KINGMAX
Member
remington 870
remington 870 express
remington 870 express
What pump shotgun would you suggest?
- Thread starter October
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Average Joe
Member
Best bang for the buck would be a Maverick 88, about $160
I'd go with an 870... I've got one that cycles great and has never had any malfunction!
FYI... the Walmart 870s went up in price from $238 to $268. If you still want to get in at the $238 price... Academy sporting goods has them at that price if you have one in your area.
FYI... the Walmart 870s went up in price from $238 to $268. If you still want to get in at the $238 price... Academy sporting goods has them at that price if you have one in your area.
An update
I found a Mossberg 500A with a modified choke and 28-inch barrel at a local pawn shop today. They wanted $180, but accepted my $120 offer ($128 out the door). The stock has some scratches and dings, but the barrel looks pretty good. It's not ported, which I didn't want (too hard to clean). I'm hoping it will make me happy.
Thanks everyone for your input. Any comments on how to take care of the Mossberg?
I found a Mossberg 500A with a modified choke and 28-inch barrel at a local pawn shop today. They wanted $180, but accepted my $120 offer ($128 out the door). The stock has some scratches and dings, but the barrel looks pretty good. It's not ported, which I didn't want (too hard to clean). I'm hoping it will make me happy.
Thanks everyone for your input. Any comments on how to take care of the Mossberg?
sonyman74
Member
Benelli Super Nova
I have three.
I have three.
Trifler
Member
October - FYI the Benelli Supernova is their newest version of the Nova. It features their ComforTech(tm) gel recoil absorbing pads and some other design changes.
No_Brakes23
Member
Remington 870 is my suggestion, but you could do a lot worse than a Mossberg. You should be able to find and old Police or Wingmaster used for under $250, just keeep lookin'.
New_geezer
Member
Considering your stated uses I have 2 very different suggestions. I own examples of both
A field grade Wichester Model 12 can be had for $250. M12s are considered by many the best pump ever made. A field grade M-12 is not the fanciest edition ever made by a long shot but you will still experience all the build and handling qualities that endeared the gun to so many. The field grade may be intended for hunting but it is fine for introducing new folks to the joys of shooting birds, clay or otherwise.
A JC Higgins Model 20, sold by Sears, Same gun as a High Standard 200. I bought mine for $150 and it has the smoothest action I've ever experienced. And for me at least it fits and points better than my M-12. Again, this is a hunting gun, but you can shoot clays with just fine. Again it has excellent build quality.
My M-12 was made in 1947, my Mod-20 in 1955. Bought both in excellent shape, it appears they spent most of their lives in a safe. Neither has a rib but that doesn't affect my shooting at all. I love these old guns and wouldn't trade either for an new 870, 500, Nova or anything other pump. (But if you had an old wingmaster I might want to know what you want for it)
A field grade Wichester Model 12 can be had for $250. M12s are considered by many the best pump ever made. A field grade M-12 is not the fanciest edition ever made by a long shot but you will still experience all the build and handling qualities that endeared the gun to so many. The field grade may be intended for hunting but it is fine for introducing new folks to the joys of shooting birds, clay or otherwise.
A JC Higgins Model 20, sold by Sears, Same gun as a High Standard 200. I bought mine for $150 and it has the smoothest action I've ever experienced. And for me at least it fits and points better than my M-12. Again, this is a hunting gun, but you can shoot clays with just fine. Again it has excellent build quality.
My M-12 was made in 1947, my Mod-20 in 1955. Bought both in excellent shape, it appears they spent most of their lives in a safe. Neither has a rib but that doesn't affect my shooting at all. I love these old guns and wouldn't trade either for an new 870, 500, Nova or anything other pump. (But if you had an old wingmaster I might want to know what you want for it)
870 12 Gauge, hands down. Excellent examples available cheap, parts, accessories and stocks available everywhere from Cabela's to eBay, from cheap to high-end. Furthermore, you can't argue with a steel receiver.
The excellent Ithaca 37, BPS and Model 12 tend not to fit a lot of people, because they have their foreends a lot farther forward than 870 or Mossberg. This can be remedied a bit, but it'll cost you. Parts and accessories are not nearly as readily available. The bottom-feed 37 and BPS can be a bit of a PITA when loading one-at-a-time on the trap range; they're fine for the experienced, but first-time shooters don't need the additional complexity. These are all GREAT pump shotguns for the discriminating shooter, but I don't think they're the best choice for a gun that will be passed around to a variety of users.
