Dad wanting to give a gift...

[Bowlcut]

Well he's asking for the Ithica back to help get my stepmom into shooting. So Im happy to give it back. But this leaves me shotgunless. Hes offering to buy me something to replace it, till he gives it back, for my birthday. I was sitting here trying to rack my brain for what would make a good gift gun from my dad. I am more of a syntehic stock fan but for a gift that he wants me to remember/keep I dont know if thats the right thing to get. I was going down the list....

Benelli Nova, 870 Marine Mag, 590 Marine....

Those are the few off the top of the head Id buy myself. But Im not, dad's buying. Probaly limit of 500 on total price. I know we wont get anything like the Ithica...back when they were hand fitted and such as ours is. But any of todays big 3-4-5 shotgun makers make excelent choices. Im not even limited to pump, sorta thought about a semi.

Any ideas of what dad would want to be come a "family erloom"....yea i cant spell

 

[Preacherman]

Look for a good used Remington 870 Wingmaster. Down here, the really nice ones can be had in the $300-$400 range, particularly if you happen to know a nice friendly dealer who will put a good one aside for you... Very good value for money, and will last forever.

 

[armoredman]

870, see if there are any Police Magnum trade-ins.

 

[riverdog]

Check gunbroker.com for a nice Wingmaster.

 

[ruger357]

Another vote for the 870.

 

[Rupestris]

I'd have to agree with the Wingmaster.
But then theres the Browning A-5. There is just something about the A-5 that I find irresistable. I don't own one but if ever put in your situation where I had (up to) $500 to spend on a SG and I knew I had a good pump gun comming my way in the near future, a used A-5 might be the one.

 

[Preacherman]

Bowlcut, if you can't find a nice one locally, contact me and I'll see what I can find down here. I know of two, right now, that are in superb shape. I may be coming your way soon, so let me know.

 

[Hemicuda]

Look for a used Ithica... I have 3 of them... 12, 16, and 20 Ga. models... and have YET to pay over $300.00 for one... (have traded off other ones to get the 3 matching "early" models W/ the "corncob" forends...)

other than that, It's hard to go wrong w/ a nice Rem. 870... Mines a "Marine Magnum" (pre-dimple, W 3 shot extension tube) to which I have added a 28" remchoke barrel (black finish)... surprisingly enough, it looks tough as all get out in Electroless nickel W a LONG black barrel...

 

[Dave McCracken]

Darnitol, there's lots of great choices here. An older 37 with two fitted barrels, one the Deerslayer variant, would cover lots of bases and provide continuity as well as carrying on the tradition.

But, an old WM is never a bad choice, and there's lots of Cinderella 870s out there waiting on Prince Charming. Since it takes dedication and perspiration to wear out an 870, the older ones out there may just be getting nice and smooth.

And will all due respect to the Benelli fanciers, I'd leave the Nova alone until they address those horrible triggers and that forearm rattle.

Also figure out where your main interests lie. If it's "Serious" work and IDPA. IPSC style competition instead of GP shotgunning with HD as an adjunct, you may want an auto vs a pump.

However, a Big Four pump makes lots of sense for a solo shotgun. Versatile, durable and cost effective as heck.

HTH...

 

[CB900F]

Bowlcut;

Since I'm a lefty, the Ithica is an old standby & well worth having. But, if one weren't available, I've found nothing wrong with the Browning BPS either. It's another bottom ejecting left-friendly gun.

900F

 

[Bowlcut]

The Ithica will eventualy be mine again, I would love to find another one in 12ga, saw one at the show this weekend but no price and didnt care to ask around.

He can get anything new though a guy at his work if its new. He was kinda wanting to do it new...he was saying NIB alot. I will have to say the wingmaster maybe. Will have to talk to him more make sure what his idea is.

For me this is just going to be a leasure gun, and home defense. I think maybe something with some nice warm wood....then find me an el cheapo 500 with pistol grip or some of those 870 trade ins OEF VET was telling me about at the other gun show this past weekend.

