Need opinions...New shotgun dilemma...

[redneck2]

I'm getting ready to go turkey hunting Wednesday evening with one of my friends. Started looking for the barrel for my 3" 870. Wife moved it...couldn't find it. Good news is that my friend loaned my his 3 1/2" 870 and I got my first turkey 20 minutes out

My dilemma...I have a nice variety of guns, but most are pistols and rifles. Only have the 870 for a shotgun to hunt with. Seems silly to have only one. I'm not big into duplication...can't see having 3 different identical 12 gauge pumps

the 3 1/2" hit that bird HARD. I was quite impressed. Local dealer has a 3 1/2" 870 black synthetic for $329. Also has a camo SP-10 auto 10 gauge, but it's a little over $1,000

10 gauge should pattern slightly better, is camo, and auto. Ammo is more expensive, but this isn't for the trap range so there's probably not a lot of rounds going down the tube.

Still, the payload out of the 3 1/2" 12 is nearly identical and it's 1/3rd the price

Your thoughts???

 

[only1asterisk]

I'd find the barrel for my shotgun and save my money. The 3" 12ga is plenty of gun. To be honest, I don't find any measurable advantage the 3.5" unless maybe you are big into duck hunting. The 10 might be a more significant improvement, but the cost is hard for me to justify.


David

 

[redneck2]

Guess my thought is...what if I want to hunt and something happens to the 870 and it's out of commission?? Then I'm out too.

Yeah, I'll get the other barrel, but it seems kinda goofy to have dozens of guns and nothing to hunt with. So then, if I get the 870 3 1/2", I've got nearly a duplicate, but it's hard to justify the cost of the auto 10

You're right about the 3". In all honesty, it's a lot more gun than the ones guys used 100 years ago to make a living. Maybe it's overkill (literally)

I had a roomie that had a Browning BPS 10. Not bad with steel but with lead it defenitely gets your attention. If I would get the 10, I'd probably cough up the extra for the auto so I don't get the snot kicked out of me.

 

[Smoke]

10 ga ammo is often difficult to find.
Especially if out in the boonies, you know, where the game is.....

I see no advantage ina 10 over a 12 ga. Buy another 12ga, doesn't have to be an identical 870, look into doubles, semi-autos or whatever tickles your fancy.

They can share ammo and cross duties ina pinch.

Smoke

 

[Fred Fuller]

Ah, another Mel Tappan subscriber, I see.

Number one thing, no need to look for excuses to buy whatever gun you want that you can afford for whatever purpose. Just do it, and don't worry about it.

But once you get old and gray and not as mentally and physically flexible as young folk seem to be, having only one platform to maintain muscle memory for begins to look like a better idea. And of course the logistics burden is more easily borne while at peak earnings potential, too, and once there's less income in life it is easier to maintain one familiar platform. And one discovers it is easier to have purpose built versions of the same type gun for different jobs (HD, turkeys, deer, wingshooting, clay games, 3 gun etc) as it is to have different platforms for different jobs.

Same gun, yup yup. All same gun. Variety is the spice of life, yepper.

lpl/nc

 

[bbrown609]

If you want another shotgun but don't want another pump, buy yourself a good field grade semiauto from one of the reputable companies. They can be used for just about every situation your pump is good for and is easier on your shoulder when shooting many rounds at the range. I am not saying one is better than the other, but it would be a good way of adding to your collection without duplication or wasting of money on a gun that will not serve any practical uses.

 

[kudu]

The 10ga has a place for hunting, but it's usefulness is limited to geese or the occasional varmint. I have an Ithaca Mag 10 that hasn't been shot for several years, except I put a couple of slugs through it last fall just because.

I think a 3" 12ga will do about anything else, especialy loaded with lead, that has to be done. The 10ga will give a bit better pattern and perhaps a bit more effective range, but if it will only be for 4 or 5 shots a year, is it worth it?

Like bbrown609 said, get a nice field autoloader and enjoy less recoil.