Help me decide on a shotgun
11-11-2017, 06:33 AM
#1
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 4
Help me decide on a shotgun
I've been kicking around about getting a pump shotgun add one to the collection ive narrowed it down it benelli Nova and the Winchester sxp Field pump will be used for squirrels, Turkey and mostly deer #1, #4 buckshot thoughts opinions?
11-11-2017, 07:12 AM
#2
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 2,743
honestly in todays day and age, buck shot for deer is a piss poor idea IMO, its like poking and hoping, why not just use a slug, thats is tons more accurate and more lethal
if you were interested in maybe other models too, many come with two barrel sets, so you can swap a smooth bore longer barrel out for a shorther slug barrels, I know Mossberg and remington both off packages like this for fair prices and both guns are long time standing proven designs
thats my advice
a for suggestion on what shotgun to get, honestly the one that FITS you better will be your best for actually shooting it well(slugs can also be shot out a smooth bore with a improved cylinder choke too!
in many states too its Illegal to be carrying slugs or buck shot rounds ON YOU< while small game hunting, so read your hunting rules well before doing this, if this is your plan?
if you were interested in maybe other models too, many come with two barrel sets, so you can swap a smooth bore longer barrel out for a shorther slug barrels, I know Mossberg and remington both off packages like this for fair prices and both guns are long time standing proven designs
thats my advice
a for suggestion on what shotgun to get, honestly the one that FITS you better will be your best for actually shooting it well(slugs can also be shot out a smooth bore with a improved cylinder choke too!
in many states too its Illegal to be carrying slugs or buck shot rounds ON YOU< while small game hunting, so read your hunting rules well before doing this, if this is your plan?
11-11-2017, 09:25 AM
#3
Spike
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: East TN
Posts: 11
Benelli M2 would be my choice. I have two of them and I could not be happier. They are a bit more expensive, but you usually get what you pay for. And I agree with the previous post, slugs are they way to go as they are much more lethal and more accurate, especially if you have a good set of adjustable sights.
11-11-2017, 06:54 PM
#4
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 4,264
Like you, I too was between the Nova and the SXP just two years ago.
Today, I own the SXP (with the 3.5" chamber and 28" barrel) and love it. Smooth handling, cycling gun. You really won't find a smoother pump action than the SXP, unless you get the Browning BPS, which is in a price category of its own in the pump action market.
If you are not likely to hunt much waterfowl, I would strongly suggest going with the 3" chamber instead of the 3.5". The simple reason is you can buy a rifled slug barrel with the former, but no such barrel exists for the 3.5 SXP chambered model. I don't use a shotgun for deer, so this doesn't negatively affect me---but with you planning on using it as a primary deer gun, the 3" seems to be a no-brainer. I chose the 3.5" simply to accommodate a heavier payload for turkey season. But with today's heavy loads and chokes, the benefit of a bigger chamber is frankly marginal until you hit 50 yards (and even then, you have to know how much to compensate for the drop). You'll be more than fine with a 3" chamber, then (and it'll probably save you a little money, too).
One thing I hated about the Nova, on the other hand, was how loud and gritty the action is. Even when not cycling it, I found it just rattled too much---same problem I have with Mossberg 500s, but much worse.
All that to say, I chose the SXP, and think you should, too.
Today, I own the SXP (with the 3.5" chamber and 28" barrel) and love it. Smooth handling, cycling gun. You really won't find a smoother pump action than the SXP, unless you get the Browning BPS, which is in a price category of its own in the pump action market.
If you are not likely to hunt much waterfowl, I would strongly suggest going with the 3" chamber instead of the 3.5". The simple reason is you can buy a rifled slug barrel with the former, but no such barrel exists for the 3.5 SXP chambered model. I don't use a shotgun for deer, so this doesn't negatively affect me---but with you planning on using it as a primary deer gun, the 3" seems to be a no-brainer. I chose the 3.5" simply to accommodate a heavier payload for turkey season. But with today's heavy loads and chokes, the benefit of a bigger chamber is frankly marginal until you hit 50 yards (and even then, you have to know how much to compensate for the drop). You'll be more than fine with a 3" chamber, then (and it'll probably save you a little money, too).
One thing I hated about the Nova, on the other hand, was how loud and gritty the action is. Even when not cycling it, I found it just rattled too much---same problem I have with Mossberg 500s, but much worse.
All that to say, I chose the SXP, and think you should, too.
11-12-2017, 04:28 PM
#6
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Richmond, VA
Posts: 7,890
I agree with Ron... The Remington 870 is the #1 choice by many many people. Either the 12ga or 20ga with a slug barrel would be ideal.
You gotta go with an 870. They are everywhere! It's almost like some type of unwritten rule where every gun safe has to have an 870 in it! Ha ha ha...
You gotta go with an 870. They are everywhere! It's almost like some type of unwritten rule where every gun safe has to have an 870 in it! Ha ha ha...
11-13-2017, 10:11 AM
#7
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,780
I just spent a few days in a duck hunting camp with about 25 other hunters. These were fellows that do not worry about price tags when they buy a gun (or car). The Benelli SBE II was the most carried gun, followed by Remington autoloaders and 870 pumps. There were no other shotguns used.
If you are open to an 870 it would be worth giving it serious consideration. If not, the Benelli pump would probably be a good choice.
If you are open to an 870 it would be worth giving it serious consideration. If not, the Benelli pump would probably be a good choice.
11-14-2017, 01:14 PM
#8
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Midwest
Posts: 1,079
I am sure that all of the guns listed are good. I am a lefty and like the Browning BPS because of the downward extraction. Earlier this year I bought a used one on one of the gun selling sites, it was a medallion with the good wood and engraving that looked like new. With shipping and paying the FFL guy to receive it I had $400 in it. You can find bargains out there if you are patient.
11-15-2017, 06:42 AM
#9
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 4
Well there is no need for a slug gun for me VA we can run dogs so moving target. if I no ill be hunting open shots I'll take my rifle hunting some of my fields and more open woods. But there isn't a need for a slug gun for me. Ive heard quite a bit of good things about the sxp
