What gun to buy?
 

I am taking up bird hunting with my GSP, and need to purchase a gun. I want something that will be well rounded at a good price. I have been told 20ga, but there seems to be a lot of other spec's involved as well.

This will just be something to get me started, so I wan't the cheapest, non-garbage gun there is.

I live on the Kitsap Peninsula, in Washington State (Seattle area, kinda). Wondering where to go, how much to expect to pay?

Thank you!

RE: What gun to buy?
 

What are you going to hunt?

RE: What gun to buy?
 

Pheasant, Grouse, and Chukar.

RE: What gun to buy?
 

Remington 870 ~ 26" barrel
I would say if you ever consider hunting ducks in the future then go with the 12 gauge super mag (3 1/2").
You could also buy a rifled slug barrel in the future and hunt deer also...

RE: What gun to buy?
 

Im too looking into buying a shotgun for Dove, Quail and possibly Waterfowl. How much does the Super Mag usually run in a gun shop?

RE: What gun to buy?
 

Can't go wrong with the 870. Remington makes a bazillion of 'em, & they are very versatile, and you can easily customize it as there are alot of parts easily available. I think you can still pick up a decent one for around $300. I'd advise the 12 gauge. Rounds are cheaper & more readily available, & you can get lighter loads for the smaller birds.

I personally use a Benelli SuperNova 12 ga. pump. Set me back $400, & I can put 150 rounds through it @ the sporting clays field & barely feel it. Unfortunately, prices have come up since then...

RE: What gun to buy?
 

I live around Gig Harbor and I just started hunting this last season. I hunt for pheasant, quail, chukar, grouse,and dove. I went through this in nov/dec. My choices were the 870 12 guageor benelli nova 12 guage due to pricing and reliability. I got a nova for christmas but I havenot shot it yet. I like the option of 3-1/2" shells if I choose to hunt duck. I am also planning to hunt turkey when the season comes. Good luck on your decision!

RE: What gun to buy?
 

So my only concern is that I am of the female persuasion, and have no prior shooting experience. I was advised that a 12ga may be a little too heavy for me, is this not accurate?

RE: What gun to buy?
 

ummm a good gun is a 870 12gauge pump full choke thats my choice and it works pretty good

RE: What gun to buy?
 

If it's mainly upland birds you're going to hunt then you definately get by {very well I might add} w/ a .20 gauge.If you want less recoil you might want to look into a Remington 1100 or 11-87.I have the Reminton 870 in 12 gauge it's been a very reliable,fits me good & I've taken a far amount of game with it.One more point I want to make MAKE SURE THE GUN FIT YOU COMFORTABLELY.This will make a big difference in the way you shoot.
I dont know if this is proper to post here so if it isn't my apoligies to the moderator.
Try this site there's alot of great info on shotgunning:Shotgunworld.com

RE: What gun to buy?
 

I cannot think of a better gun for upland hunting than the Ithaca 37 20ga. Lightweight, light recoil, reliable, and points where you want it to. You should be able to find a nice used one for around $300....the new ones will run you around $860.

RE: What gun to buy?
 

Hurricane is right, those Ithacas,especially the older ones were nice guns.

RE: What gun to buy?
 

Blitz, just like your dog food your going to get what you pay for!

RE: What gun to buy?
 

Upland birds for all day hunting its difficult to beat an Italian shotgun. I have a buddy who totes a Franchi 720.....very nice gun. That inspired me to get a Benelli. Auto 20's have a super fast pull and easy to carry with mild recoil of a quick following shot. Franchi is a better value than a Benelli IMO. Having used an 870 12 for grouse many years I switched to a Benelli Montefelltro .....It was a gift....$$$$. I wonder how I ever did it with a 870 12 shooting at awkward angles on snow shoes. 20 ga. highbrass is all I hunt with. I have found lowbrass just tickles grouse and snowshoe hare.
The 870 is now a duck, goose and turkey gun and the Benelli is the work horse for 90% of all my other hunting. If I only could have one shot gun for all Wisconsin game an 870 Wingmaster be it. When grouse are on the menu a 20 automatic goes on the "armed nature walk".

Cheers



CBulovsky
Washburn Wi

RE: What gun to buy?
 

So I went and looked at guns today, price wise and from the way they felt I liked the Mossberg 500 (20 ga) and the Remington 870 (20 ga) they were both about the same in cost. Can anyone give me specific info that would help me differentiate?

Thanks all for the input!

RE: What gun to buy?
 

For the same price hands down the remington is the better gun.

RE: What gun to buy?
 

Given the choice between the Mossy 500 and the Rem 870, I'd prefer the Remington...The 870 action is a tried and true design, and I think Remington quality is a littlebetter than Mossberg's..

You have the right idea in choosing the 20 gauge for an upland gun... It's all you'll need for upland birds and it's lighter and quicker than a 12...

Another good option would be a gas operated auto, like the Rem 1100 or 11-87.. They cost more new, but you might find a good used speciman in a local gunshop or an online gun auction like gunbroker.com..

My ex wife has a 20 gauge M1100 LT20 and it is a SWEET upland gun..The gas operation lightens the recoil and it is a real joy to shoot...

Good luck with your new gun, whatever you decide to buy..

RE: What gun to buy?
 

Definitely go with the Rem. Mossbergs are sturdy and make good canoe paddles in a pinch, but I think you will be happier with the 870.

RE: What gun to buy?
 

The mossberg is going to have a top tang safety, the 870 Express will have a trigger guard safety. Other than that there are not very many differences other than how the barrels attach to the magazines.
Personally I would go with the Mossberg 500. Nothing against the 870 Express, but they have been having quality control issues for a while now....seems like they cannot polish the chamber area on an Express anymore.

RE: What gun to buy?
 

Weight is a double-edged sword. The heavier the gun is the faster you will get tired carrying it, but the extra weight will absorb some of the recoil so your shoulder doesn't have to.
If you can afford it, I would recommend a Remington 1100 in 20 ga. Depending on your body size you might be better served by a youth model, which is designed for shorter arms.
The 1100 is probably the most popular semi-auto shotgun ever made, and for good reasons. It is very reliable if cared for, and has less recoil than most other similar priced guns. Not the cheapest, but a good value.
(And no, I dont work for Remington. I'm not even in the industry at all.)
Good Luck, and have fun!