Budget pump gun

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BemidjiDweller

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Hello all, I am thinking of getting a basic, cheap pump shotgun. I will be using it mainly as a camping shotgun, living with my bugout bag when not in use.
Since it will not be in a home defense roll, I am willing to go to cheap of the cheap. I do require that this shotgun have shorter barrels, 18-20 tops. I have narrowed it down to a few shotguns so far, 1st is a Stevens 320. Second is a New England. The way I will have this shotgun attached to my pack favors the Stevens' pistol grip for ease of unholstering. I am also concidering a Mossberg 500 combo, only problem with this one is that I would like to have a stock, but I can live with just a pistol grip. Also I will only get the Mossberg if something happens where I can afford it. I've plans to purchase a rifle before summer, and I'll try and go with the shotgun that will allow me to do so.

So, what do you guys think? Any major downsides to any of my choices that you think I have over looked. I am not expecting life long quality from these purchases. (Maybe from the Mossberg if I baby it, but who wants to do that?) Are there any budget shotguns that I have missed? I am open to suggestions and advise. This will the the first pumpgun in the family, all of our other shotguns are SxS. So I am a little lost with all these new things to worry about.

I am mainly looking for info on the Steven's 320, but like I said above, I'll accept any help and advise :D Thanks for your help.

Edit: I forgot to mention, I'll be shooting all kinds of loads out of it. Slugs, buckshot, game, pretty much what ever will fit. I can live with not feeding it heavy magnums however.
 
Slugs, buckshot, game, pretty much what ever will fit. I can live with not feeding it heavy magnums however.
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Just how do you think those slugs and buck will compare to the magnums? ;)

I will be using it mainly as a camping shotgun, living with my bugout bag when not in use.
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This tells me, besides some fun time, it is expected top do life and death protection - yet you want to go as cheap as possible, even on the quality - I guess I am a little confused in that regard, if it were me, I would want something that absolutely was not going to fail when a bear, zombies, or whatever became a threat
 
Tipro said:
I've been considering getting one of these IAC Hawk's. http://www.iacshotguns.com/981Rpump.html

It's retailing at a store here for less than $200. Can't say anything about it's quality or durability, but I think it's an exact replica of an 870.

Edit: Here is is on Cheaper than Dirt for $197. If you get it, post a review. http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/2IAC982-1.html
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From what I understand, the 981/982 models are basically the same shotgun as the NEF Pardner pump, all made by Norinco -- IIRC, even their barrels will interchange.

Here are a couple of discussions I found on these guns:

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=308687

http://www.firearmstalk.com/forums/f26/norinco-982-pardner-pump-protector-info-review-6488/


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Maverick 88

I see them around here for about $170, they come with either a field barrel or 18.5in barrel. They also use Mossberg 500 barrels & accessories. I used one in 12ga last season, it's a good, inexpensive shotgun. My wife got one in 20ga to use as well.
 
Maverick 88, Mossberg 500, Remington 870. I wouldn't trust my life to a cheap import that I probably won't be able to get parts for down the road.
 
I'm a 870 fan - bought my first one at the ripe old age of twelve. That said, my gun that occupies the survival slot is a Mossy 500. Bought the combo (28" VR mod, 18.5" plain oc) for $200 on sale at Big5 a few years back. Now they're $229 when on sale.
Why the Mossy? It's a reliable design, weighs quite a bit less than a 870, came with plastic furniture, and was the best value for my dollars. It's been pressed into use as a bird gun, a skeet gun, and is currently wearing a pistol grip and standing by in a secure location...:cool:
If you're going to be packing it, weight is a factor. If you get one, send me a PM and I'll send you a pistol grip for it.
 
Get a good used Rem. 870, Winchester 1300, or

my favorite Ithaca 37 for about $225-$250 and you are good to go.
 
i just bought a pardner pump, i have put slugs, buck shot, and regular ammo through it. it has worked them all perfectly, i can hit a gallon jug at 50yds with a slug not bad for just a front bead sight shotgun. and it has really smothed out and is butter smooth now, it was only $159 +tax at wal mart. i do believe that wal mart are about to raise prices on their guns and ammo from what the manager told me when i got the pump. thanks
 
old fart said:
i just bought a pardner pump, i have put slugs, buck shot, and regular ammo through it. it has worked them all perfectly, i can hit a gallon jug at 50yds with a slug not bad for just a front bead sight shotgun. and it has really smothed out and is butter smooth now, it was only $159 +tax at wal mart. i do believe that wal mart are about to raise prices on their guns and ammo from what the manager told me when i got the pump. thanks
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A friend and I bought Pardner pumps when they still had the notch-back receiver (versus the rounded 870 style). We were both impressed by their quality relative to price. My friend was so impressed he bought a second one.

