Looking for a new shotgun

[MSGT9410]

So, I've set aside a small lump of cash for a new shotgun ($280, +/- $20). I have several already, but they're all older shotguns, such as a Mossberg 195K-A, Remington Mohawk-48, etc -- I really want to avoid putting a lot of rounds through such firearms. So, obviously, I'm looking for a shooter.

I'm mainly interested in pumps and maybe another semi-automatic, and not so much a SxS or O/U -- Something that can fill multiple roles, whether it be HD, waterfowl, clays, or even deer.

If its customizable, that's plus, but not required.

I'm really interested in a Benelli Nova, but from what I've gathered you cannot place aftermarket stocks on them? Anyone care to prove/disprove and elaborate on this?



What would you guys suggest?

 

[Francisco2]

The Nova cannot be fitted with a different stock only the recoil pad to smaller one if you'd like. The nova reciever and stock are integrated. The Super Nova can have the stock switched out with three different stocks. The Super Nova can use the mag extention and barrels that the Nova can use.

 

[MSGT9410]

What's the MSRP on the Super Nova ??

 

[Francisco2]

$455 - $525 depending upon stock and barrel size. See http://www.benelliusa.com/firearms/supernova.tpl for more details.

 

[Fred Fuller]

Skip the 3.5" maggie numb guns- no need for an extra half inch in the action or the pump stroke, you can do anything you need with a 3" chamber. If you really need to push that much shot, you need to be doing it out of a 10 gauge so you get the benefit of it, not just shot strings half the county long.

I doubt you'll find any semis in your price range, even used, unless they need more attention than they might well be worth. So keep looking at pumpguns.

What's been said about the Novas is pretty much it- stocks can be shortened but it is a royal pain to do it. One particular shotgunner here has broken every Nova he has had his hands on so far- I think he's up to seven, or eight, at last count.

I would of course suggest a good used Remington 870, either an older Express gun or a Magnum Wingmaster if you can find one, even a Police trade-in if one turns up. It's the single most prolifically manufactured repeating shotgun in the world, after all. There are barrels of spare barrels available, accessories enough to fill a Sears sized catalog, tons of spare parts available, smithies all over that work on them as needed. The design is mature, it is easy to field strip and care for, it's highly modular and most useful accessories are DIY mountable without having to call on a 'smith. A good 870 with a 26- 28" vent rib barrel with RemChokes, and an 18- 20" barrel, perhaps with rifle sights, will fill most every shotgun bill you can present- wingshooting, small game hunting, clay games, big game hunting and home defense, all in the same package and easily modifiable by you the owner in literal minutes. Not to mention, they are about as durable as anvils.

Or you could choose something else...

8^)

hth,

lpl/nc

 

[dfaugh]

Last I knew you could buy a Mossberg 500 with 2 barrels (bird and slug) for under $300, brand new. Lots of "options" available to customize.

 

[TX1911fan]

I got my Winchester 1300 on sale for $180. Don't know if those kinds of deals are available now. It's been a great pump gun.

 

[sargenv]

It's really hard for me to say that the 870 is not the best overall gun. You can get one for cheap or you can spend some money on them. The Mossberg is ok, but you can buy more parts to modify the 870. Whichever capacity Mossy you buy is what you will always be stuck with. The Remington is much more easily modified. You can buy a +2, +4, or +6 mag tube if you wish to get into the action games. You can probably buy more barrels for it via the factory or aftermarket route, and there are just a lot more options for the 870 over the Mossy. I know, I own both. I have the 2 barrel set for my Mossy 500 and I have an 870 Wingmaster. I really do prefer the 870.

Vince

 

[MSGT9410]

Okay, so I've narrowed it down to the 870 or Nova...

What kind of prices are common for each, assuming the base-line model?

 

[greg531mi]

Remington with their $30 rebate, is going for $200 for their bare bones 870 express/ Nova's are a little more, around the $350 around here, on sale. Good luck finding spare barrels for the Nova. 870 barrels, everyone handles them, Mossberg, Hastings, Remington, and a couple of others are making 870 barrels. Stocks are easy to find too, with all the take-offs.....
I would go with the 870, you can find barrels, stocks, and anything else for them everywhere.
The Nova, well, good luck finding things for it...