Shotgun for under $300.

Chang · September 19, 2000, 10:35 AM

Hi, I'm pretty new to firearms, but I need a shotgun for general purpose hunting a sporting. I'm thinking about the Remington 870 Express, but not sure what is good. Anyone have advice? Thanks!

DorGunR · September 19, 2000, 10:43 AM

Chang,
I see that you are a student and therefore cost could be a factor. If cost is a factor try checking out some used shotguns, my favorite gunstore has a very good selection.
The "best value" may be a good used Winchester model 1200, it's a good solid pump shotgun. Whatever you decide on, HAPPY SHOOTING.

------------------
"Lead, follow or get the HELL out of the way."

NJW · September 19, 2000, 10:52 AM

The 870 is an extremely reliable and solid pump SG that has been giving reliable service for many years. I think it is the best SG for the $ and for someone starting out. It has become the standard pump SG and you will find plently of parts and accessories for it if you decide to modify it.

NJW in AZ

CD1 · September 19, 2000, 11:48 AM

Remington 870 Express. Ive used it for years, put many many thousands of rounds through it, used it to hunt deer, ducks, geese, squirrel, dove, shoot skeet with it, used it in the rain, snow, heat, NEVER had a problem with it. It cost me 210 dollars and I'll be passing it on to my son someday. IMHO best shotgun value out there. Period.

Chang · September 19, 2000, 05:59 PM

What about for .22's? I'm thinking of getting a Ruger 10/22 as well. Anything better that would be under 300 dollars?

------------------

Dave R · September 19, 2000, 06:20 PM

Well, I may offend some sensibilities here, but I have an older Marlin Model 60 that I like better than my newer 10/22. Reasons:

1) Better trigger pull. That may have changed over the years, so check 'em both out.

2) Better balance & feel. The 10/22 feels too short for my long arms. The Model 60 feels just right.

3) Better accuracy. My Model 60 shoots groups half the size of my 10/22. Maybe its, the longer barrel, maybe it just fits me better, who knows?

The 10/22 is easier to disassembel & clean, though.

Coronach · September 19, 2000, 10:38 PM

Assuming you want new shotguns: look at the winchester, remington (870) and Mossberg (500- I think) pump guns. Everyone has their own opinions and diehard crusaders from each camp can waste a whole lot of bandwidth blabbering about which is superior and why, but when you get right down to it all 3 are solid and priced right. I'd fiddle with all 3 and go with the one you like the feel of best.

Used: Do NOT turn your nose up at an 870 police trade-in. Cops do their darnedest to destroy equipment, but they have found the 870 nearly impossible to ruin. The only reason the 870s end up on the block some budget monkey somewhere decides to issue all new equipment, since the old stuff *has* to be bad (generally a good guess, but wrong in this case), or some PD got a federal grant and decided they wanted new all-black tactical shotguns. Any 870 you see for sale used is probably a good deal: just be aware the cop trade-ins will have coffee stains on the stocks, dings and dents where Joe Friday dropped it on the pavement and slammed the cruiser door on it, cig butts down the barrel, donut powder in the trigger group, etc etc etc...but it will work fine.

Mike

------------------
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert Heinlein

Coronach · September 19, 2000, 10:42 PM

Followup- police trade-in Mossbergs are a bit dicier. I have no experience with these, but the general consensus is that if the Mossy has an appreciable disadvantage in regards to the 870 it is in the durability department. Given the proclivity LEOs to play 'Lets See If I Can Break THIS' with their equipment, I'd shy away from a retired Mossberg cruiser gun...unless I really knew what to look for on one (and I don't).

Mike

------------------
"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert Heinlein

Dave McC · September 20, 2000, 05:23 AM

Any shooter that knows me knows of my preference for the 870. Been shooting them since about 1958. However, there are other good shotguns out there. The Ithacas are excellent, the older Winchesters are still setting records, and those Italian jobs get their praises sung by folks whose opinions I value.

One big reason I like the 870 is the durability. One 870 used in the Prison system
was used for training, firing hundreds to thousands of rounds each and every year from 1981 to at least 98, when I retired. Total new parts were the wood.

