What's a good first shotgun to buy?
August 3rd, 2010 by eranio
I just got around 0 from selling my college textbooks, so I’m interested in buying a shotgun for home defense and maybe a bit of skeet shooting. Is there any good value shotguns for beginners? Any advice would also be welcome, thanks.
Posted in best shotgun
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
Mossberg 500 definitely, its cheap and super reliable. Its well within your budget, make sure to go with a 12 gauge – this is well in your budget P.S. props on the choice to get a shotgun.
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
I like the Remington 870 shotguns but for home defense most will have a barrel length that is not easily wielded in your home. For that reason I would suggest the Mossberg models that come with two barrels they are easily changed out and allow you a longer hunting barrel along with the shorter one that works best for home defense. I saw one of these in an add at Big 5 Sporting Goods for 299.00 and is a reasonable prioce for the two barrels and everything.
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
winchester1200 pump shotgun
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
For a beginner i would say the .410. But however its not that powerful and not that accurate. For skeet shooting i’d say the .12 gauge pump. Nice guns.
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
you can never go wrong with a Remington 870
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
yep. Go with a Mossberg 500 Field and Security Combo.
It’s about $350-400. You get an 18.5 inch home defense barrel and a 28 inch vented hunting barrel. both with bead sights. BARRELS ARE INTERCHANGEABLE.
You get a nice wooden buttstock and also a polymer pistol grip if you choose to put that on. So, essentially you have your choice of either going skeet/trap shooting with it, or home defense.
It was my first gun, and still my favorite.
Advice- go with an add on like an AR-15 buttstock with telescopic stock so you can adjust to your exact liking… also, get a Picatinny or Weaver rail and mount a nice ring scope if you’d like to possibly try turkey or deer hunting in the future.
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
The Mossberg 500 12 Gauge Combo is a good one and you will probably be able stay around $100 under your budget:
Ables may have them for $303 (not sure if they are in stock). http://www.ableammo.com/
http://www.1fb.us/mo12cokit.html
The 870 is a great shotgun (I have owned one since I was 12), but I believe you will pay more than your budget to get a combo offering similar to the Mossberg 500.
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
How about a twenty two.
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
A Remington 870 is a good one if you wanna be a real adventurer than go play left 4 dead
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
Remington 870 Express and a few different choke tubes, stay away from the ‘home defense’ style 18" barrels if you want to seriously shoot skeet
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
12ga 760 pump gun. Parts are readily available and it is light.
As far as defense? Why? Are you in the sticks and need it to scare poachers?
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
Remington or Mossberg are fine weapons and reasonably priced. I would steer clear of high priced guns until you become more experienced and determine your needs fully.
Someone suggested 410 Gauge, you might find that it is actually more expensive to shoot than 12 Gauge.
12 gauge is a good choice, it has plenty of stopping power for home defense, can be used for hunting (birds or deer), skeet and trap. Check the gun clubs in your area, there are a lot of ole timers willing to share their expertise in Make, model and techniques. Good luck and Safe shooting!
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
Remington 870.
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
Remington 870 either 12 gauge or 20 Gauge. One of the most popular pump guns ever. Very reliable. If you must have an Auto.. try stoeger. Good price and reliable
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
sawed-off double barrel 10 gauge.
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
Mossberg 88 Maverkick or Remington 870 express.
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
Winchester 1200 or Remington 870. Get one with a ventilated rib and changeable choke tubes.
I like wood stocks. People say they aren’t durable but they are. I have several over 40 years old and they look great.
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
Mossberg 500 or 590. I’m a mossberg guy but to be fair a remington 870 even though I don’t care for them. Winchester 1200 or 1300. Those are value shotguns. Cheaper than most but no lack of quality.
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
Yes buy a good used Mossberg Brand Shotgun.* You will save a lot of $$$ to buy ammo on if you do.* A New shotgun does not shoot any better than a good used one.*
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
How about a Franchi Spas pump/semi combo gun. Someone might be willing to let one go for $400. Okay probably not. My vote is for Mossberg 500 or 590.
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
Most here seem to miss the point (except one)…..
Consider a Mossberg 500 12 gauge combo…………
http://www.mossberg.com/images/Mossberg_Guns/930/NEW/54169.jpg
You get 2 barrels…. One longer one for skeet / trap or hunting… And a shorter one (18 inch) for home defense…. Retails for under $400…
Some may recommend the Remington 870 and I will concede they are a decent gun BUT – when you mentioned security duty also then Mossberg is the only way to go…. Here’s why!
http://members.tripod.com/~jth8260/870.html
================================
Look over Mossbergs line up below…
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
Many single shots are a good way to start costing around $150. You wont need more for home defense or trap shooting unless you plan to shoot doubles. Your gauge will depend on what you can handle. Most people start with a .410 or 20 gauge, but personally I started with a 12 ga.
August 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 pm
get a used winchester 1200, i like the placement of the actions release and the stock grips fit better in bigger hands. i hate the action release on the 870 and the stock grips are too thin for big hands.