Some shotgun questions.

[another person]

I have never fired a shotgun even though I owned one but quickly traded it for a lever action marlin 30-30. I might be looking to buy a 12 guage and have some questions.

1. What would be a good pump shotgun for around $300? Im 6'3" and 150 pounds.

2. Can all shotguns shoot the 2 3/4", 3", and 3 1/4" shells?

3. What ammo is cheapest so you can shoot for fun?

4. Whats the benefit of having a break action over a pump?

 

[Red State]

1. The Remington 870 is by far the most popular pump shotgun. You will also hear good things about the Mossberg 500. Both are available in multiple trims and configurations.

2. No. Some shotguns can only do 2-3/4" shells. Others will do all of those sizes. I think that the 870 will do 2-3/4" and also 3".

3. Birdshot from Walmart will probably run $15 to $17 for a pack of 100 shells. I think they carry Remington, Federal, and Winchester. Quality is probably in that same order.

4. Pumps are more versatile and less expensive than break opens. Break opens do give you a quicker follow up shot.

 

[ugaarguy]

1. What would be a good pump shotgun for around $300? Im 6'3" and 150 pounds.

My choice would be a Remington 870 Express. A Mossberg 500 or Benelli Nova would also work fine, depends on your prference.

2. Can all shotguns shoot the 2 3/4", 3", and 3 1/4" shells?

You'll have to check the markings on the bbl. or receiver. Most modern shotguns have 3" chambers, so they'll run 3" and 2&3/4" shells. Older 870s with 2&3/4 only chambers can be easily converted to run 3" shells. The 870 Express Super Mag will run 3&1/2" and down shells. 3&1/2" shells kick like a mule and I'm not sure they offer much advantage over a 3" except in very limited situations; someone with more knowledge can comment on this.

3. What ammo is cheapest so you can shoot for fun?

Pretty much any bird shot, which is generally #7, #7&1/2, and #8 shot. If you're just out playing and busting clays then whatever Wal-Mart or the local gunshop has for cheap is fine.

4. Whats the benefit of having a break action over a pump?

Single shots are pretty rugged and simple. In a double barrel it's the ability to run two chokes at once. Run a looser choke in one bbl for close in shots and a tighter choke in the other for shots at more distance. The immediate follow up is also nice. A pump (or auto) will let you change bbls to fill a specific role, and gives you increased capacity.

 

[[email protected]]

1. Remington 870 Express, Proobably Magnum

2. No, the Express magnum can only shoot up to three" but the super mag can shoot 3 1/4" other guns have similar situation

3. Wolf, or fedearl, but wolf is betteronly about $35 a case (250 rounds)
and yes, bird shot/target loads #7-9 and 1-1&1/8 oz is great for clays, pigeons, doves, nehbors...
Sporting goods stores want u to pay like six bucks a box, order it by the case and you'll save hundreds in no time. Dont use steel shot, it bounces off geese, use hevi-shot if you are in a wetland area and cant use lead.

4. Break action have a faster follow up shot, untill you need a third shot. they are pretty, and expensive. and if the pin is weak, it costs more to repair/replace. If you want a trap or skeet gun go for over under, its pretty and the follow up works great for doubles, itll last a little bit less time than a pump action will. but if your looking for $300 gun... o/u not for you

 

[sm]

I would not recommend buying a shotgun at this time.

I would instead suggest having a seasoned shotgunner first have a sit down discussion about 4 Rules of Safety and how these apply to Shotguns and Shotgun Etiquette.

At the range, this seasoned shotgunner can access you for gun fit, which includes not only how the gun actually fits you stock-wise, also manual of arms, where the controls are, and how various platforms operate, particular nuances of each in ammo preferences, inspection, cleaning, lubing and maintanence.

Other considerations include any physical needs needing addressed, first one is obvious- eye dominance. Some folks are dominant eyed opposite of strong side.
[right handed, left eye dominant for instance].
One may have bad knees, have been thru a injury, surgery, lower back pain, carpel tunnel, Gangelion Cysts, herniated discs, ...etc.

How is the gun to be used and for what? Combo guns, those coming with a shorter and longer barrel, offer versititily for longer barrels for less percieved lead, smoother swing for Trap, Skeet, 5 Stand , Sporting Clays, hunting waterfowl, dove hunting....
Shorter smooth barrels offer Serious Situation use, Turkey, Deer, heavy cover for quail , grouse, wood cock...

After all this had been shared and actual shots fired at pattern board and moving targets and statonary targets while you move...

You are better informed, and know what fits you , for your needs and tasks.

This seasoned shotgunner can assist in new guns, in all this Criteria already figured out, or with a used one, for anything that one needs to know in checking out a used one.

Stock dimensions can be duplicated and again the Seasoned Shotgunner can assist in getting your gun now , more fitted to you, and assist in getting it patterened with loads for tasks for distances.

--

At the top of Shotgun Forum, read the Sticky's by Dave McCracken.
Do a search for Dave again and members such as PJR, BozemanMT, kudu, TrapperReady, Will Fennell- for starters in regard to Clay games and hunting.

Defensive use, search under Lee Lapin, Gordon , Jeff White and Dave Mc for starters.

Other members are very good to search under, I cannot list them all, so no offense if I did not mention you.

Shotgunning: The Art and the Science - Bob Brister is a great book to have as well.

I am in the minority most times in suggesting one not buy a shotgun first . I just feel the Software is more important than the Harware.

 

[another person 2]

Thanks, but, is waiting really necessary. I have years of experience with rifles and pistols.

 

[GigaBuist]

if your looking for $300 gun... o/u not for you

You can get close. I saw a sale over at Dick's a few weeks ago w/ a Spartan O/U for $399. I snagged a BSA (gave it to my dad) for around $350 at Christmas.

SxS's are even easier. Before Baikal became Spartan I saw their 12 gauge coach guns going for $260 at a gun show around here.

Of course, for the task at hand (HD) I'd just stick with an 870 or a 500.

 

[Fred Fuller]

ap2,

The waiting before you purchase (and the suggested interim activities) are so that you can make a better- informed choice, after gaining some scattergun experience, not because of any shortcomings on your part. Many of us here suggest getting some hands-on experience (that is, trigger time) with various makes/models/designs before spending your own money on a shotgun purchase that might not suit you as well as 'net suggestions and gunshop handling suggests. Sort of a test drive of other peoples' guns if you will (but you provide your own ammo...). Arranging range time with friends or relatives who are shotgunners, or going to clubs which offer rental guns, can help you make up your mind based on experience with the gun, not on he said- she said internet chatter and sterile gunshop handling alone.

Good luck with the process,

lpl/nc