[CAS700850]

Buckeye Outdoors, one of the big outdoors/gun shops in Central Ohio, is advertising a Traditions semi-auto home defense shotgun for $219 on sale. Now, I'm primarily a handgunner, but want a long gun for defensive use. The question I have for all of you is about the Traditions company. I know nothing of this company. Are they a good quality company? Does anyone know anything about their shotguns? Are they reliable, in terms of function?

Bottom line is this: that is a good price, but more than I want to spend on a shotgun if it isn't going to function. Am I better off looking to spend a little more (around $300) for a Reminton/Winchester pump gun for defensive purposes?

[sm]

I have no idea or experience with Traditions.

IMO one of the Big Four : Rem, Win, Mossberg or Ithaca is a better choice. In the event you should need service, these folks will be there , and the designs will not have changed specs as time goes on.

Around here a new Express sells for $229 - sometimes less. The Maverick by Mossberg sells for ~ $134.

Do you have an Academy Sports , or Sports Unlimited up there?

Also used police trade ins are a LOT of gun for the money.

[JohnBT]

As best I can tell the Traditions autoloaders are made by...

Ata Arms, Istanbul, www.ataarms.com ataarms@superonline.com

Lots of guns are being imported from Turkey these days and I don't know a thing about ATA.

John

[A Cleaner]

"Now, I'm primarily a handgunner, but want a long gun for defensive use."

Defensive guns require reliability and consistent performance. IMO, defensive shotguns are not the place to save money. Don't get me wrong, I understand the "good price" allure. I don't have a huge budget either. My point is, saving money isn't worth the risk if it truly is used as a defensive gun. Besides, comparable prices can be found for some shotguns made by three of the big four (namely: Remington 870 Express, Mossberg 500, and Winchester 1300). I don't know a great deal about Traditions as a company so I cannot sit here and tell you they are good or bad. What I can tell you is that there are other brands out there that are better known and have enough guns in circulation to prove reliability. Any of the big four will do, although Ithaca may come in a little higher than you're looking to spend unless you get one used. I myself rely on Remington. Every gunner has a different take for different reasons.

Again, I'm sorry I cannot help with the "Traditions Question" but I can help with the "Better Off" question. IMHO, you would be FAR better off spending the small amount of extra cash for a model of gun made by a more reputable company. I say this all based on your statement regarding defensive use. I'm sure you have reliable handguns as go to's. Still, if you are only gonna own one shotgun, I'd say make it a good one.

WalMart usually has plenty of Remingtons and Mossbergs in the $220-$300 range. I would avoid the Maverick line by Mossberg.

Good luck with your search.

[Dave McCracken]

I read that Traditions was started by some former CVA employees and a maker in Spain. Later they were joined by the former prez of CVA.

American gun makers do a great job at providing superb repeating shotguns at a reasonable cost. All the Big Four are available used for about what a new Traditions repeater will go for. There's no uncertainty about how good these are, not with over 10 million made. Buy American, your greatgrand children will thank you for it....j

[A Cleaner]

Well said, Dave.

[birddog]

My only experience with Traditions is that I owned one of their .50 cal in-line muzzleloaders. It shot ok, but workmanship was shoddy, and most of the parts were poorly fitted. I like cheap guns and have a safe full of them, but unlike say Mossberg or CVA or any of the other more affordable brands, this one just wasn't a quality firearm.

It's one of a select few guns I've gotten rid of.

[CAS700850]

Thanks for the info, guys. You've confirmed my suspicions about this shotgun. And, of course, you all are right, this is not a purchase where I want to buy cheap, unless it's a matter of buying quality at a good price. I guess I'll pack a few more lunches and wait a little longer.