Shotgun recommendation

[edwardmatt83]

Looking at getting my first shotgun. There are too many to choose from. I have made a list of a few and am looking for input. I want a do-it-all gun for clays, hunting, and home defense. I was hoping to get something with lower recoil so my wife can shoot it too. Here's my list - any suggestions?

1. Mossberg 930
2. Beretta a300
3. Franch Affinity
4. Remington 1100
5. Weatherby SA-08
6. Mossberg 500
7. Remington 870 Wingmaster
8. Benelli Supernova

I am preferring a semi 12 gauge at the moment, but could go for a pump if the recoil was manageable. I have never shot a 20 gauge, but if the recoil was better in a pump, I could go in that direction. I don't see myself shooting trap in the future, just clays for fun, hunting down the road, and home defense. I would like to keep it around $500 or less and will go used if needed. What say ye?

[Arrieta578]

Shotguns are like suits, taylor made to the particular task and shooter. Are you aware that unlike rifles and pistols, shotguns are "fitted" to the individual shooter?

Based on your list, a 20 ga. Weatherby SA-08 would be perfect for the wife. Inexpensive, gas operated, and very low recoil with 7/8 oz of 8s for clays. I bought one for my daughter.

As for your first all around gun, I recommend a 12 ga. Remington 870. You can get a 28" vent rib barrel to hunt and/or shoot clays with and then get a second 18 1/2" barrel for home defense. The recoil is very manageable and, while not ideal for clays, the pump action is perfectly adequate for wingshooting.

As a side note, most public ranges will not let you shoot clays with a shotgun set up for home defense (i.e. a short barrel and pistol grip) and you definitely should not take a gun like that to the duck blind or pheasant club.

[Leagle8]

I have a Rem. 1100 with a 26" barrel threaded for Rem Chokes and it came with an 18" inch additional barrel with imp. cyl. Its a 20 ga. That seems to fit your needs and the wife will like the mild recoil. The Remington 1100 is no longer in production, so I have been told, but there are plenty around for sale used. They are extremely reliable semi-autos. If your wife can handle the recoil of a an Remington 870, thats even a cheaper alternative. Pumps are very reliable. Minus factor is that they have more recoil. Plus factor is that they are lighter. Its always a trade off between pumps and autos. They both generally have the same capacity of 5 shells (4+1), but you can get extender tubes. Just don't take them hunting or skeet and trap shooting. You can only have a maximum tube load of 2 + 1 in the chamber when hunting. There is a plug that comes with the shotgun. For home defense, take out the plug then you can have 4+1 shells.

[JohnnyMtn]

I have a Beretta 391 and it is a superb all around gun for all things shotgun. Great for trap, skeet, clays, hunting, whatever. Probably not great for HD though because of the long barrel.

[anti]

You aren't going to want a pump for clay games aside from singles and handicap trap. Some people do shoot doubles with pump guns but it's not as enjoyable as a double gun or autoloader. If you want a universal shotgun then I'd certainly recommend an autoloader - an 11-87 with two barrels - a cylinder choke short barrel and a 28" or 30" Remchoke barrel.

Personally, I'd pick up a Mossberg 500 for home defense and save up for a used double gun for clays.

[ceh383]

Personally, I'd pick up a Mossberg 500 for home defense and save up for a used double gun for clays.

^^^^ This or a Remington 870 and a good autoloader...