Need a little advice

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Based on looking around here and all over the internet I can tell that this subject had been beaten to death, but I'm asking always. I'm deciding on my first pump action shotgun, at this point primary function is/will be shooting clays. Maybe more later on down the road so I would like to have some versatility. I've narrowed the search to a few guns and would love to know what others more experienced than me have to say about it. I'm trying to cap my budget at $450 max.

The 3 guns I'm currently looking at/narrowed down to are

1. A new Remington 870 sportsman with 28" barrel (slightly prettier than the base express)

2. Trying to find a used Remington 870 police in wood (boils down to good quality and I like the look)

3. Winchester SXP in wood (this gun seems to keep coming up as a go to local shops to ask the 870)

Any help or comments would be wicked
 
Any of guns mentioned will serve you well, the 870 sportsman is a much better gun than the express. 870 police is good too, if you don't mind paying more for the word police on it. The SXP I have no personal experience with, but I have heard positive feed back. You have to fine a gun that fits you and feels right. Not sure what kind of clays your interested in, but a pump can be a hand full for sporting clay. I would buy a gun with choke tubes to give it more versatility. Not sure if 870 police are fixed choke or not? Good luck with you choice, and if you start shooting clay targets , welcome to my addiction
 
With that budget, shopping for a new shotgun~I'd pick the 870 Sportsman. I wouldn't expect too big a step-up from the Express, but for the little extra you pay over an Express...you get a nicer looking gun. The 870 police guns (new or older models) won't serve you well for shooting clays, as the barrels are around 18" with little to no choke. Not a bad platform if you can find an older police, then add a $200 Express barrel onto it that will allow you the use of choke tubes.

I suspect you'll hear someone pop into this conversation and tell you pumps aren't the best guns for clays no matter what kind you get....and there is some truth to that...but it's awfully hard to beat one as a do-all shotgun. I don't own an over/under, and never have. My 870s go with me to the trap club every time. :)
 
Thanks guys, the gun will mostly just be for shooting stuff and having fun. Maybe hunting later on. Always wanted a pump so I figure this is the time to go for it. I've handled a few different ones now, 870 and the sxp fit the best for sure (slight edge to the sxp) the benelli nova was on my list but after handling the gun it didn't fit me we'll so I pulled it off my list.

Thanks again
 
Go with option number 1. If you really get into clay shooting, you will end up with an auto or O/U and the 870 will worth keeping around.
 
I used to have the SXP, I didn't like the feeling of the action (didn't sound very sturdy or feel as smooth) or the lack of accessories that were available. I sold mine and got an 870, I love it.
 
The 870 or preferably an older Wingmaster if you can find one would get my vote, especially if it fits you. The 870 offers lots of options to customize the gun to your needs and resale is good.
They are easy to maintain and parts are readily available if and when needed.
 
Another vote for an older maybe mid 70's Wingmaster. It was the first shotgun I ever own that my father bought for me in 1977. Still own it and have another one of the same vintage, that I just bought a 26" skeet barrel for. I also own an 870 Express but hardly ever use it because it feels like junk compared to the wingmasters. I do put the express barrel on the Wingmasters when I want interchangeable chokes.
 
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