View Full Version : Looking for a shotgun for bird hunting
Matt@EntrepriseArms
09-18-2007, 3:29 PM
Hey guys,
I'm gonna deviate from my vendor stomping grounds and ask a question here: I recently got into bird hunting, and I am looking for a cheap shotgun to use that will be pretty reliable. I know the two don't always go together when you start looking at bargain basement prices, but I was looking at the Charles Daly shotguns, preferably in a semi-auto, but I'm open to an over/under or side by side as well. I was looking at some other other shotguns in some advertisment (I don't recall the brand) in the $200 range as well, just something to last me through the season. I plan to invest in a more expensive shotgun for next year's season, but that is next year....
Any recommendations? I'm not looking to bash any brands or manufacturers in any way, but I would appreciate input from anyone who has experience with "affordable" shotguns that they have used and enjoy.
Thanks!
dw1784
09-18-2007, 3:49 PM
how about a Mossberg (http://big5sportinggoods.shoplocal.com/big5/default.aspx?action=detail&storeid=2503829&rapid=0&pagenumber=0&listingid=-2092752664&offerid=&ref=%2fbig5%2fdefault.aspx%3faction%3dbrowsebrand% 26storeid%3d2503829%26brandid%3d-2099997358)?
it's on sale at Big 5 for $220.
heavyrecoil
09-18-2007, 4:02 PM
You just can't go wrong with a entry-level pump, such as the Mossberg 500 and the Remington 870 Express. They are very affordable (both well under $300), reliable, and versatile general-purpose hunting guns.
In the auto-loader realm, you might want to check out the Stoeger 2000 and the Remington/Spartan SPR 453.
www.stoegerindustries.com/firearms/index.tpl
www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/SPR_models/SPR453_autoloader.asp
-hanko
09-18-2007, 5:02 PM
Hey guys,
I'm gonna deviate from my vendor stomping grounds and ask a question here: I recently got into bird hunting, and I am looking for a cheap shotgun to use that will be pretty reliable. I know the two don't always go together when you start looking at bargain basement prices, but I was looking at the Charles Daly shotguns, preferably in a semi-auto, but I'm open to an over/under or side by side as well. I was looking at some other other shotguns in some advertisment (I don't recall the brand) in the $200 range as well, just something to last me through the season. I plan to invest in a more expensive shotgun for next year's season, but that is next year....
Any recommendations? I'm not looking to bash any brands or manufacturers in any way, but I would appreciate input from anyone who has experience with "affordable" shotguns that they have used and enjoy.
Thanks!
Matt, I started with a TX-pawn special...12ga Mossberg 500 with interchangeable chokes and a 26" barrel. It worked for dove, pheasant, chukker (sp??), and, with a choke for steel shot, for goose and ducks. It was well under $250 and provided a lot of nice dinners.;)
After a lot of shooting, I ended up switching to a Browning upland special in 20ga (nicer on the old shoulder) for upland birds, or alternatively, a Beretta o/u. Waterfowl still get taken with the Mossberg or a Remington 11-87 SP.
I'd recommend a pump to start as they're cheap, especially used...something you won't get screwed on if you decide shooting birds is not your thing.
If you looking for a used bird gun, check Mossberg, Remington, Browning and/or Ithaca in the fs forums here or on afrcom. If you have pawnshops nearby, let the pawn broker know what you're looking for.
hth
-hanko
I too recommend either a Mossberg 500 or Remington 870
In fact We just purchased my wife a 500 Combo from Big 5
comes with the good old 28" Vent Rib Barrel with a Modifies Choke and a 18.5" Barrel. it was only $219. I love my 500 and my wife wantted one too. I told her to old the 870 and compare the weight, she said she perfers the 500. But you can't go wrong with either.
Both the 500 and the 870 have so many options out there too...
