Shotgun recommendation

[dburkhead]

I'll be going to the Indy1500 this weekend, looking for a Shotgun (among other things). I'm thinking of this as a general-purpose hunting piece with possible double-duty as home-defense for my wife.

The idea that was suggested to me is to get a shotgun with a rifled barrel for deer, and then some replacement barrels for small game. Of course, multiple shotguns would be even better but keeping costs down is an issue.

I'm hoping someone can make some suggestions on what to look for. I don't know anything about the market for shotguns--brands, models, options, etc. I've shot some before--an old 12 ga side-by-side, 16 ga. pump, and 20 ga. single shot--but I've never bought one.

 

[jackdanson]

Remington 870 express pump 12 gauge. Buy an extra (shorter) barrel for home Defense. If your wife is small you can get "low recoil" buckshot. Total cost for shotgun and extra barrel shouldn't be over $350. (cabelas has 870 express on sale this week for $250, I usually don't go there, but that is cheap!)

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model_870/model_870_express.asp

 

[oneounceload]

If you're going to also be your wife's HD gun, then you should take her with you so she can find what fits her....If she is fairly small statured, a youth stock might be best

 

[dburkhead]

Well, I'm just back from the Indy1500. I went there with the express purpose of buying a Remington 870 Express Combo in 12 Ga. Turns out, however, that while I was browsing there was this gently used (as in wood in perfect condition, barrel spotless, action smooth and solid) Mossberg 500 with rifled barrel and cantilever scope base that just called out my name. Add in that it was a private transaction with none of the paperwork hassles of dealer sales and, well, my offer of $215 was accepted.

And lightning struck twice. As I was walking out, someone else was walking in with a barrel, presumably for sale. He saw my Mossberg and asked if I wanted a vented rib barrel for it. Well, the barrel he had (not the one he was carrying, but one back in his car) only had one choke tube (Mod), but another $70 later and I was all set.

 

[mgkdrgn]

SCORE! Take care of it and your grand kids will be using that shotgun.

 

[dburkhead]

And part of the beauty of it is that one more barrel swap and I have a muzzleloader as well. Truly a gun for all seasons.