Shotguns!! Whats your favorite??

[Bendman]

I don’t know much about shotguns so I would like to know what you all think. I’ve always shot a 870 express. No complaints and I think it’s a great gun but sometimes you just need a new toy. :smile:

[Lured In]

I shot a Mossberg 500 for 18 years and it still swings and shoots as good as the day I got it. But, I gave that up for a Benelli Super Black Eagle a few years ago and I LOVE it. Yes there are lots of other great scatter guns out there, but if I ever need another shotgun, it will be a Benelli.

[LIMIT LANDER]

Well every one has a favorite im sure and depends on your pocket book. Normally when someone picks a piticular item in any thing, there is a somewhat self ego to let the other people know, you made a good decision and your letting other people know about it. Personaly I think all major name brands make good shotguns, then it depends on who makes the best semi. or best pump, or is it over and under and maby side by side. I think the best 3 shotguns in the world, is the Remington 11-87. Browning gold hunter. and the Beretta A390 silver mallard, all in semi auto. and i also think Benelli is not to far off i just never shot one that much. thats just my 2cents worth.(or maby 1 cent)

[Bendman]

The second that I put that Super Black eagle in my hand I fell in love. So nice. But I thought I would check with people in the know such as your selves before I forked out that much green. I figured more people would be willing and ready to talk about their favorite gun.

[Flatfish]

A reliable 12 pump for ducks and geese( I am too hard on guns for an auto to be reliable). And a 20 over under for everything else. If it ends up being a 28, thats ok too.

Mark and the rattlecan the blue part dog.

[Get Bit]

As Mark said, you can't get much more reliable than a pump. I still have to give the nod to Browning(BPS) and Benelli(Nova. Both great guns!

Get Bit

[1pump]

I haven't found pumps to be more reliable than autoblazers. But the only pump I've ever owned was a Mossberg 500. Good gun, but Federal ammo jammed it.
My all time favorite is my Browning B-80, which is really a Beretta A302. Never jammed, really light, easy to handle and shoot, and would take all the abuse I could dish out, which is plenty. After 10 years and about 10,000 rounds I finally replaced it with a Gold Stalker. Nice gun, but it doesn't seem to fit me like the old B-80. And the synthetic stock, while much more practical, ain't as pretty. A friend of mine wanted to buy my old B-80, but I couldn't bring myself to part with it.
I had an A-5 for a while. Once I got used to the weight and the weird raised receiver it shot very nicely. But it was the most unreliable piece of crap I've ever owned. It always had to be squeaky-clean, with with just the right amount of oil or it wouldn't feed. That doesn't cut it for a guy like me who thinks cleaning guns is a waste of time. [img]graemlins/stupid.gif[/img]

[LIMIT LANDER]

I think doesent Winchester make one called a wingmaster, i have herd it is aso a good gun

[Bait Bucket]

I prefer the doubles -- either O/U or SxS.

[Gooseman]

Depends on how much $$$ you want to spend.
I've shot 870's for quite a while. Great guns, but left my last one leaning on a friends truck at the end of the day, and then it was time for a new shootin' iron.
I then graduated to the 11-87 SP about the time when it first came out. Can't complain, never jammed up unless it got too dirty. I changed to a 30" barrel and loved it.
About 8 years ago I won a Benelli SBE at a Ducks Unlimited dinner. Took me a couple of years to become comfortable with it. I wouldn't want to shoot 3-1/2" shells all day with it. One thing I don't like is the fact that you can't shorten the stock. Found it to be a very dependable gun, I broke a firing pin while shooting geese in a snow storm. But I contribute that to the weather.
Last couple of years, I've been toying with various 12 gauge O/U's, just can't handle the kick of the heavy duck & goose loads with the lighter weight guns. Would like to find a 12 gauge O/U that is heavier, has 30" barrels, and is completely camo'd. Just found out that Traditions now makes one, but have already been working on my next hunting gun.
Now that Hevi-shot has developed some good loads for a 3" 20 gauge, I've been patterning a Ruger Red Label 20 gauge for this fall. I like the gun for sporting clays and trap so far, just can't wait until I can try it on the feathered targets this fall.
If all else fails, I'll still go back to the SBE. I'll always keep it as a back up.

