Best 12ga. under (or close-ish to) $500.00?

T

TheRaskalKing

New member
Hey all,

I'll get right to it: I'm in the market for a 12 ga., under or close to $500.00. What's the best gun for my money? The gun would mostly be used for shooting clays, but my buddy and I want to start shooting some ducks this fall as well. I'm not necessarily opposed to spending more money, I understand that spending more money often (not always) gets you better quality, but I'm not looking for anything super fancy. I love my Browning Superposed O/U, but hate taking it places as it's a bit of a family heirloom. Please advise!
 
The Beretta 3901 is available for around 600 or so at walmart, Cabela's and a few other places. On sale, you might get it closer to your 500 mark
 
Go used

A Winchester Model 12. Lots of good used guns. You can use modern no-tox loads for ducks. While expensive, how many shells do you shoot at ducks?
There are loads of nice used Model 12's. Included are some nice trap and skeet guns. The Model 12 ruled both of those disciplines until the early 60's. A full choke Model 12 makes a great duck gun when used with Bismuth or nice shot.
 
I'm not necessarily opposed to used if it's the right gun and the right price. And of course as long as I know the gun hasn't been mistreated. I really like pump action, but I'm not terribly picky. I'm just starting my research on this one and it won't be a hasty decision. Getting some hands on time shooting the gun will be tricky as my LGS/range neither rents shotguns nor allows them to be shot at the range. Always better to buy once than twice, right?
 
At $500 you should be able to find a good pump shotgun. Asa duck hunter I'd recommended a synthetic stock gun and a barrel that isn't blued. They're just easier to care for.

I forgot to add that the Stoger 3500 has won some awards and one for you to check out.
 
Mossberg 930

Walnut stock, very reliable, safety right where it's supposed to be....


85110.jpg


R & R Arms has them for $481.34, plus shipping
http://www.rrarms.com/catalog.php?prod=G85110
 
Don't buy one yet. Try different guns and see what feels best and shoots where you look.

Then get an 870, heh,heh,heh.....
 
Browning silver series -( in semi-auto ) is a pretty good gun for the money too..along with the options from Beretta. I think the Browning Hunter model is around $ 700 or so ....on sale at a lot of places..and you can get it in a 3" chamber and a 28" barrel. But Beretta's semi-autos are priced very attractively ..and have a lot of configurations.

In pump guns ...I personally like the Browning BPS Hunter model in a 28" as well ...but I agree with OneOunce - if you want a long term gun for clays..a semi-auto is probably a better choice on a budget. BPS Hunter is around
$ 600 or so in my area new...but they're on sale off and on as well...

Benelli Nova and Rem 870's are decent pump guns as well ...just not my personal favorite.

Remember Fit - is the most important issue ...so it hits, where you look !!! Shoot as many guns as you can before you buy ...
 
Go check out the used racks at the pawn shops. Shotties go cheep used unless its a snob gun as in decent pumps 150 to 200 bucks. You want a good Ithica double box lock around 700 bucks. 500 will get you a nice used auto 5.
 
you mentioned you like pump shotguns; consider including the older Remington 870 Wingmaster with your candidates for purchase. of the shotguns i own... my old (1965) Remington 870 Brushmaster Wingmaster is by far my favorite, and the one i would never part with.
 
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