I'm trying to get solid advice on a shotgun for hunting (fowl, occasional deer - have a hunt scheduled for Nov) and for shooting clays; mostly for clays, I truthfully expect. I searched this forum and can't find much. Seems everyone's just defending their homes against gangbangers, rogue ATF agents & home invasion robberies or something like that. I must live in a nicer neighborhood than most of you fellas!
I need a generalist's gun, not a dedicated turkey gun or one with a rifled slug barrel. Definitely not a "Defender" or "Persuader." But don't want a dedicated clays gun, either. I'll pick up a rifled slug barrel and/or x-full choke tube when the $$ is available.
I think I want to go with an autoloader for quick follow-up shots (clays, birds), but I don't have the budget for a Rem 11-87 or a Benelli. Or an over/under.
Is the Mossberg 9200 suitable for these uses? I can get one with a synthetic stock and 28" bbl w/ full, mod & improved chokes within my budget, and have some $$ left over for a mound of ammo. I also found a Rem 1100 within my price range (but significantly more than the Mossberg). My understanding is the 1100 takes only 2 ¾" OR 3" shells, but the Mossberg 9200 takes both/either. That, plus the price difference makes me lean towards the 9200.
If I go with a pump action, I'm thinking it'll be either the Rem 870 super mag or Mossberg 835.
Is barrel length really important? I hear that you want a 28" bbl for a bird/clays gun, but I'm not experienced enough to know if it's true. I like the feel of the shorter barrels. Any reason NOT to go with synthetic stocks, other than looks?
I need a generalist's gun, not a dedicated turkey gun or one with a rifled slug barrel. Definitely not a "Defender" or "Persuader." But don't want a dedicated clays gun, either. I'll pick up a rifled slug barrel and/or x-full choke tube when the $$ is available.
I think I want to go with an autoloader for quick follow-up shots (clays, birds), but I don't have the budget for a Rem 11-87 or a Benelli. Or an over/under.
Is the Mossberg 9200 suitable for these uses? I can get one with a synthetic stock and 28" bbl w/ full, mod & improved chokes within my budget, and have some $$ left over for a mound of ammo. I also found a Rem 1100 within my price range (but significantly more than the Mossberg). My understanding is the 1100 takes only 2 ¾" OR 3" shells, but the Mossberg 9200 takes both/either. That, plus the price difference makes me lean towards the 9200.
If I go with a pump action, I'm thinking it'll be either the Rem 870 super mag or Mossberg 835.
Is barrel length really important? I hear that you want a 28" bbl for a bird/clays gun, but I'm not experienced enough to know if it's true. I like the feel of the shorter barrels. Any reason NOT to go with synthetic stocks, other than looks?