I have a Weatherby SA-08 which I love, but it is a semi which is not my favourite thing to bring into the blind. I also find it's noticably louder than anyone else's gun in the field, though that has not seemed to be a problem because once the birds start coming in, there isn't enough noise in the world to keep the next flock from following suit. But my ears and those of my friends suffer as sometimes we neglect protection (I know, it's my fault not the guns).
I've been looking at pumps at or under $500 ish.
Maverick 88 - Clearly the cheapest, only 3" which in some sense limits me, because I go everywhere... In some cases I would like to be able to shoot 3.5"
Mossberg 500/535/850 - Also cheaper, depending. But I have heard complaints of pattering despite putting chokes in.
Remington 870 - The classic cool. But I've heard people say 'They don't make them like they used to' What does that mean?
Stevens 320 - Haven't been able to find much on it. I know the old timer Savages were excellent.
Stoeger P350 - I've heard both ends of the spectrum from "Best I've ever shot" to "Kicks like a mule"
Weatheyby PA-08 - If it's anything like the SA, perhaps noise will be an issue again?
What have you guys heard or better yet witnessed and come to find?
I want to shoot geese in the blind, ducks in the swamp or on the hillside. I may like to lean toward the option of shooting all 2 3/4" to 3.5"(without losing my shoulder after 50 rounds). I don't want to deafen myself and my friends. And, of course I'm asking for a lot, I would like this to be my hunting gun for many years to come.
No pressure pals!
I've been looking at pumps at or under $500 ish.
Maverick 88 - Clearly the cheapest, only 3" which in some sense limits me, because I go everywhere... In some cases I would like to be able to shoot 3.5"
Mossberg 500/535/850 - Also cheaper, depending. But I have heard complaints of pattering despite putting chokes in.
Remington 870 - The classic cool. But I've heard people say 'They don't make them like they used to' What does that mean?
Stevens 320 - Haven't been able to find much on it. I know the old timer Savages were excellent.
Stoeger P350 - I've heard both ends of the spectrum from "Best I've ever shot" to "Kicks like a mule"
Weatheyby PA-08 - If it's anything like the SA, perhaps noise will be an issue again?
What have you guys heard or better yet witnessed and come to find?
I want to shoot geese in the blind, ducks in the swamp or on the hillside. I may like to lean toward the option of shooting all 2 3/4" to 3.5"(without losing my shoulder after 50 rounds). I don't want to deafen myself and my friends. And, of course I'm asking for a lot, I would like this to be my hunting gun for many years to come.
No pressure pals!
