What's the best shotgun choice for me?

March 10th, 2010 by eranio

Been thinking about buying my first shotgun. Simply, I think it would be a vital tool for defense and survival. Never really been a shotgun guy. Only have shot other people’s shotguns a handful of times. So I would definitely call myself a newbie when it comes to shotguns.

The attributes I would like to see in it are:

1. Versatility – Good defensive gun. Good for hunting lots of different game and putting food on the table. Also possibly for shooting clays later at some point if I want to try it.

2. Reliable and Dependable – It’s gotta work when I need it.

3. Simple to operate and easy to maintain.

4. Not cost me a fortune.

What would you recommend? Would one of those models that come with 2 barrels be a good choice?

Thanks for your input.

Posted in best shotgun

10 Responses

  1. lightningfastfords

    Mossberg USA 500A 12 Ga. 20′ pump, (or Mavrick, Same as a Mossberg)great self protection and long for trap, Remington 870 been around long time but so has mossberg, cost less and will last the same , cylinder bore , it all depends what you want to spend there are many many styles, Remington’s are made in china now, Mossberg twice the gun at half the price, and the choice or law Enforcement standard issue,also Look into Howa MFG Japan

  2. the long shot

    Remington 870 Supermagnum combo.

    You can hunt anything that walks or crawls with it. The ability to swap out barrels for your chosen usage is great. You can shoot the 2.75 to 3.5 inch shells which the 3.5s you need for waterfowl. The gun is tough as nails, reliable as a swiss watch and is reasonably priced. I own one and would never part with it. I have killed my share of the deer population with the rifled barrel and have taken many a rabbit and pheasant with the bird barrel. It breaks down quick, easy to clean, and will sit in your closet loaded and ready to go for your intruders to confront.

  3. Kippersmcgee

    After browsing some of your answers for peoples questions I would recommend one with a cork on a string at the end of the barrel.

  4. JOSH 2.0

    Most double barrels, side by side and over unders, are more expensive than a single barrel. I would recommend to you a Remington 870. I own one and really love it. Another option is a Mossberg 500.

  5. Taylor

    Without a doubt the mossberg 500 or 590. Best shotguns ever made. The US Army uses them…so should you. I promise it will never let you down. The only gun Id trust my life with.

  6. Butch C

    Remington 870 20 gauge.

  7. 10 minutes late

    Get a Mossberg 500 combo or a Remington 870 combo. Both are excellent guns, although the debate over which is better is as old as the AR vs. AK debate.

    The combo packages come with two barrels, typically 18.5" and 28"

    1> Two barrels, very versitile. Short barrel for HD or slugs, long barrel for hunting/clays

    2> Both makers are tried, tested and true.

    3> The 870 may be a little simpler to strip, but not by much. I think the 1911 is harder to strip than either shotgun.

    4> The Mossberg will cost about $450 for the combo, even less if used. The remington will run about $550.

    I have handled both. Honestly, the action on the 870 IS tighter, but I prefer the 500 because the controls are better placed… You can manipulate the safety and bolt release without taking your finger off the trigger. Both of them are extremely reliable though.

    870 Super Mag
    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=158318350

    500 20 gauge
    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=159001813

    500 12 gauge rifled slug
    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=158750143

    500 combo used
    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=159520728

  8. shagnas77

    I recommend the Mossberg 930 Autoload field/security combo. It is a semi-automatic 12 gauge shotgun that comes with two barrels, an 18" for the house and a 28" for hunting. It should cost no more than $500.
    Mossberg makes military and police shotguns so reliability and dependability are there. Plus, I’d get an autoloader if you plan to shoot clay and bird hunt.

    If you don’t like black, I’d get a Remington 1187 combo instead of the 870. Sorry guys. I’m not knockng the 870, I’d just rather have auto than pump for the field. But it is going to cost more than the Mossberg.

  9. Football Freak

    Remington 870 it perfect for u.

  10. RDG78

    You could go with a Maverick 88. It’s about 98% the same as a Mossberg 500, and will take the same barrels and other accessories. It’s usually less expensive than the Mossberg.

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