Another new guy wondering ...

Status
Not open for further replies.
R

RalphJ

Member
Joined
Aug 7, 2008
Messages
13
My first post ... and I'd like to thank many of you for teaching me a lot.

My 18 year old son and I would like to buy our first shotgun. Initially, it will be used primarily for skeet shooting. Hopefully, it will not have to serve much of a role in home defense.

We are primarily looking at the Remington 870, a Mossberg pump, and the Benelli Nova. I have read a lot of what has been posted regarding these guns. They all seem like great choices. I have also read about how important it is to fit a gun to an individual.

Can anyone give me some information as to whether a certain body type fits one of these brands better than another. My son is about 5'10" and a very fit 180 lbs. I am about 5'8", a softer 200 lbs. We are both somewhat short armed for our heights.

Any other information regarding these guns will also be greatly appreciated.

Thanks very much ...
 
From the sounds of it I am around the same build as your son and I have an 870. Absolutely love it. But really any Mossberg or Remington can be fitted with a stock that you can either adjust or cut down to fit you just right. Good luck!
 
Ralph: go to a gun store and try all three. Choose the one that fits you best.

You're in luck, by the way: IIRC, you and your son's statures are close to the one most gun companies build their shotguns to accommodate. So you shouldn't have to try too hard to find a gun that fits.
 
I would go with the remington 870. When I finally saved up enough of my hard earned money to buy my first gun, I chose the 870 and still use it even though I have a few other shotguns. The 870 is simple and I dont believe I will ever outgrow it.I have used it for just about every sporting purpose that comes to mind. When I decided that my girlfriend and I were getting serious I got her one as a present and she feels the same way about hers. The 870 is an amazing shotgun.
 
I'm old fashioned and don't think the 870 is as smooth or as nicely/expensively constructed as a Remington 31 or Winchester 12, BUT, it's about as good as it gets today....and probably more reliable...and parts are out there in the unlikely ever you need any....I'd advise the 870, and also that you get the nicest you can afford....there's a real difference between a Wingmaster and any of the Express-based guns (Tac, Marine, HomeDefense, etc)....if the price of a new Wingmaster gives you pause, then just buy a nice condition older gun....and the older ones are made a bit better than latest versions....everyone is cutting corners these days....a good Wingmaster will ring when you cycle it....cheaper guns go "clunk"....
 
I bought an 870 as my first shotgun and still love it even with all of the O/U that I have. I shoot the 870 more than any other gun that I have. It is the best no nonsense gun out on the market today.
 
Try them all. Get the one that FEELS best.

With luck, that'll be the 870.

Congrats, you'll have a shotgun that your Great Grandkids can use.....
 
I don't and never have shot skeet but I have seen some people use the Mossy 500 do it. (I don't think it's designed to be a skeet gun). I own the 500 and removed the butt stock replacing it with an adjustable one. It works for me and for the kids I take to the range all the time.
 
Again, thanks everyone. We switched gears a little and bought a Stoeger Condor. We found a great price at Dick's, $280. My son and I both like the aesthetics of the O/U. We thought it might be more appropriate for Skeet, Sporting Clays, etc.
 
Hi All, Just wanted to say hi. All of your input on the condor was much appreciated. I just picked up a 20 gauge W/26" barrels and can not wait to give it a try. I have a 13 yo son who will be crazy about taking this thing into the feild. I purchased it for $259.99 brand new at a large sporting goods retailer and after the $50.00 rebate will have a total of $209.99 into it. Small price to pay to spend some great time with my son. I will let you know how she shoots.
 
Try 'em on for size, see what fits you best. Their is also another fine shotgun you can check out; the Browning BPS.
 
870--skeet?

I think ya'll missed something here.870 first gun-great!870 first gun for skeet? Not good.O/U good choice.Condor..eeehhh,I don't agree.Too cheap.When ya'll get on the skeet range,watch and learn.Ask questions.I do agree with the comments about fit.If it ain't comfortable,don't buy it!
 
Um I'm confused, why are you wanting to use a pump gun for skeet? Get a semi or even better an O/U. The Nova is a great shotgun. It is just as reliable and rugged as the 870 and 500 but has some improvements. The button on the foregrip that will empty the chamber, yeah do would think that you'd never use it but I usually end up using it every time in the field. The Nova has a 3 1/2 inch chamber so you always have that option. One thing that I love about the Nova is that the elevator will stay up and open so it doesn't bind up on your thumb when you are reloading. Overall it's a great shotgun.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top