Shotgun Question... Would greatly appreciate response

[ivywingfield]

My husband is interested in purchasing a Remington 870 shotgun in the near future. He is just getting into hunting and has limited previous experience but is a fast learner. For his upcoming birthday, I would like to purchase some items/resources that would be useful to him but I have no idea where to begin or what to look for. I know nothing about shotguns or hunting. I am willing to spend up to $100-$150. I would greatly appreciate any advice you may share!

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

It would be rare to find an 870 in good condition for under $150, I got mine for $195 and I consider myself lucky. You can get a 500 for about that price used but for around $200, you can order a Mossberg 500 or you can order a H&R Pardner Pump (Chinese 870 clone) for that price from Wal Mart. I'm unsure about how you do that exactly but its what I hear. The Pardner Pump I hear nothing but good things about them and most 870 parts will fit the Pardner Pump besides the barrel from my understanding.

 

[oneounceload]

What type of hunting? If he is going to be doing upland bird hunting - quail, pheasant, grouse, rabbits, etc., a nice hunting vest designed for that use will run about $50 or so from places like Cabela's. Getting a nice soft case for transport, a cleaning kit and supplies and that should fill your budget easily and give him several gifts to open

 

[Dave McCracken]

Ammo is always in good taste....

 

[Bix]

One of the more valuable accessories that I got for my first 870:

http://www.amazon.com/Shotgunning-S...3273/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317236696&sr=8-1

 

[Mike1234567]

What a wonderful wife... darn... I'm jealous!!

 

[USAF_Vet]

If he is getting the shotgun and you want to supply him with accessories, a good sling is essential. They range from nylon straps for around $5, all the way up to custom leather where the $ky is the limit.

Choke tubes are another idea, a full set of the most commonly used might be around $100-$150.

Barrel replacements can be found in your stated price range. Assuming the 870 he's getting will be a smoothbore at about 28" give or take, a rifled barrel at 24" or so is always a nice option. If the shotgun ever pulls double duty as a home defense gun, the 18" is a popular choice.

 

[Armchair Bronco]

You could go to auction sites like GunBroker.com, AuctionArms.com, and GunsAmerica.com and just type in "Remington 870" and see what comes up. Most of the entries will be for the gun itself, but you'll also get other ideas for slings, bags, chokes, cleaning kits and what not.

If he doesn't already have cleaning supplies, you should look into getting him a 12 gauge bore snake and some cleaning solvents and gun oil. That might set you back $40.

http://www.amazon.com/Hoppes-BoreSnake-Shotgun-Cleaner-Choose/dp/B004DPILHC

 

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // Lots of good tips already.

1)Camo clothes if he does not have them (plenty loose)

2)I carry a waterproof day pack when hunting. (Swiss Military)

3)Walki talkies --We keep them off until someone shoots, then have a preset frequency to gain info concerning the shot.

You might suggest at least one person on the net recommends looking at a $300 -350, used 870 Wingmaster 3" magnum , compared to a new Express. I have and enjoy using both but if cutting down to one the WM wins.

Good luck filling the freezer.

 

[sourdough44]

Simple cleaning kit, gun case, LL Bean upland vest, ammo, book on 'shotgunning'.

 

[RNB65]

A gift certificate at the nearest large gun/sporting goods store would be perfect!

 

[ElectrikKoolAid]

Get a pre-paid Mastercard and wrap it up in a huge box. He can spend it on whatever that way, not be tied to one specific retailer.

 

[jogar80]

... a nice hunting vest designed for that use will run about $50 or so from places like Cabela's. Getting a nice soft case for transport, a cleaning kit and supplies and that should fill your budget easily and give him several gifts to open

This would knock my socks off if I was just getting into hunting!

 

[Hotshot10]

That vest idea is a good one, along with the cleaning supplies. Both the vest and supplies are pretty essential.

 

[maximumdarkside]

Cheaper than dirt has a deals on 12 gauge ammo, 250 rounds for less than $100, 00 buck and 00 buck low recoil. Plenty more just thought I would throw that one out there. That'd be nice, and I'm sure he would like a chunk of ammo for his new toy, of course. Lucky man, care to give our wives lessons on loving and caring for a gunlover, lol.

 

[Armchair Bronco]

If you're putting together a grab-bag assortment of odds and ends, another necessary item is shooting glasses:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabe...ting+glasses&WTz_l=Header;Search-All+Products

Cabelas is really an awesome on-line store for things like vests, clothing, glasses, cleaning supplies, etc. They opened up a new store about an hour from Seattle a few years ago, and maybe this autumn I'll finally make the trek out there.

http://www.cabelas.com

 

[DAP90]

Ammo, the vest and cleaning supplies are great ideas.

If he’s looking into bird hunting my local range has punch cards for rounds of trap and other clay games.

 

[waidmann]

Ivy dear, your heart is in the right place, you have a lucky guy. But I suggest you stay away from the gun thing for now. Call his mentor and find out what is approriate with respect to clothing, boots etc. and go that route.

Picking out a gun can get problematic, its above your budgeted amount, and there is a good chance that his buddies will deal with that issue.

Best wishes,
Waidmann