Looking for shotgun ideas

[CandG]

There's no magic shotgun that will do everything at the top of it's class. That being said any good pump or semi auto is a good place to start.

For me, the best value out there is the Beretta A300. The synthetic stocked version is adjustable to fit most people.

My favorite "all around" shotgun is the M4, which I use for everything from upland hunting, to home defense, to slugs at 100 yards.

BUT... it was so friggin' expensive that it took me years before I was in a position I could actually afford it.

If I could do it all over again, I'd have bought an A300 about 10 years ago, rather than just waste all that time waiting for my M4. Rookie mistake on my part.

I still want an A300. Great shotguns. Love my M4, but it would be nice to give it a break every once in a while

[deckhandmike]

Galdo,
Not sure where you live, but, if you're near a Big 5 look at their Mossberg 500 deals. They are currently running two: 12 or 20 ga black synthetic with a 28" ans 18.5" barrel combo. The other is, Mossberg 500 camo with same barrel combo's. Both of these are, I believe, under $300.00. Worth a look. The camo version is 12ga only I think.

This is what you want. The 500 combo in camo. 300$ and as reliable as any expensive shotgun. A bonus too is that it will probably be the one gun not in the safe so if gets stolen not the end of the world. Or look at an 870 combo. Both will do.

[NATEWA]

I just picked up an 870 super mag with a 26" barrel. It came with a carlson 18.5" barrel with screw in chokes.

That would be my recommendation.

[Quiet]

Deer hunting? Is hunting deer with a shotgun legal anywhere in California?

I was under the impression this was legal, but I'm also very new to the world of hunting.

CA regulations allows for the use of shotguns in taking big game (deer, etc). [14 CCR 353(d)]


14 CCR 353
(d) Shotguns capable of holding not more than three shells firing single slugs may be used for the taking of deer, bear and wild pigs. In areas where the discharge of rifles or shotguns with slugs is prohibited by county ordinance, shotguns capable of holding not more than three shells firing size 0 or 00 buckshot may be used for the taking of deer only.

[Quiet]

Hey everyone, was hoping to get some advice. I am looking at getting a shotgun, and I need it to be flexible.
I would like to use it for home defense, and be able to hunt deer and turkey. I know that for home defense, i should be looking for a shorter barrel. At the same time, i know that for hunting the longer barrels are needed.

Is there a "magic" barrel length that would be good for both? Should i be looking for something like a combo (http://gunwatcher.com/Search-best-pr...18-24-for-sale) Or would it just be better to buy 2 different shotguns for that price point?

I know you all have had the same thoughts yourselves... What were your conclusions?

IMO...
Either a Mossberg 500 or a Remington Model 870 with two separate barrels, 18" barrel for defense and 28" barrel for hunting.

[deckhandmike]

CA regulations allows for the use of shotguns in taking big game (deer, etc). [14 CCR 353(d)]


14 CCR 353
(d) Shotguns capable of holding not more than three shells firing single slugs may be used for the taking of deer, bear and wild pigs. In areas where the discharge of rifles or shotguns with slugs is prohibited by county ordinance, shotguns capable of holding not more than three shells firing size 0 or 00 buckshot may be used for the taking of deer only.

Wait, what? Ok that is very misleading. The first part is slugs only and I've never heard of any areas that meet the second part.

The nice thing about the 870/500 is that the barrels can be changed in like 30 seconds with no tools.

[GrinderCB]

There's no combo that's going to be great for all areas. If you're a serious and frequent hunter then you won't be satisfied with a combo pack's 28" barrel and should get a full-on hunting gun depending on your preferred game. That way you'll get the choke setup you want, type of shells, can it handle steel goose shot, is there a 24" slug option for deer, etc. For home security any reliable 18" shotgun is fine, but your tactical setup may vary, like what kind of stock, pistol grip like the Mossberg Cruiser, drilled for a sight mount, etc. If this is a first shotgun, I'd recommend the combo pack and use it until it no longer suits your needs.

[deckhandmike]

If it's for deer hunting you will most likely need a rifled slug barrel as well.

[Horrendo Revolver]

Seen a lot of recommendations for pumps on this thread. They of course cost more but I prefer semi's. Mossberg has a 930 combo that is very nice. Used to have one with a field barrel and rifled slug barrel. Sold it during the first Obama gun panic because I was offered more than what I paid for and I didn't think I would ever use the rifled slug barrel.

If going for a straight field shotgun the A300 is nice. There are also several other shotguns just as nice, possibly nicer in the same price range or less.
Franchi Affinity
Remington V3
Weatherby SA-08
I see some people recommending the exact same shotgun over and over. Okay I get it, the person likes the shotgun, probably because it fits them and as a result they shoot it well. But that shotgun may not fit you well and if not you won't be able to hit anything with it.

So buy the shotgun, whether pump or semi that feels more comfortable when you shoulder it. Even better try to shoot as many as you can, if possible. Make your decision based on fit, not brand. Shims can only do so much and aren't the end all be all.

Mossberg 500 vs Remington 870 for example. Both are proven platforms and are of equal quality. I've also seen my share of lemons in both, but that happens with every model in every brand. Sell guns long enough and you will see it firsthand. The decision between a 500 and and 870 should be about fit, not brand.

[3006Garand]

Just go to your local gunshop, and buy a Beretta 1301.
You will not regret this advise.