Shotgun??

[Tum Tum]

Hey guys,

Need a little help here. Don't really hunt that much, but would like too. But I don't really know anything about shotguns. What shotguns do you recommend? For someone that is just wanting to get started. Want to hunt for some dove and maybe some ducks or do you need two different kind of shotguns to do both?

[Muddskipper]

870 Express ....12ga.

It will cost less than $300 new (there are some current rebates right now), and the gun should last you your life time .....

American Made, and it will hold it's value ......

[Robalo]

x2-You can find a used one also and save mo $. They are cheap but fair quality guns-I would get that over a Mossberg anyday.

If can chamber 3" or 3.5" shells, you have the all around gun-dove, ducks, geese, quail and crackhead thieves! Check new prices and check used-make dang sure you inspect the heck outta a used gun before buying-look for rust, pits and smoothness-if it's beat up, pass on it and keep looking.

[buoy37]

870 Express ....12ga.

It will cost less than $300 new (there are some current rebates right now), and the gun should last you your life time .....

American Made, and it will hold it's value ......

I recently read where Remington will forward your rebate directly to CCA if you choose.

[TRP150]

2x on the 870 hard to beat for the money

[WestEndAngler]

Benelli Nova is my go to gun. I clean it once a season 0 rust its a beast! 10+ years of hunting & abuse its been sunk in saltwater, buried in mud & she still shoots straight as an arrow!

[Moonpie]

Each person likes something different.

Go to as many gun shops/retailers/shows as you can.
Examine/handle as many different models/makes/types as possible.
Throw the gun to your shoulder like you would when taking a shot.
Does the bead sight line up on your target or does the stock cause you to re-adjust to get proper sight alignment?
See if the stock length fits you. Many guns come with long stocks on them and can be cut down to fit you. Any competent gunsmith can do this.
Stock fit is very important on a shotgun. Proper fit will dramatically improve your hits.

FWIW: A 12gauge pump will do everything you need.
A good old Remington 870 is a great gun.
Many aftermarket accessories for it as well as parts availability.

[WestEndAngler]

Adding to Moonpie's post... My new Benelli that I got at the end of last season came with adjustments to the stock so I can add wedges or spacers whatever they are to move the butt of the gun in order to get the barrel perfectly lined up with my cheek, eye etc.

[Oleander Kayaker]

x5 - the 870 is our back-up to Jack (the pit bull).

Each person likes something different.


FWIW: A 12gauge pump will do everything you need.
A good old Remington 870 is a great gun.
Many aftermarket accessories for it as well as parts availability.

[Tum Tum]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I am going to go to different places to check them out and see what feel right to me.

[Muddskipper]

You will find that the bigger retailers will have the cheaper prices on the Remington 870 ...
Academy, Gander Mt. , Bass Pro ......

[Tum Tum]

Thanks Muddskipper.

[Tum Tum]

One more question.Does it really matter if is a pump action or a semi-automatic?? What do you guys prefer?

[Robalo]

Pumps will rarely ever jam.

[majek_maniac]

Most would probably prefer a semi-automatice action. Then again, most would probably prefer the pump action price.

For what its worth, I shoot a Benelli Super Black Eagle II. I've had the gun for 5 years and shot almost 10,000 rounds through it by now with no issues. I dont abuse it, but its my utility weapon and I treat it as such. Dropped in the mud many, many times, used as a boat paddle on occasion, been swimming with it on my back, etc. Great weapon, extremely reliable, versatile, light weight and easy to operate. I highly recommend them to anyone in the market for one. It's a high price tag which most people arent willing to pay, but like Benelli's ad says, "Performance worth the price". And they hold their value extremely well.

But for your situation you have described, get you a Remington 870. I love all 3 of mine.

M.M.