New to Shotguns Question

[Cobrastrike]

Looking for a cheap shotgun that can be for home defense, but double as a fun range gun...

I've seen some cool adapters for break action shotguns that can pretty much make your shotgun shoot any kind of ammo, which I find pretty cool.

Problem is, I've been looking at break action shotguns and for some reason they're stupidly expensive. Why is that? And is there a cheap, dependable one out there?

[dskit]

Pump guns are the way to go...mossbergs are a good choice.

[rromeo]

If you want a double, Stoeger makes an okay gun for about $400. It's not a Browing, Beretta, or Perazzi, but it will be functional.
The big difference between the cheap and expensive guns is the fit and finish. It's like opening a 1965 Chevrolet pickup door and then opening the door of a new Mercedes.

[XVIga_Rob]

Looking for a cheap shotgun that can be for home defense, but double as a fun range gun...

I've seen some cool adapters for break action shotguns that can pretty much make your shotgun shoot any kind of ammo, which I find pretty cool.

Problem is, I've been looking at break action shotguns and for some reason they're stupidly expensive. Why is that? And is there a cheap, dependable one out there?

Shotguns are are like car's, guitar's, or shoes. You have to find what you like, in your price range & intended use. Personally, I own a few pump guns that can & do it all! Well, there is that one dedicated HD gun I also own a pretty sweet little O/U that I bought before the price jumped.


I'd point you to a Remington 870.. If your not opposed to used, I'm sure with a little effort & luck, you could find a mildly used Wingmaster in great condition for a good price. If not, don't overlook the express models. They are solid guns and can be had for a very reasonable price.


Good luck with your search!

[DoddRod]

good deals on stoeger coach guns pop up in the market place from time to time. Personally I have always wanted a side by side.

[CSACANNONEER]

Get a sporting shotgun. It will work fine for HD and you won't look like a mall ninja at the range. I strongly suggest a pump (500 or 870) for a first shotgun.

[Cobrastrike]

Thanks for the input, guys...

Pump shotguns can't be converted to shoot anything else though, can they?

[bigbearbear]

Thanks for the input, guys...

Pump shotguns can't be converted to shoot anything else though, can they?

Yes they can.

http://www.gaugemate.com/adapters/pump-adapters

[Cobrastrike]

Yes they can.
http://www.gaugemate.com/adapters/pump-adapters

Sweet! I've only been finding the ones for break-action.

Been eyeballing the Mossberg 500 combo that goes on sale at Big 5. Prob make the leap and grab me some of those to mess with!

[bigbearbear]

Problem is, I've been looking at break action shotguns and for some reason they're stupidly expensive. Why is that? And is there a cheap, dependable one out there?

Check out the Ruger Red Label, is it not very cheap but at about $1000 for a break action, it is very nice. Probably the best deal on the market right now.

You can also look into Stoeger and Mossberg, they too have break action shotguns that are lesser known and quite a lot cheaper. They're ok so long as you're not a competition shooter putting thousands of rounds through them every week.

[CSACANNONEER]

Don't make a shotgun purchase based on novelty cartridge conversions. While the idea may seem cool, it's should not be looked at as anything but a novelty.

[Cobrastrike]

True...

What is it that makes break-action shotguns so much more expensive though?

Seems like pump action is so much more convenient, yet they're five times cheaper.

[Blackhorse2010]

Good O/U and side-by-sides require a LOT more hand fitting and finishing during the manufacturing process.
Pump guns can get away with stamped steel parts, the tolerances on quality O/U's is much, much tighter.
You won't find a single stamped part on a Perazzi or Kreighoff.

If you are just looking for a "every now and then" range gun that doubles as a HD gun, you may want to consider the Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 (both pumps).
For the range, put on the 26" or whatever barrel, when you get home put on the 18.5 inch barrel.

I wouldn't even screw around with sub-caliber stuff in a pump or semi.
If you want to shoot smaller gauges, buy smaller gauge guns.
Or, if you decide to go the O/U route (definitely more expensive), expect to pay more for both the gun and the tube set.

As an example, here's a Remington 3200 with tubes (and this is on the low end of the price spectrum).

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=416543783

Note: This is NOT my sale, just being used as an example.

[Cobrastrike]

Ahh, I see.. so much more labor goes into break-action.

Is there any functional difference besides the obvious? Are they more reliable or accurate or anything? Generally speaking, of course.

[Thefeeder]

Ahh, I see.. so much more labor goes into break-action.

Is there any functional difference besides the obvious? Are they more reliable or accurate or anything? Generally speaking, of course.

Quality.... round count is measured in 10's of thousands...they say you can not wear out a Krieghoff action
Better triggers and lock up time
Barrels that produce very good patterns with many, mant different loads
Guns are balanced so bringing the gun to bear take a lot less effort
Resale value
Hand Engraving
Quality of the wood for the stocks


as for a a first shotgun.....26" or langer barrels and interchangable choke...lots of 18" barrels out there to buy cheap....lots of sg owners are getting into the clay shooting