Which shotgun? See list.

[OhCanada]

I am looking at a general use 12g hunting shotgun (deer, bird, etc) under $500 tax incl.

Common ones that come up on the Exchange are Winchester Defender, Winchester Wingmaster, and Mossberg 500.

Which have you owned, which do you prefer?

 

[Superbrad]

It's Remington wingmaster and that would be my choice......

 

[silverfoxdj]

Winchester combo pump is a nice option

 

[Sherlock Gnomes]

owned the mossberg and didnt like it. the remington would be my way to go.

 

[Joe549]

The 500, with 2 or 3 barrels, would be my choice. Never used the Winchester and don't like remington...

 

[MackForce]

870 with 2 barrels or a wingmaster if you find one for your budget.

 

[chadeech]

Mossberg maverick 88, all 500 barrels fit , great solid versatile and the extra cash saved buys more ammo

 

[Winchested]

They all fit differently. Go shoulder some guns and buy what fits you. All the guns In that range should be okay.

I own Winchester 1300 deer, turkey and waterfowl barrels (my goto pump), Mossberg 500 20g old Single action bar gun has never let me down use it for upland. Rem 870, heaviest of them all clunky but never fails.

Rem 870 last on my list for fit and finish. Unless it's a wingmaster or a pre 95 express.

 

[canvasback]

An old Wingmaster in good condition will be nicely under $500 and the best gun of the bunch.

 

[brybenn]

I like the mossberg 500. I've sold off all my rem pump 870 guns

Take a look at a used Ithaca 37. Great guns

 

[Kenny]

I would go rem wingmaster all the way. shoot it enjoy it, pass it down your grandkids will love it

 

[Westward1]

Wingmaster

 

[Shooter_01]

An old Wingmaster in good condition will be nicely under $500 and the best gun of the bunch.

This.

 

[Winchested]

Seriously buy the gun that fits you.

And if you don't know how to fit a shotgun properly do some research because 1 size does not fit all.

 

[cement head]

If you buy a wingmaster then your going to have to pick up a slug barrel for deer unless your useing buckshot. slugs are much better . if you buy an 870 express then you can get the combo . the 870 is heavier than the Mossberg 500 in my opinion. the Remington has a steel reciever and the Mossberg has an aluminum reciever. both work fine .

if you want a smoother action buy the wingmaster and pick up a used slug barrel either on line or at a gun show. to tell you the truth if I could only own one shotgun it would be the 870 Remington. either one. someone mentioned the Ithaca model 37 . it's a very nice shotgun and has a very smooth action . if you do buy one and you need a slug barrel it's going to cost you a few .

they are lighter then the Remington . oya if you do buy an Ithaca there is a slug barrel that fits the older models and a diffrent barrel for the newer ones. they have threads on them . you set them in the reciever and turn them to lock them in . good luck in you choice.

 

[gwes2003]

I bought a wingmaster as my first shotgun, gone on to try 870 express, remington 1100, browning bps,winchester 2200 and sx3 and sxp.
The only one I still have is my first wingmaster and the only one I regret selling a little is the BPS.
For an all around hunting shotgun you can't beat the wingmaster

 

[Milanczar]

Wingmaster. Bonus if you can find one with choke tubes.

 

[hawkmp9]

Mossberg 500

 

[Bhill53]

I prefer the feeling of hunting with a single shot or o/u shotgun.
But if I had to chose between the brands you've named I would pick the Wingmaster.

 

[LenDen99]

Seriously buy the gun that fits you.

And if you don't know how to fit a shotgun properly do some research because 1 size does not fit all.

This makes perfect sense...