Getting a cheap single shot NEF

A NEF 18.5" 12ga is no fun to shoot. Trust me.

A 28" 12ga NEF isn't too bad but with full power slugs, no......


Why not a 20ga?

20 ga.

I gave my Mom a NEF 20 Youth model. After testing this gun out...I betcha 15 folks have bought one. That fixed mod choke handles slugs and #3 buckshot like one wouldn't believe.

Granted had to shoot singles at skeet - I have run numerous 50 straights , taken quite a few doves as well. I'm 6' and 170# , the youth size works for me and what I want it to do ...( granted I didn't grow up - just got bigger)

Small enough to tote, easy for folks to use as HD , and perfect size for a vehicle...oh and its PC if need be.

Get the 12 and send the action into NEF to have the 410 barrel fitted.

Chris

Recoil from 12 gauge NEF single shotguns HURTS - the gun weighs nothing

walking arsenal bought me an NEF 12ga w/ the idea that I could use birdshot for birds and slugs for deer. A multipurpose gun. HA. We split a box of slugs (5 slugs) between us. After that I couldn't take the abuse on my shoulder anymore. I stomped and swore up to the shop and ordered a Remington 700 in .308 on the spot.

NEF 12 ga + slugs = PAIN

Double tap. Oops.

NEF's chambering for the 12 gauge 3" magnums is starry eyed optimism most dire. The one here is 5 lbs, 9 oz. Even with an oversized pad, kick with anything heavier than 1 1/8 oz trap loads is unpleasant.

OTOH, 1 oz loads aren't bad, and 7/8 oz loads are effective and easy on us.

I'd get the 12 over the 410, but IMO the 20 gauge is a better choice for these.

In my teens I used to hunt with a pair of twins, sadistic buggers, used H&R single shot 12g shotguns for everything since that was all they had. I was using my 444 Marlin, or if on public land my 20g bolt action, at the time for deer. I shot a slug thru one of those SS once, and only once. That was unpleasant.

How about one in 20g and for another $40 a Lee Load-all, then you can find shells whenever you have spare time.

What ever gauge you get, put a decent recoil pad on it.

I like my 20 gauge, as it is light and handy, and has plenty of punch, and reoils somewhat less than fiercely with slug, but that's because put a nice, thick trcoil pad on it.

Plus look at these cool steel .410 shells from Sportsman's Guide!



http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=148203

I could get a Delux Rocky Mountain Elk Edition with 2 3/4, 3, and 3 1/2 inch chamber in 12ga for about $150. I think the recoil would kill with 3 1/2" Winchester 00 Buck. It would be fun to have.

I regularly duck hunt with an NEF 12 gauge using 3" magnums. They never hurt when I shoot. However when I get home and the adrenaline wears off, my shoulder is often bruised. But it is not as bad as all that everyone is saying. However, I would NOT want to shoot slugs in it.

I have both and NEF pardner 12 gauge 28" modified, and an H&R 98 .410.
The .410 was my first gun and I am looking at buying a survivor stock for it. I got hooked up with some info on making .410 shotshells out of .444 Marlin brass, and largely because the help of another THR member, I have found that they will work well in my gun. I am thinking that the little .410 would make a good truck/survival gun, and the brass shotshells make it more affordable to shoot and give me more versatility than factory loads can.
The 12 gauge is my general purpose hunting shotgun. It works great on squirrels with 2 3/4 inch #4. Some complain about the recoil from them, and I will admit that it is noticeably heavier with something like full power buck, but still not terrible. You just have to get it in the pocket of your shoulder. If you don't you will know it when the gun roars. I am a little chunky though, about 5'10" and around 220 pounds. YMMV.
The gun itself is light and well balanced, and all in all I like it. I sold a Mossberg 835 some time back and this is its replacement. Much lighter and easier to carry.
I will say that it is a bit long for just general carry while hiking. A handgun would be a better choice, but I don't have a suitable one, so I use my Bulgarian AK instead.

Have you considered gauge reducers? A 12 gauge gun with a good, thick recoil pad and a set of reducers would be very versatile.

http://www.gauge-mate.com/

http://www.littleskeeters.com/