Cheap shotgun showdown

[MustangSteveGT]

I'd say used version of Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 from a pawn shop. Especially if you're just going to change all kinds of stuff on it anyways.
Even if something's messed up in the action, you can turn around and get a functional used receiver parts kit from the gun auction sites for like $30-$40.
I got an old Revelation 810a (1970's Mossberg 500) for right about $150 out the door. If I would have bought a new one for $300-$450, I would have changed the stock, added my own sling and barrel.
If you're planning on buying one and just keeping it how it is, maybe buy new but if you're just going to change everything on it and maybe only keep the original receiver and magazine tube, then buy used.
These older ones tend to have more metal parts too which I like on my home defense pump shotgun.

[Brien]

I've got a Maverick 88 on a 10-day hold right now. I didn't want to spend a lot on a shotgun that will spend most of its life hung above the closet door. I've spent more time choosing my ammo (#1 buck) then the gun.

[surplus-addict]

With all the suggestions here I would suggest in this order:

H&R Pardner Pump Protector
Hawk 982
Mossberg Maverick 88
Stevens 320

I've got a 320, and to tell the truth it always goes bang, but I'm not super impressed with the build quality compared to my H&R.

[9mill]

I have a pardner, I'de get the lighter smoother mossberg.

[JBaus]

I've got a Maverick 88 and have sent over 400 rounds down the barrel with Birdshot and Buckshot. I've taken it to BLM to shoot clay and gone to USI to do trap. For the price it can't be beat.....plus Mossberg 500 parts are interchangeable with the exception of the forend.

If possible, I would save the extra $100 and get the Mossberg 500 combo with the 28" and 18 1/2" barrels.

[89 Vision]

I have a Maverick 88 and it's a good shotgun. Pretty much any of the suggestions above will be suitable shotguns. I agree with the buying a used Mossy 500/590. I also have a 590 and it's definitely smoother and more durable than the Maverick. That's not to say the 88 couldn't take a beating, but a 500/590 could probably just take a beating for longer.

[Czsp-01-9mm]

Went and checked a few out, the 320 was nice with the ghost ring sights but the stock felt way to cheap, the h&r felt good hefty, I dunno I'll wait till Friday for sales to come out

[negolien]

Meh

With all the suggestions here I would suggest in this order:

H&R Pardner Pump Protector
Hawk 982
Mossberg Maverick 88
Stevens 320

I've got a 320, and to tell the truth it always goes bang, but I'm not super impressed with the build quality compared to my H&R.

I would only suggest the Hawk be at the top of the list. The build quality to me actually surpased the original 870 which was a little wierd since it's made in China.

[FastFinger]

Have a Hawk/Norinco 982 and I'm very pleased with it. Put about 600 rounds down the pipe w/o a glitch - 00 buck, slugs, whatever.

As mentioned pretty much every part that fits in a Rem 870 will fit on the 982 - except for the barrel.

Do some research and you'll find plenty of satisfied owners and very few complaints, certainly no more than an 870, although the 870 probably outsells the 982 by 10x. Point being that most 982 owners like them.

Last I heard Big5 stopped carrying them, but I haven't kept up with B5 so that may not be the case anymore.

BTW The H&R Pardner and the 982 have the same parts except the Pardner has a squared off receiver and the 982 usually comes with ghost ring sights, besides that they're the same.




If you do manage to get a 982 with the ghost ring sights (and I think they're worth looking for) replace the original Norinco flat head screws with these fasteners:

[Czsp-01-9mm]

Thanks for all the info guys, gonna take some of your guys advice save a few more dollars and buy a mossberg or an 870

[zfields]

Thanks for all the info guys, gonna take some of your guys advice save a few more dollars and buy a mossberg or an 870

good call.

[kosherbacon]

I'd totally get a Stevens 350 (ithaca 37 clone) if I didn't have an 870.

Big Five carries a version with peep sights and it's frequently on sale for around 250.

[GeeDog]

My used 1956 Wingmaster "deluxe model" was purchased a while back for right around the $200 - $250 range and is one sweet gun. Have 3 diff. bbls for it and it works for me for HD and for hunting just about any game, with the right shells for the job.

[border.bandito]

my vote would be to get a mossberg 500.

the action release and safety are much better placed than any of the others mentioned.
you can use the action release and safety without taking eyes off target and without changing grip.
field strip on a mossy 500 is about as easy as can be. my first time i didnt know what i was doing, removed the trigger assembly and everything fell out. for a split second i shat a brick until i realized how easy it was to figure out. back together in 2 minutes flat.
i've put over 3000 rounds through mine without a glitch (birdshot, 00 and slugs), I use it for HD with the 18" barrel and toss my 28" barrel for hunting or shooting trap.

by far, without a doubt, hands down THE best (and favorite) gun i own...more fun than my AR, XD and bazooka .
i would trust my life on it for HD and my stomach on it for hunting.

just my .02....

by the way, I got mine used for $150

[SteveSatch]

Anyone in So Ca have a Hawk or Pardner they want to sell?