Newfie Newbie needs recommendation... please help!

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Forestlynx

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Hello everyone!:)

This is my first post in this wonderful forum.

I am looking for some recommendations on buying my first new or used shotgun for use in Newfoundland.

The shotgun will be used for hunting small game (snowshoe hare), grouse, ducks and perhaps geese as well.

I am thinking of a double-barrel side-by-side shotgun (the hinge type), however if you recommend a single-barrel... I'll go with that. I am looking for a reasonably priced shotgun with good performance.

My Qs...
(1) What are some brands/models you would recommend for me?
(2) Should I buy new or look for a used shotgun?
(3) If used, what are the attributes I should pay more attention to in order to get the good performance that I am looking for in the shotgun?

Thanks a million!

Forestlynx
 
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In order to offer the versatility that you're looking for, you pretty much need removable chokes. That in itself all but rules out used shotguns, apart from current models that happen to be available used as well.

One way or the other, you'll need to decide which way to compromise: Do you get a 12 gauge so that you'll have some weight to absorb some of the recoil from the heavy waterfowl loads or, do you get a nice, light 20 gauge for long walks after small game and grouse. IMO, it's easier to live with the extra weight in the field than it is to live without it in a duck blind.

As much as I love SxS's, they're better suited to the small game and grouse side of your plans. I think given your criteria, you might also consider an U/O. There's a much wider selection of makes available, and a considerable number of options for used pieces, too. The challenge with U/O's will be finding one with screw-in chokes AND double triggers.
 
I would say if it's your first gun go for a Benelli Nova. Comes with choke tubes,a 3 1/2 chamber and is not that heavy. If you really want a double and have the money a Browning would be a good chose so long as you don't mind over unders.
 
Forestlynx said:
I am looking for a reasonably priced shotgun with good performance.
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The Remington Model 870 Express pump shotgun would be a good choice in my opinion.There are a lot of them around as they are the most popular pump shotgun ever built.They are rugged and dependable.

For upland game the 28 gauge is a great choice.As you said you wished to hunt geese I would go with the 12 gauge.The 870 is available in 3 inch and 3 1/2 inch in 12 gauge.Iwould go with the 3 inch.
 
I would not reccomend the 870 for use in newfoundalnd, especially if you live next to the water like i do. Those new 870's are very very rust prone, i used mine once, and never took it out again, just too much hassel having to strip clean it every time its used. The onlyt way id buy another 870 if it was wrapped in camo. If your on a budget i would highly advise you look at a Mossberg 535 ATS 12 gauge, 3 1/2, 3 chokes, blued, etc. for around $280+tax. I think this gun woudl most highly suit your needs.
 
Forget a SXS or O/U. You're hunting Newfoundland and that means bogs, barrens and mashes. You don't need to lug around all that extra metal.

Again, since you're hunting Newfoundland, your shotgun is going to get wet...really wet....most of the time.

Forget wood, go with a synthetic or laminate (if you absolutely have to have a wood stock) stocked model. Wood, even well sealed wood is no match for Newfoundland Fall weather. They can and will absorb moisture and swell. Some so much so that they'll actually bind the action!

I've tried and hunted with just about every style/type of shotgun you might imgaine here on The Rock. Hands down, the best, most reliable and cost effective shotgun has been the Remington 870 pump gun. It is available with factory synthetic or laminate stocks, so water resistance is good. Lots of aftermarket parts available. It has a great REM Choke, screw-in choke system and is available with either a 3" or 3.5" model.

For waterfowl hunting and Turr hunting, the basic Express Model has held up very well, even to immersion in Salt Water. Just hosed it off with fresh and then dried and lubed all metal. I prefer the 3" model. 3.5" shells are expensive and hard to source in Newfoundland unless you reload (I do, but still really haven't seen the need to go with the 3.5") and 3" Magnums seem to do just about everything the 3.5" can do, at less cost and recoil.

There are a multitude of after-market and factory barrels available for the Remington 870. Both new and used are readily available. For an "all-around" barrel length, the 28" factory bbl with vent rib is hard to beat. You can get away with a shorter 24-26" bbl for bunnies/grouse, but I've never had any complaints busting bunnies with my 28" bbl. I've also taken moose with my 870 using a rifled slug barrel. Gotta' love that bang! Flop!:) Longer 30 & 32" bbls are also available if you prefer those lengths for waterfowl hunting or shooting trap. However, again, the 28" works almost as well.

As for gauge, its a toss up. The 20 ga is better for bunnies/grouse/partridge, but the shells are more expensive and a littler harder to find. The 12ga handles just about everything good, but is a better waterfowl/big game choice. However, with the lighter 12ga loads is still a great choice for bunnies/grouse, etc...I just aim for the head to mimimize meat damage.

As for buying new or used. With the high Canadian dollar and the really attractive new pricing on Remington 870s these days, I'd probably pick up a new one from one of the big mail-order places like Wholesale Sports, Russels, LeBarons or SIR. Shop around for the best deal! Know your new prices if looking to buy used, either locally or in the EE. A lot of guys bought new 870s back when the Canadian dollar was low and ended up investing well over $500+ with taxes & shipping. The prices they're asking in the EE and locally reflect that and not the new reality of shotgun costs in Canada. Unless I came across a spectacular deal, I'd buy new.
 
eiderduckhunter said:
I would not reccomend the 870 for use in newfoundalnd, especially if you live next to the water like i do. Those new 870's are very very rust prone, i used mine once, and never took it out again, just too much hassel having to strip clean it every time its used. The onlyt way id buy another 870 if it was wrapped in camo. If your on a budget i would highly advise you look at a Mossberg 535 ATS 12 gauge, 3 1/2, 3 chokes, blued, etc. for around $280+tax. I think this gun woudl most highly suit your needs.
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I'm surprised at your experience with the 870. I've got 3 in my safe right now. No problems with rust with a little maintenance and have recommended the same shotgun to multiple friends. One buddy bought his last Sept. and used it everyday on the water at turrs and sea ducks. No rust problems and it sure enough got wet lots. They don't like be put away wet though. The matte express style finish seems to stand up better to the cheap Mossberg blue finish I've seen on most Mossbergs.
 
I would get a used pump (500, 870, whatever) with removable chokes, and get a used sxs for upland. Both can be had for about 500 total if you shop around.

There's still a few months till season open, I would keep looking for a keeper.
 
You don't NEED removable chokes. I use my Mossberg 500 with fixed full choke on everything from hunting (grouse, geese, squirrel, etc.) to clays. I love it and it can take a beating.
 
he's right about the rust on the 870..they're terrible..however, i would still recommend them you just need to keep up on the maintenance. WD40
 
Go 870, give it a good go with a thick oil or jelly, then clean it all off.
Enough will stay on for fall weather, and I'd clean, dry and oil each time on the sal####er
Be very careful with removable chokes on the water though, thedy can rust in
 
Thanks guys... you've been all very helpful! Now it's thinking time, before starting to shop around...

Best wishes,

Forestlynx
 
The best choke for upland game is an open one like I.C. Luckily, an IC choke also does well with steel shot for ducks/geese at reasonable ranges.
 
There's nothing like a good old pump shotgun... and the CanAm Grizzly is not a bad way to get started!

With or with out sights...

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The short barrel would be great for small games and bear... then you can pick up a longer barrel for ducks and geeses...
 
Ok shameless plug Time. Buy a Winchester 1300 lots available on the used market and you can get rifled barrells and whatnot and they are incredibly smooth pumping. Most people on here don't like them but I do so don't rule them out try one if you can.
 
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