Here's a question that's probably been asked a thousand times before, but...

[ezypikns]

I'm in the market for a nice dependable all purpose wingshooting shotgun. Doves, ducks, maybe quail again one day. My budget? 1200.00 max probably.

I just want a shotgun that handles well, is fairly light. Not particular as to what style. Over and under, semi-auto, whatever.

Suggestions or ideas?

 

[200Apples]

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Keep an eye out for a little-used, previously-owned Remington 11-87, then spend the rest on shotshells and time honing your skills at the range.

 

[PabloJ]

For me it happened to be $800 SKB 280 20ga 3" 25" barrels choked IC--Mod. Little iffy for duck but for small birds, and bunnies, it is very hard to beat.

 

[Rusty Luck]

I see you are in Dallas, I'd keep an eye out for a used gun as there are always a ton here in Houston/Dallas/Austin. Remington 1100 or 1187, mossberg 900, browning semi autos, beretta A300/A400, the list goes on. I'd personally suggest a gas operated semi auto. Less recoil than inertia, pumps and O/U. As far as guns that I have personally had good fortune with: (semi-autos all of which I still own) Browning Gold SL, Remington 1100, Lanber 2533, Yildez A71, and Tristar Raptor 20ga.

 

[Virginian]

How "all around" are you looking at? Ducks to quail is a pretty big spread. Do you want 3-1/2" capability? Will you consider used?

 

[guyfromohio]

I own several.... Beretta 391, 300, 390, Browning Citori, Remington 870, etc... Of THOSE that I own/have owned, the Beretta auto-loaders fit that bill best IMO. I love to hold and admire my Citori, but the Berettas just shoot better in my hands.

 

[oneounceload]

If a Beretta fits, good option - same for the 1100. Since you mentioned ducks, a 12 will be the ticket, however a 12 is heavy to drag around all day after quail. Of course, you could split the difference and get a 16 built on a 20 frame..........

 

[VA27]

Look for a nice used Benelli Super90. Lots of duck hunters swear by 'em. Light, reliable and the poly stock and matte finish shrug off bumps, sctatches, mud and water.

 

[oneounceload]

And add more recoil due to that light weight. There are other semis that fit that bill as well. I guess in either case, it will be a compromise since quail/dove to ducks are not shot in the same scenarios.

 

[expat_alaska]

If you fancy a pump gun, nothing (IMO) is better than a used, slicked-up Remington 870 Wingmaster. Forget about the newer Express, et al, versions. They are not your father's 870 Wingmasters.

 

[xxjumbojimboxx]

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Keep an eye out for a little-used, previously-owned Remington 11-87, then spend the rest on shotshells and time honing your skills at the range.

I wouldnt have ever thought to suggest this... but honestly.. The one I had was an awesome, smooth running gun... Old Tech, works with spring blow back power.... But dead reliable and they can be had cheap.

 

[oneounceload]

No, it doesn't, it is a gas operated semi

 

[Armor Snail]

The new for '15 CZ Wingshooter Elite.

http://cz-usa.com/product/cz-wingshooter-elite-20-gauge-28-barrels/

 

[PabloJ]

The new for '15 CZ Wingshooter Elite.

http://cz-usa.com/product/cz-wingshooter-elite-20-gauge-28-barrels/

Turks make very good pomegranate juice and wool carpets, but are you sure their shotguns are also good? Good quality Japanese gun like B.C. Miroku can go well over 10,000 rounds between firing pin changes can same be said of Huglu? Good used field grade Citori can be had for about same as that Huglu.

 

[Pete D.]

"Is fairly light". Yep...no fun carting a heavy gun across hill and dale. The Remingtons both weigh eight pounds or more and, for me, that rules them out.
If it weighs more than seven pounds, it is too heavy.
I hunt with three SGs...a model 59 Winchester Winlite, a Franchi AL48, and a Mike Brooks flintlock fowler.....they all weigh at 6.25lbs. Two 12s and a 16.

 

[oneounceload]

Turks make very good pomegranate juice and wool carpets, but are you sure their shotguns are also good? Good quality Japanese gun like B.C. Miroku can go well over 10,000 rounds between firing pin changes can same be said of Huglu? Good used field grade Citori can be had for about same as that Huglu.

Mirokus (under that name) are scarce in the US while popular in Europe. The Browning equal will cost more.
The Turks (some of them) are making guns as good, if not better than a lot of US makers, let alone the Japanese.

 

[PapaG]

There are a lot of good o/u shotguns out there in your price range, even at gun stores..if you can stand "used". I have picked up, in recent years, a Citori Superlight 12 which had the hard case, eight choke tubes, original box and papers in 95% condition and it was $1200 out the door. The last 1100 I bought had had little love but was perfect mechanically and had both mod and skeet barrels, but was a 20 ga. It was $350. My Superposed Lightning was 850 but I wouldn't want to carry it in the field.
Go to the local trap club and talk to folks. Most of them will give you lots of opinions as to what you should get. Listen, distill the info and make a choice. Might have to spend some time looking.

 

[xxjumbojimboxx]

No, it doesn't, it is a gas operated semi

You're right, My apologies, I had it confused with the 11-48 I had. Ive actually had both. I guess i just changed my recommendation to the 11-48 though I miss that gun. I loved how mechanical it was. You could feel the action working.

 

[Virginian]

Personally, I don't think an O/U is an ideal all around gun. I have a buddy who is one of the biggest O/U fans on earth. He even had a Krieghoff Royal Crown 4 gauge set. But, he finally gave up and has been shooting an 11-87 at waterfowl for years now.