I was looking for a new shotgun. I currently have a mossberg 500 and was looking for something new. I hear people talking a lot about benelli and remington 870. I won't be using it really hard core maybe get into duck hunting and a little pheasant hunting, and clay pigeon shooting here and there. brand really doesn't matter much to me i just want a good well built gun. thanks for your help!!
need help finding a shotgun
- Thread starter Kato_Guy
- Start date
Welcome!
It sounds like you basically want a general purpose pump action shotgun. If that is the case, then shortly everybody and their mother will come along and recommend that you purchase a Remington 870.
Seriously, most all of the major brand shotguns (Remington 870, Winchester 1300, Benelli Nova, etc.) will fill adequately those roles. My understanding is that the Benelli is a decent gun but unproven compared to the Remingtons, Winchesters, and Mossbergs. The ones I've handled seems OK; lots of plastic, though.
I faced the same question last year and went in a different direction: Browning BPS (12 gauge, 28" barrel, 3" chamber). They usually cost a little more than the aforementioned models, but IMHO are well worth it. The Brownings have a wonderfully smooth action, convenient tang safety, are built like tanks, and possess a fit and finish that at least I feel is superior to the other current production models listed above. It feeds and ejects through the bottom (like the old Ithaca 37), rather than to the side, so is a little different in terms of operation from the others, but this is handy in a duck blind (you don't eject shells in the direction of other people, less openings for debris to enter, etc.) and nothing that causes any problems.
So be different from everybody else - get a Browning BPS and become a high class bottom feeder!
It sounds like you basically want a general purpose pump action shotgun. If that is the case, then shortly everybody and their mother will come along and recommend that you purchase a Remington 870.
Seriously, most all of the major brand shotguns (Remington 870, Winchester 1300, Benelli Nova, etc.) will fill adequately those roles. My understanding is that the Benelli is a decent gun but unproven compared to the Remingtons, Winchesters, and Mossbergs. The ones I've handled seems OK; lots of plastic, though.
I faced the same question last year and went in a different direction: Browning BPS (12 gauge, 28" barrel, 3" chamber). They usually cost a little more than the aforementioned models, but IMHO are well worth it. The Brownings have a wonderfully smooth action, convenient tang safety, are built like tanks, and possess a fit and finish that at least I feel is superior to the other current production models listed above. It feeds and ejects through the bottom (like the old Ithaca 37), rather than to the side, so is a little different in terms of operation from the others, but this is handy in a duck blind (you don't eject shells in the direction of other people, less openings for debris to enter, etc.) and nothing that causes any problems.
So be different from everybody else - get a Browning BPS and become a high class bottom feeder!
a thought
If you already have a Mossberg 500, you've got a very solid pump gun that can be configured (by getting additional barrels) to do anything that any other pump can do. If I were you, I'd get something other than another pump. A good semiauto or a an O/U, for example. The Remington 1100 is a good auto, as are the Berettas, Brownings, Benellis and Winchesters. You can get a good O/U from Browning, Beretta, Weatherby or Winchester.
OrangeTJ
If you already have a Mossberg 500, you've got a very solid pump gun that can be configured (by getting additional barrels) to do anything that any other pump can do. If I were you, I'd get something other than another pump. A good semiauto or a an O/U, for example. The Remington 1100 is a good auto, as are the Berettas, Brownings, Benellis and Winchesters. You can get a good O/U from Browning, Beretta, Weatherby or Winchester.
OrangeTJ
thanks for the info but keep it coming
i was looking at semi-autos and o/u but i have a hard time spending 1,000 dollars for a shotgun that i will only be using a fewtimes a year if that. I found a beretta semi-auto at walmart for 530 it was a model 391. is that a good one or not is there any good autos for under 600.
i was looking at semi-autos and o/u but i have a hard time spending 1,000 dollars for a shotgun that i will only be using a fewtimes a year if that. I found a beretta semi-auto at walmart for 530 it was a model 391. is that a good one or not is there any good autos for under 600.
These work very well for a Semi-auto inexpensive guns. Usally run around 400 bucks brand new.
http://www.stoegerindustries.com/firearms/index.tpl
Stoeger is basically Benneilli
Another good one is a Remington Spartan for Semi-auto and around 400
Here's a good article, that might help...
http://www.shotgunreport.com/TechTech/TechnoidArchive/9-Nov-05.html
http://www.stoegerindustries.com/firearms/index.tpl
Stoeger is basically Benneilli
Another good one is a Remington Spartan for Semi-auto and around 400
Here's a good article, that might help...
http://www.shotgunreport.com/TechTech/TechnoidArchive/9-Nov-05.html
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the stoeger 2000
i looked on another forum and there was a lot of people the have had problem s with the stoeger misfiring i would say it was about 60-40 with the majority of people having problems i was looking at them a couple weeks ago but was a little hesitant because i know you kinda get what you pay for. and buying a cheaper in $ gun you take a chance. but i still can't justify paying 1000 dollars i will have to take a look at those guns thanks for the input
if anyone here had problems or heard of anyhting please let me know
i am heading to the twin cities next week to the new cabelas and gander mtns up there and was planning on buying one then so i need to make my mind up by then
thanks again for your help on trying to find a good semi-auto
i looked on another forum and there was a lot of people the have had problem s with the stoeger misfiring i would say it was about 60-40 with the majority of people having problems i was looking at them a couple weeks ago but was a little hesitant because i know you kinda get what you pay for. and buying a cheaper in $ gun you take a chance. but i still can't justify paying 1000 dollars i will have to take a look at those guns thanks for the input
if anyone here had problems or heard of anyhting please let me know
i am heading to the twin cities next week to the new cabelas and gander mtns up there and was planning on buying one then so i need to make my mind up by then
thanks again for your help on trying to find a good semi-auto
Let me suggest the Beretta 3901. They're made in Maryland and are a hybrid of the 390 and 391 -basically a cross between a very good gun and an excellent gun. They're a few hundred at Wal-Mart and other places. Unlike the Rem 1187, no O-rings to clean and replace.