[Lured In]

Bendman...since you are looking for a little advice ...

Make sure you get the opionion of a good gunsmith, who can verify the fit of you new shotgun. I know several people that really wanted a SBE, but even with the changing the stock shims, couldn't make it fit right. Regardless of how the gun 'feels' if it doesn't fit, you won't shoot well with it. If you are in the market for an autoloader, several good ones have already been mentioned. Be sure to 'try them on' before you decide.

Awhile back, DU had a great video series on their website on how to fit a shotgun. I don't know if it still on there, but you might want to check. there are two tests that I use when trying out new shotguns.

1. Close your eyes and shoulder the gun as if ready to shoot. Once comfortably shouldered, open your eyes. If your line of sight does not perfectly match the rib, the drop on the comb will need to be adjusted. (for example, I had to change out the stock shim on my SBE to a flatter one, as I was looking at the back of the receiver when I did this. Benelli offers multiple shims to adjust the drop in the comb. I am sure you get the same from other manuffacturer's though.)

2. The second test is to either grab a heavy coat of the rack at the sporting goods store or bring your own. See how the gun shoulders with the big jacket on. You may find the stock is a little long and will (if possible) need to be modified.

Here are a few other guns to check out.
1. Benelli M1 Super 90. (3" version of the SBE)
2. Stoeger...(owned by Benelli/Berreta) it is the same as the SBE at half the price.
3. Berreta 390/391 series. I have heard nothing but great things about these guns.
4. Remingtion 11-87 (3") or 11-87 super mag (3.5"). Probably has more autoloaders out there than anyone.
5. Winchester SX2. I haven't had the chance to shoot one, and don't know anyone who owns one.

You can't go wrong with a pump gun and Remington, Winchester, Mossberg and the Benelli Nova would be my go to guns.

Good luck. :grin:

[ 07-25-2003, 11:31 AM: Message edited by: Lured In ]

[fish forever]

In the auto category i have a Beretta 391. For an auto it is very reliable from 7/8oz light trap loads to 3" high vel. mags (i don't hav ethe 3.5" version). It is pretty reasonable price. The reason i liked it, is it comes with 2 butt stock pads and full set of shims for cast and drop -> allowing you to fit it (within the range of average shooters). This is a good piece if you are going to do some target and hunting and want one piece for both.

But, I still like a pump for waterfowl. Too much mud and junk for me take the auto.

[No Wishin Just Fishin]

I have 31 model 12's in all gauges and my favorite is still 1929 long barrell with full choke. Will still knock a rooster down at 45-60 yards, when I shoot it correctly

[Dr Strangelove]

Benelli Super Black Eagle auto for blind shooting duck/geese. Has recoil reducer in stock and really brings those 3.5 shells down to managable levels.

Winchester Model 23 sxs 12g for pheasant/jump ducks at steel shot control zones; light enough to carry and balances well.

Browning A-5 20g auto for upland game / lead shot.

I haven't had to buy bisthmuth or hevi-shot with this small collection of shotguns.

I keep looking but can't justify owning another to my wife with a straight face.

[Mr. Carp]

Stick with the old 870. Can never go wrong for the money

[moocher man]

DB 20, I've taken everything from dove's to Honker's, with mine. It is all subjective, you just find what you are comfortable with and that it fits your needs.