And, getting an 870 is oft cost effective. I built one for about $140 in the early 90s, and have less than $250 invested in the one
I use for deer hunting,including the peep sight, extended mag, and rifled tube.I'm no gunsmith, but I can take an 870 and do most of what ever needs to be done w/o strain.

Also, since you're new, I highly recommend getting some lessons from a good instructor. No use starting off with bad habits.

LiquidTension · September 23, 2000, 12:06 AM

As far as the .22 option is concerned, I'd go with the 10/22. I own 2 Marlin mod 60s and a good friend has a 10/22. The 10/22 has many more accessories, is easier to clean, and has detatchable mag (hi caps available). The Marlin is more accurate out of the box, is a pain to clean, and has an 18 (maybe 15 now, mine are old) round fixed tubular mag. It's also cheaper. If I had a choice, I'd go with the 10/22 because I want to customize it a little bit. Last I checked, WalMart is selling them for $149. The Marlin goes for $120 with a POS 4x scope on it. Did I miss anything? Prolly so, just ask me again =)

old hawk · September 23, 2000, 07:05 AM

remington 870,ithaca m37,rem 11,model 12,winch 97.i dont like mossys with aluminum recievers not to mention some had the problem of the stock nut that was swaged in coming loose after a while.the express mag can shoot 2 3/4 and 3" and is 244$ new at walmart to boot.if you hit the one way rack at the gun shop look for the above models the rem 11 is a semi auto thats a browning design and utterly reliable, the ithaca is also a browning design i believe and can load and shuck emptys from the bottom.the reason the ithaca was called the 37 is thats the year the patent ran out and then ithaca could start making them on the patent i believe........

Shin-Tao · September 23, 2000, 11:30 AM

Have a look at the plain HD synthetic 870.

Chang · September 23, 2000, 05:41 PM

Thanks for all the advice, I think I'm going to get the Ruger 10/22 and then a Remington 870 HD.

------------------

jtduncan · September 29, 2000, 01:41 PM

See my post on the Mossberg sale at Big 5 Sporting goods. $199 for a Moss 590 with two barrels.

But the Rem 870 Express Combo used can be had for under $300. That's what I bought.

------------------
The Seattle SharpShooter - TFL/GT/UGW/PCT/KTOG

Gunslinger · September 29, 2000, 02:45 PM

I'll toss my votes in for the Mossberg 500 and the Marlin/Glenfield model 60.

------------------
Gunslinger

I was promised a Shortycicle and I want a Shortycicle!

gunsdog25 · February 28, 2006, 11:42 PM

I purchased two mossberg 500s just a week ago from.. http://www.gunsunder300.com
for 199.99, I also purchased a glock 22 for 319.99 , He also list Taurus PT24/7 for 299.99 I thinks its a good deal.

TexiCali Slim · February 28, 2006, 11:55 PM

Chang I would reccomend getting a mossberg theyre good priced and good guns, I just got a Winchester because i "Haaaaaad to have 1 b4 they closed" but if not for that reason I would get a mossberg I havent heard any horror storys about them and you'll have plenty of money to play with it or a to buy another gun!
-For what it's worth

SemperKnight · March 1, 2006, 12:31 AM

You can get them fairly cheap from CDNN.com too.

rhoffler · March 1, 2006, 09:10 AM

I bought one from wallmart for abouy 225.00 I hunt dove and shoot sporting clays the gun works great

gunslinger1911ACP · March 1, 2006, 12:58 PM

Remington 870 Express. Bought mine new at Sports Authority for $194 + tax (including a $25 rebate from Remington). I've used it skeet shooting and dove hunting. Great home defense gun too...especially down here in hurrricane country.

February 28, 2006, 11:42 PM	#16
gunsdog25 Member Join Date: June 28, 2005 Posts: 32	Mossberg I purchased two mossberg 500s just a week ago from.. http://www.gunsunder300.com for 199.99, I also purchased a glock 22 for 319.99 , He also list Taurus PT24/7 for 299.99 I thinks its a good deal.

February 28, 2006, 11:55 PM	#17
TexiCali Slim Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2006 Location: H-E-B Tejas Posts: 175	Chang I would reccomend getting a mossberg theyre good priced and good guns, I just got a Winchester because i "Haaaaaad to have 1 b4 they closed" but if not for that reason I would get a mossberg I havent heard any horror storys about them and you'll have plenty of money to play with it or a to buy another gun! -For what it's worth __________________ If voting made any difference they wouldn't let us do it. -Mark Twain Close Only Counts In Horseshoes & Hand Grenades.