Another option is the Baikal, if you don't mind sturdy Russian manufacturing (i.e., heavy and built to withstand all three Russian seasons -the Frozen, the Dusty, and the Muddy). They can be had for $300-400. Then there's the Saiga, the AK of scatterguns.
I'd go with the 3901.
Another option is the Baikal, if you don't mind sturdy Russian manufacturing (i.e., heavy and built to withstand all three Russian seasons -the Frozen, the Dusty, and the Muddy). They can be had for $300-400. Then there's the Saiga, the AK of scatterguns.
I'd go with the 3901.
thanks i will have to check out that beretta. i saw the one at walmart. my cousin has one and he loves it. i just wasn't sure why it was 530 instead of 1000 like the rest. thanks for everybody's help
i was checking in an old outdoor life magazine it was the july o5 issue and in there best of new for 05 and they had a H&R excell auto 5 in there they said it was a delight to shoot and a great value the only problems they said they had with it was the magazine lockout and the bolt release were in goofy places. anyone hear anything about this shotgun
i was checking in an old outdoor life magazine it was the july o5 issue and in there best of new for 05 and they had a H&R excell auto 5 in there they said it was a delight to shoot and a great value the only problems they said they had with it was the magazine lockout and the bolt release were in goofy places. anyone hear anything about this shotgun
308SORRELS
New member
If you are wanting a very good all around pump then go with the Bennelli Nova you can not beat it for duck hunting mine has been soaked and iced and has never failed the 870 is a good choice also but price wise you can pick up a nova new for $300 and it will shoot 2 3/4-3 1/2 with no problems what so ever. I own several shotguns and the nova seems to be the one I grab for most hunting . If I am going to shoot clays I take the Ruger red label o/u
re: Find a shotgun
Go Benelli!
Go Benelli!
Go Benelli!
If your going to use one couple times a year. Hands down, My benelli is far more enjoyable than an 870 used to be to me.
Its NOT user friendly on a skeet range but will suit the purpose.
If you get one, get it in black finish. Extra Barrels later in life are far more easier to obtain than say- An Advantage Max 4 camo rifled slug barrel.
Cleaning is a breeze. a whole lot easier than anything else.
Get ya a benelli, and leave all that other stuff in the store.
n5tb
Go Benelli!
Go Benelli!
Go Benelli!
If your going to use one couple times a year. Hands down, My benelli is far more enjoyable than an 870 used to be to me.
Its NOT user friendly on a skeet range but will suit the purpose.
If you get one, get it in black finish. Extra Barrels later in life are far more easier to obtain than say- An Advantage Max 4 camo rifled slug barrel.
Cleaning is a breeze. a whole lot easier than anything else.
Get ya a benelli, and leave all that other stuff in the store.
n5tb
sparkysteve
New member
I have a Remington 870 Express and a Browning BPS. I love them both. The BPS is a little nicer, but it costs more too. It's a little smoother and the bottom feed/eject is a nice option. I think, if your not going to use your new gun a lot the 870 is the best pump shotgun available for the money. They've been around for eons, are very versatile, easy to find parts and accesories for, take a beating, and come back for more. Plus, they'll take anything from a 2 3/4" to 3 1/2". If you get an 870, get the Wingmaster, it has a nicer finish on it and is easier to keep clean. You won't regret buying either one though.
duckcallinfool
New member
Careful with the Browning Gold. Don't get me wrong, but only a couple times a year for duck and pheasant? Don't forget to oil the recoil spring in the butt stock or you'll be shooting a single shot for the first couple of hours.
This isn't a 600 dollar gun but I recommend the Extrema 2. Guns only go up in value.
I have the original Extrema and except for a broken magazine spring retainer cap breaking I have had no problems out of it(This was replaced under warranty and I hear they have changed it). It will shoot every load on the market without having to change anything on the gun. You can even load a 3 1/2 super magnum shell behind a super light 2 3/4 7/8oz skeet load and it will cycle flawlessly. The Extrema2 is lighter and feels less bulky than the original. As a matter of fact I am seriously considering trading up before next duck season myself.
This isn't a 600 dollar gun but I recommend the Extrema 2. Guns only go up in value.
I have the original Extrema and except for a broken magazine spring retainer cap breaking I have had no problems out of it(This was replaced under warranty and I hear they have changed it). It will shoot every load on the market without having to change anything on the gun. You can even load a 3 1/2 super magnum shell behind a super light 2 3/4 7/8oz skeet load and it will cycle flawlessly. The Extrema2 is lighter and feels less bulky than the original. As a matter of fact I am seriously considering trading up before next duck season myself.
The Remington 870 is the most depndable shotgun in the world. While it wont do everything the best it will do everything. What i mean is one might be the best slug gun or the best with 3.5"ammo and one might be the best at sporting clays. while the 870may not be the best at any one thing it will do them all well!!! If i had to stake my life again on a shotgun i would want an 870!!