, take the advice of the avid waterfowlers on here!
+1 on the beretta extrema - I shoot geese in the early season and the recoil pad and action are so good, I can shoot 3 1/2" in a t-shirt and I am only 5 10" 180lbs. I do NOT have the kick off stock either!
I only had 1 problem, after shooting it alot for 3 years, I had not punched the pin to drop the trigger assembly, it was full of powder and gunk and would not shoot. Now I know what to do, the gun shoots all shells well.
I only had 1 problem, after shooting it alot for 3 years, I had not punched the pin to drop the trigger assembly, it was full of powder and gunk and would not shoot. Now I know what to do, the gun shoots all shells well.
- Location
- Back in the Peace Country
here ya go...search over
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=384625&highlight=baikal
Insert shells, kill birds,..over.
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=384625&highlight=baikal
Insert shells, kill birds,..over.
