I don't own a shotgun, and this needs to be fixed.

[Coal Dragger]

As the thread title states, I don't own a shotgun. This situation needs to be addressed, and I am soliciting your opinions and help in guiding me in the right direction on picking one out.

About me:

I am a former United States Marine, I was an infantryman, I also used to compete in both rifle and pistol (mostly pistol) marksmanship for Missouri State University, and on my own in various local league matches and such. I served one tour in Al Anbar province in Iraq in 2004.

I am not bothered by relatively complex firearms at all. I am not overly recoil sensitive, and currently own and shoot rifles and handguns that have a fair to abusive amount of recoil. For example I regularly practice with and am proficient with a revolver chambered in .454 Casull that has actually given me a laceration in the middle of my forehead, and is generally pretty nasty to shoot. I also have plenty of experience shooting magnum caliber high powered rifles. That said I don't necessarily want or need anything that is going to beat the hell out of me if I can avoid it, just pointing out that I can deal with it if there is no other choice.

I am also not put off by weapon maintenance, I keep my weapons clean. I appreciate a gun that can run dirty, but it will get maintained after each use so pretty guns are OK with me.

What the shotgun will be used for:

First off I don't need a home defense or self defense shotgun, I have pistols and carbines for that and have more training at fighting with them than a shotgun.

This is going to be a hunting gun first and foremost, with a fair amount of use busting blue rock (well as my limited wing shooting skills allow..). I live in South Dakota, so pheasant, grouse, doves (not that I can hit them), ducks, and geese are all likely to be hunted.

Small game such as rabbits, or squirrels are rifle or pistol targets to me so suitability of a shotgun on these is not important. I will also not hunt turkey with a shotgun in this state, since it is legal to use centerfire rifles or pistols here.

I have no immediate plans to start competitive shooting with a shotgun so the gun need not be capable of serious competition purposes.

Shotguns I have experience with:

I have shot to some extent the Remington 870 Express in 12 gauge, as well as the Benelli Super Black Eagle also in 12 gauge (obviously). Of the two I preferred the Benelli, but I am not tied to any particular brand or action type. The Benelli just seemed to be a nicer shotgun, and was obviously faster to get follow up shots with.

Many years ago I also had some limited time on a Beretta AL391 and it seemed like a nice shotgun too, although I didn't really shoot it enough to form a strong opinion.

While in the Marine Corps, I had the chance to shoot the Mossberg pump, and the newer Benelli M4. Neither are really suitable for my needs so they don't matter here.

I have no meaningful experience with side by side, or over under double barrel shotguns. I do find the concept of a simple break action to be appealing as well as the ability to use two different chokes at one time. Not that I am good enough at hitting anything with a shotgun for it to make a difference at this point.

Price range:

I am willing to spend between $1,000 - $2,000 if needs be, although something closer to the $1K mark would be better. Cheaper would be even better.

I realize this is a lot of money for a first gun, but it really is not a first gun. Just a first shotgun, and I really don't like buying sub standard crap that is going to piss me off later. I have done some bird hunting with some friends who have gotten me into it, and I enjoy it so the gun will see some use. I am looking for a high quality tool here that will last and give trouble free service.

 

[jlineman]

Coal dragger first let me thank you for serving our country. Now as far as a goos shoot gun that would fill your nees that could be a very long list, but for a quality AMERICAN MADE FIREARM the good old 870 is hard to beet. There is almost a endless number of thing you can do to it and they seem to always go bang we you need them to. I have a number of different shotguns from big money to cheap and I still get my 870 wingmaster because they do shoulder nice. good luck

 

[oneounceload]

For your purposes, I would take a good look at a semi, preferably a gas gun. There are several models from Beretta - the 390, 391 and the new A400 that will fit the bill - from lead on small upland top no-tox on waterfowl, any of those will fit the bill.

Benellis are nice, but I like the extra felt recoil reduction from the gas action. Personally, I would not use a pump - although I am positive the majority of responders will say to get one - because , IMO, the semis just do a better job, especially on the second shot

 

[Coal Dragger]

The Benelli is a familiar operating system to me to a point, and honestly the one I hunted with seemed to shoot pretty soft compared to the 870.

 

[XTrooper]

Mossberg 930 or the relatively new Remington Versa Max; both are good, reliable autoloaders.

