What should I buy?

[FortyCalGlock]

Okay, here goes. I have many rifles and pistols, but not a single shotgun. They have never really interested me before, but I think I'd like to get one and have some fun.

I "think" my general need is this. I'd like a gun to try some skeet, deer hunting, and possibly duck. <--I always thought my friends were crazy, but I'd like to have a gun that I could try it out with. I know multipurpose anything usually lacks at a lot of things. Don't worry though, if I like it, I'm sur I'll add as many shotguns as I have pistols and rifles (it would also give me a reason to upgrade to one of those huge safes ).

Thanks for the help.

 

[gunzrfunz]

Remington 870 Wingmaster

No gun collection is complete w/o one. I don't, however, recommend the "express" model. There is a dimple on the end of their magazine tubes that prevent you(w/o some amateur gunsmithing) from putting on magazine extentions, if you chose to. They are also the "economy" versions, not as perty as the wingmasters. See:

I'm sure someone will disagree with me, but it is, afterall, my opinion. I also don't recommend the Mossberg, last one I shot felt "plasticky" when I was loading the shells. 870's have chromed steel(I think)loading latches. Good luck and check out gunbroker.com , they have awesome deals and that's where I have bought most of my weapons, there and auctionarms.com .

 

[Fabarmfp6]

i would recomend the gun shown here if you can find one http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=273452 this gun works awsome for clay shooting.

if price isnt a issue than a Fabarm shotgun would be great with a lifetime waranty. i havent used the hunting shotguns but the quality of there pump guns are i think the best on the market. http://www.fabarm.com/axis12h.htm
but i have no experience of hunting or sport shotguns

 

[RNB65]

Rem 870 w/ 28" barrel if you want to exercise your left arm.

Rem 1100 w/ 28" barrel if you don't want to exercise your left arm.

 

[FortyCalGlock]

I figured it would come down to a Winchester or a Remington. I didn't realize how inexpensive the HK stuff was too. Are autoloaders looked down upon by the side by side or pump crowd like in rifles? Thanks for the advice.

 

[gunzrfunz]

RNB65 Rem 870 w/ 28" barrel if you want to exercise your left arm.

Rem 1100 w/ 28" barrel if you don't want to exercise your left arm.

I have both, but when I want to exercise my left arm I..nah..I won't go there.

Are autoloaders looked down upon by the side by side or pump crowd like in rifles?

I dunno, maybe. Or maybe they are just envious. I'm new to the auto-loading shotgun thing myself, but when I wasn't having ammo problems, it was slick as owl poop. I'm not the greatest at bringing down clay pigeons, maybe shoot about 80+%, but it sure was nice having a quick second and third shot at an escaping orange flying saucer. With my 870, it was how fast you could handle the recoil and pump another up in chamber, which with practice isn't too difficult.
Your choice. My initial suggestion still stands with getting an 870 to start with. You won't be dissappointed.

 

[RNB65]

Are autoloaders looked down upon by the side by side or pump crowd like in rifles?

Not in sporting clays. I don't shoot skeet to trap, so I can't comment on them. But Beretta 390/391's and Browning Gold's are very popular in sporting clays. O/U's outnumber autoloaders, but no one looks down on someone shooting an autoloader.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Lots of good shotguns out there. I like the 870 best, and case can be made that everyone should have at least one.

But, look around a bit. A shotgun is a forever purchase, good ones last longer than we do.

Hang out at the range and see what you like. Many shotgunners will let you try out their pet.