Shooting on a Budget

[WAshooter]

I just turned 18 and I'm looking to buy my first shotgun. I'm on a budget but I want a good reliable shotgun. I was thinking about a mossberg. (I really like J.I.C. series but I'm not sure how practical they are for multiple uses.)

I am also going to have to find a way to buy enough ammo to keep up with my shooting habits.

Any Suggestions would be much appreciated.

 

[pdowg881]

Remington 870 express. Can be had for 230 and is a solid gun. I went that same route. I'm 19 now, still on a budget, and the 870 was one of the best purchases I have ever made.

 

[Fred Fuller]

Hi WAshooter, and welcome aboard.

A lot of what you want to buy will be determined by what you want to do with the gun. A short barreled pistol-grip-only shotgun with a cyclinder bore is a pretty specialized piece- might not be what you want to start with.

Mossberg makes a nice Combo gun that includes a longer barrel (26- 28") for clay games and wingshooting/small game hunting, as well as a shorter barrel (18") for defensive use. That might be a good idea, if you want a versatile setup.

As far as buying enough ammo to keep up is concerned, I still have problems with that one myself. Better ask someone who has it figured out, if you can find anyone. 8^)

Stay Safe,

lpl/nc

 

[Dave McCracken]

A used US made pump with a standard stock will cost a couple hundred, do a variety of tasks well and last longer than anyone here will.

Check the Archives, this has been well covered before...

 

[Never No More]

The 870 Remmy is a good platform

You can get many different barrels

We used the in the Army, and bet our lives on them.

 

[cat_IT_guy]

You wont regret a mossberg or a remington 870. Make sure that you get one with removable chokes - it adds a lot of versatility. Otherwise, go have fun with whatever you choose.

 

[New_geezer]

A classic pump is probably the most versatile gun you can own. The 870 and Mossy 500 are both classic pumps with long histories for reliability and lots of accessories available. The 870 offers a cheapie version in the Express and an upgrade version in the Wingmaster. A lot of people have been happy with Mossberg's cheapie version called the Maverick 88. Not really a lot of practical difference between the basic 870 and 500 - go with the on that best fits you and your preferences.

Both my pumps were bought used and are no longer in production. Still they are very solid and I love them. My JC Higgins model 20 (manufactured by High Standard and sold by Sears) is so smooth it practically pumps itself and I bought it for $150 in California - I understand in the mid-west they can be had for about $100 - $125. Point is - take a look at the used rack of your local gun shop and you may find some very serviceable bargains.

 

[WAshooter]

Thanks

I think I'm going to go with the Mossberg 500 field/security combo.

Now to get my liberal step mother to let it into the house, thats a whole new problem.

 

[WAshooter]

is reloading a cheaper alternative to buying comercial ammo?

 

[Oldnamvet]

With the current price of lead shot , I'd stay away from reloading. The expenditure to start would not pay off for a long time. I typically look for loss leader sales at places like Dick's so I get shells for under $4 a box. Then I buy several cases at a time. A number of places will have sales just before hunting season on shells to get you in the store hoping that you will buy more than just the shells.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

WAshooter,
Reloading will be cheaper in the long run but if you are going to reload shotgun shells the start-up costs are high. You will have to lay out a lot of money to save in the long run. That's not a good formula for a low budget. Look around for ammo sales and buy in bulk when the sales happen.

I bought the Mossberg 500 Field/Security combo too and I'm glad I did. Look around for the best price because I was able to find that combo for $239. My son has a Remington 870 and he is also happy with his choice. Both are great shooters and it comes down to which feels better in your hand and which you shoot better.

Have fun and always put safety first!! Happy Birthday and welcome to the forum.

 

[bigcim]

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPage?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&appID=163&option=3&template=wee.cfm&weeID=961&catalog=20070625-31&storeID=55&pageNumber=2
I dont know were you live bud but walmart price matches so I suggest you buy as much as your pocket book can bear
$2.99 a box

 

[WAshooter]

I would rather pay the extra money and not shop at walmart. There aren't any bass pro shops near me or I'd buy from them, but thanks for the tip any way.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for free trade but I don't trust anything Asian made these days, or the companies that monopolize and put the little guys out of business.

 

[bigcim]

http://www.academy.com/index.php?page=catalog&target=weeklyad&pgNum=2
hope this one works then

 

[ruger_martin_mastermag]

hi i shoot a old coast to coast mastermag, (is the same thing as a mossburg 500a i was told) it is a real relyable gun and i have shoot more then 100 rounds in a day. it has some recoil on it so i would buy a limbsavors recoil pad.
the best cheap ammo it think is fedral ammo.if you buy the sheapest they have it is crap but a $4 box isnt bad. hope you find the right gun.

 

[SASS#23149]

Howdy from Washougal, and welcome aboard!

whatever you do don't be tempted by a single shot.They are cheaper than a pump but can kick like a mule because of their light weight.
I"ve pretty much retired my reloader with lead shot being near FOURTY BUCKS a bag these days.yikes!

tough to find a place to shoot these days,I was up on Larch mountain last month and they finally shut it down for shooting. ans steel shot only out at vancouver lake,which costs a LOT.I can still go up the washougal river and shoot,but that will change before long no doubt.
There is a clube east of woodland accepting members.It's kinda expensive but the payment plan is available and the range is seldom used during the week.You can shoot clays there wich some clubs won't/can't allow.


I"d be glad to take ya up there as a guest and show ya around if you like.I have a hand trap and a foot operated one.

Let us know what ya buiy,and PICTURES ARE MANDATORY.

 

[WAshooter]

I heard that English pit might open up in a couple of months under new ownership. i was hoping to go out there if they make it open to the public. If they don't i might have to take you up on that offer