Best shotgun for around $400

[Duckenfuss]

My father is getting a new shotgun for his birthday today and wanted me to come with and help him find a good deal. He made the mistake of thinking that I know a thing or two about guns. All I know is how to shoot one. So I am coming to the ifish resource and hope that some of you smarter fellers can help us out so that we do not get a junky gun.

I have really only shot/owned two shotguns-My benelli Nova and Remington 870. Give me your thoughts on these and other comparable guns. And please don't say "well, I'd save up a few hundred extra dollars and get a nicer one". $500 is too much. I'd appreciate your help ASAP as we are going out tonight with cash in hand.

Must be a pump, 12ga., and take 3" rounds.

[Eric Strand]

Check out some of the many online gunbroker and auction type sites. I picked up a Beretta 390 for $325 and the gun is in excellent condition. Good luck.

" Shoot em with their feet down "
Eric Strand

[Chesapeake]

Sounds like you already have the best two in your price range picked out.

Now just have him try them for fit and feel and take the one that feels best.

[steelheadslayer]

The Browning BPS waterfowler should be right in that price range and is a great gun IMO.

[Swamp Puppy]

Benelli Nova is the number one choice for me. the Browning BPS is a very close second. i like the BPS's thumb operated tang safety as opposed to the safety on the trigger guard like so many others. easier to use with gloves on for sure. in fact, the only down point to the BPS for me was the weight. just a bit on the heavy side for me as i use mine for upland as well as waterfowl. not sure on the price...i believe it falls within your specified price range. maybe 20 bucks more or something like that.

the 870 is also a good gun, but for just a few dollars more i feel the Nova is superior in many ways and therefore a better bang for the buck IMHO.

i would recommend staying away from the Mossy 835. the newer ones don't seem to be as clumsy and awkward as the older models, but still not on par with the Nova, BPS, or 870 when it comes to value.

[Hunt'nFish]

I've been very happy with my 3.5" Spartan Semi-Auto but it's still getting abused so the jury is out on how it'll hold up over time.
I also think the world of the Browning BPS as well.
Which ever way you go I'd make sure it's camo'd if it'll be used for waterfowl. Paint is very protective.
Have fun pick one out.
Hunt'nFish

[Big Billy]

The 870 wingmaster is a hard gun to beat. Smooth and dependable,

[DavidH]

Either one is an excellent choice. If you want a camo one and still be under budget and/or it is going to receive some rough treatment, Nova. If you want wood, 870. Some people don't like the space-age look of the Nova, myself included, but now that I have one I'm glad I got it.

[stoneflyguy]

Hands down, the Benelli Nova is the one I would chose. I had one and regret selling it. I went on to an auto loader but if I were in the market for a pump gun I would look ant the Benelli Nova. My

[fish forever]

I think people have the pumps pretty much covered above and you can get them new for the above prices. You probably wont get a new 870 Wingmaster(real walnut) in 3.5" for that price - but the expresses -> no problem. I prefer the 870 myself over the others, just like the fit and look better.

If you can take a used gun you can find Autos like 1100's and Beretta 390/391's, and probably wincesters in that range. They'll likely have some wear. 1100's sometimes only take the 2.75" nad can be finicky for a duck gun. I love my Beretta 391.

[R. WILD]

Benelli Nova, can't go wrong with this shotgun. I use one in 12ga. camo for Goose hunting, and really like it. Never has let me down.

[DevlinCackler]

I have a Nova and have been pretty happy with it when I have been hitting ducks and mad at it when they fly away. I have come to accept that there has been a lot of operator error. It has been pretty reliable considering that I don’t treat is very well. One thing that took me a while to get used to is that is that the stock seems a little long for my short arms, so I have to pay attention when throwing it up. When I do what I am supposed to it works great, when I don’t well you know. When I bough it I had only shot a shotgun a few times so I really did not know what to look for when comparing guns. My advise is to go and throw a few up side by side, pay attention to how it feels and if you struggle with getting a good sight quickly.

[BrotherWolf]

I would check out the Stoeger 2000 I have had mine two season now. And I havent had any problems with it.

The Stoeger Model 2000 is licensed to use Benelli’s Inertia Driven operating system — the heart of the world’s most prestigious and expensive autoloaders. Unlike common gas-operated guns whose fore-ends conceal pistons, O-rings, valves and other moving parts, the inertia-recoil system is entirely contained inside the receiver. The results? A trimmer fore-end, better balance, more reliable operation and the ability to fire everything from light target ammunition to the heaviest waterfowl loads without adjustments. And because propellant gas isn’t vented from the barrel, Inertia Driven guns like the M-2000 stay cleaner, even after hundreds of shots. Even in the toughest conditions.


http://www.stoegerindustries.com/

[steelhead22]

Personally, I'm an 870 guy. Love the gun. I've had mine for the 10 years I've been duck/goose hunting (probably why I like it so much) and it's never let me down. It's been shoved in the mud in the Aaron Unit at Sauvie's when I thought I was gonna drown, washed off, and had a stick put down the barrel to clean it out...and it killed ducks for me the rest of the day! Tough gun and I'd say the best 200 bucks I ever spent.

[DevlinCackler]

I would check out the Stoeger 2000 I have had mine two season now. And I havent had any problems with it.

I was looking pretty hard at the Stoeger early this season, but could not find anybody that had one to get reliable feedback. On line it seamed about 50% liked it and 50% did not like it, which is true for about anything. Luckily I figured out how to aim before I spent the money this season, but am considering one for next year. Nothing wrong with the Nova, I just like to have new toys to play with.

[BrotherWolf]

Nothing wrong with the Nova, I just like to have new toys to play with.

Nope not at all. I have never had one but know alot that do and there very pleased with there novas

[Killertraylor]

I have both an 870 and a Nova. The Nova is a GREAT value, but doesn't fit me well so I don't like it as much. Stick with the 870, the BPS or the Nova and get the one that fits him best and he'll be happy.

If you don't find what you wanted, there's a gun show in a couple weeks and you'll definitely find him a great gun there.

Let us know what you got.

[elkhuntr28]

1/3 ownership in a Binelli SBE? Just kidding . When looking for deals on guns look for a used gun a good condition.

[Lured In]

I would check out the Stoeger 2000 I have had mine two season now. And I havent had any problems with it.

I shoot an SBE and have heard nothing but good things from the few folks I know that have a Stoeger. For the money, you would be hard pressed to find an auto-loader with a better family tree.

If you are looking for a pump, you can't go wrong with just about any of the major brands including Rem, Win, Mossberg and Benelli. With the exception of the Nova (which only comes in 3.5" chambers), just make sure the gun fits and you like the weight and feel.

[duckintheblood]

gotta pick up a spartan. i have put that gun through the ringer and it hasn't let me down, great gun. it is semi-auto that can shoot 3 1/2 inch shells.the cost is $350. i think that you would be very happy with this gun, i sure have.

[gottafish]

I don't know how a guy could go wrong with a Nova. Mine has been awsome. can't get over what a great gun it truly is.

[Duckenfuss]

Thank you all for the responses. I am thankful that some of you did not listen to my request of slightly more expensive guns. I was intriqued by th 870 wingmaster and checked it out. My pa liked it a lot more eventhough it was a bit more than the others and he bought it. Hopefully it will make him a better shooter.

[baltz526]

great choice, i'm a big fan of the wingmaster, and have a pile of remingtons.

[Steve L.]

Pump = 870 Wingmaster or Express Super mag synthetic
Auto = Spartan