I think for the next shotgun I get I want to get a semi as well. I've been looking at the Mossberg 930. Big 5 carries them for a little over $400...
timmyb21
09-18-2007, 7:01 PM
Remington/Spartan SPR 453.
www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/SPR_models/SPR453_autoloader.asp
Where can I find one and how much will it cost me. Gunbroker was no help...:D
ivanimal
09-18-2007, 7:29 PM
A good place to start is a gun store that sells used shotguns. Some of the older guns have a lot of good wear and smoother actions. You can get a good deal and have a quality shotty worth what you paid when you want to upgrade.
Matt@EntrepriseArms
09-19-2007, 4:14 PM
thanks for the responses guys!
I am definately going to check out some mossbergs and stoegers.
However, when I went to Big 5's website, I got distracted by the fact they have Mosin Nagant 91/30's on sale for $74!!!!!!! I may need to pick a couple more of those :)
Back to shotguns. Unfortunately I am new to playing with shotguns, and was never interested in shooting skeet or trap. So when I went dove hunting recently, I borrowed my buddy's Remington 870 Wingmaster. While this is a superb shotgun, I struggled with getting a second shot off and didn't like having to pump the action.
So I am heavily leaning to a semi-auto, side by side, or over/under.
CSACANNONEER
09-19-2007, 4:39 PM
+1 on getting a pump! Of course, you won't have to pump a $79 single shot. If you hit your target with the first shot, you don't need a quick follow up. Yea, there's that whole argument about multiple targets but, with a single shot, you'll get to hunt longer before you limit out!
Matt@EntrepriseArms
09-20-2007, 8:14 AM
Yeah, I guess I better not miss my first shot :)
I did find that unless I got the dove with my first shot, my follow up shots were not effective at all :(
That is due to my lack of experience of hunting with shotguns, so thats why I'm looking for any advantage I can get!
CSACANNONEER
09-20-2007, 3:34 PM
Yeah, I guess I better not miss my first shot :)
I did find that unless I got the dove with my first shot, my follow up shots were not effective at all :(
That is due to my lack of experience of hunting with shotguns, so thats why I'm looking for any advantage I can get!
That's a good reason to get a single shot! The advantage that they offer is that they force you to become a better shot!
metalhead357
09-20-2007, 5:19 PM
$200???????
THAT will be a tuff bill to fill with a Semi auto; Bump it to $400 and you're well within range of a a decent Rem 1100...pretty much UNarguably one of the best all around shotguns out there.
Get used to the pump.....
I've litterally gone through DOZENS of shotguns over the years and ya' know what? I KEEP GOING BACK TO THE REM EXPRESS 870.... a steal-of-a-Deal I got off a Pawn shop shelf that was covered in greese, dirt, and dust For $125 INCLUDING Dros and tax....got her home to find it was a 99% condition gun...didn't even look/smell fired or even of cleaner:eek: just somebody's pawn in a shop that wasn't much of "Gun foot traffic" and so it apparently sat past the consignee's deadline...and sat..and sat.... unfired and essentiall new picking up dust until I came along:D
BEST dang shotgun I've EVER owned, From Benelli (Now who resides with a member here) on down the list...even Mossberg...I gotta put the Express as the creme-de-la-creme. then truly a toss up for me at least between a Mossy 500 and/or a REM 1100
So short of bumping to $400 range THAT m' friend is the best advice I can give....thems m' words and I'm sticking to 'em...............
You may just want to spend some time at the range shoot'n Skeet or Trap. Just get used to having to hit your target with one shot and you won't have to worry about a follow up shot... LOL;)
You didn't mention what birds you'll be hunting, but there are quite a few choices. I bought a new Browning BPS pump a couple decades ago ($275), and it's a fantastic duck gun. Beautiful to look at, incredibly smooth, and is perfect for sitting in a blind. I later picked up a Weatherby over/under ($200) and used it for pheasant. It's a real pleasure in the field, and there's just something nice about a side by side or over/under when walking in a field or shooting trap.
While I like most pump and autos, these two are my go to guns when hunting. I don't think I'd ever sell them because I don't like anything else enough to replace them. (MAYBE a Ruger Red Label) It's possible to find a nice gun in your budget, so keep your eyes open in the pawn shops and consignments.
I guess my view is get a nice gun that you'll enjoy shooting and keep for the long term. Hope this helps.
TP
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