My first shotgun... but which one?

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timbperry

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I'm going to be getting my gun licence in a month and I figured my best bet for an all around gun would be a shot gun. I was hoping I could get some advice on which gun I should get. For sure I know I'm going to be going duck and deer hunting maybe some small game.
My only problem is I don't have a huge budget (100-150max) I figure im going to have to go used. I need something to get me through the door.
Thanks for your help
 
I do not know your situation BUT I would suggest save more money before you start getting firearms and going hunting. Hunting is not cheap and cost adds up quickly.
 
$150 is not going to get you much better then a rusty barn shotgun

Save up for a used 870 or mossberg pump. KD and mr noodles are the way to a good shotgun :)
 
I think you might be surprised at how versatile the MOSSBERG 185 bolt action shotguns can be. I found the 12 guage was a bit big and heavy , but the 20 was PERFECT for shooting clays, and upland birds. They hold 2 in the removable mag and one in the pipe. They are always for sale for $150 on the EE. What makes them so good is those POLYCHOKES at the end of the barrel. You just twist it until you find the perfect pattern for your purposes.
I think if you had around $275 you could get a used Mossberg 500 or a Remmy 870 express. I had to do some "internal smoothing" of my Rem 870 before it fed well. Older Rems and Mossy's are the "bomb".
 
For the money you have the best you could do is an older bolt action shotgun or a new single shot. They might be fine to start out with, but if you are going to get into duck or goose seriously you will want a pump, semi or double barrel.
 
Nothing wrong with single shot Baikal or Cooey. Works for trap or upland.
Gets you on the board and you are not going to lose much on resale.
That being said a pump isn't much more. You'll be happier if you double your budget.
 
Save your money. Get $300- $400 together and by a Rem 870 Wingmaster or a Win Model 12. You will never NEED to get another pump, although at some point you may want to. Don't waste your time and money when the best gun is only another $200.

Buy quality and value. Buy used!

PS I just found 3 Wingmasters and 2 Win M12 on the first page of the EE, all between $300 and $400, anyone would be suitable for you. They aren't hard to find. There is a reason why they are the most highly regarded and influential pump guns in history. I have many SxS and mostly shoot those, but I will never part with my Wingmaster and my model 12s. They just work!

And BTW, if you are new to guns, you should know this. Unlike most other consumer products, guns are built to last not years, but decades. I don't consider a gun old unless it's pre WWII. The only thing you need to watch for is shooting steel shot out of tightly choked "pre steel shot" barrels. The solution, and it will be good for your shooting, is don't have a tightly choked gun.
 
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Well thanks everyone for your advice Ive got a deal going now for an old 12 gauge h&r bolt action 60$ it'll need some tlc but should get the job done till next year.
 
Save a little more cash and go for and 870 combo with waterfowl barrel and smooth slug barrel with iron sights. The bottom line is that it costs money to be a shooter. If you can't afford the gun, you probably won't be able to afford to shoot it.
 
I'm 67 years old.
I was a hobbyist Gunsmith for 20 years.
Best shotgun to buy that will last you all your life is a Remington model 870 Wingmaster.
28 inch barrel with interchangeable chokes with a vent rib..[They never break].
Forget about a slug barrel,[They kick like hell and aren't that accurate.]
I speak from [EXPERIENCE]. Don't buy the cheap 870.
To hunt deer get a nice lightweight Remington model 7 in 308 Win.
You can hunt Deer, Moose and bears and is a nice varmint gun if you reload.
 
If you can use a shotgun of a hunting buddy (most of us have a couple) till you can get a good Rem 870 WINGMASTER with choke tubes & 3" chamber. Good luck & have fun.--A slip on recoil pad might be nice for a single shot!
 
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