[KingFisher85]

I found that I wasted a pretty penny on the Winchester 3 1/2 inch Super X2 auto shotgun. Gun did not even last a year and parts busted on the inside. The action had been rubbing really bad to. Then it took like 3-4 months for the guys to get it fixed
Once I got that gun back I sold it. Before I sold It I found out that the problem I had, lots of other people have had the same problem.
Know a few people that owned the 870 express super magnum 3 1/2 inch gun. They all said that was a big ***. And they had problems with there guns too. But the Remington 870 express 3 inch gun is a work horse.
Never known anyone to have a problem with the Remington 11-87, I've yet to have a problem with my Remington 1100 and never heard of anyone having a problem with the Mossberg 9200s or 500s.
Have yet to have a problem with my Winchester 1300 and Winchester model 12.
My autos that I have yet to have a problem with are the Mossberg 9200 and the Remington 1100
My pumps that I have yet to have a problem with are the Mossberg 835 3 1/2 inch gun, Winchester 1300 and the good ol model 12!

Just my 2 cents. Might not make any cents but oh well. :grin:

[elkaholic]

Remington 1100 for all around. Have found the Browning auto 5 to be real reliable but I prefer the gas over a recoil operated semi auto.

[GutshotApe]

Remington 870 with after-market parkerized improved cylinder choke bbl...for waterfowl with steel shot loads. Also have Hastings Paradox rifled slug barrel with iron sights...death on deer! For quail, grouse & pheasants I like my Spanish AyA model 4A 28 gauge side by side...27" bbls in I/C and Mod...cast-off stock...this little jewel weighs only 5 lbs.

[hookem]

browning o/u citori 12g 28" f/m 3"mag
got new at larry's in ore. city 1974 for around $400

[QuarterCast]

Bendman, It really depends on what you will be shooting.If you want a reliable duck/goose gun that wont break the bank go with a Benelli nova pump or a Mossberg 835. I own both and they are great guns. One thing i like about the Mossberg is you can buy a stock drop shim kit ($12-15 bucks) and really customize it. The Nova has a nice fit and is VERY reliable. Both will take the 31/2 inch shells but I rarely shoot them as the 3 inch Kent BBs do the trick nicely. But you always have that option. Both guns are less than $300 if you shop around. A couple of buddies shoy autos for geese and it never fails one or the other has a malfuntion nearly every hunt. Could be sloppy maint. But for reliability the pump is the way to go. My 02 cents. Chris

[fishstik]

1100

[gottafish]

Nova, In camo with 28 inch barrel and a pattern master chock tube !!!!!!!

[Flatfish]

The 3 1/2" shell is a marketing gimmick that fails to show any reasonable gain in the field. If you want to shoot a gun chambered for the 3 1/2" fine( I do), but if you want real range, steel shot will not deliver. For modified and full shoots, hevi shot and bismuth CRUSH birds at ranges I have no business shooting at. 65 yard geese are DEAD with the new shot.

I shave 3 buddies who shoot the big gun. I shoot 2 3/4 for ducks. they shoot 3s and 2 3/4'ers. I gave my last 2 boxes of the long shells away. They did too.

At close range, I shoot steel. For all my ducks I shoot steel. For geese, I usually break out the expensive shells.

I tell you this to inform you that a 3 1/2 is not needed. If you want one based on field performance, save your money for good shells. So buy what you want, not what a marketing guy wants you to buy.

Mark and the dog

[Bendman]

Thank's for all the input. I will mostly be using this gun for upland birds. I think duck hunting is a blast but I don't like to eat duck so hunt them very little. I don't think I would ever need to shoot anything more than a 3" shell.

