Buying my first shotgun

[Fabio]

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=255371

So a while back I put this thread up about getting my first shotgun and got fixated on the 870 and was positive I would buy but life got in the way like it tends to but alas I am back and legitimately ready to finally get it now my only question is from where. I have three options here. One there's a local shop selling a new regular 870 with an 18in barrel parkerized finish(so they say) black synthetic stocks overall pretty plain Jane for 450 out the door. Option two is a pawn shop selling a lightly used 870 longer barrel blued with wood stock and foregrip for 350 out the door. Last is trying my luck at some more shopping via local or Internet or out of town gun shops dependent on wether or not those are decent prices.

So I ask what should I do?

Thanks all

[Ricky-Ray]

Depends on your preference if you want synthetic or wood stock. Not sure where you live but price sounds about right.

You might be able to find it for less online but have you factored in the out of state transfer fee that the FFL would charge? There's no real set price on what the FFL's could charge so if you have found a FFL in your area that does really cheap out of state transfer it might be cheaper to buy from the local store.

Also I'm not sure if you know but you would still have to pay the tax on out of state gun purchases too.

Personally, factoring in all that plus you have to wait for the FFL to ship the shotgun to your FFL to do the DRO's, I'd rather just pay a few bucks more and get it from the local store and I can start my DROS right away.

[negolien]

making it too complicated go to big 5 or sports authority. Used guns are a crap shoot.

[reidnez]

making it too complicated go to big 5 or sports authority. Used guns are a crap shoot.

This...870's are a dime-a-dozen. They are on sale at Big 5, Turner's, etc. all the time. You could probably buy a new one for the same $350 that the pawn shop wants for it used--or talk them down to $300. They are cheap guns, prices aren't going to vary wildly. It's certainly not something I'd bother shipping in from out-of-state (especially considering the fees that most FFL's charge for this).

[HOGLEG]

Keep an eye on the sales adds. Turners, Big 5.

Figure out what you want to do with the gun. Home defense, clays, trap, skeet.

The answer will guide your decision. Didn't read your other thread,..

[CWDraco]

Can I ask what was it about the 870 that decided it over say a 590.

[Joe'Bronco]

If your interested in an upgrade from the 870, i saw a Nova for sale in the classifieds for around $300-$350...

[Jet Setter]

Haggle with the Pawn shop. That should be cheaper.

[Fabio]

I chose the 870 cause of the simplicity and from what I've been told the quality is better now if that's true or not I'm unsure of but I'm set on the 870. Preferably I'd want a used gun for it being cheaper potentially and less break in. I honestly haven't given big 5 or any local sports store a gander but I will. I did like the parkerized finish on the one selling for 450 just not sure if a finish is worth the price spike alone

[ERdept]

After owning many 870's, and 590's, I'd go with a Benelli Super Nova.

But for an auto loader, I'd do a Benelli M2, after owning three M4's and and M2.


I have a Winchester 1300 in the classified for 275, that is absolutely reliable and very short to cycle the action

[ronrichards64]

Wingmaster or Express 2 2/4 or 3 inch mag . I bought a new express barrel with tubes on EBAY it has a 3 1/2 chamber . My wingmaster is a old 2 3/4 receiver , works fine . Also bought a new 18.5 inch painted barrel ,Remington made. My 870 is a parts gun that I paid 400+ to build .

[XVIga_Rob]

I agree, the gun you want will depend on your intended use. On another note, I would say that an 870 or any solid/reliable pump gun would be considerded inexpensive vs. cheap. An 870 in good to excellent condition is tough to beat!

Just my $.02. I go with the wood & blue. Plastic & parkerized finishes on a shotgun are over rated (again, just my $.02 here). I would think (dropping cash on the counter) that you should be able to get the price down pretty easily.

Last fall, I traded a like new Nova 20ga. plus a little cash for a slightly used 870 Wingmaster that flat ROCKS in both looks & function!

[yoitsbruce]

if your close to insight cerritos or fieldtime shooting range you can tryout my supernova i have for sale

[Fabio]

Thanks for the offer sir I would gladly take you up on that but alas I live but some 80+ miles away :/

As far as the 870 goes I take it 450 is rather steep and the 350 is a more realistic option if I can talk it down (prices include background and tax should have mentioned that earlier)

Ill head over to big 5 tomorrow and see if they have upcoming deals. Ill call some local gun shops too.

[yoitsbruce]

thats a good plan,
look for shells & slugs