Considering several very different options- help please

C

chaim

New member
I am again thinking about getting a shotgun. I sold my Mossberg sometime ago and I haven't replaced it yet because in my current living circumstances bringing a long gun in for home defense is not possible and I don't yet do trap or skeet.

Well, I really do enjoy shooting shotguns. When I was at a range that allowed them my Mossberg was the most fun I could have at the range.

I am thinking about getting one mainly for fun at the range. Nothing serious, though I may also get into trap or skeet.

I am thinking about three totally different guns. I want to keep the total under $400-450.

I am thinking about a Remington 870. A pump is unquestionably reliable. The 581 can be equiped with extra barrels so one gun can do two jobs. I can get it with a longer barrel for getting into skeet/trap and also buy a 20" home defense barrel with sights for when I change my current living situation. This is also the least expensive option that would leave more money for other things.

I am also thinking about a Remington 1100 or 11-87. This also can be equiped with extra barrels so, again, this will have the dual use advantage. An auto will soak up some recoil so I would probably be able to shoot it for longer periods without becoming fatigued. Another potential advantage is that it seems that it would be better than a pump for sport shooting (as someone who hasn't started yet I could be wrong so please educate me if I am).

The last option I'm considering is a Lanber O/U. From most of my reading this is probably the best of the bargain O/Us. It would be a much better looking gun than the other two options and would probably instill more pride of ownership. These sound like great guns so I doubt if I'd be disappointed. It wouldn't be as useful for home defense but that really isn't something I can even use it for right now. When I do move someplace else I can always get a new Rem 870 or Mossy 500 for about $100 more than the additional barrel for the 870 or 1100 anyway. This is the way I'd prefer though the gun would put me near my limit. I could buy it online for a total of $400-450 depending upon the model (including shipping and transfer fees).

So I guess I'm putting this out there to TFL for feedback.

A shotgun is one of three options I'm considering, the others being:
-finally breaking down and buying a .22 handgun
-and getting the .357mag lever action rifle I've wanted for some time
 
Pumpgun is the answer...

The only explanation I can think of for the lack of responses to your question is that TFLers must not like multiple-part questions.

Never fearing to tread in, I'll take a stab at a suggestion and rationale...

Buy a Mossberg 500 pump with two barrels, and 18 for HD and a 28 for sport shooting. You are already familiar with it which should reduce (re-)training time. Or go the 870 route since is isn't all that much different than the Mossberg. Although we seem to be in the minority on this forum, there are a number of us who still run Mossbergs and even the diehard 870 fans here say the Mossberg would be OK too.

Also, with some practice devoted to rapid fire, you should be able to fire the pump gun as fast or at least almost as fast as the automatic in either practical/serious situations or sport situations. Buy an inexpensive shoulder-worn recoil pad and shoot all day long.

And then, as you have often read on this forum no doubt, spend the extra money on ammo and range time to practice, practice, etc.

That's my .02 worth.

--Bruce.
 
I like pump guns. If the Mossy is what you liked when you had one, I'd get another. Get two barrels like Bruce said.
It's like getting two guns for the price of one (plus some change).
Mike
 
If you want to seriously shoot skeet, doubles trap or sporting clays, the pump shotgun is not your best choice. As you start out learning the games you'll have enough to think about without having to remember to shuck the action for doubles.

Limited to one gun the 11/87-1100 series gives you the extra advantage. They are reliable and versatile because you can get the shorter barrels for other purposes. I'd suggest a 28" barrel with chokes tubes for the various clay games and buying a 21" smooth bore, rifle sighted slug gun afterwards.

The Lanbers are not that common in North America but they are the most popular entry level o/u in the United Kingdom. The one's I've seen and shot worked reliably and handled just as well as the more expensive entry level Berettas and Brownings. Don't discount the effectiveness of a double gun if something goes bump in the night. More important than the gun or load is having a plan and with the right plan the type of gun is less important.

My choice if asked to choose among the options for one gun only -- the Remington semi auto.

Paul
 
Put in my vote for the Remington 1100. Versatile and easy on the shoulder.

Pump guns are useful tools if your interest is HD and hunting. But for serious clays the only way to go is an Auto or O/U.

At the TFL NJ shoot last weekend I watched several Pump gun shooters forget to pump for the second shot! (OK I do it occasionally too :o )

You also might want to look at the Beretta 391.
 
At the TFL NJ shoot last weekend I watched several Pump gun shooters forget to pump for the second shot!
Click to expand...

That's as much fun as watching the pumpgun shooter try to rip the forestock off the borrowed autoloader for the second shot. seen this a few at times at the skeet range. gosh those gas guns pump hard.
 
Forgot to Pump?

... that's like forgetting to breathe... what kind of PumpGunners could those have been... auto guys who were just borrowing a serious gun?:D

Flame suit ON!
 
"That's as much fun as watching the pumpgun shooter try to rip the forestock off the borrowed autoloader for the second shot"

That's not even one bit funny, kingcreek!

I didn't do it with an auto, but did almost fall on my face trying a double with an OU. :p Training dies hard ....
 
Since homedefense is not an issue at this time I would say go with the Remington 1100. You can get the Express model for $375 at local Walmart and maybe get a shorter barrel later. My wife got me one 2 years ago and I like it a lot. For serious purpose I still grab my Remington 870 but for fun I grab the 1100.
 
Thanks for all the imput guys. In my original post I mentioned that I was looking at several other options as well. Well, I ended up using a small portion of the extra money (about $100) to finally get a DVD player and the rest went into paying down some bills. Less fun but probably smarter. Anyway, there was some good advice and I will still be buying a shotgun by the end of the year anyway. I'll probably be leaning towards the semi-auto (probably the 1100) since my main use now will be fun and getting into games. Plus, with the 1100 I can get an optional 20" non-rifled barrel that would be perfect for home defense later.
 
At the TFL NJ shoot last weekend I watched several Pump gun shooters forget to pump for the second shot!
Click to expand...

Those were pistol shooters with shotguns! LOL.
I bet Mr. Park did not have that problem.
I can not imagine forgetting to pump my 870, although I'm sure I will do it now!
Thanks alot! LOL
Mike
 
Mike, I think Geoff was referring specifically to me. :o I was going back and forth between my Mossy 500 and 3 gun's semiauto, and sometimes forgot which I was currently holding. This was two weeks after the VA TFL shotgun shoot where I used a rented O/U. :rolleyes:

I don't practice nearly enough with a shotgun to be able to switch back and forth with ease. For this reason, if I were using a shotgun for defense, I would buy one type of action and stick with it. (BTW, I currently use handguns for HD, and all have the same manual of operations.)
 
Too funny Dave. I guess that's why I keep my options small. Glocks and 870's for me. Simple, like me! :D

I guess the lesson to be learned here is, pick one, stick with it. Or as Dave McC might say, "...practice 'till it feels like a body part!"

Mike
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top