Help picking first shotgun

[Burungkol]

try out both. imho, any of the two would be good. if i were to choose, 870.

[trapperjohn]

Those that say shotgun fit is most important are correct - you should find the gun that fits you best, or can be made to fit you with the least amount of work.

But the best advice I can give is to first learn about shooting a shotgun, regardless of what you will be using it for. If you are in Southern California, I'd suggest you attend an upcoming SoCal Shotgun/Skeet clinic.

At these clinics, you will learn the basics (and much more) about safely shooting a shotgun, what shotgun fit is and how you can determine what fits you, and how to shoot clay targets for all of the clay games (and live birds as well, since that's what all the clay games are practice for).

After the clinic, you will be much better to answer your question for yourself, because you will have the information, insight, and tools needed to determine what is right for you, specifically.

More clinic info can be found here:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1081488

Good luck and safe shooting.

[ascpb]

Thank you everyone. I found all of this advice very helpful.

[JagerDog]

There's Nor Cal skeet clinics as well. I think they just had one a week ago. I think there's another coming soon (before dove season 9/1).

They could help you be an informed shopper.


Edit:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=405000

[Odd_Ball]

I have been looking at the 500 vs 870 as well for pretty much the same uses as the OP.

What I dislike about the Mossy 500 (as a hunting shotgun) is the difficulty in finding a non-ported barrel with an interchangeable choke.

Just something for the OP to be aware of.

[LowThudd]

I have been looking at the 500 vs 870 as well for pretty much the same uses as the OP.

What I dislike about the Mossy 500 (as a hunting shotgun) is the difficulty in finding a non-ported barrel with an interchangeable choke.

Just something for the OP to be aware of.

Check ebay. There are like hundreds of them.

[LowThudd]

I am in the Mossberg camp, but if you do go with a Reminton, here is a $25 rebate. http://www.gandermountain.com/assets...bate__Form.pdf

[philobeddoe]

Here's how I pick mine, I go to the local independent gun shop
and I cruise the used shotgun rack, look for what suits my needs,
barrel length, capacity, choke/no choke, sights/no sights,
condition of shotgun and stock etc. ... and price ...
and then what may or may not be available on the market for upgrades - typically not an interest of mine -

and if the price, condition, features are right, I hand over my money and wait ten days.

Then I shoot, clean and maintain it ... but they are not used gently.

There's always good quality used shotguns on the used rack.



HTH.

[LowThudd]

Also check out Turners. They are having a demo gun sale right now. http://www.turners.com/info/display-...e#.Vcj0fiZVgaA

[Motosurgeon]

I like my 870 for skeet and trap and would take it hunting any day. It did take some work to the extractor but it's working better now, sorta.

[Ducky's Dad]

Camo is a waste of money and will eventually start to peel off if you use the gun hard. Don't worry about what the range types think. I shoot preseason skeet with my bird guns and hunting vest on because it's the best way to practice for real birds. Re fit, if you are semi-normal (5'-8" to 6'+ and not obese or anorexic), just about any off the shelf gun that has not been modified will fit you reasonably well. It's not like you are buying a Perazzi. It's a pump gun and probably a used one at that. Don't obsess, just find one you like and start shooting. Bird seasons are coming and the 870s are calling your name.

[Ducckk]

One important thing to ask, are you left handed?

The cross-bolt safety on the 870 can be a pain in the butt if you are a lefty as you need to reach around the trigger guard to disengage it. The 500's safety being on the tang (top back of the receiver) is great for a lefty (and righty).

I'm a lefty and I love my 500 with the Magpul Stealth Grey furniture.

[Steve_In_29]

Other lefty friendly shotguns are the Browning BPS and Ithaca Model 37.

[someR1]

can't go wrong with the remi 870

[Wallabing]

May I recommend benelli nova? Excellent shotgun.