[TheReeves]

Hey all, I've wandered over from the autoloader handgun forum since lately I've been thinking about buying my first shotgun. Since I know next to nothing about shotguns and my experience has been limited to shooting clay with friends guns only a few times, I need some advice. And Pictures, lots and lots of pictures. I am looking to keep it under $400 with $300 being the preferred area. Nothing high end for me yet as I might trade my Kahr CW40 (a month old and as of yet, never fired) for something if I can find it at the gun show this weekend. I'd like to have a black pump tactical, 18.5" barrel, possibly with a collapsible stock. I am also interested in the pistol grip (with stock). I know some people do not like this on a shotgun, but I don't have past experiences to base my opinion off of. I've seen the 870 Express and Mossberg 500 models and I like both very much, but the only pictures I have seen have been small low detail pictures from auctions and such.

On another note, I can pick up a basically brand new Maverick 88 for $165 locally. Would this be a better option for me to start off with? I'd get to keep my Kahr this way.

Thanks for any help!

[CherenkovBlue]

hey there, i picked this mossberg 500 up from a local pawn shop for 150 dollars, then i bought a 18.5in barrel from cheaper then dirt for under 80 if i remember correctly, just ordered a knoxx specops stock and a knoxx synthetic black forend from gander mtn for $190 total....heres what it looks like at the moment.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y300/FeNiX117/DSCI0041.jpg

[Packman]

Depends on what you want it for. If you're looking for clayshooting, maybe something more than an 18.5? Personally, I'd think about getting the maverick, but then again, I don't let guns go very easily once I have them.

[TheReeves]

I guess I forgot to mention that the gun would be primarily for home defense, which is part of the reason I want a pump.

[CherenkovBlue]

whats nice is my mossberg came with a 28in barrel, so when i want to go out and shoot clays all i have to do is swap them out, shotguns are so versatile.

[TheReeves]

CherenkovBlue - See, that is nice to hear. I've got so much to learn.

[Bud Tugly]

For an effective and affordable HD shotgun it would be hard to beat something like this:

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model_870/model_870_express_synthetic_7-round_specs.asp

or this:

http://www.mossberg.com/products/default.asp?id=5

[19-3Ben]

Bud- The remington you just linked to is my HD gun. I love that thing. TOUGH AS NAILS!!!!!
At one point last week I transgressed. I was tempted by a Winchester model 1300 defender (18"bbl, etc...). It was a beauty and I bought it, but the follower got jammed up because of a dent in the mag tube. Now I realize that could happen to any gun, and it is NOT at all a weakness of the Winchester design which is undoubtedly fine. But when I compared the gun side-by-side with my Remington it just felt....weak in comparison.

[TheReeves]

Two beautiful guns, and the front runners currently.

[proud2deviate]

My 870 Police Magnum, bought it used, about $350 after I replaced the stock and rear sight blade. Made in '97, and still going strong:cool:
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj241/proud2deviate/870-03.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj241/proud2deviate/870-01.jpg