New Budget Trap/Waterfowl/Pheasant Gun

[cburbick]

So I am looking at purchasing a new pump 12 ga. for multi-purpose use. I hope to start shooting trap more often, but it will primarily be used for waterfowl, with the occasional pheasant and grouse hunting weekend. I've been shooting a Mossberg 935 in the past but it isn't chambered for 2 3/4 and it has felt a little big for me in the past. I'm 5'9, so not a big guy, but not tiny either. I'm hoping for a solid gun, easy to maintain, and versatile.

Hoping to stay at or under $400. Here's a few that i've been looking at, and hoping to get your opinions.

Benelli Nova
Remington 870 Express
Remingtion 887
Winchester SXP

Also, any suggestions on barrel length would be great. Any reason to go with 26" or 28" over the other?

Thanks for all your input in advance!

 

[h0use]

How about a mossberg 500?

 

[SN13]

I'm in a similar boat, i want a new pump to be my trap/skeet/slug gun.

I'm 95% sold on the Mossberg 500 combos. You can get a 28" trap barrel and a rifled slug barrel for like $380 from Bass pro shops.

http://www.basspro.com/Mossberg-500...nt-Rib-Barrel-Shotgun/product/10218032/146137

Hope that helps!

 

[Hunterdad]

If the mossberg 935 doesn't fit you well, then neither will the 500. I recommend a remind.gton 870 or the pardner pump. With are a good fit for smaller guys in.most cases that I've seen.

 

[Dave McCracken]

870....

 

[SN13]

Dave,

Why the 870? I don't own an 870 or 500 or any Rem, Win, Benelli, Berreta, or Moss shotguns, so I am unbiased to Pumps.

The way I see it, I like the 870 for ease of mag extension tube. I like that it has lots of aftermarket support. What I don't like: Safety Position, Slide Release position.

I like everything about the mossberg 500 EXCEPT the ease of mag ext. tube.

So why 870 over 500?

Also, to the OP - The 500 Bantam or Super Bantams are shorter stocks for Youth/Smaller Statured Folks.

The 935 is a 14.5" Length of Pull, the 500 Bantam 12ga Pump is 13" LoP, 500 Pump Combo is 13 7/8" LoP.

Hope that helps.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Why an 870?...

Because in over a half century of use and at least 50,000 shells, I can count the problems I've had on one hand and have a couple fingers left.

Because the ergos are easy after a few rounds.

Because there's more aftermarket stuff for the 870 than all other pumpguns combined.

Because even a ten thumbed technodunce like me can take one down to modules and maintain it.

Because I keep running across fine old Wingmasters at the range that are on their third or fourth generation in one family and are running perfectly.

Because they work, will work and outlast everything else out there.

Because after 250,000 rounds, the receivers start to crack. Nothing else holds up nearly as well.....

 

[LeonCarr]

What Dave said.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[SN13]

I'm still deciding for myself between the 500 and 870.

And, we're still on topic because I want a budget trap/waterfowl etc. Pump.

I have an issue with the Slide release being in front of the trigger, I can't hit it with my trigger hand unless i re-grip the gun.

Do they make an extended version you can hit with the trigger hand?

 

[Pete D.]

870

I have an issue with the Slide release being in front of the trigger, I can't hit it with my trigger hand unless i re-grip the gun.

I started Trap with a Mossberg 500 variant (the Country Squire), put a 30 inch barrel on it and was good to go. That being said, I am curious about why the slide release being being in front of the trigger on the 870 is a problem. For Trap, you are going to have a shell chambered while waiting for your turn; it is a simple matter to release the slide as you bring the gun up and then set your grip and mount the firearm. Plenty of time to do that. Occasionally, I shoot a round with my old Winchester model 59; the slide release is way forward of the trigger. No problem.
Out with the dog, hunting the upland, it is even less so, since all I have to release there is the safety.

 

[tranders]

The 935 won't cycle 2 3/4 shells?

 

[eastbank]

i have a rem 870 in 12ga made in 1950 the first year,barrel code CWW and its still running. i have a friend who shoots a rem 870 at double clays and sporting clays along with five stand and he hangs right in there with the semi-auto,s and over under,s, i,ll admitt he,s a rare bird and would do alright with any good pump. i have used a pump at these clay games just to see how i could do, and i don,t want to talk about it. i do lean towards a remington pump,as parts and extra barrels can be had very easy. go to a trap range and talk to people shooting,they may even let you try their guns,i have and would let a noob try mine. eastbank.