School me on shotguns please

[Rob G]

I decided I need to add a shotgun to my collection but I don't know much about them. I did take a tactical course a couple years ago using 12 gauge Remington 870s and Mossbergs (not sure what model, but pump action) so I know how to handle one, but I don't really know anything about them beyond that.

My primary use will be for HD. If it could handle skeet every rare once in a while that would be nice too. I'm leaning towards pump action for sake of simplicity and cost. I'm also undecided about 12 gauge vs 20 gauge. Getting ammo for either isn't a problem I'm just not sure of the relative differences in effectiveness for HD and clays. I also need to keep the cost fairly low, so please don't suggest any high end benellis or anything like that because that's just not a reality for me.

I'd appreciate any advice or recommendations the highroad community has for me!

 

[oneounceload]

Any of the basic Mossberg or Remington pumps in 12 gauge will do the job for HD. Simple, inexpensive, readily available parts and accessories - all add up to the best out there - pick the one that fits you the best

 

[Skribs]

The Benelli SuperNova isn't too expensive - more expensive than a Rem 870 or Moss 590, but you can get them for $400-500. You could also add Ithaca 37 to your list of pump actions.

I actually just got a Mossberg 930 SPX for HD, and I love it. $640 at Cabelas (which admitadly is more expensive than some other locations nearby), came standard with a top rail, ghost ring sights, and a 7-round tube magazine. Nice thing about semi-automatic is that 1) there is less perceived recoil because the action spreads it out and 2) you can't short-stroke it.

 

[snooperman]

+1 on what "oneounceload" said..

but you might want two barrels, one 18" for HD and a 26-28" barrel with choke tubes for hunting or clay shoots. That will cover a lot of shotgunning. Snoop

 

[Gordon]

Nicely put info request! This gun could do it all by changing choke tubes say from skeet to modified, plus you get the Turkey choke and the 3" chamber for steel shells . 21" is OK for HD, you wouldn't know the difference from 18" IMHO and while not optimum for trap will do OK for Skeet and all upland game.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/95152

 

[Skribs]

You'll notice the difference in 3" when you try to turn around in your hallway and bang into the wall.

 

[snooperman]

If cost is a factor, think about one in

very good to excellent condition with 2 barrels in pawn or gun shops. I have seen Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 for around $300-$350 with 2 barrels. If they have not been abused, they should last a lifetime.

 

[Dave McCracken]

First, Rob, I suggest you look through the 101 threads up top.

That's a fine resource and solid info.

Either the 500 or the 870 will make a fine entry level shotgun for you. Try both and get the one that feels best.....

 

[Rob G]

Had a few moments to read through your replies and a few of the 101 threads (I'll read more later), which left me with two more questions.

1. A few guys mentioned having different barrels. It's relatively easy and safe to switch them then?
2. Haven't heard any opinions on 12 or 20 gauge yet. What I've read online indicates that the 20 should do everything I want it to with less recoil. I'm not recoil sensitive but less is always better I think. Is there anything I'm missing that would point towards 12 gauge being the better option?

Either the 500 or the 870 will make a fine entry level shotgun for you. Try both and get the one that feels best.....

I'm leaning towards one of these and I think it'll probably come down to which one I can find a good deal on. When I did the tactical course I shot both equally well. I do appreciate knowing that they're both good options.

 

[brnmuenchow]

The Benelli SuperNova isn't too expensive - more expensive than a Rem 870 or Moss 590, but you can get them for $400-500.

I know you said not to recommend the Benelli, but I agree with this one.
I love it and it did not break the bank... one of the best I have owned. (It's worth the $500)

 

[Gordon]

I hate to disagree about barrel length but a trained operator would have more issues with stock length than 3" of barrel in anything other than inside a portapoti.
The 12ga is more versatile than a 20 and recoil can be reduced by lighter loads.
Mossbergs are cheaper but 870 Remingtons are more customizable and I think a lot more durable than a 500 Mossberg in my experience. Barrels on an 870 are easily interchangable in a minute. The Express series can be roughly finished and personally a Wingmaster gives more satisfaction as they are slicker, generally.

 

[Rob G]

I know you said not to recommend the Benelli, but I agree with this one.

Oh, well I didn't know when I made that statement that there were cheap ones. I was at an LGS browsing and asking questions yesterday when the clerk showed me what I really needed. It was some type of semi-auto benelli for around $900 with a trijicon reflex sight that cost something like $500. Apparently it's what the military uses. Clearly he didn't understand what I meant by "I don't have much money and just want a basic shotgun."

 

[Skribs]

Those would be nice, but you can get a semi-auto for cheaper than $900, and while I advocate the use of red-dot sights, I understand the expense of a good one (which is why I don't have one yet).

You take the barrel off when you take the gun apart for cleaning, so changing barrels is as easy as cleaning your weapon.

 

[Fred Fuller]

I'd bet you'll be happy with a good 870 or a Mossberg 590, each with an 18-20" barrel for defense and a 26-28" barrel for clays/wingshooting. As to gauge, 12 is a better bet unless you have problems with recoil or overall gun weight. And there are lots more ammo choices for 12 gauge. Proper fit of the stock is a bigger deal than most anything else for most shooters.

