.44 Cooter

I’m looking for a good starter shotgun that would be real versatile. I might use it to duck, quail or dove hunt and id like to use it turkey hunting. It doesn’t have to be dirt cheap but I don’t think I want to spend $1000 on a shotgun right now either.

Suggestions?

sjsfire

You'll probably get a lot of different opinions but I would reccomend the Remington 870. They come ready to shoot 2 3/4 to 3 1/2 inch shells so that would cover you and your game choices. You can also add a deer barrel later on. The thing is a work horse, easy to take apart and clean, etc. Probably get set up for less than $400. Good lookin boy in the picture with you, you'll be able to pass the 870 down to him one day.

Rebel Hog

Same here!

JeffS

Either the 870 Remington or Mossberg 835. You can't really go wrong with either of them.

pdoughertyMU

Franchi I-12, Just shot mine for the first time this weekend, and it was a jaw dropping experiance. I have used a pump all my life, and let me tell you, this thing is very fun to shoot, and it only had one misfeed out of the 100 shots, and i was shooting 1 1/8 oz 2 3/4's target loads and my 200 shot break in period isn't even over.

It feels solid and not cheap, and because of the inertia system over the gas, it is perfect for waterfowl and better for dirty situations.

Also, i can disassemble every part of the gun (other than taking apart the entire trigger system) in less than a minute..

Plus, its only 600 bucks

metaldonnieg

My first 12g was an 870 and I still use it for practically everything. There's tons of add ons, upgrades, and just plain cool looking parts and accessories (if you have a tactical loving side) for these. You can't go wrong.

I bought the 870 express magnum with a 28" barrel, synthetic stock, brand new at walmart for something like 240 bucks. Added a 10 dollar HiViz fiber optic front site and now it's pretty mean.

.44 Cooter

thanks for all the comments. i think im going to try out the rem 870, moss 835, and maybe the moss 935 turkey\waterfowl combo

so you folks would just a soon have a pump than an auto loader? even if they were the same price?

metaldonnieg

I've never shot an auto loader, we (actually my dad) own one but I've never personally shot it. I like the looks of a pump better and mine feels very natural to me so I say if it ain't broke don't fix it.

700bdl870exp

you cant go wrong with the 870. there is a reason its the most sold shotgun. and i perfer my 870 over my 1187

sjsfire

I have both Remington auto loaders and pumpsa 870, 1100, and a 1187. For the money a pump is a better deal. A Remington 1187 will probably cost 3 times more. The pump in my opinion is more reliable in nasty conditions. But don't get me wrong there is nothing the matter with auto loaders. It really boils down to personal preference. Your looking at $250+ for the 870 compared to probably $600+ for the 1187. I think I gave about $570 for my 1187 a few years ago and $230 tax and all for my 870 combo that came with a 28inch barrel with chokes and a smooth bore 21 inch barrel with rife sights about 18 years ago.