Help me pick a shotgun that fits my tastes.

[chickenfried]

Hi guys. Right now I have no shotgun in my collection, which doesn't seem right. But there are just too many choices out there. Could you guys help me pick a shotgun that fits my needs and tastes Let's see what would I want a shotgun for? skeet and trap for fun, not competition, maybe duck and other birds hunting but not for sure, and taking to the plinking range to put holes in stuff. So I guess I'm looking for a jack of all trades shotgun if there is such a thing.

!'m about 5'8 180 pounds, Wouldn't consider myself recoil sensitive. For an idea I Like shooting .44 magnum revolvers, but dislike shooting my friends .45-70 lever action.

Hmm to let you guys get a feel for my tastes in firearms I guess I'll just tell you what I have. I have two 1911's, a few garands, ruger mark II, a ruger 10/22T, and an M1A. So I guess I tend to like old time classics or guns based on them. Wood and steel kind of guy, but The benelli m4's kind of look cool to me. But trap/skeet or hunting is unlikely with one of those, right? I do have a c&r license I haven't used for an actual firearsm purchase, but I'd love using it to buy my first shotgun. WEll thanks for any help.

 

[Dave McCracken]

A few suggestions....

The floating threads at the top here include some that might help you choose.

One of the Big Four pumps,possibly with 2 barrels, will give you lots of versatility and fun.

You may want to go to a range and/or try out shotguns owned by friends.

If a pump gun doesn't speak to you, many folks enjoy using the better semi autos, like the Remington 1100, the Beretta 390 series, the Winchester X guns, etc.

HTH...

 

[Black Majik]

pump shotguns, you can go for the classic 870's, winchester 1300's, mossberg 500/590's or ithaca 37's.

Also take a look at Browning BPS for bottom ejecting, its more left handed friendly if you're left handed.

semi-auto's: Remington 1100's or 11-87's, Benelli M1 field, Beretta 390 or 391's... all good shotguns.

Also dont forget to check out the Over unders. They're great for shooting doubles.

 

[OrvilleYertleson]

For about 310 dollars, I bought a Mossberg 500 with both an 18" 'security barrel' and a 28" 'field' barrel with porting and a set of chokes.

The weapon is light, durable, and holds six 3" shells.

I couldn't be happier with it.

I keep the security barrel on it for home defense, and it is small, light, and far more manuverable than most of the big, heavy, 'tricked out' defense/combat shotguns you see on this forum.

If I want to go hunting or shooting clays, I can swap barrels in under 30 seconds.

 

[La Pistoletta]

What's the hallmark of Beretta shotguns?

 

[chickenfried]

Thanks for the input so far guys. What about suggestions as far as gauge and length?

 

[Black Majik]

12 ga. and 20 ga. both work great for the clays. I personally would go for the 12ga., it helps me on the trap field, but for the skeet range it wouldn't make much difference.

As far as length goes for a field gun I wouldn't go for anything less than 26". I have a 28" barrel on my clay gun.

 

[Rupestris]

Chickenfried,
If you don't mind me asking, have you set a cap on the price yet?
that might help narrow down the list for ya.

Thanks for the input so far guys. What about suggestions as far as gauge and length?

I'll agree with Black Majik. a 12 gauge w/ 26" bbl seems to suit all my needs. Yes, I'd like a shorter one for HD. I'll probably get a 18 or 20 inch eventually. Right now, my 26" is the only bbl I have.

 

[chickenfried]

ummm I'd like to stick to around ~600. But to be honest with myself, if the gun really caught my attention I'd be willing to go up to $1000.

 

[Hatchett]

I'd go with a Remington 870, though plenty of other pump shotguns can be just as good, and I'd pick up an extra barrel so you can use it for all the uses shotguns are made for.

 

[Black Majik]

Hatchett picked a really great shotgun, the 870 series. since you're willing to spend $600 and pump shotguns are great for new shotgunners, may I recommend a Remington 870 Wingmaster 12ga. with a 28" barrel?

Go ahead and take a look at it, and be sure to rack the forearm.... be sure to note how smooth the action is

.. not to forget how pretty it is also...

 

[Dave McCracken]

Except for pixies and those of limited upper body strength, the 12 is nigh mandatory for a first/only shotgun. More versatile, cheaper ammo, more ammo choices.

You don't sound like a pixie. You may need a shorter stock than standard, but that's an easy fix. $600 would buy a used 870 with two barrels and enough ammo and lessons to get started off right. Another of the Big Four pumps will also work.

A good case can be made for a Big Four pump as a first shotgun for anyone. Not expensive, durable, effective, and so forth.

 

[chickenfried]

yes I'm definitely more of an imp. Thanks for the tips guys. I think I'll check out a 870 wingmaster 12 gauge with a high gloss finish. what about a 20 gauge? The only reason I ask is being in the bay area, ca. buying guns through davidsons saves me a lot of money. But they only have the high gloss wingmaster in 20 gauge. The 12 gauges in stock are all matte black. I porbaly will spend a little more and find the 12 gauge in high gloss finish from a local dealer, but just wanted to know what you think of 20 gauge. Thanks again.

 

[Dave McCracken]

The 20 gauge can do most of what the 12 does, and I'm not sure the differences mean much to you. Waterfowl and turkey loads for the most part, and less choices in ammo. Often the ammo's more expensive than 12 gauge fodder.

For the purposes you cite, a 20 will do.

 

[scout26]

Get thee to the local gun store and try 'em all out by throwing them up to your sholder from the hip carry postion. Get the one that feels right. (see Herr McCracken's threads that float above). If if doesn't feel right you're not going to enjoy/have fun/be successful with it. If you can go to your/a local club and ask around. Most people will let you take their shotgun for a test drive if you explain yourself, ask (and are sincere), lots of people have shot my SG's and I've even had the oportunity to shot a Kreighoff. (21/25, about what I normally do on the trap field).

It's kinda like buyin' a car, check around, kick some tires and goes with what appeals (fits) you. Then let us know how it goes.

 

[Rob62]

As Dave said for the purposes you listed a 20ga will work.

However, I believe a 12ga to be overall so much more versatile than a 20ga, that if it were me I would take the extra time, effort, and possible a couple more $$ to get a 12ga shotgun.

You will most likely be pleased with a 20 ga if you end up getting that but you certainly will not be disappointed if getting a 12ga.

Regards,
Rob

 

[Badger Arms]

The 12ga is superior to the 20ga in that there are significantly more loads and more variety of loads made for it. It will also break more birds and is easier to sell, if you ever want to. The primry advantage of a 20ga is that some shotguns are MUCH lighter when so-chambered. My Remington Model 17 feels PERFECT in my hands and is light enough to wear in a hip holster were it a bit shorter! If you're not planning on carrying it all day, buy the Wingmaster 12 ga even if it costs more money.