Good shotgun for dove hunting?

[black_powder_Rob]

Ok, guys whats a good shotgun for dove hunting that is under $200? It can be a single barrel. Also what gauge? Any info on this would be much appriciated, I am thinking about doing a little Dove hunting this year.

 

[ArmedBear]

20 or 28. 20 is more practical, due to gun and ammo availability.

A single shot would be an interesting challenge.

 

[chas08]

Ok, guys whats a good shotgun for dove hunting that is under $200?

Your ceiling price is very limiting. I can't even think of any I'd recomend, assuming you want a new repeater. But as for gauge, I'm fond of 20 and 28. especially 28 ga with a 3/4 oz load of 7 1/2's. Not because I consider it superior in any particular way, I just like it.

 

[black_powder_Rob]

How about close to the $200 range can be higher but not too close to $300.

 

[ArmedBear]

20 Gauge 870, perhaps?

 

[chas08]

How about close to the $200 range can be higher but not to close to $300.

Still, none come to mind. A $300-400$ budget would open a few doors on new guns. Or you could consider used, and search the internet gun sales sites like Gunbroker. But you need to be well studied in prices because by the time you pay shipping and transfer fees, you could have bought "New" Around here a new 870 express or Mossberg 500 go out the door for a little over $300 after tax.

 

[swampboy]

Don't have much input for under $200 unless you find a good deal on a used one. For dove (haven't had a chance to go in years), I prefer a 12GA, 26" improved cylinder.

 

[DaleCooper51]

Under $300, if going new you could get a H&R pardner pump or a Mossberg 500. They are both solid shotguns.

Check the used racks, you might be able to find a pearl. Winchester 1200 / 1300 / 1400 or one of the Ted Williams badged guns, High Standard flight king (stay away from the supermatic), Remington 870/1100, or Ithaca 37. There are a lot of well made older guns out there that can normally be had for not a whole lot of cash.

FWIW, I just started upland hunting last year. I had the opportunity to go for dove and preserve pheasant last year and picked up a 1100 Standard 20 with a 28" non vent rib fixed modified choke. It wasn't the prettiest gun, but it was mechanically solid and 100% reliable for me. I paid $229 for it.

 

[Blue Brick]

The best for me is an H&R 12ga.

 

[Big Daddy Grim]

I like 20 for dove use a Nova and thats all I hunt with it

 

[Gordon]

$200 and under? OK I'd certainly hit the used gun racks and get a post WW2 12 gauge pump with a modified or Imp cylinder choke.A Marlin 120 branded JC Higgins or Wards might be that and is a solid gun. A Mossy 500 is OK and a used one in good condition is under that usually. Winchester 1300s are about that and an excellent gun.A modified choke is about perfect for the doves around here. A full choke is a little tight and you can't shoot steel thru it, generally speaking.

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

Watch the sales. Around here, it's pretty easy to get a basic new 870 for $270 or so. If there are Remington rebates available, sometimes you can knock another $30 off.

 

[plumberroy]

A H&R singleshot can be had from walmart or dick's sporting goods for $119 new or $60 -$80 used from a shop the sells used guns I love my 28 ga single but if money;s tight a 20 or 12 shoot cheaper ammo I have never had a problem killing all the game I want with a singleshot
Roy

 

[tactikel]

Bass Pro has some 870s for $279-289 (on sale after rebate, bla bla bla). You really cant find a better value for a new gun. Try to find a good used one. a 20 ga pump or auto would be ideal. Try the usual places: pawn shops, local gun shop, word of mouth. I'd go for a 12 ga if you find a deal. 28 ga is for really good shots (not me) and the ammo is very expensive.

 

[Virginian]

If you don't want to spend over $200 on the gun, you sure don't want a 28 gauge. Good luck.

 

[556A2]

Find the most physically beat-up Remington 870 Wingmaster with a fixed Skeet, Improved Cylinder, or Modified choke.

It shouldn't run you more than $225

 

[TomADC]

Why not spend just a couple of dollars and get a Mossberg pump, you get interchangable choke tubes price should be under $300 if you shop around.

 

[oneounceload]

I guess the FAMARS Dove Gun in 28 at $18,000 is out of the question????......

For $200, you are really limiting yourself to a used (hopefully not abused), pump gun

 

[MCgunner]

You can hunt doves with a Maverick pump, less than 200, will work fine. I don't know if they build a 20 gauge, though, and I like lighter guns on doves. I am very happy with my little Spartan 20 gauge SxS and it set me back 299 plus tax. I used my Winchester 1400 Ranger (semi auto 12 gauge) before I got the little Spartan and it worked great. I gave 255 for it new, but that was 20 years ago. It's no longer made. You could hunt doves with a H&R or a Spartan single shot in 20 gauge. I had a little H&R for my kid, though, and the danged thing recoiled worse than my 12 gauge Winchester. Didn't much like it nor did my daughter. She preferred shooting the auto in 12. LOL So, I sold it to a guy at work that needed a gun for his kid. I did warn him.

Academy was running the Mavericks on sale for 150 a while back. Even though I don't need another pump, I was tempted for that price. LOL It's a good functioning no frills pump gun. I don't know much about those Chinese imported H&R pumps, sorta prefer the idea of buying a Maverick made in Eagle Pass, Texas, the patriotic thing, ya know, even though I'm thinkin' most of the workforce walks across the river every day.

 

[oneounceload]

Who needs a pump with three shots, when you could have on of these?

 

[RetiredLawman]

The best dove hunter I ever saw was using a single barrel. He picked his shots and got his limit pretty quick. I think he knew that if he missed, he wouldn't get another chance.

In answer to your question, get a Maverick in 20 gauge and have fun.

 

[Bill B.]

A well used Remington 870 Express 12ga. should be found at the $200.00 mark.

 

[3pairs12]

2. Winchester 1300 20 gauge $250.00

in trading post right now uinder ohio safe cleaning.