hi point nut
Inactive
im looking for a good gun to go duck hunting with. i have never went duck hunting and i dont know what to use. im on a budget so i need somthing thats not outrageously priced.
Duck Gun
- Thread starter hi point nut
- Start date
12 gauge pump
I would suggest a 12 gauge pump. Depending on your budget and likes there are many models to choose from. Also, these can be picked up used for good prices. One of the reasons I like the pump is it "always works" regardless of the ammo.
Some semi-autos don't function well with certain ammunition but the pump functions because you, the operator, are the one making it function. You can shoot light or heavy loads, it simplly doesn't matter.
Getting into semi-autos can get considerably higher in price and is about like anything else in that you get what you pay for. You can easily spend $1,500.00 - $2,000.00 on a good semi auto.
Some will tell you to shoot 3-1/2 inch shells and I've done it. BUT, in my opinion, it is brutal.
The recoil in a semi-auto will be a bit less than the pump but in a real world hunting situation, I'm not sure if that makes a considerable difference. This year I'll be hunting with a gel pad on my shoulder.
The gun will cost more if it has some sort of manufacturer's "protective coating" or is done in Max HD camo, etc.
Good luck in your search. I'm sure you'll get plenty of great advice from the many experienced shotgunners here on TFL.
I would suggest a 12 gauge pump. Depending on your budget and likes there are many models to choose from. Also, these can be picked up used for good prices. One of the reasons I like the pump is it "always works" regardless of the ammo.
Some semi-autos don't function well with certain ammunition but the pump functions because you, the operator, are the one making it function. You can shoot light or heavy loads, it simplly doesn't matter.
Getting into semi-autos can get considerably higher in price and is about like anything else in that you get what you pay for. You can easily spend $1,500.00 - $2,000.00 on a good semi auto.
Some will tell you to shoot 3-1/2 inch shells and I've done it. BUT, in my opinion, it is brutal.
The recoil in a semi-auto will be a bit less than the pump but in a real world hunting situation, I'm not sure if that makes a considerable difference. This year I'll be hunting with a gel pad on my shoulder. The gun will cost more if it has some sort of manufacturer's "protective coating" or is done in Max HD camo, etc.
Good luck in your search. I'm sure you'll get plenty of great advice from the many experienced shotgunners here on TFL.
I've been out of duck and geese for a few years now, but I really liked my Browning BPS. Synthetic stock. Nice recoil pad - but like above - the 3.5's do pack a punch, lol. Not sure where you are hunting, but later in the season the recoil isn't as bad with all the layers of clothes.
Lots of good used guns out there ..that will meet your needs.
In general ...
a. a good 12ga ...
b. a gun with a 28" or 30" barrel ( gives you a longer sight plane / really helps on passing shots).
c. a heavier gun vs a lighter gun is a plus. The heavier gun will absorb more recoil - but its heavier to carry all day. If you're in a blind - weight is no big deal.
d. guns have chamber lengths of 2 3/4", 3" or 3 1/2" ....you can shoot 2 3/4" and 3" shells in a 3" chamber - but to shoot 3 1/2" shells you'll need a gun chambered in 3 1/2". There will be some indication of the chamber length stamped on the barrel. There are a lot of shell options ( even magnum loads in 3" shells these days). I think a 3" chamber is fine ( and they're cheaper than a gun chambered in 3 1/2" ).
e. a good pump gun ...Browning, Remington, Benelli, etc are all affordable and solid choices. Make sure the gun has screw in changeable chokes - to make it versatile ...you can shoot some clays, ducks, phesants, etc ... But since you have to shoot Steel shot for ducks - the tightest choke you can use is a "Modified". A lot of older guns / with fixed chokes - or without screw in chokes may be choked "Full"...and you cannot shoot Steel shot in a choke that tight.
f. semi-autos absorb some recoil as they cycle ...but for the better guns you're up around $ 1,000 even used.
In general ...
a. a good 12ga ...
b. a gun with a 28" or 30" barrel ( gives you a longer sight plane / really helps on passing shots).
c. a heavier gun vs a lighter gun is a plus. The heavier gun will absorb more recoil - but its heavier to carry all day. If you're in a blind - weight is no big deal.
d. guns have chamber lengths of 2 3/4", 3" or 3 1/2" ....you can shoot 2 3/4" and 3" shells in a 3" chamber - but to shoot 3 1/2" shells you'll need a gun chambered in 3 1/2". There will be some indication of the chamber length stamped on the barrel. There are a lot of shell options ( even magnum loads in 3" shells these days). I think a 3" chamber is fine ( and they're cheaper than a gun chambered in 3 1/2" ).
e. a good pump gun ...Browning, Remington, Benelli, etc are all affordable and solid choices. Make sure the gun has screw in changeable chokes - to make it versatile ...you can shoot some clays, ducks, phesants, etc ... But since you have to shoot Steel shot for ducks - the tightest choke you can use is a "Modified". A lot of older guns / with fixed chokes - or without screw in chokes may be choked "Full"...and you cannot shoot Steel shot in a choke that tight.
f. semi-autos absorb some recoil as they cycle ...but for the better guns you're up around $ 1,000 even used.
hi point nut
Inactive
thanks for the info ive got a gun show comming upin about a month so i will take this information with me to it
hi point nut
Inactive
thanks that looks like it might work ill keep an eye out for one.
turbodog77
New member
12ga mossberg
there's a Mossberg 12 ga. in my area for $225. looked great old man in wheel chair can't shoot it anymore. I didn't take a close look at it.
If she has her sale open today I can see if it's still there.
I live in lower Michigan near ND.
there's a Mossberg 12 ga. in my area for $225. looked great old man in wheel chair can't shoot it anymore. I didn't take a close look at it.
If she has her sale open today I can see if it's still there.
I live in lower Michigan near ND.