[clange]

This is my first foray into the shotgun forum so be kind. ;)

I'm wondering what the deal is on these..

http://gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=9147909

Junk or worth the low price? SOG had them for $169, dont know if they still have them though. Anyone have one? Can the capacity be increased? Any other info?

I'm beginning to look into getting a shotgun. Ive got other stuff so this seems the next logical step. It would mostly be for home defense. I've read about 870s and 500s but I dont really want to spend much, which is why this one caught my eye.

SOG has another cheap one too..3rd gun down (http://southernohiogun.com/products.html), a black pump. Same questions on that one. Thanks.

[Badger Arms]

JUNK!!! You can find a used Ithaca for around that cost if you look a little.

[Dave McCracken]

This has been chewed around quite a bit here.

We excel at making pumpguns that last forever and cost less than a week's salary. The foreign stuff is of questionable quality, and the shifting tides of international relations and trade can leave warranty work and parts availability a cruel joke.

Used Big Four pumps will last longer than anything this side of Stonehenge and cost little more than the clone guns. Buy US made, your greatgrandchildren will thank you for it.

[clange]

K, thanks guys.

[Badger Arms]

The final nail in the coffin might be that Norinco again has been put on the hit list. Good luck getting the reverse-engineered non-standard parts if and when one breaks. The Ithaca 37 is does break in the American form, imagine if it were made by slave labor?

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2003-05-22-norinco-usat_x.htm

I got this link here: Everybody should bookmark this watchdog site:

http://www.firearmnews.com/

[foghornl]

I saw the ChiCom clones of the Ithica pump at a local store, and it was that "cursory glance" thing......

One glance and I started :cuss: -ing

Didn't really look very well made in the 'fit and finish' areas, and didn't have that solid "chunk chunk " of the real Ithica's action either.

If your New Shotgun Budget is limited to say $200, and a police trade in or otherwise used is not for you, then I would suggest taking a look at the Maverick shottys. Maverick Arms is Mossberg's entry level value priced line.
The Maverick Mdl 88 Security has 2 flavors 18-1/2" barrel 6 shot, and a 20" barrel 8 shot, MSRP of $199/$206 respectively.

Maverick Field Model 88 comes with a 28" vent-rib barrel, with a "modified" choke tube installed at MSRP of $249.

My local friendly gunshop has the 18-1/2" Cylinder barrel for sale for $69, if you went with the Field model, so you could also have the short barrel.