Hey all,

I know absolutely nothing about waterfowling, or shotguns for that matter...but I'm thinking of picking up a pardner 28'' 12ga to get into the hobby.(so I have all summer to practice before the seasons next fall)The gun is cheap, around $225 new. Anybody have any feedback on this gun or the performance of other firearms made by New England firearms??

Thanks in advance

If you're going to shoot steel shot, you should go with a 12 gauge, or a 20 at minimum. If you're going to shoot premium, heavier than lead shells, then a 28 would be ok for certain situations. Ideally, for waterfowl a 12 gauge is the way to go.

chrowski is talking about getting a 12 gauge with a 28 inch barrel... not a 28 gauge.

I shot one a few times
It is basicly a 870 clone , but I believe uses WinChoke/ Mossberg type choke tubes

The one I shot was not real smooth , but it would probely smoth out with a little use and oil

The one I shot was owned by a fellow duckhunter and his set son used it all this season
That I know of , he didn't have any problems

John

For the money, the 870 is the way to go.... if you do some shopping, you can get one for just a few bucks more.

I concur with the recommendation to get the Remington 870. Look around at ads, and you will find various sporting goods stores sell these shotguns at about $280 (before taxes). The Remington 870 is very reliable and functional. Get the black synthetic stocked version in 3 1/2" chamber. I primarily shoot 2 3/4" shotshells, but sometimes 3" magnums, and I'm glad I have the flexibility to use 3 1/2 super-magnums in case I have occasion to go on a goose hunt. The Remington 870 is cheap enough that you won't freak-out if you splash water and/or mud on the shotgun or even drop it in the marsh but is a quality shotgun that will last you a long time if you take care of it. I've used mine for four seasons, now, and it looks and functions like new.

Got the pardner 12ga, cammo dipped for 199.99! Shot about 250 rounds out of it between myself and my friends(who know shotguns well) so far, and everyone has been impressed with the guns performance and handling especially when factoring in how little it cost.

I'll keep you guys posted come waterfowl season...

The wife hooked me up with one for Christmas. I LOVE IT. I usually shoot a Remington 1187 but it is in for fixing (over 3 months now). I needed a back-up gun and this fit the bill nicely. Shot a limit of birds 2 days after christmas and only made 10 shots. Fits me perfect and functioned flawlessly.