Let's talk Shot

[Wild West]

So I'm planning a purchase soon and wanted to hear some feedback on a few shotguns. I'm no guru when it comes to them, so they all look good to me. I'm going to be mainly using it for a late night uninvited guest greeter, but will also be taking it to the range and shooting skeets and targets.

I have done some research and watched a ton of videos and have come to the conclusion that I like either a Remington 870 tactical or a Mossberg 590 a1 service model but am open to other suggestions like a Bellini or others.

The only restrictions I have are price and I want a pump action. Everything else I own is a semi-auto so I'm looking to not go that route. I'd prefer one with some decent sights already on it too. I'm not gonna spend a ton of money on one, I really don't think I need to being I'm not going to be shooting competitively or anything so I'm willing to spend $500-$650 max.

So throw out your suggestions if you can and I'll look it up. Thanks guys!

[NeverlosT]

now sure if $500 is going to put you in the benelli range.

If you are just looking for something for home defense, some mossberg pump options seem to be very popular.

Head to a good gun shop (not one of these tacticool jokes where everyone thinks they invented the gun, but a real gun shop) and ask some questions, also, ask about used guns. You can get a much nicer weapon and most folks who purchase home defense guns barely ever use the things in my opinion.

good luck!

[Chilidaugz]

no 590a1 for skeet.

[Thefeeder]

What ranges are near your home...visit them and ask what you shoot there. No sense in buying a shotgun that you can only shoot on a 50 ft lane.


If your going to buy your first shotgun, get one with field stock, long barrel and interchangable choke tubes.....there are plenty of cheap 18" barrels on the market. Also, I was at a gun store a few days back and was surprised at the inventory of Tack shotguns on the used gun rack.......everyone is getting into clay shooting these days.

[JohnnyMtn]

I have a Remington 870 Police Magnum. Very similar to the 870 Express models except that the Police line has a parkerized finish. Mine also sports tritium rifle sights which came standard. I can't remember exactly but I think I paid in the high $500's for it.

I would put the Police Magnum in the same exact ballpark as the Mossberg 590a1. Both are superb and very well built. The difference really comes down to the ergos. Do you want a tang safety or a cross bolt safety? I prefer the cross bolt which is why I went Remeington.

[Wild West]

no 590a1 for skeet.

Why is that?

[Chilidaugz]

Why is that?

590a1 service model has a heavier barrel and a extended mag tube which does not allow you to use a rib barrel

[Wild West]

590a1 service model has a heavier barrel and a extended mag tube which does not allow you to use a rib barrel

Alright then! Yeah, I have no clue what I need then. LOL!

I mainly will just be shooting targets, not so much clays, but I'd like to have a gun that I "COULD" do anything with. Just not sure what that gun is.

[Wild West]

Would you guys suggest an 18" or 20"? Also, 2 3/4"?, 3"? I'm a little confused on what would be the most universal size. Thanks everyone.

[Bill Steele]

This would be my recommendation: http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/D...sit=&pid=&inv=

Maybe check Gunbroker for one.

Edit found one: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=418705694

[Chilidaugz]

You choice in the beginning made me think it is going to be more for range targets than beginner sporting clays, which is cool.

if you like pistol grips/straight stocks, the 870 is for you
if you like field stock/left handed/only straight stocks the 590a1 is for you

[bigbearbear]

Wild West, if this is your first shotgun, and it sounds like it is, I do not recommend getting a "tactical", "home defense" or "zombie killing" short barreled shotgun like the Remington 870 Tactical or Mossberg 590A1.

The reason for this is because many ranges have rules that require shotguns to have minimum length before it can be used for shooting clay targets (eg. Trap, Skeet, Sporting Clays and 5 Stand etc). I am not sure where you're located but here in the Bay Area, the ones I know of are as follows:
- Sunnyvale Rod & Gun: 26" min.
- Los Altos Rod & Gun: 24" min.
- Coyote Valley Sporting Clay: 22" min.

And it will be shame if you buy a shotgun only to find that you can't participate in clay shooting at your local ranges. It is one of the most entertaining activity you can do with your shotgun.

I would recommend getting something with at least 26" barrel, I prefer 28" myself in a semi-auto but this is mostly a personal preference. Within your budget, consider:
- Weatherby PA-08. If you're sure you want a pump action.

- Weatherby SA-08 Synthetic. I recommend getting this if you don't mind a semi-auto, because using a pump action for Skeet can be pretty challenging when shooting doubles. It can be done, just more difficult.


Good luck and happy shopping.

[Wild West]

Wild West, if this is your first shotgun, and it sounds like it is, I do not recommend getting a "tactical", "home defense" or "zombie killing" short barreled shotgun like the Remington 870 Tactical or Mossberg 590A1.

The reason for this is because many ranges have rules that require shotguns to have minimum length before it can be used for shooting clay targets (eg. Trap, Skeet, Sporting Clays and 5 Stand etc). I am not sure where you're located but here in the Bay Area, the ones I know of are as follows:
- Sunnyvale Rod & Gun: 26" min.
- Los Altos Rod & Gun: 24" min.
- Coyote Valley Sporting Clay: 22" min.

And it will be shame if you buy a shotgun only to find that you can't participate in clay shooting at your local ranges. It is one of the most entertaining activity you can do with your shotgun.

I would recommend getting something with at least 26" barrel, I prefer 28" myself in a semi-auto but this is mostly a personal preference. Within your budget, consider:
- Weatherby PA-08. If you're sure you want a pump action.

- Weatherby SA-08 Synthetic. I recommend getting this if you don't mind a semi-auto, because using a pump action for Skeet can be pretty challenging when shooting doubles. It can be done, just more difficult.


Good luck and happy shopping.

Thank you! I like the look of the Weatherby's! I will for sure get a 26 or 28" gun. Those are exactly the ranges I will be going to. Hope to see you out there someday!

[pacrat]

I'd prefer one with some decent sights already on it too

To which I must ask WHY? Sights are for shooting slugs in hunting situations. You do not "aim" a shotgun, you "point it".

Any decent pump with a 24-28" barrel, ribbed preferred, choke tubes a plus. Proper stock fit is "very important" to align your eye with the barrel so you don't hit high or low. Try the fit, before you buy

To learn,

Suggest you go to a range and just lean on the fence and watch for quite a while. Talk to experienced shooters face to face. You will find the majority happy to give you guidance.

Leave the TactiKewl StubBarrel Extended Mag Zombie Blasters with flashlites and lasers to the fellas who need them to one up their video game buddies.

JM2c

[Wild West]

To which I must ask WHY? Sights are for shooting slugs in hunting situations. You do not "aim" a shotgun, you "point it".

Any decent pump with a 24-28" barrel, ribbed preferred, choke tubes a plus. Proper stock fit is "very important" to align your eye with the barrel so you don't hit high or low. Try the fit, before you buy

To learn,

Suggest you go to a range and just lean on the fence and watch for quite a while. Talk to experienced shooters face to face. You will find the majority happy to give you guidance.

Leave the TactiKewl StubBarrel Extended Mag Zombie Blasters with flashlites and lasers to the fellas who need them to one up their video game buddies.

JM2c

That was before I got the "lesson" here. Lol! Now I know better.