Which shotgun deal is best?

[RoostRider]

The man cub (my son) needs a shotgun for basic hunting and or some skeet, whatever. Might go for some Goose or Ducks, but mostly Grouse.

Sadly I haven't found any 'wow what a deal' deals on shotguns around here....

This is what I have found so far that seems worthwhile... keep in mind that money is tough right now and finding a good gun that is inexpensive might be more important than finding a great gun at a so-so price...

Please help me decide-

Mossberg 835- 3 1/2" with wood furniture $155
Winchester 1300- 3" with wood furniture (real good condition) $240
Charles Daly- 3" with composite furniture $180
Mossberg 500- with wood furniture (NIB) $212
Remington 870 Super Mag- 3 1/2" with composite furniture (great condition) $272

 

[foghornl]

Mossberg 835 for $155 ? ? ?

What are you waitng for? Jump in the car NOW and go get it....





Why are you still reading and not driving to the store?

 

[RoostRider]

Really?..... I'm not familiar with that gun.... seemed nice....

These are NOT New In Box except for the one that states so.... in case thats what you were thinking...

My son liked the 870 Super Mag best (mostly because it is black I think).... but I have no issue buying him a better deal than that (although it seemed like a good price on the 870 super mag too).... the gun will be his to keep, and we are spending some of his savings for the gun (savings from his allowance for the last couple of years... that I made him save for "something nice" that he really wants)....

The boy is 14 but very large for his age (height and structure, not fat)... he handles a full size shotgun fine....

 

[chevyforlife21]

get either mossberg or an older remington

 

[CoRoMo]

I'd have that used 835 wrapped up!

 

[RoostRider]

Hmmm.... given the price on the 835 is so reasonable, and it seems to be a decent gun, it might be the way to go...

Do you guys own one? Have you used one?

I just know nothing about that gun, although I know Mossberg is a reputable name...

 

[clang]

Mossy 835 for $155 - why are you asking?

 

[Virginian]

Grouse ! ? None of the above. A Franchi 48AL in 20 or 28 gauge is a grouse gun. If you are in make do mode at present get the 835, and get some Tylenol Extra Strength before you shoot any 3-1/2" ers.

 

[tactikel]

The best deal is the 835, but why would you get a goose/duck gun for grouse? you really need a 20 ga pump. If you really want a 12 get the "500" and pick up a short barrel. then you will have a gun for ducks/pheasant and a short brush gun for grouse/woodcock and maybe rabbits. Good luck!
The "perfect" grouse gun is a .20 ga OU; the perfect goose/duck gun is a 3.5" 12 Ga pump/auto- not the same gun at all!

 

[Two Cold Soakers]

The 835 is a bit long and heavy for a grouse or skeet gun. I've shot (at) both with mine. It's a fine waterfowl gun, even if you never run a 3.5" round in it. You really don't NEED a 3.5" 12 bore gun. The 3.5" chamber makes for a longer gun, and a longer cycle (need move the forend further). My 835 feels muzzle heavy. Not the best idea for a man cub.

The 835 is a great goose and turkey gun, works fine with heavy loads. It has a ported and overbored barrel. The porting directs some muzzle blast sideways, and will be noticed by his shooting partners. I've shot skeet, clays, trap, grouse, pheasant, ducks and geese with mine, and taken it turkey hunting. I only consider it now for waterfowl and turkey. It doesn't handle really well. You can't fire slugs through it. That requires a different barrel.

It's a great deal, but I'd recommend passing on it, given the program you've laid out.


I'd suggest a 12 gauge 3" 870, or from the list, the 500, only because of weight and handling concerns.

Not familiar with the Daly, that might be the ticket.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

The CD is not all that bad. My brother has one (20ga) and it has been pretty good to him. It's light too.

 

[RoostRider]

Geeez..... I still haven't gotten the gun....

Hmmmm..... see, I don't know how to handle the situation best to tell you the truth... He is 14.... this is his second gun (I gave him a 10/22 for his birthday).... but see, this gun is his own deal, he saved up the money... but I have interfered some, because he was all about just buying the first gun he liked the way it looked.... I told him we had to wait and find the right deal... (the idea is to teach him to save and spend his money responsibly for things that he will really appreciate)....

He wants a 12 gauge although I have pointed out to him that a 20 is cheaper, lighter, and easier to deal with in most respects.... but he is not impressed with 20's (he has tried them)....

The truth is that we will be hunting Geese and Ducks here and there, so the 12 does make some sense aside from his 'big bang' obsession.... I have been shooting Grouse my whole life with a 12 without too much issue (although the gun does get heavy)..

So, I'm riding this line between being 'control freak' dad and letting him spend his money on whatever suits his (somewhat ill informed) fancy.... He's not stupid about guns, he just lets some things get past him... you know, he's a kid...

Thanks for all the input guys.... it really helps

 

[chevyforlife21]

i think he should get the 12gauge if he dont like 20g's.

 

[All4eyes]

The main thing to do here, if it is his money, is to advise him. Make sure it fits him well. Just because you might save $50 doesn't mean he can hit a thing with it.

Tha being said, I will be the odd man out here and say the 1300. If it is a newer on with choke tubes, great. If he wants it all black for another $30 he can order the synthetic stock. The 1300 has pump assist, and handles really well. Alot of buddies scrapped the newer 870's due to a junk factor and are now shooting 1300's. I own one and have shot pheasant, grouse, partridge, doves, canadian geese, snow geese, and ducks with it for years. The 1300 will get the job done, and is a little lighter than the 870 IIRC.

Not a fan of the CD shotguns. as some work, and some don't. The Mossberg is a goose gun, why carry the extra weight if it is a once or twice a year deal. Buy better ammo for geese in 3" and it will out perform the cheap 3.5" stuff.

I would also say that the 12 ga. is the way to go. Start with kight trap loads, and work his way into heavy field loads as he goes.