Help picking first shotgun

[dpop24]

My first shotgun was the venerable 870 which I shot many ducks with and crushed tons of clays with. It's now relegated to HD duty and it's just fine for all three roles. I don't think you could go wrong with an 870 to start with.

[sactoshootingsensei]

I prefer the

Remington. Both are good guns, but the Remington just feels more solid, tighter tolerances. Both will last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. The Mossberg 500 feels a little sloppy IMHO. The 590 series feels better, but then you're paying more than you probably would for a nice 870.

I teach NRA Shotgun, so I get to handle quite a few and really like the 870s. Best bet, try both.

[CSACANNONEER]

Remington. Both are good guns, but the Remington just feels more solid, tighter tolerances. Both will last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. The Mossberg 500 feels a little sloppy IMHO. The 590 series feels better, but then you're paying more than you probably would for a nice 870.

I teach NRA Shotgun, so I get to handle quite a few and really like the 870s. Best bet, try both.

Ford vs. Chevy. I am an NRA shotgun instructor too. I own both 500s and 870s. I've hunted with a 500 since the 70's. The older 500s are made better than a new 870. The real differences are the loading ramp and the positions of the safeties. After that, it comes down to personal preference and finding the best deal for what you want.

[LowThudd]

Remington. Both are good guns, but the Remington just feels more solid, tighter tolerances. Both will last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. The Mossberg 500 feels a little sloppy IMHO. The 590 series feels better, but then you're paying more than you probably would for a nice 870.

I teach NRA Shotgun, so I get to handle quite a few and really like the 870s. Best bet, try both.

Ford vs. Chevy. I am an NRA shotgun instructor too. I own both 500s and 870s. I've hunted with a 500 since the 70's. The older 500s are made better than a new 870. The real differences are the loading ramp and the positions of the safeties. After that, it comes down to personal preference and finding the best deal for what you want.

What do you guys think of the Benelli Nova?

[CSACANNONEER]

What do you guys think of the Benelli Nova?

I've never shot one so, I have no opinion one way or the other.

[Ducky's Dad]

I own one. Very well made and reliable, handles like a pig.

[rmorris7556]

One of these

[lewdogg21]

Whatever you buy if it's used (or possibly new as I've seen shotgun still that don't ) make sure it has removable chokes. Many older shotguns are bored Full or whatever.

Don't need camo to hunt ducks either. If your gun is shiney just apply some camo tape (but remove it as moisture will trap underneath and rust).

I shot a black Benelli for a long time and now a camo SBE benelli, I got it for $400 so even if it was pink I would have bought it.

[fritztkatt]

Go for a stock Remington or mossberg, seriously, whatever feels better for YOU.

I like the mossberg more because they are left-friendly. I also don't like getting fingers caught in the shell lifter. I like not having to reach infront of the trigger gaurd to release the action. They're both good guns otherwise.

[surfbum]

Get a mossberg 500 and you can use the spare to go to the range and throw some skeet and shoot more. Get better for hunting

[DArBad]

I have the Mossberg 590 USMMC Model. Its built more for " combat " than hunting. Its got a 9 shot mag capacity, a heavy thick walled barrel, and metal trigger assembly. I like how it feels overbuilt for combat.

That said, if I'll buy another shotgun, it will be the Remington 870. Why? Because it feels " more refined ". I'd get one with the 26 inch length of barrel. Why? it will be used more for waterfowl shooting than " combat ".

[SmokeTheClay]

870 Express is finicky with ammo

[Thanatos2203]

First shotgun ever? NEF/H&R Pardner Pump, you can get them from Bass Pro or even Big 5. Its an 870 clone which accepts just about all aftermarket parts short of the barrel. Might not be as pretty or as smooth as an 870, but these things are well made workhorses and they are easy on the wallet. I've had mine for 5 years and just recently gave it a coat of VHT engine paint and it looks brand new. Use it, abuse, learn what you like and don't like about shotguns then buy what you really want and give this one to your kids. Choke tubes can be purchased from H&R directly for $28-$35 each.


You can always "splurge" for a Hogue furniture set and a Hi Viz sight.

[HighWildFree]

I have a mossy 500 and a 870, go with the 870. But nothing wrong with the mossy, just a little too much wobble for my liking and I hate the safety location.

If you can spent a little more, still under $400, look into the Remington 870 Sportsman, it's an 870 with better wood and a fiber optic front sight.

[LynnJr]

Of the two get the 870.