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Old January 2, 2013, 07:45 PM   #1
jason_iowa
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Best Value

I have been asked a lot lately what the best value is in an "all around" shotgun. Something that can be used for field use and basic home defense from critters and other unwanted guests.

I generally recommend Benelli Nova. I have always had good luck with Benelli.

Any other suggestions for a nice gun where quality meets price at a good value? Probably between 300-800 for most of the people that have asked me so pump or auto is fine. All my shotguns are past that and more specialized so I feel like I don't have a good answer.
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Old January 2, 2013, 08:07 PM   #2
idek
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I don't think there's anything wrong with a Nova, but as an all-around gun, it's on the heavy side for an upland gun. Mossberg 500s and Remington 870s tend to be about 11% lighter.

And as accessory barrels go (slug barrels, short defense barrels), Mossberg is much more economical than anything else I've seen. So my all-around best-value vote would be for a Mossberg 500.
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Old January 3, 2013, 07:30 AM   #3
jonnyc
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Check out a Maverick 88, and spend the savings on ammo.
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Old January 3, 2013, 08:05 AM   #4
jmr40
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The money you save and spend on ammo will be shot up within a few trips out shooting. You'll be stuck knowing you could have had a better gun for just a little more money for a long time.

I like the 870 best, but I'd not argue that you probably get more for your money with the Benelli. It comes with sling attachment studs, 3 choke tubes vs only one on the 870 Express and is better finished. I just am too used to the 870 and shoot them better.

If buying extra barrels is in your future it is hard to beat a Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 though. Not an economical option with the Nova.
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Old January 3, 2013, 11:14 PM   #5
mohead10
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Not to long ago I got a new Weatherby PA-08 Upland. With the wood stock and I love it. It's a bird killer, I don't think that it heavy and it looks nice for about $375.00. IMOP alot of nice gun for the $
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Old January 4, 2013, 07:45 PM   #6
BigJimP
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Browning BPS Hunter model ...is the model I recommend for a good all around gun ....in a 12ga, and 26" or 28" barrel...personally I recommend a 28" barrel.../ its not a "fighting shotgun" but its fine for Defense in my opinion...

http://www.browning.com/products/cat...id=012&tid=211

Its selling new in my area for under $600....( I still have both of my BPS shotguns - same models / one in 12 and one in 20's that I bought in the late 1970's )....still solid guns / with probably 100,000 shells thru them by now...

http://thefiringline.com/forums/atta...4&d=1236031619
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Old January 4, 2013, 10:36 PM   #7
farmboy
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The 870 Express is really one helluva deal. Available at Walmart, Bass Pro, Scheels, and Sportsman's Warehouse.

I just picked up an 870 Tactical at Sportsmans, and their rack is full. Just go take your pick.
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Old January 5, 2013, 09:42 AM   #8
Cary
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As a side note which ever one you purchase remember to keep it protected with some kind of rust inhibitor. This is true for any none SS gun. I have read a lot of complaints on the Internet of people having rust on their 870 Express. I'm not sure if they are more prone to rust compared to a Mossberg 500 or not. I just bought an 870 Express a few months ago and one of the first things I did is give it a good coat of Break Free CLP inside and out to prevent rust. I wasn't going to take any chances with it. I also have a Mossberg 500 and it also gets the CLP treatment. During your decision keep in mind that there is a large market of accessories for the 870 and the Mossberg 500 if you want to modify your gun any. This is not so much true with other brands.
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Old January 7, 2013, 11:30 AM   #9
mach1.3
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It's a nice idea to have a one-does-it-all shotgun but in the long run it never works out that way. Practically, you could get a Mossberg 500 with maybe an extra 18.5" bbl and have everything covered BUT....

if you're like most on this board--with time and as you accummulate more $$$
you will want this different shotgun or rifle or handgun. You won't necessarily NEED it but it serves a purpose better than what is in your present inventory. I do understand the idea behind a starter gun that can work for every application. Welcome to the journey, it's expensive but oh so fun---see you when you are 65.
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Old January 7, 2013, 12:30 PM   #10
BigD_in_FL
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+1......a "jack of all trades" or "do it all" shotgun has a tendency to do most things somewhat OK, but different guns specific to the use will always perform better.

While a riot barreled 500 might break a few clays at trap, a dedicated trap gun will perform much better, same with a gun dedicated for hunting, etc.
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Old January 7, 2013, 12:44 PM   #11
CharlieDeltaJuliet
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I keep a Mossy 500 for one of my HD guns. Mavericks and Remmy 870's are goo too. I have not seen a review of the Steven/Savage that is sold at chains like WalMart, but I did see them on sale for under $200. If it cycles and shoots reliably, $200 is a steal...
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Old January 7, 2013, 03:51 PM   #12
shortwave
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Either the Rem. 870 or Mossy 500 in a combo set with field and slug bbl.
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