Shotgun questions

Seansquatch · 01-21-2008, 11:18 AM

I am 16 now so that means i have 2 years to save for my shotgun. Because my parents will not buy one for me. I want one that can be used for upland game birds and rabbits. I was thinking a 20 Ga is what i want. Would that be a good choice? If so whats a good model to save for and how much should i save im guessing i can get about 400 in the next two years saved for buying my first guns i also want to get a bolt action 22lr.
so that leaves 250-300 for a shotgun. Any help you can give me would be nice. The only reason im starting this thread so early is i like to know just how much money i should save before hand so i have plenty of time.

5 Salt · 01-21-2008, 11:28 AM

Planning Early is smart.

20gauge is a fine gun but my vote is for 12g.

Shooting light 12g loads for upland and rabbits works great. Say a #6 or #7 pellet load in a 2 2/3in shell will work very nicely on upland and with the 12gauge you get the added versatility of waterfowl use with #B - #4 pellet loads in the 3in shells.

12g 3.5in gun is more than you will need likely and one can go to a hevi-shot loads in #B pellets for Geese or longer shots. As well 3.5in 12g may be outside you budget.

As to how much for 12gauge, I picked up a very nice used Berretta Pintail Semi-Auto 12g for $250.00. I would think one could fine other solid brands in semi-auto in the $200-400 range with pumps being less. Used 12g's are readily available and it's not hard to find one in your budget range that has limited use and been well cared for.

Good luck

Thunnus · 01-21-2008, 11:29 AM

My suggestion is get a 12 ga. Use lighter, small base loads. They shouldn't kick as much. $400 should get a great gun, but you should be able to get a used one much cheaper. You are going to get all kinds of suggestions here and alot of guns to buy. Me I started w/ a Mossberg 500 pump 12 ga. It was alot cheaper than $400. Some folks will say a Remington 870 or some will say get a good over/under or maybe a double barrel.

OR_Bo_Huntr · 01-21-2008, 11:40 AM

Black synthetic Benelli Nova, 12 gauge 28" barrel 2 3/4"-3 1/2" for $299

ORhunter · 01-21-2008, 12:23 PM

Remington Wingmaster. Not to be confused with the standard 870 which is cheap and ugly. A nice (old/used) Wingmaster will last a lifetime or two..... You can always upgrade the wood and new bluing when the $'s allow it.

Hunt'nFish · 01-21-2008, 12:51 PM

Sean,
I don't see any reason why $200-300 shouldn't buy you a good shotgun.
Again, another vote for a 3" 12ga. New or used I don't care, but make sure it has screw in chokes. 26" to 28" barrel.

There are advantages to a Rem 870, stocks are cheap and readily available...
allowing you to cut it down for a shorter length of pull. You can always replace it with a full length stock later.
The grips on them are typically thin.....good for young hands.
They are also cheap on the used market and nearly bombproof.

If I were you I'd be handling some guns at the shops to get an idea what feels natural to you.
Hunt'nFish

loper · 01-21-2008, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ORhunter

Remington Wingmaster. Not to be confused with the standard 870 which is cheap and ugly. A nice (old/used) Wingmaster will last a lifetime or two..... You can always upgrade the wood and new bluing when the $'s allow it.

Seansquatch · 01-21-2008, 01:08 PM

12ga does sound better i dont like canadian gease and i bet they would taste preaty good.

Ive shot a few shot guns a 870 in 12 and some kind of mossburg in 20 and i have shot a 410 as well frogot the brand. Im a big guy 6,7 so its hard to find a shotgun to big i think i will cheak out a few next time i go to the gun store to buy pellets for my pellet gun. Thanks for your guys help.

scottishsetter · 01-21-2008, 02:06 PM

That Beretta Pintail is an excellent shotgun to aim for and especially if it's only $250; Now How to get Salt Fever to sell it to you?

OR_Bo_Huntr · 01-21-2008, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loper

Mine, ole Wingmaster, still kills em the same!

Attachment 6850

dixiefisher · 01-22-2008, 05:30 AM

Another vote for the 870.....they are cheap and very reliable....and a 12 gives you so many more options......my guess will be once the fever hits you on game birds.....you won't stop at upland....

Texascat · 01-22-2008, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dixiefisher

Another vote for the 870.....they are cheap and very reliable....and a 12 gives you so many more options......my guess will be once the fever hits you on game birds.....you won't stop at upland....

10-4 on the 870. Just used mine this weekend and it got 9 ducks for me.

Duckwheat · 01-22-2008, 06:42 AM

IF your folks won't help you buy one, will they help you use it once you have it?

That seems to be an important part of the equation.

I would go 12 ga. Greater variety of shells at less cost. Plan on buying a lot of shells. The more you shoot the better you will get.

If the answer is no to the question I asked. There may be someone who would take you with them. Safety is best learned at yor age, not later. Nothing like a good A_ _ chewing from your old man.

Be safe, be ethical and use your noggin. A mistake with a firearm is a lifetime event, and sorry does not cut it. That's what I told my kids.

Remington 870 are abundant, cheap, and reliable.

Good luck,

Duckwheat

Duckwheat