March 1, 2006, 12:31 AM	#18
SemperKnight Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 129	You can get them fairly cheap from CDNN.com too. __________________ Incoming rounds have right of way. Semper Fi Marines.

March 1, 2006, 09:10 AM	#19
rhoffler Member Join Date: February 26, 2006 Location: North Central Flordia Posts: 48	870 express I bought one from wallmart for abouy 225.00 I hunt dove and shoot sporting clays the gun works great

September 19, 2000, 10:35 AM	#1
Chang Member Join Date: September 18, 2000 Location: Illinois Posts: 76	Hi, I'm pretty new to firearms, but I need a shotgun for general purpose hunting a sporting. I'm thinking about the Remington 870 Express, but not sure what is good. Anyone have advice? Thanks!

September 19, 2000, 10:43 AM	#2
DorGunR Senior Member Join Date: January 13, 2000 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,125	Chang, I see that you are a student and therefore cost could be a factor. If cost is a factor try checking out some used shotguns, my favorite gunstore has a very good selection. The "best value" may be a good used Winchester model 1200, it's a good solid pump shotgun. Whatever you decide on, HAPPY SHOOTING. ------------------ "Lead, follow or get the HELL out of the way."

September 19, 2000, 10:52 AM	#3
NJW Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 1998 Location: SouthWest Posts: 204	The 870 is an extremely reliable and solid pump SG that has been giving reliable service for many years. I think it is the best SG for the $ and for someone starting out. It has become the standard pump SG and you will find plently of parts and accessories for it if you decide to modify it. NJW in AZ

September 19, 2000, 11:48 AM	#4
CD1 Senior Member Join Date: August 21, 2000 Posts: 320	Remington 870 Express. Ive used it for years, put many many thousands of rounds through it, used it to hunt deer, ducks, geese, squirrel, dove, shoot skeet with it, used it in the rain, snow, heat, NEVER had a problem with it. It cost me 210 dollars and I'll be passing it on to my son someday. IMHO best shotgun value out there. Period.

September 19, 2000, 05:59 PM	#5
Chang Member Join Date: September 18, 2000 Location: Illinois Posts: 76	What about for .22's? I'm thinking of getting a Ruger 10/22 as well. Anything better that would be under 300 dollars? ------------------

September 19, 2000, 06:20 PM	#6
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2000 Location: Idaho Posts: 6,073	Well, I may offend some sensibilities here, but I have an older Marlin Model 60 that I like better than my newer 10/22. Reasons: 1) Better trigger pull. That may have changed over the years, so check 'em both out. 2) Better balance & feel. The 10/22 feels too short for my long arms. The Model 60 feels just right. 3) Better accuracy. My Model 60 shoots groups half the size of my 10/22. Maybe its, the longer barrel, maybe it just fits me better, who knows? The 10/22 is easier to disassembel & clean, though.

September 19, 2000, 10:38 PM	#7
Coronach Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 1999 Posts: 3,147	Assuming you want new shotguns: look at the winchester, remington (870) and Mossberg (500- I think) pump guns. Everyone has their own opinions and diehard crusaders from each camp can waste a whole lot of bandwidth blabbering about which is superior and why, but when you get right down to it all 3 are solid and priced right. I'd fiddle with all 3 and go with the one you like the feel of best. Used: Do NOT turn your nose up at an 870 police trade-in. Cops do their darnedest to destroy equipment, but they have found the 870 nearly impossible to ruin. The only reason the 870s end up on the block some budget monkey somewhere decides to issue all new equipment, since the old stuff has to be bad (generally a good guess, but wrong in this case), or some PD got a federal grant and decided they wanted new all-black tactical shotguns. Any 870 you see for sale used is probably a good deal: just be aware the cop trade-ins will have coffee stains on the stocks, dings and dents where Joe Friday dropped it on the pavement and slammed the cruiser door on it, cig butts down the barrel, donut powder in the trigger group, etc etc etc...but it will work fine. Mike ------------------ "A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert Heinlein

