Help picking first shotgun

[ascpb]

I'm looking to buy my first shotgun. I'd like to use it for clay shooting and in time to go out on my first duck hunt.

I'm looking at a Remington Model 870 or Mossberg FLEX 500 but really I'd love any opinion on a great first shotgun to get into waterfowl hunting with.

If anyone has any ideas I am all ears.

[Steve_In_29]

Either of those or pretty much any brand would suffice for your stated needs. Simply try them out in the store (or shoot them if you can) to find the one that fits YOU best.

[CSACANNONEER]

I've got both and both are perfect beater guns for hunting. Both have their advantages and disadvantages but, either will serve you fine for many years of field use and both are OK for learning how to shoot clays.

[Jet Setter]

Sportsman's Warehouse has the 870 right now for $290.

I like the 870 a lot.

[dudeman1986]

Either of those or pretty much any brand would suffice for your stated needs. Simply try them out in the store (or shoot them if you can) to find the one that fits YOU best.

Agree with this. Go to the store and shoulder all guns in your price range. Pick the most comfortable one while in a proper shooting stance.

[JagerDog]

Either of those or pretty much any brand would suffice for your stated needs. Simply try them out in the store (or shoot them if you can) to find the one that fits YOU best.

Well...except most new to shotguns wouldn't know what "fit" means for the most part.

[ascpb]

Appreciate the feedback.

How important would a camo finish model be? Should I pay the extra for a model that includes that?

[JagerDog]

Appreciate the feedback.

How important would a camo finish model be? Should I pay the extra for a model that includes that?

I wouldn't. Looks kinda hoakie on the clay's field. Last of my worries in a duck blind. Makes it easier to lose if you set it down (been done before). You can always add some camo tape or whatever.

[ascpb]

Awesome, thank you

[Steve_In_29]

Well...except most new to shotguns wouldn't know what "fit" means for the most part.

Okay partially agree but we aren't talking about some high end trap gun that can be adjusted for fit six ways to Sunday. Just an off the shelf starter and if a person can't tell what's comfortable for them then maybe they shouldn't be shooting.

[xXRifleManXx]

Real quick. Hunted in brackish water with a cheap 870 express for almost 15 years. Had a few issues in that time but it was never a big deal and my life wasn't on the line. All in all best beater value out there for me. During that same period I got a 870 wingmaster from the 80's and it has been flawless! Never really took and beat on it in the salt, but it's done heavy duty everywhere else. Turkey, duck, geese, dove, quail and sport shooting , love this gun and would not hesitate to trust it in a pinch in a HD situation. Mossberg is good to go for me, I use it exclusively for HD though. Next to my brothers beater 500 the 870 express feels a little more "solid" or tight but not by much . From what I've read ,seen , and herd the 870 of today is not as good as mine that was built in 99 and bought new in 2002. If you can I would said buy the mossberg new or pick up a old 870 that's broken in. Good luck and happy hunting!

Oh and camo is a non starter for me, maybe for turkey but really not worth it IMHO

[CSACANNONEER]

Appreciate the feedback.

How important would a camo finish model be? Should I pay the extra for a model that includes that?

It's funny that the exact same gun in camo is looked down on by clay shooters but, it is true. It's also true that you can often times find a deal on a higher end gun in camo. While I haven't duck hunted since non lead shot became the law (that's a long time ago), I never used a camo'd gun and never needed it. For turkey hunting I would go camo but, for everything else, it doesn't really matter.

[xXRifleManXx]

It's funny that the exact same gun in camo is looked down on by clay shooters but, it is true. It's also true that you can often times find a deal on a higher end gun in camo. While I haven't duck hunter since non lead shot became the law (that's a long time ago), I never used a camo'd gun and never needed it. For turkey hunting I would go camo but, for everything else, it doesn't really matter.

Good point on higher end guns going for less. And if you want a camo gun get one and shoot skeet with it, do you really care if it's a Scarlett letter at the clay range?

[JagerDog]

Okay partially agree but we aren't talking about some high end trap gun that can be adjusted for fit six ways to Sunday. Just an off the shelf starter and if a person can't tell what's comfortable for them then maybe they shouldn't be shooting.

IMHO they're all going to feel about the same and/or "comfort" won't be 'fit". Some rubber overlaid grip might be "comfortable" but have nothing to do with fit.

OP...a very crude fit is to close your eyes, shoulder the gun, then open your eys and see what your sight picture looks like. You should be lined up with the rib and for a field gun be looking even with the rib rather than seeing the rib itself. Sorry..having hard time explaining that so it makes sense.

Most on-the-shelf guns are made for on-the-shelf people. Average height and build.

You could attend one of the skeet clinics and glean a lot of knowledge.

[SoCal_Joe]

Hey OP,

Here's a decent article on the '500.

https://www.guns.com/review/2015/05/19/the-best-multipurpose-shotgun-for-shooters-on-a-budget-is-still-the-mossberg-500/

Hope this helps.

Joe