 

[Texaszach]

If I had that much cash to drop on a gun a benelli would definitely be of my consideration.

My grandad has a benelli cordoba I believe it is that I love to shoot. I WILL have a gun of that quality eventually, I just dont want to buy a semi-auto until I can afford one that's that nice.

I have only used it for dove hunting and it worked just fine, and the kick was a LOT less than my light over/under and is a LOT less to worry about in terms of the finish on the gun and cleaning/maintaining those guns are super easy.

The 870 is a good option, but if you arent drawn to the mossberg I dont see why you'd want a pump period.

Also, for that price you could definitely find a good over/under. Mine is sub-700 dollars and breaks clays and drops birds as good as any other gun.

 

[PabloJ]

I just bought little used 12ga Ithaca 37 with 3" chamber, VR, and choke tubes (1/4, 3/4, full) for $250. Great sub-seven pound multi-purpose shotgun.

 

[Coal Dragger]

Anyone have any experience with the Browning Maxus autoloaders?

For that matter what about the Citori?

The more I think about it the less I like the pump action guns if I am spending my own money. This needs to be a one time purchase that will not leave me wanting to immediately upgrade to something else in a few years and I don't see a pump filling that bill.

 

[btg3]

Agreed. A good autoader with a set of various chokes is the way to go. Get the selection narrowed down somewhat and then rule out those that don't feel right or shoulder well for you. With what's left, you probably will not make a wrong or bad final choice. Before making the purchase, you might check on what it would take to have the gun fitted for you -- further enhancing the outcome you desire.

 

[KansasSasquatch]

I own a SBE and love it. I'm a big guy and have been shooting shotguns since I was 11. No matter what shell I've thrown in that SBE the recoil hasn't bothered me the slightest bit, and that includes 3.5" inch turkey magnums. It doesn't matter how much I shoot them it doesn't bother me. It kicks less than 2.75" buckshot loads out of my Mossberg 500. My SBE hasn't given me any trouble unless it's dirty and I try to run a bunch of light target loads through it. If it's dirty and I don't have time to clean it before shooting clays I stick to 3dram or higher target loads and it works just fine.

I don't have any experience with Beretta shotguns but if I didn't already own the SBE I would check out an SBE2 and a Beretta Extrema 2. Compare them side by side and go with whichever feels better. They both carry very good reputations. If you want to spend a little less money and stick with a semi-auto, there's many folks that would recommend looking into a Mossberg 930 or Winchester SX3. Many folks will also tell you that gas operated shotguns will have less felt recoil than Benellis. For me personally, it would come down to Benelli or Beretta.

 

[Coal Dragger]

I didn't try any 3.5" shells in the SBE that I borrowed, but 3" steel waterfowl loads didn't kick enough to really even register. Which is good since I need all the help I can get when it comes to making a follow up shot after missing the first one. Not too proud to admit it happens more often than not.

I have also handled and shouldered the new Vinci and despite the fact that it's uglier than sin it seems to come up well for me. At least as near as this novice can tell.

 

[JAshley73]

I have almost no experience with shotguns, but I can tell you that with a possible $2,000 budget, you have a plethora of good options available without coming anywhere near your limit.

I'd suggest reading the stickied "101" threads on shotgun fit until you have them memorized. Then go shopping, and see what you like. As long as whatever you choose fits you, and you buy a reputable name brand, i think you'll do ok. And don't be afraid to buy used. There's lots of good deals out there waiting for someone o take them home.

 

[Hotshot10]

For that matter what about the Citori?

Citoris are great. I don't know if you've ever shot an over/under before, but there's something about the way they handle that is highly, highly enjoyable. See if you can borrow or rent one at a local range.

Bottom line: of the six firearms that I own, my Citori is my favorite.

 

[Burt Blade]

I use a Citori XT for Trap competition. Solid, shootable, and reliable. The field gun version is quite nice.

 

[grock5k]

I got a Mossberg 835 Turkey Thug a few years back and it is GREAT! It's still the only shotgun I own (i plan on more ) I have harvested turkey, duck, grouse, woodcock, and deer with it. It is capable of shooting 2 3/4, 3, and 3 1/2 inch 12 gauge shells. The 2 3/4 inch shells kick but it's nothing bad, after a few rounds of the bigger shells you will feel it (and see it) in the morning. I got it for 300 barely used and with 2 chokes. One of my friends is an avid duck hunter with many shotguns but prefers Mossberg pumps because of their rugged reliability. You can drop them in the mud pick it up and fire, take it out in the rain, it doesn't matter. And you would be bummin if you dropped any gun overboard but 2,000 dollar one really hurts.

