Hey all. First, I' d like to thank you all for the good advice on rifles. You really helped me out to get my first. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Now the next step is the shotgun. I' ve browsed through the threads here and got a good bit of information. But, I kinda need some specific input on a one-gun solution (if there is such a thing ).

Here' s what I' d like to use it for:
- deer
- pig
- waterfowl
- turkey

Here' s the features I' d like:
- pump (preferrably, but not opposed to suggestions)
- slug, buckshot, and steel shot (waterfowl) capability
- parkerized (or other type of protection from rainy conditions)
- 3 1/2 shell capability (is this a must-have?)
- wood, or synthetic? which way is best?
- do I need camo print?

Please let me know your thoughts. I am open to anything at this point. I was thinking of going with a Mossberg 500 combo (2 barrels: 28" bbl w/ chokes, and 24" rifled for slugs). But then I give up the 3 1/2" capability. Am I limiting myself?

Also, what type of shotgun will hold up best to rain? I don' t want to head back in if it rains just to keep my shotgun dry.

Thanks in advance folks. You are a great help to a newbie.

I don' t see where not having the ability to shoot 3 1/2" shells a handicap. People have been taking game for years with, dare I say it, 2 3/4" shells. At any rate a Mossberg 500 will serve you well and not break your pocketbook. My 500 has been rained on before as have all my guns. As long as you dry them and oil them as soon as you get back it will be fine.

For a one gun solution that is an excellent choice. I wouldn' t worry about getting a 3.5" unless you like pain when you shoot. You can also get an 870 with the rifled barrel. I think any of the standard guns will suit you fine. You can always find stuff to camo a gun if you really want, and as long as you take care of your gun and wipe it down, getting it wet shouldn' t be a problem. And as far as wood or syn stock that just depends on how much weight you want to save.

Stogieboy. I would suggest looking at the Remington 870.They are a well made pump gun.A 3" would probably serve you well.The Rem 870 is available with Rem Chokes.There are many barrels available for it. Hasting' s makes a real nice Rifled slug barrel for it.Not to open another can of worms here. IMHO the Remington 870 is a allot better made shotgun then the Mossberg 500.
Ruger Redhawk

I' m also a fan of the Rem. 870.

Would the Benelli Nova serve your purpose?
Seems it meets all your criteria.
And it' s a Benelli!

My vote is for the 870. 2nd would be the Repeating Arms 1300.

One big thing to remember is if you choose a 3-1/2" most of them are overbored and you can' t shoot slugs through them. A synthetic stock would generally be cheaper, and more waterproof. You don' t really need camo print unless you like the look of it.

I have a remington 870 express magnum and it says on the barrel to not use steel shot in it. That means no waterfowl and no hevi-shot. So make sure you get something with with a barrel that can handle it.

I would get a synthetic stocked mossberg 500. Either get the turkey model with the shorter barrel and camo stock and then buy the mod,full, and imp choke tubes for it. Or get the standard field model and buy a good turkey choke for it.

I just won a Benelli Nova and I' m very happy with it. Great feeling gun, SUPER EASY to take apart, I mean all the way down in about 40 seconds, and it shoots great. You can also get the rifled barrel for it. It also lets you shoot any of the 12 gauge loads, 2 3/4" - 3 1/2. You don' t have to shoot a 3 1/2" load if you don' t want to but it' s there in case you do. It also has a chromed barrel. Very nice gun and they sale for the same price as the 870' s.

Check out the Remington Shotguns

You could go with an 870 Express Super Mag. They are a time tested, simple design shotgun that can take a beating. As long as you wipe it down when you' re done each day, It' ll last a long time. Remington offers combo deals that come with an additional slug barrel as well.