Alright, I'm sure there are hundreds of threads identical to this, but I don't want to search through hundreds of threads. I'm buying my first personal shotgun and I need a little input from you guys. I have hunting experience, mostly pheasant, but it is limited. I'm looking to buy a .12 guage. I've looked at Nova's, Remington, and moss. But with the technical jargon, I get a little lost. I will primarily use this gun in the field, hunting pheasant. I would like to spend no more than $400 maybe up to $500. So any of you who can relate or help me out, I'd appreciate it if you dropped a line or two. Thanks
Buying a shotgun
- Thread starter leetrev1
- Start date
Welcome to our nightmare! 
Well, you didn't say if you wanted a pump or semi-auto, so I'll adlib.
The higher grade Mossberg 500/835 or Remington 870 are fine shotguns that can compete with most any other pump scattergun in the world. There are others, but you'll pay much more for only a little more glitz and glamor.
The Remington 1100 is the premier autoloader for the working man. It is considered the best for the money.
Well, you didn't say if you wanted a pump or semi-auto, so I'll adlib.
The higher grade Mossberg 500/835 or Remington 870 are fine shotguns that can compete with most any other pump scattergun in the world. There are others, but you'll pay much more for only a little more glitz and glamor.
The Remington 1100 is the premier autoloader for the working man. It is considered the best for the money.
Do not pass over the Benelli Nova Pump action shotgun which can be had for a minimal $299 in my gun dealers. Great reliable pump, able to digest 3.5, 3, and 2.75 rounds. Has several dealer ready accessories including a mercury recoil reducer which mounts inside the stock.
I've held the weapon, it pulls up great, it is seemingly long, but nice and easy to hold. The finish is simillar to a parkerized finish which is a rougher black matte style.
I currently own a Remington 870 Wingmaster (Circa 1983) beautiful gun, points and shoots great, I can hit clays all day with it. I'm not a big participant in upland bird but I'd love to try. It's showing it's wear, but the original wood stock is still beautiful. The metal held it's own over the years, my dad removed some rusting from it but the rubs add the character to the smooth metal appearance.
Also do not skip over the Browning BPS series of shotguns. They have synthetic models for a little less, the wood ones are nice. Bottom ejector so that your left handed friends can fire your gun without getting hit in the face.
Not sure what hand you use but most models can be had in left handed.
Also if you don't like the idea of using a 12 gauge that much for high powered rounds, I would strongly suggest a 20gauge which can digest some pretty powerful rounds. 20 gauge shells have ample power for most all hunting situations, however you won't get the distance from a 20gauge that you will from a 12 gauge 3.5" magnum with number 4 remington hypervelocity (nor will you get the huge bruise from it).
Good luck on the search. I'm sure more will give you information, it's all helpful and if you feel ever so inclined use the search feature, if not for anything but to further your knowledge of shotguns. We here at TFL have an extensive knowledge base that is hard to duplicate. Enjoy.
I've held the weapon, it pulls up great, it is seemingly long, but nice and easy to hold. The finish is simillar to a parkerized finish which is a rougher black matte style.
I currently own a Remington 870 Wingmaster (Circa 1983) beautiful gun, points and shoots great, I can hit clays all day with it. I'm not a big participant in upland bird but I'd love to try. It's showing it's wear, but the original wood stock is still beautiful. The metal held it's own over the years, my dad removed some rusting from it but the rubs add the character to the smooth metal appearance.
Also do not skip over the Browning BPS series of shotguns. They have synthetic models for a little less, the wood ones are nice. Bottom ejector so that your left handed friends can fire your gun without getting hit in the face.
Not sure what hand you use but most models can be had in left handed.
Also if you don't like the idea of using a 12 gauge that much for high powered rounds, I would strongly suggest a 20gauge which can digest some pretty powerful rounds. 20 gauge shells have ample power for most all hunting situations, however you won't get the distance from a 20gauge that you will from a 12 gauge 3.5" magnum with number 4 remington hypervelocity (nor will you get the huge bruise from it).
Good luck on the search. I'm sure more will give you information, it's all helpful and if you feel ever so inclined use the search feature, if not for anything but to further your knowledge of shotguns. We here at TFL have an extensive knowledge base that is hard to duplicate. Enjoy.
The 870 is hardly ever a bad answer for any shotgun question. The other Big Four pumps are also.
If you're only going to have ONE shotgun(shudder), to cover all the bases, it oughta have.....
Interchangeable barrels with choke tubes. Versatility personified.
Wood furniture, so it can be altered to fit as needed.
3" magnum capability just because there's a few missions like waterfowl and turkey that demand Maggie Numbs. Most of the time the 2 3/4" stuff suffices, including defense.
It should be a 12 gauge in most cases, simply because the ammo is cheaper and more available.
Do use the search feature, there's a wealth of info in the Archives.
HTH....
If you're only going to have ONE shotgun(shudder), to cover all the bases, it oughta have.....
Interchangeable barrels with choke tubes. Versatility personified.
Wood furniture, so it can be altered to fit as needed.
3" magnum capability just because there's a few missions like waterfowl and turkey that demand Maggie Numbs. Most of the time the 2 3/4" stuff suffices, including defense.
It should be a 12 gauge in most cases, simply because the ammo is cheaper and more available.
Do use the search feature, there's a wealth of info in the Archives.
HTH....