[Dr Strangelove]

If you are mostly going to upland game hunt then do yourself a favor a get an auto 20g under 6.5lbs. You will carry it alot and shoot little, so less weight is important. With Hevishot, the 20 will work fine as a duck gun, but not geese. The double barrel guns are too expensive and I tend to use that third shot. The best made autos are Franchi AL-48 (~5.6lbs), Franchi 620 (~6.1 lb), Beretta 390/391(~6.2 lbs), Benelli M1S90 or Montefeltro (~5.8 lbs) for the italian jobs and 6-6.5 lb Browning Light Twenty (no longer made) or Remington Upland 1100 by domestic companies. The Browning Gold/Winchester lines are too heavy. Only go with the pump if you can't afford more than $350. Expect to shell out $500-800 new and $300-650 used. Tell us what you got. Doc

[salmurai]

Bendman8, get another 870 in a different gauge. Try a 28ga. if you can find one..... sal

[Tilla]

By the way, I did see Lured-In shoot that Super Black Eagle the other day. Three times!
I'm glad to see the positive input on the Nova, I won a 26" barreled version in Jan. Haven't even taken it out of the box.

[ 07-28-2003, 04:02 PM: Message edited by: Tilla ]

[The Overfishin Condition]

I have a model 12 16 gauge, I can't shoot clays worth crap with it, however, it seems to shoot pretty straight at grouse! You get a lot of history and great reliability.

[jayman]

love my ithaca model 37 that my grandpa gave me over 20 years ago. i'm going to get a new this september-the model 37 waterfowler-and give my old one to my boy. light and dependable. :grin:
jayman

[Lured In]

Hey Tilla...your wife told me the Nova was hers. :tongue:

[Tilla]

No way! She is still sitting on the Remington camo 26" mag 870 Wingmaster and won't let me get near it for 3 years. I have even tried whimpering, but to no avail!

[Barviewrocks]

16 ga LC Smith side by side. Light, balanced and great to hunt over great dogs. Life is good!

[Killertraylor]

Browning BPS with the magazine cut-off (only made back in the 80's) is a super pump.

Ithaca 37 - like the BPS, it ejects out the bottom which is nice if you don't want to shuck shells on your hunting partner.

I have the Benelli Nova and it shoots great but it's heavy. IT also has a magazine cut-off which none of the newer guns seem to have.

I have several 870's - you just can't go wrong with them - two slide bars and it always performs.

Before buying one of the expensive autoloaders, try and find someone who has one and shoot some clay birds with it. I bought a Benelli auto and couldn't shoot straight with it. 9/25 on the clay birds. Picked up my Ithaca and went 22/25. Some scatter-guns just don't fit some people right.

My all time favorite has to be the old Winchester Model 12 though. It lasted your father's generation, our generation, and it will last your son's generation too. They've really come down in price too. Find a good one and put choke tubes in it and you're set.

Erich - do you have one of the Stoegers? I came so close to buying one at the last gun show but didn't based on my bad experience with the Benelli. A sweet looking autoloader for about $300!

[Lured In]

No I don't have a Stoeger (yet), but I have been looking at one for my wife. Either that or the Benelli Montefeltro. I have heard the Stoeger's are holding up pretty well, but only time will tell. They also have a sweet deal on one of their O/U for like $300.

[BonkBonkBonk]

speaking of getting a gun fitted to you, how much would it cost to do that for a 1100? my dad got one for me a couple of years ago, and whenever i shoot it i hit myself in the face with my hands(im 6'4, so the stock is too short)

[Baskett-o-fish]

upland birds I use a browning over under 12GA.

Everyting else I use a mossberg pump 12 GA.

[chummer]

Belgian browning A-500. I don't think it's made anymore. killed ALOTTA birds with that gun, and it's still a beautiful gun!

[k9jeff]

Benelli Nova- Love it, it my do everything gun, never a problem.

Stoeger sxs coach gun- although I have killed geese with it, it more of a home gun and fits nice in the truck while deer hunting for that once in a while grouse. It looks cool too.

Savage 410 sxs- Grandpa taught me to shoot with it and I still love it.

Savage 755a auto: heavy, and a general pain in the behind, Kicks like a mule, but I still have it. It looks cool in the gun case I suppose.

Beretta a301- I bought it today at a garage sale, its exel shape, engraved, auto, and I paid $225 for it. I could not get the cash out of my pocket fast enough.

