New guy- First Shotgun

S

Saskatchestan

Regular
EE Expired
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Location
Saskatchestan
Hi all

Finally got around to finishing my paperwork and mailing the PAL and it has arrived so I'm off looking for a shotgun for hunting ducks and geese. I have hunted before but this is the first shotgun I'll own, up until now I had just borrowed come hunting season and only went out once or twice. I tried to look at purchasing a few used guns in the $400-$500 range on consignment at one of the local shops, but they have choke/barrel combinations which are only for lead loads so sadly they are not an option as finding replacement barrels for them is pretty difficult. Kind of a bummer there was a Remington 11/Browning A5 that I really liked as well as a really nice Over/Under Felix Sarasketa.

So looks like I'll have to go new. Semi-Auto's are out for two reasons. One I want to become a more disciplined shooter and spraying rounds is just too easy with a semi. Two they are much more expensive and with a wife and two little ones I just don't have thousands to throw at a shotgun I may not use a bunch. Over unders are beautiful but again new they are just too much for a first gun.

So pump it is. Originally I thinking about a Mossberg 590A1 but the stock barrel is too short and while I could swap stuff out and get up to a 26" or 28" barrel by the time I spend the money to do it I'll spend more than just buying one that's ready to go. I looked at a Mossberg 500 and while all of the controls are in the right place the gun doesn't feel right when I shoulder it blind. Also when I open my eyes after shouldering it I'm always off line. I did try a Benelli Nova that was on sale for $480 and it shoulders and feels perfect, and when I open my eyes after doing the blind shoulder I'm straight down the pipe every time although the control layout I don't like as much as Mossberg's. So far its looking like the Benelli will be the one that comes home. but I'm not convinced yet and there is a sale coming up in two weeks so I think I'm going to wait and see. Also the other gun store in town is getting in a bunch of new stock in about a week so time for now appears to be on my side.

I was just wondering if any of you guys had a suggestion or would throw in your 2 cents?

Thanks for reading!
 
Proper gun fit being a top consideration for selection.....

- Benelli Nova or Super Nova: Quality build, most easy to takedown for maintenance, location of slide release very user friendly
- Browning BPS Stalker: Quality build, tang safety (most user friendly), bottom load/eject, ability to empty live rounds from the mag tube without a need to cycle the action, location of slide release not so user friendly only when using heavy gloves, full disassembly will require diligence and patience
- Remington 870 (waterfowl versions): Well built but may not be well finished, simple to strip
- Mossberg 500/835 etc (waterfowl versions): Well built but may not be well finished, tang safety (most user friendly), simple to strip
 
I shoot a lot in the fall & I use a semi Bakal. They can be had new from $400-650. The feed back on the Weatherby semi is also good & price is $650 -750. As far as pumps go a 870 Rem is a good pick. As is the Mossberg. Check the equipment exchange here for some good used guns, (just know your prices - Check with the for sale list in dealers above). GOOD LUCK & HAVE FUN.
 
If you're waterfowling in Saskatchewan a semi wouldn't be a bad idea to take some of the pounding out of the high volume of shooting. I would look for a good used semi if I were you. I also wouldn't shy away from a 3" Auto5 as you could have the choke opened to modified and you'd be off to the races. I love waterfowling in Saskatchewan.
 
New - Remington 870 Express Magnum in mossy oak duck blind camo. Gives you 2 3/4" to 3 1/2" shell selection, good range of chokes, cheap price. Finish is average, metal needs a lot of attention as they rust easy.
Used - Browning BPS Shadow Grass or Benelli Supernova

I'm a Remington guy, but I will be getting a Browning BPS
 
I also just got my PAL not too long ago.

I got myself the Mossberg 500 Combo from Cabela's in ED two weeks ago. $329 for the shotgun (all black) and both 18.5" "defender-type" barrel and a 28" ribbed barrel with a FIXED modified choke. Not bad for $329. I picked it up for the better chances to have a do-it-all combination.....buckshot/slugs for plinking with the short barrel, some bird hunting with the longer barrel... It's the price that made me pick it up tho...Mossberg 500's warranty is 10 years, compared to the Maverick 88's 1 year (just for comparo's sake)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom