In need of a little 12g education

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Hey guys,
I got my RPAL mostly for pistol shooting at the range, but a few buddies have gotten me hooked on clay pideon shooting. They also hunt bird with there 12g and I would like to try it as well. So i'm real green on shotguns, as the only 2 that i've ever heard of are Remington and Windchester. My buddies noted that 3" shells are a must for goose hunting. So thats where I started, looking for a 12g pump or semi-auto, must support 3" shells, and in the lower half of the price range($300-$600). I went to the local gun store and they suggested the Mossberg 535 pump($299), or the Mossberg 935 semi-auto($599). They both looked like decent guns, but then again I don't even know what to look for. What is your opinion on these two guns, and what else should I look for? Would I be better off finding a used higher end gun or will the Mossbergs be plenty for a first gun?
 
Mossberg is a very good gun. Another option is the Mossberg 500, it is cheaper than the 535 and the only difference between the 2 I know of it chambering. The 535 will take 3.5" shells whereas the 500 will only take 3". Both have combo packages available with 2 or 3 barrels and chokes for under $500 at Canadian Tire.
 
in autos I have a Baikal (3 1/2), and a Mossberg 930 (3'). both are great guns. Pump guns are everywhere, I;d look for an 870 Rem or a Mossberg 500. I have a Norinco 870 pattern I got for my boys but they went with autos. (they are in EE as NIB-shameless plug).Have fun. AJ
 
I picked up my lightly used Benelli SuperNova for less than $500. I like it because it can double as a crowbar, car jack, or anvil.
 
I purchased a Norinco HP-9 18.5" (870 knock off) for $249... works well for me... had it out a couple times at SPGC shooting clays...
 
Some of them do, yup. It depends on what store you go to. I can only think of one here in Calgary that still does.
 
i have the 535, its a great gun, ive got about 1200rnds through it now, pretty good, has IC chokes that come with it. it is a bit light so it will kick pretty good when shooting 3" or 3.5"
 
The Remington 870 and the Mossberg 500 are what I recommend.m Both are tough as nails and with proper care should last a lifetime.

Personally I would avoid a 3.5" chambered gun for the simple reason you do not need a 3.5" shell to hunt ducks/geese/upland birds and 3.5" shells tend to be more expensive and despite what some will tell you they kick a lot harder. If your gun is not chambered fro 3.5" you won't be tempted to "try therm".

As for semis, they are a lot of fun and recoil less but personal experience shows me shooting a lot more shells than I would with a pump. It is too easy to keep pulling the trigger.

My safe currently holds 2 Remington 870 Wingmasters and an 1100. I've had several Mossbergs over the years but the 870s fit me a bit better.

If the Mossberg fits you get it, shoot it and enjoy!
 
for years, the 1100 was THE gun you'd see on the t&s field- everybody and his dog had one, and at all you'd ever have to do is replace the o rings- and take a look at USED- you'll get as good a gun, and save a buck or 2-
 
I think everyone pretty well nailed it here. I'll add that 3.5" guns have a longer stroke to cycle the action, I notice a huge difference between my Benelli Supernova and a 2 3/4" Norinco. I remember a guy on these boards put over six thousand rounds through his maverick 88 (same thing as mossberg 500) before the follower wore out. The Maverick 88 is just a cheaper version of the Mossberg 500, same robust shotgun but with blued steel and crossbolt safety. But like I always say, go to the gunstore or range and try each one out. Shoulder it, cycle the action, work the safety, work the action release and see which suits you best. The Remington and Mossberg have the controls in different places so its up to you which one you prefer. Both are tough as nails and will outlast your grandchildren if taken care of.
 
supernova said:
I think everyone pretty well nailed it here. I'll add that 3.5" guns have a longer stroke to cycle the action, I notice a huge difference between my Benelli Supernova and a 2 3/4" Norinco. I remember a guy on these boards put over six thousand rounds through his maverick 88 (same thing as mossberg 500) before the follower wore out. The Maverick 88 is just a cheaper version of the Mossberg 500, same robust shotgun but with blued steel and crossbolt safety. But like I always say, go to the gunstore or range and try each one out. Shoulder it, cycle the action, work the safety, work the action release and see which suits you best. The Remington and Mossberg have the controls in different places so its up to you which one you prefer. Both are tough as nails and will outlast your grandchildren if taken care of.
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Great advice, IMO. If I wanted to shoot 3.5", I'd probably be looking at a 10 gauge. My mossberg 500 has about 600 rounds through it, still going strong with absolutely 0 malfunctions.

See which fits. I picked the Mossberg because the action release is at the rear of the trigger guard, which I find easier to reach, as well as the tang safety, which I find is much easier to operate with gloves. The only plastic parts on the thing are the trigger guard and safety switch, and aftermarket parts can be bought to replace those.
 
Thanks guys,
now I have some good info to start with. I'm going to go and try a few and see how they feel.
 
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