shotgun for beginner

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rejrichard

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I'm thinking of trying out duck/goose hunting in this fall and want to get opinions on what I should look for in a good beginner pump action shotgun. Looking for something reliable, not expensive, doesn't matter if it's new or used.

Any information would be great.
 
i think most here will tell you either the remington 870 or mossberg 500. the 870 is more popular, not too expensive, and look for one thet can take 3" shells for the geese. 24-28" barrel lenghts seem to be the hot ticket on pumps with a modified chock, or look for removable chockes so you can switch 'em out and decide for yourself. i found my 500 in ontario for $175 used...the net is your friend.
 
I'd go with the 870 because it is heavier than the mossberg. The weight will reduce the felt recoil and will assist any new shooters in reducing flinching and other recoil related problems.
 
870 Express with the Rem-choke system.

870 shotguns are very easy to take apart for cleaning and to put back together again too.
 
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Get a mossberg 12 gauge 535. Sir mail order has them for $294 Or even a mossberg 935 semi for $519 mine has never jammed after 2 years.
 
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I'll jump in with a Winchester 1300 for my vote. Double pump rails and just as reliable as the 870 - about the same price, give or take...

The Maverick seems to be a cheaper alternative, as well...
 
ive been happy with my winchester 1300 thats what i started out with. fantasitc shotguns but from what ive seen in different gunshops they are bit more money but the old wingmasters are freakin awesome too, im sure what ever you decide to go with you will love
 
If you're of standard height and build, any make of pumpgun will likely fit you reasonably well. However, each brand is built slightly differently and you may find that one make fits you particularly well. Go to a gunshop and mount every pumpgun they've got. Then do it again a few days later, and so on, until you find one that feels right. Ask the salesman how you should be sighting along the barrel/receiver.

At this stage, don't be concerned at all about reliability, durability, accessories, etc. Any of the name-brand guns like Winchester, Remington, Mossberg, Savage, etc. that are in good condition will function well. Equally important will be removable choke tubes to tailor the pattern to the shooting, or a fixed Imp Cyl choke. Don't pick up a used Wingmaster with 30" Fixed choke barrel - you'll find it too frustrating to learn to wingshoot. You do need a 3" chamber; you DON'T need 3.5".

Finally, you've GOT to go practise. Either at a proper club, or in a field with some buddies and a hand thrower. Don't be afraid of the club; most guys are very helpful and will be glad to give you instructions as well as maybe even let you try their guns. You've got lots of time to learn how to hit things in the air before the season opens, but you've got to start NOW.

Good luck, and let us know how you're coming along.
 
I was in your seat last year and weighed the pros and cons of each gun. It came down to the 870 and Benelli nova. I wanted a full cover solid camo and 3 1/2" chambering was a must.

The reputation of the Benelli outweighed the 870 and the gun was made of higher quality parts.

The 870 is much more common and accesaories much easier to come by as this is the most popular pump around.

Since i never follow the "crowd" I went with the Benelli Nova. We skeet shoot every few weeks and then and it's seen a few flats already this summer. Works super!
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The 870 is the lego gun of the shotgun world. It's like an AR15 when it comes to accessories and options. I have one and love it. If you get the express, consider getting it duracoated or armacoated or milspec parkerized. It will REALLY pay dividends if you use it in moist environments. Also a good idea to get the combo gun 20"cyl/28"vent rib model.

Or, you can swim against the current and get a nice Ithaca Model 37 ;) What's not to like? Protected from the elements, bottom eject, JMB design and ALL STEEL (ie, no aluminum or tupperware on it...). I have one of those too with a 28" fixed full choke barrel and love it just as much as my 870.

In fact, my 870 mostly wear a 20" barrel with rifle sights and a mag extension, while my Ithaca does all the long-tube duty.
 
Grouse Man said:
If you're of standard height and build, any make of pumpgun will likely fit you reasonably well. However, each brand is built slightly differently and you may find that one make fits you particularly well. Go to a gunshop and mount every pumpgun they've got. Then do it again a few days later, and so on, until you find one that feels right. Ask the salesman how you should be sighting along the barrel/receiver.

At this stage, don't be concerned at all about reliability, durability, accessories, etc. Any of the name-brand guns like Winchester, Remington, Mossberg, Savage, etc. that are in good condition will function well. Equally important will be removable choke tubes to tailor the pattern to the shooting, or a fixed Imp Cyl choke. Don't pick up a used Wingmaster with 30" Fixed choke barrel - you'll find it too frustrating to learn to wingshoot. You do need a 3" chamber; you DON'T need 3.5".

Finally, you've GOT to go practise. Either at a proper club, or in a field with some buddies and a hand thrower. Don't be afraid of the club; most guys are very helpful and will be glad to give you instructions as well as maybe even let you try their guns. You've got lots of time to learn how to hit things in the air before the season opens, but you've got to start NOW.

Good luck, and let us know how you're coming along.
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this is all you need to read it this thread, its all about what fits YOU, go to a gun shop and you will know when you pick it up! happy shooting:rockOn:
 
Talk about resurrrecting an old thread!

There is a bounty of very good and very cheap US made pump shotguns out there. Stop worrying about the brand and pay more attention to FIT.
 
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