What Shotgun To Get?

[SureShot241]

I am looking to get a shotgun in the near future (around Christmas time) and I am on a budget (around $300-450) This will be my first shotgun purchase.

The purpose of the rifle would be for self defense / skeet shooting (not match or anything, just for fun)

The guns I have been looking at are:

- Mossberg 500 w/ 18 and 24 inch barrel (I believe its 24 inch barrel)
- Remington 870
- Mossberg 590

I understand you can do skeet with a 20" barrel but it is not designed for this. I would just be doing it on occasion for fun.

I am also looking to see if there are other brands with 20" barrels that will work just as good as these but for less ( I do not want to suffer on quality though)

[bjl333]

I am looking to get a shotgun in the near future (around Christmas time) and I am on a budget (around $300-450) This will be my first shotgun purchase.

The purpose of the rifle would be for self defense / skeet shooting (not match or anything, just for fun)

The guns I have been looking at are:

- Mossberg 500 w/ 18 and 24 inch barrel (I believe its 24 inch barrel)
- Remington 870
- Mossberg 590

I understand you can do skeet with a 20" barrel but it is not designed for this. I would just be doing it on occasion for fun.

I am also looking to see if there are other brands with 20" barrels that will work just as good as these but for less ( I do not want to suffer on quality though)

I always recommand a used Remington 1100 skeet. They are available for around $400 or so. There are shorter barrels available for HD.

If you want a gun with both barrels then be on the lookout for the Mossberg Combo at Big5. Guys will be able to give you a coupon code if/when it is available.

My best suggestion would be to go to a shotgun clinic and try some guns. There are 3 members here holding clinics, including myself. This usually will give you better insight as to what shotgunning is about!

Good Luck!!

[goldduster]

Don't most clubs require a minimum 26" barrel?

[lawhite92]

What goldduster said is what I was thinking. The club I am a member of requires a 26" barrel. Out of those three options I would recommend the Remington.

[lawhite92]

What goldduster said is what I was thinking. The club I am a member of requires a 26" barrel. Out of those three options I would recommend the Remington.

[BigDogatPlay]

My club is 24 or longer. The Mossberg combos come with an 18.5 inch and a 28 inch barrel. The longer is a fixed Modified choke, not choke tubes, for what it's worth. Still a good entry level deal.

[Mossy Man]

Keep in mind, if you get a 590, there are few (if any) barrel options available.

And the 590 comes in cylinder bore without a threaded barrel.

If you do plan on going to use your shotgun for things like trap/skeet, you will not be able to use the 590.

If you get a 500, even a shot 18.5" one for HD, you can always just buy a longer choked/threaded barrel later.

[Thefeeder]

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Here is some useful info for first time shotgun owners

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=425953

[XYZ]

Here is some useful info for first time shotgun owners

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=425953

Great thread. Thanks.

Bjl333, are there any clinics in the San Jose area?

[Thefeeder]

Great thread. Thanks.

Bjl333, are there any clinics in the San Jose area?

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

[XYZ]

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

After reading that entire thread I think I need to reevaluate my choice of shotguns . Other than going out with friends and shooting what they have (Big 5 specials) I'm a greenhorn. Thanks for the link. I'll sign up for a class.