Whenever I can come across a good deal on a sxs gun I jump on it. I love em.

The nova is a meat gun, I use it for everything and it has never failed me.

[FishOrDie]

Gotta stick with the 870 I have used others and I still like how it fires. I guess it could be because it is what I am used to but for the price it is a great gun. Inexpensive, fits well and fires every time with every shell I have put through it.


FOD

Ithica 200e 20 ga for upland birds
Berretta 1201 FP for turkeys and other varmints

[sportsman_21]

Winchester Super X2! It will cycle 3.5" shells dirty, wet, muddy, or in any other condition. I have put three seasons on mine and have never had a shell jam or misfire. I primarily use it for geese and turkey but I love it for doves. A heavier gun calms my swing on those rockets.

Every year one of my buddies has to take their 870 apart in the field to get the shell unstuck from the barrel. When pumping in another round A 3" shell will actually spin 180 deg. and then get rammed into the chamber backwards. In the meantime I am getting all the shooting.

[Denali]

For upland birds I vote for the Ruger Red Label O/U 26" barrels. Simple and solid.

I have a old remmington model 11. The barrel has brownig marked on it. I do not use it any more, BBut it was the best shooting gun I ever shouldered. You almost did not even have to aim . It just fit perfect.

[tramp]

870

[Fish Hawg]

Ithica 37 feather light and 870 super mag

[Bat-Ray]

I shot a benelli vinci last week i loved it shot perfect i shot over 250 rounds . I love how it hardly kicks.I have a rem 870 that is also a great gun.

[pointerdog]

I use a Rem 11-87 premier. Pretty much an 1100 that shoots 3" and has a better build. I use it for every game bird in Oregon every fall and usually dont take it apart to clean it till after the season. i dont hunt in the salt water!! I use it for trap,skeet, and sporting clays in the off season too. Put anywhere between 2- 3k rounds a year through it, had the latch fail once and the ejector once in 6 years now. I'm very happy with it. Before it i had a cheap model 1100, a ruger, a beretta,an 870 and an skb. I swithced around all the time, once i stuck with the one gun my shooting average went WAY up the second year. I say, get one gun that can do everything and stick with it.

[young_gun]

like a 7 year old thread lol

[shorthair]

Model 12 Winchester " the perfect pump " but while I own a couple neither gets hunted with very often.

[Stubble&Sage]

Browning Citori 12 guage o/u

[mountainair]

Berretta A-390. The best I have ever shot. What a gun!!!!

[NW DuckHunter]

I ove remingtons and they way they fit me, i've shot others and whether they were good guns or not if your not comfortable on getting down on the gun they the hun is useless. So thats why my vote goes to remington, I shoot a 11/87 have two of them and love them.

[gottafish]

I really would like to get a CZ ringneck sxs 12 and 20 guage for upland hunting.

I shoot a nova for waterfowl and while its a great duck gun I find myself wanting a SBEII just for kicks

[honyacher]

Originally Posted by Bendman

I don’t know much about shotguns so I would like to know what you all think. I’ve always shot a 870 express. No complaints and I think it’s a great gun but sometimes you just need a new toy. :smile:

I sure like the 835 ulti-mag mossberg. The three and a half shells are awesome.

[Keta]

This is what I have

Upland Game Ithaca 200E
Waterfowl M-97 Winchester
Varmints, goblins and turkeys Beretta 1201FP
Trap Beretta Mark II

[Just Fish]

12 guage Browning belgain superpose 1952 delux field grade 90% for upland. remington 870 12 gauge 3 inch for water fowl.

[tomictime]

tools...

Rem 1100 12 GU w 30" full for ducks, trap...
870 beater loaner so people will hunt with me..
A5 in 12 GU, everything but upland
Featherlight Citori in 20 GU for upland

staring in wonder: Superposed Grade V Diana engraved by Doyen

[attaboy]

remington 870 and 1187

[Accumark Man]

Benelli SBE