 

[UnderTheGun]

I recently went to Gander Mountain to shoulder the Benelli SBE2 & SV, and the Beretta A400 Xtreme. I opted for the A400 Xtreme for $1550 to my door. In my opinion it's a bit pricey (I'm a cheap CPA) but I believe it will do everything I wanted for many, many years. That is to wing hunt of any kind and shoot skeet and sporting clays with the hopes of getting very involved. At that point I may get a dedicated games gun but this should serve me well for a while.

 

[MCgunner]

First of all, thank you for your service.

This is going to be a hunting gun first and foremost, with a fair amount of use busting blue rock (well as my limited wing shooting skills allow..). I live in South Dakota, so pheasant, grouse, doves (not that I can hit them), ducks, and geese are all likely to be hunted.

As a lifelong hunter of mostly waterfowl and doves, I can answer with MY opinion. I'm 60, started duck hunting at 14 and dove hunting at age 9.

The most versatile shotgun is a pump. You'll need screw in chokes for versatility and a 24-28" barrel would be preferred. I like a vent rib, gives me a plane of reference when pointing. You might get to chase quail or pheasant or something. Ducks and geese require steel shot. I really prefer T steel on snow geese in Texas and I really prefer a 10 gauge to launch it vs a 12, but I bought a used 3.5" chambered 12 gauge Mossberg 535 at a pawn shop recently I'm going to pattern with 3.5" steel Ts. 3.5" 12 holds just about what a 10 does, IIRC it's 82 pellets vs 85, just a few pellets short whatever is the count. But, my 10 patterns REALLY well. I don't really expect the new to me Mossy to pattern as well when I can finally get around to finding out.

Now, if geese is a sometimes thing, a 3.5" 12 should do ya. You could use a 3" 12 and load with hevishot BB, but it's about 3 dollars a round vs less than a dollar for 3.5" steel T shot which works just as well. Up to you on that. Waterfowl, specifically geese, is going to be the biggest compromise for the gun. It should be 12 gauge, that's a fact, for steel shot. 3" 20 gauge doesn't pattern for squat, or at least I've not found anything that does.

I like autos and they do reduce felt recoil. That can add up on a hot dove hunt, cause problems. A pump or an auto, the stock can be shimmed to fit properly. That's quite important in shooting percentage as well as felt recoil. If the shotgun fits well, you won't be as sore at the end of a long day of shooting.

I like Mossbergs, the 535 being the most versatile, but I have hunted ducks for 20 years with a 500 and it's a fine shootin' gun. I've shot dove with both, too. It's got an aluminum receiver, so it's lighter than a Browning or a Remington, points a bit quicker, still swings smoothly, the ergos are much better than an 870 especially for a lefty shooter like me. Love the tang safety. I also have a very good shooting and fitting old Winchester auto, 2 3/4" only, but it's not as versatile for goose shooting. Those snows can be WAY up there and not wanna come down on a blue bird day in Texas.

You could spend a bit more, get an 11/87 perhaps, or one of the Benelli or Franchi autos. All good choices. Not sure about recoil attenuation on a "inertia" action, kinda prefer gas guns myself. The 11/87 is a heavy gun, but it's a good choice for most of what you're talkin' about. It handles 3" and 2 3/4".

Seriously consider a good pump, though, one that handles 3.5" and is lighter than the auto choices. Quicker pointing is better on flushing game especially. Helps on dove in a lot of situations, too.

Just my $.02 given freely to a patriotic American soldier.

 

[VAPOPO]

No love for the O/U????

