New vs. Used options

[MikeST]

Folks, hope I'm not beating a dead horse here.

I went to few stores today trying to find an inexpensive pump for general hunting and clays. I had my heart set on a Mossberg 500, but, after handling its ugly cousin, the Maverick 88, I'm not sure I can justify the price hike. But a local store had some used for decent prices. Here's what I was looking at:

$200-ish: Maverick new, Winchester 1300 used.

$250: 500, Nova, 870 Express, Mossberg Ulti-Mag Turkey, Winchester Model 12. All used except the 500.

$300: 870 Express new.

To say I'm on a budget is an understatement, so I'm still leaning towards the Maverick. But I don't know a ton about shotguns, and I'd hate to miss any incredible deals. Anyone see anything that stands out?

Thanks.

 

[jmr40]

I'd buy the 870 new if possible, used if on a budget. The Nova, or 500 would be next in that order. Maybe the Winchester, but I'd have to see it.

I'd pass on the Maverick. Not a horrible gun, but with the others priced that close I couldn't buy the Maverick. You'll get a much better gun for just a tiny bit more money.

 

[Fred Fuller]

What kind of shape was the Model 12 in?

 

[MikeST]

Fred it was definitely used. It looked worn, but it's, at least, 40 years old yeah? So I guess that isn't a surprise. Can't comment on the action as it was locked. It was a fixed full choke, which I'm not excited about.

Unfortunately, $100+ is a sufficient increase (870 was $319 at Dick's) or that might top that list. That and I've heard some poor things on Remington as of late...But I don't mean to get into that.

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

i have the win 1300 & the 870 i like them both had the win about 20years
and the 870 about 12 years if i had to pick one i would run with the 870
just cuz there is a lots of stuff you can do to trick it out and lots of barrels
out there good luck

 

[DaleCooper51]

As far as pumps go, I prefer the 870.

The Maverick will do the job for you.

IIRC, I think I paid about $125 for mine used. I didn't like the safety in front of the trigger guard as I have stubby fingers. The stock recoil pad sorta sucked, but that was easily swapped.

 

[bushmaster1313]

Used 870

 

[LeonCarr]

If you look around, have cash in hand, and have haggling skills sometimes you can find used 870 Wingmasters in the 250-300 dollar range. Of course every time I find them I have no cash in hand .

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[Dreamliner787]

Used shotguns are ok as most people don't really shoot them that much, especially the budget level ones. Just check it out to make sure everything is in working order. To me if a gun is dirty or lots of dings and dents that tells me the owner didn't take good care of it and I'm more likely to say pass.

 

[oneounceload]

If the budget is truly that tight at the moment, perhaps a few more months of rat-holing some dollars here and there will allow you to get more of what you truly wanted

 

[stan rose]

If you are on a budget I would suggest staying away from the used model 12. They are great guns and I have couple of them, but if something should go wrong, which it will, they can be expensive to repair. If it were me I would do a little more digging and find a used Wingmaster in the $300 range. Just my $.02, good luck in which ever route you choose.