Possibility of a new Shotgun

You can get both the 870 and the 500 in wood. If you want want that looks nice go find a used one. When my buddy was shopping around we looked at a new 500 and the wood stock looked cheap.

I know things aren't made the way they were years ago, but......I broke my 500 (1988-89 model, got it in 89) and wasn't real thrilled about the trigger group being all plastic. (yeah I know I should have taken it apart long before I did but I was young and didn't know any better so I just cleaned it the best I could without taking the trigger out) It held up over 6 years of dove hunting and other small game. Just seemed cheap to me. I more or less retired it when I got my 870 in 1998. Point is I am not sure how well the new 500 are made.
 
Quick question...

Can a "super magnum" chambering, (3 1/2" chamber) accept standard 2 3/4" and 3" shells, or is that an iffy prospect?
 
Yeah you can put 2 3/4, 3 and 3.5 inch shells in the 870 Express Super Mag chambered for 3.5. The chamber size is max. My 870 is a Express Mag and will only chamber 2 3/4 and 3 inch.

I have a Browning Maxus autoloader (chambered for 3.5s) and it has no problems with the 2 3/4 inch shells.
 
if you want to save a bit of money I have been using a NEF Pardner Pump 28in 12ga

its reliable, most 870 parts interchange, and its much cheaper than the 870
 
Keep in mind that if you buy a gun that accepts 3.5" shells, it means the gun's receiver has an extra 1/2" of length and therefore extra weight. It also mean you have to slide the action an extra 1/2" every time you pump the gun. These may not seem like big issues, but if you don't have serious intentions of shooting 3.5" shells, you may want to stick with the 3" chamber.
 
Thanks for the quick answers.

I can deal with a little extra weight and slide travel if it means I have more options open if I want to take them.

My life won't depend on this gun, it's not for HD, so I don't need it to be lightning fast and ultra light.

Thanks for the info though. :D
 
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