I put a Knoxx SpecOps stock on mine -- so no complaints about 870 compatibility in that regard...


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Looks like I have a whole lot more thinking to do. Thank you all for the helpful replies.


oneounceload- Yeah, I know what you mean. I'm looking for something like the Ruger P95 of shotguns, but cheaper. If that makes any sense. I have heard good things about the 320's being built like tanks.

Those Maverick 88's look good, as well do the Pander pumps. Yep, a whole lot more thinking and such to do.
 
oneounceload- Yeah, I know what you mean. I'm looking for something like the Ruger P95 of shotguns, but cheaper. If that makes any sense. I have heard good things about the 320's being built like tanks.

Those Maverick 88's look good, as well do the Pander pumps. Yep, a whole lot more thinking and such to do.
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Then there is your answer:


Maverick 88, Mossberg 500, Remington 870. I wouldn't trust my life to a cheap import that I probably won't be able to get parts for down the road.
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Why not just pick up the yellow pages and call around to local gun or pawn shops? Ask if they have a used Remington/Mossberg/Ithica Pumper with a shorter barrel. Like others have said, no reason to skimp on quality because you're on a budget...
 
A used US made pumpgun will cost less than a new Third World clone, last longer than any of us, and in the odd chance it ever needs parts, they will be there.

Buy American and do not look back....
 
I would go with a Mossberg if your looking for a good cheap shotgun. Most are around $275 to $350 for a basic shotgun.
 
best advice:


A used US made pumpgun will cost less than a new Third World clone, last longer than any of us, and in the odd chance it ever needs parts, they will be there.

Buy American and do not look back....
__________________
 
at gun shows ive seen 55 gallon barrels full of fully functional LE trade-in Itahca 37s with a sign that said "your choice, $150"....thats the kinda deal i'd be looking for
 
Honestly, I have never had the chance to shoot some of the guns listed here. A 500 or 870, sure, but no Pardners. When it comes to shotguns, I may well and truly be spoiled. My bare-bones Mossberg 500 was my first gun, and it has seen some use. I like not having to worry if it is going to work. After a few thousand rounds of all kinds of ammo, I have never had one issue and I know where the pellets or slugs are going.

As to the longevity of some of the cheaper shotguns...I honestly think that if you take care of it and don't use it as a boat anchor or tent stake, it will hold up for as long as you want. Most of the cheaper shotguns are replicas of very tried and true designs. They may have cheaper materials in them, but they should hold up. If you were looking for a shotgun to make it to 10k rounds without a problem, maybe you should look into the more expensive guns. But for a shotgun that may not ever see a thousand rounds, I think they would do fine. Just make sure the thing works reliably before you take it out as bear protection.
 
I'd look for a used 870 or 500, I've gotten several in decent shape under 150. Just gotta look. If you want to buy new the maverick 88 is my second choice. I don't have any experiance with the chinese stuff.
 
An old Ithaca 37 DSPS is a beautiful gun to behold. Swings naturally, functions flawlessly, and cycles smooth as silk (plus it poops where it eats, so it's nice for a southpaw like me:D)
If I'm stalking off into the wilds, the Ithaca tags along.

That said, an old Police trade in 870 is also TANK tough. I found an old one for next to nothing, and it's a real keeper. I don't shoot enough to NEED multiple 12 gauge pumps, but I like having the 870 around as a back up. Plus, it's so easy to use, shoulder, and fire, that it's nice to have as a loaner should things ever get ugly one day.

I'll parrot the advice of checking around for an old used American made gun. I'm not one to get my panties in a twist over country of origin, it's just that those old steel and walnut Remmies/Mossies/Ithies are built to last several lifetimes.
 
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