What is a decent, inexpensive shotgun?

[mauser]

Hello,

I've been out of bird hunting for a long time, and need to get back into a long-barreled shotgun primarily for land birds. My budget is tight right now, so I am debating between a solid, cheap pump gun (like the Remington 870 or the Benelli Nova) or getting something really cheap but decent, like the H&R break action or its equivalent. Not looking for junk, just the best value.

The heartbreaker is that my FFL has a nice Browning 12ga auto for $600 (used, but nice) which is almost twice my budget.

I know nothing about the quality of the other economical brands (mossberg, savage, weatherby, NEF pump guns etc.) and would appreciate some input.

Thanks!

[tpirman]

I don't think you can go wrong with a Remingtion 870. It's a pump but it *just works*. And I believe you can pick them up for less than $400.

Good luck and let us know what you end up getting.

[Jbox]

The 870 is nice but I prefer a Mossberg 500. They run close in price check them both out and see what you like better.

[aippi]

You can get the 870 Express with a 28 or 26" vent rib barrel with Rem Choke for around $300.00. The are only $282 at the Walmart here but since you are in what is almost a different country when it comes to guns I can't even guess at the price out there. This weapon will serve you well. You can pick up choke tubes for around $8 and change them to fit your need. Great all around shotgun. You can even get an 18.5" barrel and swap it out between hunting season so you have a dedicated Home Defense shotgun in the house.

[Joe22]

The 870 is nice but I prefer a Mossberg 500. They run close in price check them both out and see what you like better.

Thats first time I herd that... Never herd someone going with a mossy 500 rather than a 870 because they like it more.. Usually just because they are cheaper... The big 5 special..

Good shotguns none the less... I vote 870 tho like most people will..

[Thefeeder]

///

I would prefer to buy a used 870 Wingmaster over any 350.00 shotgun

[sevensix2x51]

it's ford vs chevy between the remmy 870 and the mossberg 500.

myself, i drive a gmc.
and i like my mossberg 500s. ive got 2, and they are both frickin awesome. never had a problem, and i pieced one of them together from a bare receiver lying around in a gunshop. in all honesty, id say whatever you get a good deal on, and has wood furniture, get it. i dont like plastic on my shotguns. personal preference, again.

[cgseanp1]

I bought a Benelli Nova this year for bird hunting.. I think i got it for right around 400 otd (in AZ, though).. It's a great gun. I didn't realize Benelli had cheaper priced guns, so I sure am glad the gun shop guy recommended it.

[MAX100]

The NEF H&R Pardner Pump is the best deal going. No other shotgun can touch it in it's price range and more for what it offers for the money.


GC

[wildog8812]

Thats first time I herd that... Never herd someone going with a mossy 500 rather than a 870 because they like it more.. Usually just because they are cheaper... The big 5 special..

Good shotguns none the less... I vote 870 tho like most people will..

It's just a matter of preference both are good guns, it is just which you like better in terms of the safety most of the time. I prefer the 870 safety among other reasons so thats what I shoot along with the fact that is what I am trained on. My buddy was trained on the 500 so he prefers the Mossbergs and that is what he likes. Both are good reliable guns and it is up to the user to make his decision.

[Rob454]

Just for a cheap hunting shotgun id say the Mossberg 500 combo at Big 5 is the cheapest you're gonna find new. used i woudl say that still.
You'll probably save about 50$ by buying used

[Jerry X]

Remington 870

[eccvets]

it really depends on what you consider inexpensive...

I say you shoot as many as you can and buy the one you like the best. dont go just by price because you'll probally end up regretting buying it.

[gixxer750]

Maverick Model 88

[freonr22]

shotgun ignorant here, but what about Ithaca? is there a difference between older or newer ones? are they just obsolete/crap or??