 

[riverdog]

A new Wingmaster LC would be great. You can always buy yourself a used gun for cheap. I wish I had this decision hanging over my head.

 

[M Jager]

Bowlcut,
If you like the Ithaca then get another one, there are plenty of them out there.
Like others say, 870 are hard to beat.
I have a Nova and I like it.
If you interested in autos- Used 1100's Beretta 390's and browning jackhammers (A-5) can be had in your price range. I favor the Beretta but have shot and like the others as well. Beware of the bargain autos that are flooding the market. Real crapshoot there as to whether they are worth having.
I think its time for you to get out and handle some shotties to decide what YOU want. Lots of good advise here but its really a personal decision. What works for one may not float the boat of another.
Matt

 

[sm]

I opt for plan "B"

Am I the only one that would kinda sorta throw a hissy fit and tell dad to get the stepmom her own gun?

Hey , he is the dad, you are the son...that is a biological fact. Matter of principal. Stepmoms may come and go...and the gun with it. I vote for the Stepmom getting her own darn shotgun.

Use the pouting face with lip quiver...shakey voice to give more effect.

Yes a new 870 Wingmaster in blue and wood would be great... as one whom never has or never will inherit anything of sentiment from a dad...and what if in the interim something happens? Damaged, stolen, dissapears after an argument...

Plan B and explain why.

 

[Bowlcut]

Well he sorta is starting to say he doesnt want the Ithica back. He is wanting something to shoot himself and let the stepmom try a 20ga. She is slowly starting to understand guns. He just picked up her Mossburg 500 in .410 this past weekend. All guns are to come to me upon his death no mater what...its in the will I get all and the tools.......favorite kid ya know . But he was wanting to do something nice for my birthday, and something I will remember. I was "given" the Ithica under the understanding it was a "loan" till he dies....scary huh. But I dont mind giving it back Ive enjoyed it and will get to again.

Im kinda leaning toward the Wingmaster. Just because wood is warmer. Make this more of a sport and hunting gun and get me a HD gun later. We dont have much oppertunity for stuff like 3 gun here in nashville so those sorts of considerations arent important. Have sorta thought Winchester to go with the other single shot Winchesters we have and our .22 bolt gun. I do need to head to Bass Pro and fondle a few see whats to my likeing.

I would love another Ithica just cause those things are just so light. It swings so well. Yea kicks a little harder but everyone that has shot my Ithica just loves it cause it makes you shoot like a pro.

 

[Darrin]

I still say 10ga.


Really though, as long as you have the Ithica, we have the big four covered at work. Rod's 1300, Bryan's 870, my 590........see where I'm going with this? Get the Ithica 12ga. Quit thinking about yourself and start thinking about your shooting buddies!

 

[rust collector]

How about a nice gas gun in a 20 that would be lightweight, easy on the shooter and inexpensive? I'm thinking a Traditions or Charles Daly in either wood or synthetic stock. They're solid, great to carry, and have screw-in chokes.

Here's the kicker. Once stepmom tries the gas operated semi, I'll bet she would trade you the Ithaca, and everyone's happy.

These guns go for $300 to $400 and the ones I've seen work well. Will they last as long as an 870--mebbe not, but I bet stepmom won't wear it out in her lifetime.

For something slightly wacky, you could pick up a Saiga, I suppose...

 

[mod12]

what to get

bowl, go to www.ithacagun.com and take a look at the new classic. 16 ga, 24" bbl and 3 chokes. what an upland gun. of course hunted with a 16 40 years, and never realised i was "under gunned" i love my mod 12 but that ithaca is NICE! what a grouse gun. you can carry it all day.

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

Bowlcut my friend, I will second the choice of an
excellent Remington 870 Marine Magnum as its a
excellent example of Remington's quality. We have one
here in our household, that was one of my daughters
Christmas gifts in 2000; and its a winner, in every way.


Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member