Novas work for some people, but the standard version is not very "tweakable" since the stock and receiver are a single plastic part. The SuperNova remedies the problems of the original rattletrap Nova, but at a 50% price premium. It should have been the new version for the same price, or less, and they should have discontinued the first-iteratioin Nova, but Benelli never misses a chance to charge a higher price for something. I'd strongly advise against buying into their marketing hype. Furthermore, the notion that the receiver is not a stressed part and is just as good if made from plastic is hogwash. Shotgun receivers, even machined steel ones, wear out from use and from the stress of firing. Steel just wears out last, and it takes a LONG time.
The aluminum Mossberg 500 serves many people well, but for my money, I'd get an 870. It's a more solid piece.
Winchester 1300s were very nice, but now they're commanding a bit extra on the used market, since Winchester closed the US plant that made them. You might find one from FN, but I'd get the 870 instead, for the reasons above.
BTW where are decent rust-free Model 12s, suitable for the non-tinkerer, going for $250? Not here, that's for sure! I wouldn't get a Model 12 for a knockaround gun. It hasn't been made since LBJ was President. They're beautiful pieces for the experienced, not for people who might drop them or bash them against a shooting stand! Ditto for the wonderful Remington 31.
The excellent Ithaca 37, BPS and Model 12 tend not to fit a lot of people, because they have their foreends a lot farther forward than 870 or Mossberg. This can be remedied a bit, but it'll cost you. Parts and accessories are not nearly as readily available. The bottom-feed 37 and BPS can be a bit of a PITA when loading one-at-a-time on the trap range; they're fine for the experienced, but first-time shooters don't need the additional complexity. These are all GREAT pump shotguns for the discriminating shooter, but I don't think they're the best choice for a gun that will be passed around to a variety of users.
Novas work for some people, but the standard version is not very "tweakable" since the stock and receiver are a single plastic part. The SuperNova remedies the problems of the original rattletrap Nova, but at a 50% price premium. It should have been the new version for the same price, or less, and they should have discontinued the first-iteratioin Nova, but Benelli never misses a chance to charge a higher price for something. I'd strongly advise against buying into their marketing hype. Furthermore, the notion that the receiver is not a stressed part and is just as good if made from plastic is hogwash. Shotgun receivers, even machined steel ones, wear out from use and from the stress of firing. Steel just wears out last, and it takes a LONG time.
The aluminum Mossberg 500 serves many people well, but for my money, I'd get an 870. It's a more solid piece.
Winchester 1300s were very nice, but now they're commanding a bit extra on the used market, since Winchester closed the US plant that made them. You might find one from FN, but I'd get the 870 instead, for the reasons above.
BTW where are decent rust-free Model 12s, suitable for the non-tinkerer, going for $250? Not here, that's for sure! I wouldn't get a Model 12 for a knockaround gun. It hasn't been made since LBJ was President. They're beautiful pieces for the experienced, not for people who might drop them or bash them against a shooting stand! Ditto for the wonderful Remington 31.
sm
member
Which pump?
I like the wood and blue ones personally...
I like the wood and blue ones personally...
New_geezer
Member
Well remember I'm specifically talking about the field grade Model-12 and not any of the Trap or specialty versions. $250 is what I paid for mine 2 years ago at a gun shop not noted for bargains. They occassionally get them and the price price hasn't varied much. Mine needed a cleaning but had no rust or major scratches. I've seen posts on Shotgunworld where folks said field grade mod-12s are fairly common in the mid-west and that $250 was an average price. You're right about the forearm being a bit far forward. It is nice gun and deserves to be shot and appreciated - accidents do happen but I wouldn't let anyone use one of my guns if I thought they were going to be careless with it.
ffrobbyrob
Member
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- Mar 25, 2007
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I have the Benelli Nova. I love that gun. Fun to shoot. Not to heavy to lug around all day.
I'd say you got a good deal on the M12. It is a cult gun and is priced accordingly. $250 might be able to buy one with fairly worn finish and a muzzle attachment like a Polychoke here in Northern IL, when you can find one. The closing of the New Haven plant has caused the used Winchester supply to dry up. People are hanging onto the guns for nostalgia or as an investment.
New_geezer
Member
Actually mine does have what appears to be a factory installed poly-choke, perhaps that fact lowered the price. But as for the finish, mine was pretty near perfect when bought (hate to admit but I own the only real ding on it). Still it is in very good shape. I hadn't thought about what closing the New Haven plant would do to the price since the gun has been long out of production anyway.
