I'm willing to wager that shotguns have accounted for more deer harvests than CF rifles.
I know for a fact that shotguns have harvested more B&C bucks than the most popular CF rifle caliber.

I wouldn't even switch to CF if given the choice, out of dozens of deer I've harvested, only 2 were > 125yds.

I started out hunting deer with just a shotgun, they knock em down...nothing wrong with Shotguns. I still hunt with one.

IF you are planning on all of them (Deer, Waterfowl), you could go with a remington 870 with a smooth bore and do all types of hunting with that. Just use rifled slugs. Then if you decide you like it, and want to upgrade a little, you could either get a rifle, or buy a cantilever barrel for the 870, thats what I use and love it.

thanks a lot for all of the responses! I am leaning towards the 870 combo, seems like at least for now it will serve my needs.

and, I do know how to use a shotgun, not sure what I said that made you think i didnt.

I vote for the 870 Remington. Start with a shotgun barrel and as several here have stated get the cantilever barrel for deer if you like. I have had an 870 for more years than I care to admit and have literally put thousands of rounds through it between the skeet and sporting clay fields and sea duck hunting off the coast of Maine. I have never had a problem with the gun at all.

I use a mossberg super mag. 3 1/2 Inch 00 buck shot for deer. Works great. Alot recoil there. Rifles are great for shooting over 45 yards. Get what fits the area your hunting and the game laws in your state.

"Remington 870 is a decent gun. Get one with 2 barrels. One rifled and one smooth bore." Bristowboy


Good starter set-up - nuff said.................!

Remington 870 is the gun I first started with and I still use it. I use if for early trurkey season, dove, duck, coons, squarrils, but buck shot in it for deer when we run dogs. its just a great gun. I also have it near by if I need to use if when someone breaks in.

I'm in CT also and been hunting deer & ducks for quite a while. What part of the state are you located?
Any perticular question about CT hunting or guns send me a PM an we can discuss at length.

Take Care, Jeff

Thanks a ton guys!

Thanks Jeff, I live in the southwestern part of CT, you?

I agree with that!