You'll notice the difference in 3" when you try to turn around in your hallway and bang into the wall.

What Gordon said.

The answer is bunkering down with the shotgun, not going looking for trouble, and some good training in clearing if that's what seems to be in order. I can spin in circles anywhere in the house I can stand up with a shotgun at indoor ready and not bump anything... till I get dizzy, anyway.

 

[Dave McCracken]

I do a lot of things with shotguns. Except for waterfowling and turkey, I could do all of them with a 20 gauge.

However, there's a lot more ammo options with the 12.

And, some years back I did a walkthrough Casa McC with my 870TB trap gun, 30" barrel and MC stock(16"LOP) with a Morgan pad. Longest shotgun I've owned. No problems, though my lower levels work best left handed.

 

[Pete D.]

Get a gun for your primary use. With any luck at all HD will not be the primary.
You mention skeet as a possibility. Frankly that is a whole lot more likely than hunkering down in the bedroom. A pump gun may not be the best choice for that clay game. For Trap, fine. Sporting clays... Again, not the best choice.

 

[oneounceload]

. As to gauge, 12 is a better bet unless you have problems with recoil

Incorrect - a 20 will weigh less than a 12, therefore the recoil can, and usually IS, greater than shooting a 12 gauge model with lighter loads

The advantages of a 12 far outweigh the downsides when comparing the same models in 12 and 20

 

[allaroundhunter]

A few guys mentioned having different barrels. It's relatively easy and safe to switch them then?

Yes, perfectly safe, and very easy.

Also, a 20 ga does not always recoil less than a 12 ga. I started on a single shot 20 ga, and it kicks like a mule. When my younger brother started shooting shotguns, he started on a 12 ga and has loved it ever since.

In similar models, there might be slightly more recoil out of the 12 ga platform, but the benefits of the 12 ga far outweigh the cons.

 

[pps]

Of the guns mentioned, the 870 sounds like your best option.

Of the guns mentioned, I've shot the 870 and it functioned flawlessly and the safety and pump release are placed in areas that seem to facilitate ease of use.

I have the Benelli Super Nova for waterfouling. On the plus side, the gun is CHEAP, very reliable (I have shot it after accidentally getting mud in the action...long story and it cycled flawlessly in spite of the grit), shoots 3 1/2" magnums (not important for HD....since switching to heavi-shot...not even important for geese), has a great stock for absorbing the recoil from 3 1/2" magnums and is SUPER easy to strip down for deep cleaning.

On the minus side it is CLUNKY (to me...compared to my Ithica and my friends 870) I'm accurate enough with it...it just feels like I'm swinging a 2x4.

I also have a few Ithica 37's they are light, easy to swing and the safety/pump release are similar to the 870. Very reliable...though I have not torture tested one by burring the receiver in the mud from falling (like I have with the Benelli) the Ithicas have never let me down while hunting. Another plus (unless you hate this feature) is the bottom feed/eject. 2 of my 3 kids are cross dominant and shoot long-guns left handed.

Cons: Some (not me) consider the bottom eject as a minus. If you short stroke the gun (I have) it sometimes crams the shell in so badly that the barrel needs to be taken off....I have had this happen to my Benelli too. Dis-assembly, though easy, takes a set of gunsmithing screwdrivers...fortunately it rarely needs to be cleaned that deeply. Also, it's so light that the kick is harder than my Benelli with 3 1/2" shells.

870 Pros: lots of them out there, lots of tacticool bling out there (if that's your thing) Like the Ithica and Mossbergs...long proven track record but dirt cheap, unlike the new Ithicas. My overall recommendation strictly for "bang for the buck"....get the 870 (new or used) or get a used Ithica only if you can find a hell of a deal. Last one i got for 200 bucks.

 

[Swing]

Mossberg 500 in 12. Barrels to fit the application. Call it good.

 

[snooperman]

Go with a 12 ga.. Why?

I have 20 ga guns and they all seem to kick as hard as the 12 ga guns to me. They weigh less. A 12 ga, as has been mentioned , has more ammo choices and for the recoil shy, you can find 7/8oz loads 2.5 dr that are easy on you for practice or dove or quail. If you ever decide to sell , the 12 will usually sell faster. Just a thought... Snoop

 

[Cemo]

A Limbsaver recoil pad would help reduce recoil on both the 12 and 20, also automatic shot guns help with reducing recoil. I'm with Gordon on the Rem. Wingmaster. It just might be the slickest shot gun made on todays new gun market, along with the Browning BPS. You don't need a 3-1/2" chamber for home defense or trap shooting. The longer stroke on the 3-1/2" pump may cause you to short stroke it and jam it up.

 

[MCgunner]

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/46907-55.html

Ignore the pistol grip, maybe toss it in the trash. It's worthless if you wanna hit anything and if you don't know how to shoot it, it can hurt ya.

 

[lmccrock]

A difference between Mossberg and 870 is the location of the safety; 870 on the trigger guard and Mossberg on the tang. Handle both to see if you want to manipulate the safety with your finger, or thumb.