new gun
#10
Join Date: Nov 2003
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Posts: 104
RE: new gun
Well, my first gun that I ever shot a deer with was a Harrington & Richardson .410 It was accurate as all get out. But in my opinion, if your Dad is gonna get you a gun... go with a Benelli. I never thought in a million years I'd ever buy one. My brother died and I've used his Benelli since... I don't think I'd ever go back to another automatic. If cost is an issue there is one simple solution: The ol' Remington 870 Express. In my mind there aren't many guns that can hold up to it. It's stood the test of time in my opinion. They've been around for a LONG time and there's a good reason for it. They are smooth and reliable. These days, you can buy a gun specifically designed for deer hunting and all it has is a slug barrel. I'd go for an 870 with a standard barrel then buy a slug barrel for it. That way you have a reliable gun for both birds and deer. As far as gauge... go with whatever feels comfortable. Try shooting a 12 and see if you feel comfortable with it. If not, stick with the 20 until you feel comfortable using a 12. Another option: Go with a bow!!!! I love bowhunting more than anything else on this earth (except for my wife and son) and, to me, there's nothing that beats the thrill of getting that deer within 5 yards (or less a lot of the time) and seeing, almost in slow motion, that arrow go in just behind the shoulder. I shot my first deer with a bow at age 11 and I've been doing it ever since. I use a rifle on occasion, but only because of the comaraderie of deer camp. Hope this rambling helps a little!