Buying my first shotgun

[Fabio]

Well im new here and to guns (unfortunately ) but as I will be turning 18 soon im looking into buying my first gun. Im looking to do plenty of research and become all around more knowledgeable about guns in general but I want a shotgun for my first. However being that I know little I came to ask for suggestions on what a great reliable, versatile, durable shotgun would be. Been looking around for a while and the one that has really stuck out for me was a Saiga 12, are there any issues what so ever I should be aware of with it? Be it legal, operative, etc.

Thanks All

[smt77]

I like my Remington 870. Relatively inexpensive and well made. Can't go wrong with it.

[mds2004]

Being your first shotgun I would go with a pump, most likely being a Remington 870 or the Mossberg 500.
I dont like the idea of the Saiga12 being your first shotgun having to deal with the mag lock.

But before suggestions I should ask...what is your intention with the shotgun? Purely home defense? shooting birds? rabbits? deer? trap? skeet?

also what is your price limit?

[Fabio]

The 870 was another one that I was really interested too, might look into it more.

As for intention well thats why I would want it to be versatile but defense is where I would want it mainly.

Price limit depends on what is suggested, thankfully I have no family to support at the time being so that is something I can work with.

[Nxd9ar15xcrL]

My first is a mossberg 500. But I will always want the 870. That said I will be getting it.

Lesson: get what you really want or you end buying 2.

[Jeffy]

I would not recommend a Saiga to a newbie as you really need to understand the laws for OLL's with some authority. It's very easy for someone to create a AW if they do not understand the laws.

Since you want a versatile gun, I would choose a standard shotgun. Either a pump or a semi-auto. This will allow you to change barrels to different lengths to suit your current needs. 18.5 for home defense then swap a longer barrel on for clay or hunting. Very simple to do unlike with a Saiga. No need to dick around with featureless or bullet buttons either. Need more then 3-4 rounds, then you can add an extension tube.

Just don't go all tacticool.

[Go Packers!]

Welcome aboard.

Benelli Nova Pump. You can even get these at Big 5 on sale now for $349. If you want it with ghost ring sights and a pistol grip with a butt stock, you will have to go to a regular gun shop. These features will up the cost to about $420 or so.

[Fabio]

I would not recommend a Saiga to a newbie as you really need to understand the laws for OLL's with some authority. It's very easy for someone to create a AW if they do not understand the laws.

Since you want a versatile gun, I would choose a standard shotgun. Either a pump or a semi-auto. This will allow you to change barrels to different lengths to suit your current needs. 18.5 for home defense then swap a longer barrel on for clay or hunting. Very simple to do unlike with a Saiga. No need to dick around with featureless or bullet buttons either. Need more then 3-4 rounds, then you can add an extension tube.

Just don't go all tacticool.

haha.........

I was just starting to like it too

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model-870/model-870-express-tactical.aspx

Welcome aboard.

Benelli Nova Pump. You can even get these at Big 5 on sale now for $349. If you want it with ghost ring sights and a pistol grip with a butt stock, you will have to go to a regular gun shop. These features will up the cost to about $420 or so.

Thanks I'll look into it

[mds2004]

Big 5 also carries the Mossberg 500 which is very much like the Remington 870. When on sale it is usually $260 or so with both a short and long barrel.

When at home you can keep the short barrel on but when hunting or shooting clays you can throw the long barrel on. We have a Mossberg 500 and it is an absolute workhorse.

[bigthaiboy]

I would not recommend a Saiga 12 as a primary defense shotgun, unless you have a bucket of money laying around, to pay a 2A savvy lawyer resulting from any legal implications which may result, if you ever had to shoot an armed perp inside your property line. Get a Saiga 12 to use as a range toy, but get a Mossberg 500 / 590, or Remington 870 as your home defense shotgun.

[Trapper]

+1 for the 870 much more versitile than the Saiga. Do you have a trap range in your area that rents the Mossberg 500 or Remington 870? You may want to try them both and see which one you prefer.

[Fabio]

So im guessing its pretty much agreed upon that the long standing 870 is the agreed upon choice?

Also I looked into the Benelli super nova I liked everything I saw but it seems the receiver is a polymer plastic, is it?

[Jeffy]

haha.........

I was just starting to like it too

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model-870/model-870-express-tactical.aspx

I wouldn't say the Remington 870 Tactical's are bad. The breacher choke is a bit useless but the gun is otherwise OK.

So im guessing its pretty much agreed upon that the long standing 870 is the agreed upon choice?

Also I looked into the Benelli super nova I liked everything I saw but it seems the receiver is a polymer plastic, is it?

The only downside to a Benelli Super Nova/Nova is that additional barrels are expensive. I wouldn't worry too much about the polymer receiver since it has a steel frame.

[luckystrike]

Get an 870 Police with a parkerized finish, rifle sights, and and an 18" riot barrel. Then buy a 26", 28", or 30" field barrel with interchangeable rem chokes.

thats if you want to spend $750 on a $400 shotgun

[Crusader Matt]

You have my vote for an 870 as well. Like others have mentioned the 870 is a great shotgun thats reasonably priced and versatile. The 870 Express does indeed go on sale at Big 5 from time to time and is well within the 'first gun' price range. A Saiga would be an intense first shotgun IMO.