Best 12ga for EVERYTHING

[click clack]

Only preferance I have is 12ga. I am open to pump or semi auto, just want to be able to do everything with it...I mean everything.. Clays, Home Defense, Deer possibly, Ducks, Squirrel, etc. Is there a shotgun out there capable of doing this? Yea i know there are shotguns that come with multiple barrels that could suit my needs but thats defeats the point. Any suggestions?

 

[bernie]

Let me be the first to say Remington 870 in 3" or 3.5". With choke tubes you can hunt just about anything. With a rifled slug barrel, it is great for deer.

 

[bejay]

the closest you could maybe get, is a semi or pump with multiple barrels a standard barrel with screw in chokes a short barrel for home defense and a rifled one for deer im sure the remington 870 or mossberg 500 would probably have alot of barrel options, not sure on the semi autos wich one would have the most barrel options.
as per one gun without changing the barrel then a shotgun with a standard barrel with screw in chokes could work but it wont do all those things well and you would be making a comprimise in some areas.

 

[waidmann]

I would suggest a Belgian Browning Auto-5 Light Twelve with a plain modified barrel. I have never seen a Belgian A-5 plain barrel that would not throw slugs well to 50yds. While Modified is not ideal to every circumstance it will tolerate steel shot and is passable in all applications. Also the recoil operated A-5 will not be kind to you shooting that second round of clays.
But if I correctly understand you as saying you want to own a single stock 12 ga. with next to no accessories and do it all, this is my nomination.

BTW I do not currently, nor likely will ever again, own another of these. My Sweet Sixteen (IC) throws a good slug (if I ever have need) and I own other guns.

 

[jbkebert]

1960's-1980's 870 wingmaster 3" will do everything you need it to do. For the rest of your lifetime and your kids lifetime.

 

[T Bran]

I suggest a Mossberg 500 with a vent rib barrel and screw in choke tubes. If you want a slug barrel or a shorter HD barrel they are much more affordable add ons than most other brands. If your budget allows you can do the same thing with a Remington 870.
T

 

[orionengnr]

One more vote for an 870 Wingmaster.

 

[41]

My vote goes to a Benelli Super Black Eagle II. Mine hunts deer, dove, duck, squirrel, hogs, turkey, and I have shot skeet and trap. It could also serve a home defense role. It never misses a beat.

 

[l7runner]

I picked up a Rem 870 Supermag as a good all around gun. Full-Camo synthetic stock, 2.75 - 3.5" shell capacity, 26" barrel, adjustable chokes.

Hard to beat for around $350 new

 

[hso]

If you don't change barrels then how in the world can you expect to get an 18" smooth bore to hit high flying birds? No one gun does everything.

 

[rallyhound]

Sound to me like you need a Mossberg 930 in a Turkey configuration.

Barrel in 22 or 24 inches, choke tubes.

Best one gun compromise.

 

[scramasax]

Mossberg pump or wingmaster. I prefer the 870 and get extra barrels for what you want.
Or just remembered the new Remington 887. It will shoot 2 3/4, 3, and 3 1/2 shells.
Cheers,

ts

 

[hmphargh]

I agree with rallyhound on the length, but I'd go with a pump gun - 500 or 870 depending on price/preference.

 

[fletchbutt152]

870 Express Tactical...

I don't own one, but had my buddy's for a couple months. It had high capacity for defense. It's short, well balanced, and quick like lightening. Upland birds, duck, deer no problem. Geese, well I don't know, never tried it. If Remington would start making quality guns again, it would be my next purchase.

As it sits though my do it all shotgun is a 28" Benelli Nova. I do think it is mechanically the best slide gun ever made. Just wish I could get the mag extensions and the forearm diameter was shorter.

 

[MyGreenGuns]

hso said it best (Post #10)

(to above)I have the 870 express tactical, LOVE it 100%. It has a smooth bore 18.5" barrel with no choke and the pattern opens up at distance. I'd buy another barrel to add to 'potential' uses. Swap em as needed.

 

[BADUNAME37]

As others mentioned, any 12 that you can have different barrels for different needs. No one gun barrel will do everything you want. How can you possibly hit high-flying birds with a cylinder-bore choke on an 18" barrel?? Likewise, how would you like going through your house using a gun that has a 28" (or longer) barrel with super-full choke?

 

[MCgunner]

Mossberg

 

[BADUNAME37]

I also agree with Mossberg.
Make sure you get the one with the proper-length magazine tube, as one model cannot interchange barrels, while the proper model will accept any barrel Mossberg makes.

I know, as I learned the hard way.

I now have one that I can put any barrel on it that I want! I happened to pick up a 26" Fully-Rifled Barrel with muzzle brake and Williams Fire Sights on the front and rear, dedicated to shooting saboted-slugs!

 

[oneounceload]

There is no "need" for a HD gun to have a 18.5" barrel, and that length does nothing for hunting or clays. Since the OP does NOT want to have multiple barrels, a nice semi with 3-3.5" chambers would work. The Beretta A400 Xplor is one that might bear consideration - handles light to shoulder-thumping loads, light enough for field carry, changeable chokes, clean running action

 

[Uniquedot]

Another vote for the 870 wingmaster. Choose the barrel length that suits you and don't worry about high flying birds! barrel length only gives you a better sighting plane for those high flying birds and if this is going to be your only shotgun your practice will make perfect with it.

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

win 870

 

[Old Unc']

Benelli M2, will do everything you want, then more...

 

[fletchbutt152]

Another suggestion.

I mentioned the 870 ET. Very nice gun for anything but goose. At least the one i shot. But if I were to buy one gun, price were no factor, i would but an auto benelli, maybe the new vinci when they have 3.5 (maybe they do already). for all your purposes, I would just get the 24" barrel.

 

[sarduy]

mossberg 500

 

[BudW]

Mossberg 930 SPX