Regardless tho, the JC Higgens Model 20 is not a cult gun, was pretty popular, can be had cheap and is all and all an excellent gun if you come across one.
MrDig
Member
Used Rem 870 or Moss 500 plenty of em around and about 6 of one 1/2 dozen of the other as far as upgrades and after market do dads.
IDriveB5
Member
Just to beat the dead horse, buy an 870!
Youll be hard pressed to find any pump action that fits perfect off the shelf as they are made in a "one-size-fits-all" manner. Both of mine have had minor tweaking for LOP and cast, so they point like a dream now.
Youll be hard pressed to find any pump action that fits perfect off the shelf as they are made in a "one-size-fits-all" manner. Both of mine have had minor tweaking for LOP and cast, so they point like a dream now.
Save up and get exactly what you want. Don't sacrifice getting it right in favor of getting it right now.
My son saved $400 to buy a gun on a $5 a week allowance, birthday money, and selling pop cans and other scrap. He is still saving, since a few of the guns he is considering are Glocks and Sigs.
My son saved $400 to buy a gun on a $5 a week allowance, birthday money, and selling pop cans and other scrap. He is still saving, since a few of the guns he is considering are Glocks and Sigs.
I have the Benelli Nova and 4 years later w/ thousands of rounds, no problems. quality gun and simple field-stripping w/o any tools. i got mine at dicks for $270 on sale. I can't say anything about the 870 because i've never shot one, but i can tell you that the Nova is a great gun. also, the nova handles 3-1/2 shells. you'd have to step up to the 870 Express SuperMag for that comparison.
EricTheBarbarian
Member
in my part of the country i never see any remington 870s for under 250, theyre usually in the 400 dollar range. its be hard for me not to recommend the mossberg 500 as i got mine used for $110 at gander mountain and theyre brand new available for 225. an excellent reliable economical shotgun. ive never had a reason to think i need to upgrade and ive used it for everything from clays and squirrels to deer in ohio. try to find one with an accu choke barrel so you can change chokes on it and use it really any application.
Marshall
Member
Since you're left handed, I think I would go with Brownings BPS.
Duckster
Member
I got a used Marlin Magnum for $225. It shoots very well and is beautiful to boot. It has a full choke barrel, so it is ideal for clay and bird hunting. I don't mind used firearms, you can find some bargains out there.
A 500 for $110 sounds like a really nice deal. I thought I was doing well getting mine for just under $130.EricTheBarbarian said:
Mine came with a modified Accu-Choke. Any suggestions on which additional chokes I should get and what brand? There seem to be a plethora of options - different colors, extended vs. flush, etc. I'm only going to be using this for trap, skeet and sporting clays, so no need for chokes that can handle steel shot. I thought I might want a skeet or improved cylinder choke, and maybe a full choke. What chokes do you have for yours?
EricTheBarbarian
Member
i have the mossberg brand chokes.i dont know if your gun came with it, but you will need a mossberg choke tube wrench to change anything, they go for about 6 dollars. when the wal mart around here quit selling guns they had all of their mossberg choke tubes on clearance for $4 each. i cant really justify the $60 choke tubes that i see at bass pro shops. the modified choke works good for clays and that is what i use. the full choke makes it alot harder to hit clays but when it does it usually turns them to dust. i use the full choke for squirrel and rabbit hunting. i have an xtra-full choke that i use for turkey hunting. i also have an improved cylinder choke that i use for slugs and that seems to give the best accuracy. if you are just shooting clays you will be fine with the modified choke. have fun
ZeSpectre
Member
Umm guys... Post # 30 He said he bought one
My Mossberg Maverick 88 also came with the modified choke. It seems to be a pretty good "general use" tube and should serve you well for skeet/trap. I also bought the wider "Improved Cyllender" choke for when I feel like shooting slugs.
If you ever want to change tubes and don't have the wrench, a U.S. Nickel works great as a choke wrench.
DO NOT clean the barrel without a choke tube in place. You'll bung up those fine little threads and ruin the barrel.
My Mossberg Maverick 88 also came with the modified choke. It seems to be a pretty good "general use" tube and should serve you well for skeet/trap. I also bought the wider "Improved Cyllender" choke for when I feel like shooting slugs.
If you ever want to change tubes and don't have the wrench, a U.S. Nickel works great as a choke wrench.
DO NOT clean the barrel without a choke tube in place. You'll bung up those fine little threads and ruin the barrel.
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