Need a universal bird gun.

[DrVino]

I am looking for a universal bird gun (turkey, water and upland).

It has to:

1a) have the shortest barrel possible to still achieve universality [is 22" too short? 24"?]

and

1b) fit in my safe (total gun length < 44" desired)

and

2) either come with a set of at least 3 basic screw-in chokes - or can take different screw-in chokes without any gun smithing.

AND

3) not break the bank.

From my reading, it seems that a pump action is preferred. Semiautomatic seems unnecessary.
I have no opposition to an over/under or a side-by-side, but am not clear on any major disadvantages of those or if any affordable ones are produced with the option to screw in chokes.

It also seems that a 20 gauge is enough and a 12 is not necessary - even for larger birds.

Help and tips much appreciated.

[pesty3782]

Well I have two 870 express shotguns that fit that bill...28 inch barrel screw in chokes...added bonus you can buy a shorter barrel and have a Home defense shotgun too.

Been using 870's for over 27 years now.

Tony P.

[b.thomas]

A good 12 gauge pump like my old Wingmaster is about as universal a shotgun as you can get. For the past 35 plus years it's been that way for me.

[junior40er]

I have spent countless hours deciding this myself. Ultimately, I ended up getting a Remington 870 Express with 28" barrell. They come with a modified choke and you can buy other chokes that can be swapped out easily. I would not go any shorter than 26" barrell if you want to shoot birds.

Plus they are not expensive and built very well. Remington 870's also have lots of aftermarket support.

[DrVino]

Well I have two 870 express shotguns that fit that bill...28 inch barrel screw in chokes...added bonus you can buy a shorter barrel and have a Home defense shotgun too.

Been using 870's for over 27 years now.

Tony P.

Thanks Tony

I have an 870 18" bbl for home defense. (It's tricked out with Knoxx stock and tacticool light and laser - for when I'm storming the castle. Need to take a pic and put it up in the shotgun porn gallery).

[DrVino]

A good 12 gauge pump like my old Wingmaster is about as universal a shotgun as you can get. For the past 35 plus years it's been that way for me.

b.thomas:

would a 20ga do the job?

AND

what is the shortest barrel length you'd recommend to still be a universal gun?

[DrVino]

I have spent countless hours deciding this myself. Ultimately, I ended up getting a Remington 870 Express with 28" barrell. They come with a modified choke and you can buy other chokes that can be swapped out easily. I would not go any shorter than 26" barrell if you want to shoot birds.

Plus they are not expensive and built very well. Remington 870's also have lots of aftermarket support.

Thanks, junior40er

I like the 870 because of its versatility and the fact that it's the most 'modifiable' shotgun out there.

So here are two questions:

Remmy 887 Nitro Mag? What do you think?

AND: how much can one expect a tight choke to compensate for shorter barrel length?

[junior40er]

887 nitro mag is not really needed in my opinion since non nitro can accept 2 3/4 and 3" shells, thats more than enough. Since 870 express already comes with a modified choke (what I use for dove hunts) I havent had the need to buy another choke.

From what I hear, your choice in choke is not THAT important for home defense since its close quarters and groupings stay pretty tight at any indoor distance.

If you want a home defense good and bird gun I would get 870 express with 28" barrel and if you want the shorter barrel to maneuver easier indoor then get second short 18" barrel to leave on and when u hunt just slap on long barrel.

[alfred1222]

I agree with rem 870 28"

[JagerDog]

For waterfowl, stick with a 12g. Just a whole lot more suitable ammo out there. Also, barrels shorter than 28" are not very conducive to waterfowl. The longer barrel provides for a smoother swing and helps get the muzzle blast away from your and buddy's (or dog's) ears. If your goal for a short barrel is HD, consider a dedicated gun or barrel.

Breech loaders will have a shorter OAL for a given barrel length. I'm a fan of autos in the field though I shoot my O/U on pheasants. When the shooting is fast, autos or pumps don't need to be taken out of battery to thumb another shell or two in.

By far, a quality pump is cheaper than a quality auto or double gun.

[CSACANNONEER]

Why not just get a Mossberg 500 combo kit from Big 5? You'll get an 18" barrel and a 28" one! 12g is normally easier to find a wider assortment of ammo for. But, I've dropped m,y share of ducks and geese with a 20g. The last reason I'd get a 20g is because of current ammo availability at Walmart. I'm not saying that this is your reasoning but, I've heard of a few people considering a 20g for only this reason.

[ddavis1946]

In regard to point 1b, I would shy away from a short barrel length just to get it to fit in your safe, especially on a bird gun. If you've already got an 18" HD shotgun (refence post #5), then there shouldn't be any problem keeping the bird gun broken down to fit in the safe with a 26-28" barrel. Takes all of 10 seconds to install a barrel on a Mossy500 or 870.

20 gauge is a great upland gun. I can't comment on a 20g for waterfowl though. I shyed away from the big5 Mossy combo because it didn't have screw in chokes. Just something to think about.

[Dattebayo]

CZ 712 Utility
The 712 Utility shotgun is an all-purpose shotgun, appropriately sized for both home defense and varmint control on the ranch. The Utility model has a 20” barrel for easy maneuverability in tight interior spaces or for mounting on an ATV.

Comes with 3 screw in chokes and accepts Benelli chokes and magazine extensions with no modifications required. Comes with a chrome barrel and in sizes 20, 26, and 28 inches.

All for $488. For under $500, that is a lot of gun.

[tpuig]

Get the right barrel for the job. You can always take it apart to put in the safe...

[CSACANNONEER]

In regard to point 1b, I would shy away from a short barrel length just to get it to fit in your safe, especially on a bird gun. If you've already got an 18" HD shotgun (refence post #5), then there shouldn't be any problem keeping the bird gun broken down to fit in the safe with a 26-28" barrel. Takes all of 10 seconds to install a barrel on a Mossy500 or 870.

20 gauge is a great upland gun. I can't comment on a 20g for waterfowl though. I shyed away from the big5 Mossy combo because it didn't have screw in chokes. Just something to think about.

Good point! I've seen ones with screw in chokes at Big 5 and some with fixed chokes. You just have to find the right combo kit! But, if the OP wants to spend a bit more, an 870 and a second barrel is the other good choice.