My dad has killed 6 bucks with an 870 12 gauge pump shotgunt. It does not have a scope. He can hit a black dot at 120 yards thats no prblem for him. This gun has killed ohio bucks that score over 143. ANd he is the Ohio big buck club 3 times. SO it all depends if u want a scope or not. I use my encore 50 caliber muzzeloader with a scope during gun week. It jus depends on what u want.