2nd gun, 1st Shotgun

[rsalib]

I have been looking at pump action shotguns and remington and winchester seem to be the industry leaders.

I am looking to get it 12gauge, with atleast an available 3'' chamber. 12gauge, because that seems to be the standard for most activities, if I decide to go hunting or participate in trap/skeet shooting.

I really just want a shotgun, and second best brand quality is not for me. If it's not either of them, then who makes the best pump shotgun?

Thanks in advance,

Richard

 

[12 Volt Man]

I just went through nearly the same decision. I was looking seriously at the Remington 870, then settled on the Benelli Nova. The Nova seems to be the "latest and greatest" pump gun. It is from a very well respected Italian gun company.
You could not go wrong with either gun.

 

[Smoke]

Winchester 1300 and Remington 870 are both great guns. 870 is my preferred choice. Add to that Mossberg and Ithica and you have the "Big Four"

The Benelli Nova is 12 Volt Man suggested is also a very good weapon. It just doesn't have the "time proven" factor, I think that will change.

Handle as many of them as you can. Figure out the one that "feels" best or that "speaks to you". That will be the right gun.

A gun that you like and fits good will go farther than what a internet guru on a gun board tells you to get.

Smoke

 

[ruger357]

I like the 870, butit is your choice.

 

[Black Majik]

you want personal preference...?


Remington 870

 

[Dave McCracken]

Read the floater at the top about the Big Four.

Hang out at the range and ask folks how they like their pumps.

Handle and shoot some examples of the Big Four and the Nova.

Get the one that feels best.

BA/UU/R...

 

[Bostish]

I have several guns now, 2 Winni's, 870 and a Traditions O/U


Mine:
http://www.winchester-guns.com/prod...at_id=512&type_id=041&cat=012C&item=512041303

Son #1:
Same thing, shorter barrel.

Son #2:
http://www.remington.com/firearms/shotguns/870supmag.htm

Wife:
Not a pump but:
http://www.traditionsfirearms.com/eShop/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=SO8121280

I didn't really like the woodwork on sub $300 guns, so I opted for the synthetic. It could also be the tactical mindset I have. However, at first I found the Winny to be a bit more awkward in the forearm weight. Also, I have noticed that after about 25 rounds the heat waves are real visible at the missit bead.

The only problem I have with the 870 was that I got the Express Super Magnum, which later I was told it could hold more rounds than a conventional one. I don't know specifically about that, but i guess it makes since that for skeet, the less action it takes to chamber the next round might be better. So, if the above is true about the size of the magazine you may want to avoid the super models.

 

[kudu]

Welcome rsalib, you just opened up another great debate. Good advice on hanging around gun clubs, but everyone will have their own preference. I prefer 870 Wingmasters over an express any day just because it "feels" better to me, maybe psychological, but thats me.

I have over twenty shotguns and the only pump that "feels" even better to me than an 870 is an old M12 Winchester and a close third an even older M1897 Winchester.

 

[tbige]

Among the brands put forth so far, quality is not the issue; but, as always, fit is. The one that feels best is the one you'll shoot best.

Main thing pumps have going for them, to my way of thinking, is price. If you'll be limited for time being to just one shotgun, I urge you to at least handle a double and a semi-auto before buying. Considerable differences in feel and function.

If you feel price is an issue with a double or semi-auto, you should check the very fine new CZ semi-auto and the excellent IMZ doubles.

 

[MrMurphy]

I'm a self-defense man, I don't hunt or shoot skeet with shotguns so keep this in mind:

For my purposes, I rank them Remington 870, Mossberg 500/590, Benelli Nova SP, Winchester 1300. All are nearly the same quality but they get used in about those orders. Finding accessories like a SideSaddle is harder when you don't have an 870/500.


For bird hunting, clay pigeon annihilation, etc, any of the Big Four listed above plus Ithaca will work well.


I have shot dozens of 870s and owned two.

I've shot dozens of Mossbergs and owned one.

I've shot several Benellis and now own one.

I've shot a half dozen Winchesters but haven't owned one (yet!).


All of them fit me well, so it was a moot point. Restocking the gun is simple enough, except for the Benelli Nova, where the stock is molded around the reciever and can't be changed.

 

[9mmMike]

Get a used 870 and fix it up to fit you and your tastes. All my 870's were purchased used and they are all terrific guns.
Mike

You do get around don't ya MrMurphy?

 

[SirPorl]

I was in a similar situation when I purchased my first shotgun. I went and handled all that I could. I ended up with a benelli nova. Just seemed to fit me the best.

SirPorl