1st shotgun - need advice

[GunHo]

Hi all. Been in the gun scene for about 3 years now. I have 3 rifles and 6 pistols. Im looking for nice shotgun to complete my collection. My buddy goes clay pigeon shooting which seems fun. And ammo availability seems to be plentiful at pre-panic prices. Looking for a little advice. I have little knowledge with shotguns but the few things I know is that I want a pump action and a 12 gauge, which I believe is the most popular shell for shotguns.

[bcsquare]

Tell us more about what you intend to do with the shotgun.

You can't go wrong with a Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 but they come in various configurations based on their intended use. But either way, it all depends on what you're trying to accomplish with a shotgun.

[gun toting monkeyboy]

It normally boils down to either a Remington 870, or a Mossberg 500. Pick the one that fits you best and go for it. Usually the best deal for a first shotgun is one of the Mossberg 500 combos that comes with a shorter barrel for "social" purposes, and a 26-28" barrel for hunting/clays. Google 870 vs 500, and you will have months of reading material. Personally, I would go with whichever one has the controls where you like them. I prefer the Mossberg's layout, and the action on the 870. So I got both.

-Mb

[Sunday]

It normally boils down to either a Remington 870, or a Mossberg 500. Pick the one that fits you best and go for it. Usually the best deal for a first shotgun is one of the Mossberg 500 combos that comes with a shorter barrel for "social" purposes, and a 26-28" barrel for hunting/clays. Google 870 vs 500, and you will have months of reading material. Personally, I would go with whichever one has the controls where you like them. I prefer the Mossberg's layout, and the action on the 870. So I got both.

-Mb

Probably the best advice !!! They work well and have tons of parts and accessories on the market.

[quadmx301]

I'm fully in agreement w/ guntotingmonkeyboy. The Mossberg 500 and Remington 870 are both fantastic shotguns. Go handle them both, see which one feels better to you, and go with that. I do like the safety on the 500, it's very convenient. Replacement barrels are readily available for both, so if you want an 18" barrel for Home Defense, it's only about $80-$100. So many variations for different needs and uses.

If you are thinking semi, I'm not sure what to recommend because I have little experience with semi-autos, but the Weatherby SA-08 has really caught my eye recently. Very good looking gun. I also know that the Mossberg 930 SPX has a two-barrel package available, but I know nothing about the 930.

[CWDraco]

How much money you got to spend?

[stephenmgd]

I have a mossberg 500spx, thing kicks like a mule. My friend has a 870, less recoil and has better furniture options.

[CSACANNONEER]

I have a few shotguns including both 500s and 870s. Both are great choices for casual trap shooting, hunting and Biden home defense. As a lefty, I like the 500's safty better than 870's but, if you are planning on going with a tacticool pistol grip or PG stock, you might be better off with the 870's safety.

[POLICESTATE]

Yeah I used to rock a Mossberg 500, loved that shotgun, slug barrel, 6 round magazine... I sold it at one point, I should have kept it.

Now I rock a boom stick:




I prefer it to the pump

[CSACANNONEER]

I have a mossberg 500spx, thing kicks like a mule. My friend has a 870, less recoil and has better furniture options.

LOL. It is not the action or the manufacturer, it's probably just how each one fits you. If you are shooting the same ammo and the guns are close to the same weight, the only difference in perceived recoil between the two will be how each one fits you. Other's will experience the exact opposite.

[dc2integra]

I have a mossberg 500spx, thing kicks like a mule. My friend has a 870, less recoil and has better furniture options.

The mossbergs tend to be lighter than the 870. I have shot the 500 and 870 side by side and when shooting the 500 I tend to feel more of the recoil but I still like mossbergs over the remington because of the configuration.

[TMB 1]

I think one of the best first pump shotguns is the Mossberg 500 combo.

[0150r]

LOL. It is not the action or the manufacturer, it's probably just how each one fits you. If you are shooting the same ammo and the guns are close to the same weight, the only difference in perceived recoil between the two will be how each one fits you. Other's will experience the exact opposite.

Could also be the recoil pad...some are better than others.

[Wodsworthy]

You should go out with your buddy's and see what you like the most. Honestly if you're going to go clay pigeon shooting with them often, I'd recommend investing in a Over/Under or semi auto eventually.

[Mason McDuffie]

Get the most expensive shotgun you can.