Help Choosing a Shotgun

[el Cazador]

This is my first post, so I hope it works ok.
I am an avid bowhunter and rifle hunter here in Michigan. I am interested in getting started on smaller game (rabbits, grouse, squirrels, turkey etc.) as well as doing some clay shooting.

Can anyone help me find a good all-around shotgun for these purposes. I'm operating on a budget and can't afford a lot of what I've seen. Should I go for an auto, pump...2 3/4",3"...magnum, super magnum...brand...?? It's all pretty overwhelming.
I'm not set to buy in right now, and if I need to wait unitl I have more $$, then I will. I just want to make a good purchase that I'll be happy with for years to come.

With the wealth of knowledge and experience on this board, I figured I could get some good guidance with this post. Does anyone have any suggestions for me??

Thanks
eC

[Markfaz]

Welcome to the site!!

I, for one, hunt with a 12 ga. Remington 11-87. It is extrememly versatile and with the changing of the chokes and/or barrel, you can hunt ANY species of animal in MI with it. I have had the gun for over 10 years and it has never given me any problems. It is a bit more expensive, but I wouldn't trade if for anything.

If cash flow is an issue, the Remington 870 is also a great gun. It's a bit less pricey, and isn't an autoloader, so it comes down to a choice of what you want. Either gun will give you years of problem free enjoyment.

I hope this helps, and again, welcome to the site. You will find the people here are friendly and extremely well-knowledged in all parts of the outdoors.

[sticksandrocks]

I have to agree. I currently own a Rem 11-87. With it's changable chokes and barrels. It can use either 2 3/4 or 3.

But, I did start with a Rem 870. I worked well for me through many years. I was given the 11-87 for a christmas gift from my wife. Like I was going to say "no, please this is to much."

If this is your first shotgun, I would go with the 870. It will do much the same as the 11-87. It just doesn't have some of the bells and whistles.

Welcome to the site.

[Kevin]

Which bells and whistles if you don't mind my asking you to be more specific?
Is it primarily auto vs. pump?
The 870 seemed to have most of the other features available like up to 3" chamber, changeable barrels, etc. I did not find any specs on overall gun weight, but that is not much of a consideration for me.
I have been shopping, and actually I plan to make a purchase this week. Maybe you can help me make sure I have my facts straight.
Thanks for any help you can provide.
-Amos

[jduck]

I would have to agree so far. I shoot a 11-87 and am very happy with it. The only reason that can think of for a 3 1/2" would be goose or maybe turkey, But I know lots of people that hunt with the 3" and do just fine. The 870 is a lighter gun, better suited for upland birds.

[sticksandrocks]

Mainly thats the only function I can think of is the weight. My 11-87 is semi-auto and has alot more detailing then my 870. That's the reason why I would point you towards the 870, plus if you get a great gun off the bat. It hard to build a collection.

Basically it's probably going to come down to how much money are you willing to spend for a shotgun. My ex-father-in-law still hunts with a gun that 30 years old and he's killed more game than I probably ever will.

Good luck and by keeping yourself educated you'll never go wrong.


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Sticks and Rocks

[Hunt4Ever]

I still have my first shotgun, Remington 870. This is one heck of a good pump gun. Very versitile and reliable. Go with the 870.

[Moe]

another very good gun to go along with the Remington 870 is the mossberg 500. my dad has had his for 24 years now and still uses it every fall for deer hunting and uses it whenever he needs a 12 ga for any other hunting. i also like this gun because of the safety because i'm ambidexterous (sp?) when shooting. go out and shoot some friend's guns and see which ones you like most. just my 2 cents
Moe

[Ladykiller]

870, can't beat it.

[rrbuckmaster]

I guess i 'll go against the grain here, I like my savage 12 GA 3" cham. easy switch barrels slug and 28". I dont know about the availability of them.Good luck

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HAPPY AND SAFE HUNTING TO ALL.

[Kevin]

Well I was going to go with the Rem 870 but tonight I found a used Winchester 1300 for less money and bought it. Even came with a scope. I am a happy man.

[Mr. 16 gauge]

I have both an 870 and Mossberg 500 in 12 gauge. Of the two, I must say that I prefer the 870....it handles 3" shells without a problem and field strips for cleaning very easily. I don't see any need for a 3 1/2 chambered gun. Even if you specialized in waterfowl or turkey hunting, if you needed that much extra payload, you would be better served with a 10 gauge. As for 3" shells, the only time I think you would need them is for turkey or waterfowl. A 12 gauge is versatile enough that you can alter its performance by using higher grade shells. Those cheap "dove & quail" loads are all right for busting targets, but I prefer something such as Federal Premiums, Winchester Super X, or Remington Express shells when it comes to pheasants, waterfowl, ect.

[bonasabuster]

my best advice is about the clays you might wish to shoot if you are talking sporting clays stick with an automatic and a reliable one at that i personally prefer an over/under or double barrel but you did not mention these as your choice my reasoning for the auto is simple in the clays games where two shots are needed only very experienced pump shooters do as well with a pump the extra barrel movement the pump causes makes for low percentage follow up shots

[Mike English]

I've used both the 870 and the 1300 quite a bit and I personally like the Winchester. It fits me better and I really like the placement of the safety. It is on the front of the trigger guard and it is natural for me to hold my finger over the trigger thus protecting it from twigs and such. This places my finger on the safety ready to switch it off when needed. My main pursuit with it is rabbits and speed is sometimes of the essence. Well that my thoughts. I don't think that you can go wrong with either one.


Mike