Shotgun recommendation

[dburkhead]

I'll be going to the Indy1500 this weekend, looking for a Shotgun (among other things). I'm thinking of this as a general-purpose hunting piece with possible double-duty as home-defense for my wife.

The idea that was suggested to me is to get a shotgun with a rifled barrel for deer, and then some replacement barrels for small game. Of course, multiple shotguns would be even better but keeping costs down is an issue.

I'm hoping someone can make some suggestions on what to look for. I don't know anything about the market for shotguns--brands, models, options, etc. I've shot some before--an old 12 ga side-by-side, 16 ga. pump, and 20 ga. single shot--but I've never bought one.

[vitesse9]

I would either go with a 12 gauge Remington 870 or a 12 gauge Mossberg 500 (both pump guns). 12 gauge is the most common and therefore most versatile shotgun load.

Both of these models can be had with standard 26" or 28" multichoke barrels and both Remington and Mossberg sell additional barrels separately (Mossberg even makes barrels for the 870). If cost is an issue, Remington makes an express line that is basically the same gun without some of the nicer features on its more expensive models. Incidentally, the express line has the best selection of extra barrels and would therefore be the most versatile version of the 870 irrespective of cost. Mossberg doesn't really make high-end model 500s and its barrel selection is comparable to the 870 express.

If you really want your shotgun to serve all of your possible hunting/self defense needs I would recommend either the Remington 870 or the Mossberg 500 with the following barrels:

1) 26" or 28" inch with multichokes for multi-purpose hunting (birds, small game and turkey);
2) 18" or 18.5" security barrel with a open (cylinder bore) choke for home defense;
3) 20" to 24" fully rifled barrel for big game hunting up to 100 yards.

If you're planning on doing long range shooting (over 100 yards), you're going to need a rifle.

If you are looking for semi-autos, you're going to spend more money and get less. As for which is better between the Mossberg 500 and the Remington 870 the debate is endless and everyone has an opinion. They're both good quality guns and both will serve you well.

Some around here will probably say you should get a 20 gauge because your wife will be shooting the gun. This suggestion is usually based on the assumption that women cannot handle or will be frightened by the 12 gauge. Assuming this assumption is true (which it's not), I don't think this argument holds water because you can get very light 12 gauge loads for both hunting and self defense. Once again . . . 12 gauge = versatility.

[dburkhead]

I had originally planned a 20 ga for my wife for home defense, but someone else suggested a 12 ga with light loads might be a better choice. I figure to get the 12 for now and if she really can't handle it, add a 20 later.

[mikenbarb]

I would recommend a Browning Gold, Silver or BPS in 12 gauge with 26"-28" barrel and if your looking to deer hunt, Pick up a nice Hastings rifled slug barrel for it. Brownings are great guns but their a little higher priced than the average semi or pump.(And well worth every penny):D! If you want to stay on the cheaper side, Look at the Stoeger line of Semi-Autos. Their priced for the working mans budget and just flat out work. Your going to get alot of Remington and Mossberg opinions and I have both and their ok but if you want to be real happy down the road and have a gun that your kids and grandchildren will love, Buy a Browning, You wont regret it!

[Scattergun Bob]

First I have to address mikenbarb , you and BigJim always got to muddy up the water! Just when we had him leaning toward a real shotgun 870, you all got to bring up that DARN BPS!!!!:D

Now Seriously dburkhead,

I think We live in the Golden Age of pump action scatterguns, there are at least 7 pumpgun flavors of great merit common to most gunshops or gunshows.

Browning BPS

Remingtion 870, either Wingmaster or Express

Winchester Model 12 and 1300

Mossberg 500/590 series

Ithaca model 37 series

Though each has a incredible fan base and all will weigh their favorite a little above the other, any of the above will bring you great service life and enjoyment. Each has a price point that is a littler different, each has individual features and unique benefits.

I have barrel sets of different utility for both Remington 870, Mossberg 500 series and model 37 Ithaca, they do expand the use of these guns and if possible is a great addition.

My best advise is start mounting different pump shotguns, check for pull, check for sights and how does it feel. If it feels good and makes you smile, give'er a try!

Good Luck & Be Safe

[wnycollector]

I have two 12ga pump shotguns an 8 shot mossberg maverick and an ithaca DS Police. The maverick was $198, the Ithaca was not;) Both will do the job at house ranges when loaded with 00 buck.

[mikenbarb]

Try a Remington and a Browning and pump it or cycle the action and you will buy a Browning and you can hear the difference in quality.:D But seriously, try a few different ones and go with what fits you and makes YOU happy and fits your budget. The downfall to the Browning and Ithaca is that the extra barrels are pricey and a Remington and Mossberg can be found fairly cheap.
And a 20 gauge is a great choice for either hunting or HD. It packs a hell of a wallop with 3" mags and will kill a deer at 150 yds with the rite slug and barrel.

[NotSoFast]

The Mossberg 500 has a dual barrel combo that combines a 28" field barrel with the shorter 18 1/2" security barrel. I just bought one for $249 at Big 5 that I am picking up tomorrow.

[dburkhead]

Well, I'm just back from the Indy1500. I went there with the express purpose of buying a Remington 870 Express Combo in 12 Ga. Turns out, however, that while I was browsing there was this gently used (as in wood in perfect condition, barrel spotless, action smooth and solid) Mossberg 500 with rifled barrel and cantilever scope base that just called out my name. Add in that it was a private transaction with none of the paperwork hassles of dealer sales and, well, my offer of $215 was accepted.

And lightning struck twice. As I was walking out, someone else was walking in with a barrel, presumably for sale. He saw my Mossberg and asked if I wanted a vented rib barrel for it. Well, the barrel he had (not the one he was carrying, but one back in his car) only had one choke tube (Mod), but another $70 later and I was all set.

[Scattergun Bob]

Good For You,

Congrads on your new scattergun, a cantilevered slug barrel is a great find. You will get a lot of utility from the shot barrel.

I always like new guns in my hands, there is unlimited potential there, my wish to you is as always with a new shotgun "that it will shoot to where you look every time you choose."

Good Luck & Be Safe