I agree with 247 on the 870. I have been shooting 870' s since about 1952 and they are as reliable as any gun you will ever own. As for tapes do yourself a favor and get the video " The Art of Commanding Ducks" by Phil Robertson, do what it says on that video and you will become aduck hunter. Your decoys will not drift as that is what the decoy anchors are for. Just make sure that you have more than enough decoy cord to reach the bottom on the ponds you are going to hunt. You will need a pair of hip boots or waders to put the decoys out also.