September 19, 2000, 10:42 PM	#8
Coronach Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 1999 Posts: 3,147	Followup- police trade-in Mossbergs are a bit dicier. I have no experience with these, but the general consensus is that if the Mossy has an appreciable disadvantage in regards to the 870 it is in the durability department. Given the proclivity LEOs to play 'Lets See If I Can Break THIS' with their equipment, I'd shy away from a retired Mossberg cruiser gun...unless I really knew what to look for on one (and I don't). Mike ------------------ "A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert Heinlein

September 20, 2000, 05:23 AM	#9
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	Any shooter that knows me knows of my preference for the 870. Been shooting them since about 1958. However, there are other good shotguns out there. The Ithacas are excellent, the older Winchesters are still setting records, and those Italian jobs get their praises sung by folks whose opinions I value. One big reason I like the 870 is the durability. One 870 used in the Prison system was used for training, firing hundreds to thousands of rounds each and every year from 1981 to at least 98, when I retired. Total new parts were the wood. And, getting an 870 is oft cost effective. I built one for about $140 in the early 90s, and have less than $250 invested in the one I use for deer hunting,including the peep sight, extended mag, and rifled tube.I'm no gunsmith, but I can take an 870 and do most of what ever needs to be done w/o strain. Also, since you're new, I highly recommend getting some lessons from a good instructor. No use starting off with bad habits.

September 23, 2000, 12:06 AM	#10
LiquidTension Senior Member Join Date: August 21, 2000 Location: SC Posts: 105	As far as the .22 option is concerned, I'd go with the 10/22. I own 2 Marlin mod 60s and a good friend has a 10/22. The 10/22 has many more accessories, is easier to clean, and has detatchable mag (hi caps available). The Marlin is more accurate out of the box, is a pain to clean, and has an 18 (maybe 15 now, mine are old) round fixed tubular mag. It's also cheaper. If I had a choice, I'd go with the 10/22 because I want to customize it a little bit. Last I checked, WalMart is selling them for $149. The Marlin goes for $120 with a POS 4x scope on it. Did I miss anything? Prolly so, just ask me again =)

September 23, 2000, 07:05 AM	#11
old hawk Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2000 Location: somewhere,maine. Posts: 175	remington 870,ithaca m37,rem 11,model 12,winch 97.i dont like mossys with aluminum recievers not to mention some had the problem of the stock nut that was swaged in coming loose after a while.the express mag can shoot 2 3/4 and 3" and is 244$ new at walmart to boot.if you hit the one way rack at the gun shop look for the above models the rem 11 is a semi auto thats a browning design and utterly reliable, the ithaca is also a browning design i believe and can load and shuck emptys from the bottom.the reason the ithaca was called the 37 is thats the year the patent ran out and then ithaca could start making them on the patent i believe........

September 23, 2000, 11:30 AM	#12
Shin-Tao Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2000 Posts: 1,528	Have a look at the plain HD synthetic 870.

September 23, 2000, 05:41 PM	#13
Chang Member Join Date: September 18, 2000 Location: Illinois Posts: 76	Thanks for all the advice, I think I'm going to get the Ruger 10/22 and then a Remington 870 HD. ------------------

September 29, 2000, 01:41 PM	#14
jtduncan Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 1999 Location: Seattle, Washington, USA Posts: 1,686	See my post on the Mossberg sale at Big 5 Sporting goods. $199 for a Moss 590 with two barrels. But the Rem 870 Express Combo used can be had for under $300. That's what I bought. ------------------ *The Seattle SharpShooter* - TFL/GT/UGW/PCT/KTOG

September 29, 2000, 02:45 PM	#15
Gunslinger Junior member Join Date: January 5, 1999 Location: Springfield, Missouri Posts: 2,105	I'll toss my votes in for the Mossberg 500 and the Marlin/Glenfield model 60. ------------------ Gunslinger I was promised a Shortycicle and I want a Shortycicle!

March 1, 2006, 12:58 PM	#20
gunslinger1911ACP Senior Member Join Date: January 23, 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 131	Remington 870 Express. Bought mine new at Sports Authority for $194 + tax (including a $25 rebate from Remington). I've used it skeet shooting and dove hunting. Great home defense gun too...especially down here in hurrricane country.