Ok I'll buck the trend here and say O/U. I do lots of bird hunting and nothing beats a good over and under for birds and clays. Durability and ease of maintenance, portability and handling, speed of a follow up shot.
I have owned several a Browning Citori Trap was to specialised, a Beretta 686 Onyx was to nice for field shooting and beating the brush, my current and only bird gun is a Winchester Supreme 12 gauge that has blown up thousands of clays, killed hundreds of quail and pheasant and is absolute death to ducks and geese. Dont think that old tech cant beat new, I gaurentee you a well fitting double will fit your needs. Plus you have 2 chokes available at a flick of the thumb. I use I/C under Mod for 90% plus of my shooting and if shooting trap go to Mod/ I Mod. In your price range there are several great hunting style or Sporting clays guns that will fit your needs nicely. I think the current Winchester is the 101, same gun as the supreme ,locks up like a Beretta so it has a nece narrow action and can take abuse. In one season I will shoot a hundred or so 3" mag steel shot loads 100- 5 shot pheasant loads and over a thousand Game/Target loads at quail, grouse, rabbits and clays. Never a missed beat in 9 years with the same gun.

 

[Centurian22]

No personal experience with anything other than an Ithaca 37 and Mossberg 500 both of which I would highly recomend for the pump department, with preference probably to the Ithaca for quality and the mossy for cost / value. As to the semi's I have NO experience but have read alot of good things about the Benelli Super Vinci since your budget would allow.

 

[Manny]

Truthfully any of the new semi autos should do a great job for the use you describe, but I wouldn't know which to recommend.

For myself I went with a Browningi Cynergy O/U with the synthetic stock & camo from head to toe. It probably gives traditionalists a stroke, but the stock is adjustable for LOP, drop & even cast for proper fit and has a very nice feel. The camo is a very durable finish and makes my inner redneck geek out in pure unadulterated joy. I went with the 30" barrels on the advice of a very experianced shotgunner and love the way it balances & swings and it's still not overly long compared to a pump or semi due to the shorter receiver. It's 3.5" chambers will handle any shell with no worries on functioning issues and the design of the Cynergy helps make it a light recoiling gun, a fact often noted in reviews. Being able to quickly break it down makes for very easy transport, important to me as my trusty Honda CRV isn't that big. I paid ~ $1650 otd IIRC and recommend it highly if something like this appeals to you. Some think my camo queen ugly but it's a thing of beauty in my eyes.

http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?fid=014B&cid=013&tid=708&bg=x

 

[MCgunner]

O/Us are fine, love doubles for quick shooting like doves over tanks coming from any direction. However, it's got to fit. Hard to shim a double to fit. I did it with a cheap Spartan 20 gauge and got it pretty decent, but the stock had a lot of slop in it to begin with. Doubles are inletted into the stock at the tang and a QUALITY double is going to be fit well and not be shimmable (is that a word?) like a pump or auto. The only real option to a mal-fitted double usually is a custom stock. That could get expensive fast.

With ME, fit is extremely important. It can be had out of the box, but you need to try it carefully and, I don't care how many here recommend this and that, every person has different dimensions.

I want a decent quality O/U for my next gun, but I think it'll be a 20 or 28 gauge. I really don't care much for 12 in a light double even with light 12 gauge loads. Hunting geese with a light double can test your tolerance for pain. Been there, done that. I do hunt with a 10 gauge, but it's easier on me than a light 12 as it weighs 9 lbs. It's NOT an all around gun, but a specialty goose gun for me. If I wanted one gun to do all of the guns I own, I suppose I'd have to choose my Mossberg 535. It's a dandy, light and quick enough for doves, but chambered for 3.5" and can be fitted with shims so the hurt is minimized with big steel loads. If your budget allows, a gas operated semi auto really helps the heavy load recoil.

Just my thoughts on light doubles with heavy loads and fit. I'm not a masochist.

 

[Coal Dragger]

In my area we don't have enough standing water to get heavy waterfowl migration, so our duck or goose hunting is usually sneaking up on stock ponds and flushing them off the water. We don't get a lot of high volume shooting on waterfowl.

 

[hwmoore]

I don't own a shotgun

since it not needed for home defence I would pick a nice O/O in your price range that fits you nice make it a one time purchase. Fine doubles just get better with age

 

[LuvMyGuns]

If its a hunting rig you cant go wrong with a Super black eagle 2 or a Winchester super x3. If you want to keep it cheap I love my Stoeger M3500 and shoot everything from remington #6 gameshot to Federal 3 1/2 bb shot thorugh it and it has never skipped a beat and was a $650 semi auto with camo finish- NRA aslo named it shotgun of the year.
Best bet get to the store and just feel them if you spend over a grand usually you dont get junk - usually.

 

[josiewales]

Browning BPS in 16 GA. Incredible gun.