Very Cheap Shotgun

[Idaho 45 Vaquero]

Howdy All,

I got a friend who has never owned any guns, and lives in a small apartment in a rough neighborhood. Because of particular recent events he wants to purchase a firearm. Until his marksmanship improves, and because he is not old enough to purchase a handgun, I suggested he get a simple shotgun. He is very much on a budget and was hoping for getting a reliable shotgun for under $200 total cost. He has gone shooting with me and has used my 12 gauge (a fine valuable double barrel). I am in the process of teaching him firearm safety and use.

I don't have much personal experience with cheap shotguns. I know there is the old H&R single shots and Rossi Wizards that are reliable in that price range. I was wondering if there are any good pump action models or repeaters that are under $200? H&R Pardner Pump is one i've noticed online. Is it any good?

[g.willikers]

There must be tons of used Remington 870s and Mossberg 500s around for that price.

[FITASC]

Mossberg's Maverick will be under $200 @ Walmart typically.

[Onward Allusion]

New - Maverick 88, Pardner Protector, Rock Island & a few others...
Used - Remington 870, Winchester 1200

[Bake]

I really don't like "CHEAP SHOTGUNS", but a good entry level shotgun, for around $200.00 should be possible...

[Blindstitch]

Mossberg maverick if you cant find a uses mossberg 500.

[cc-hangfire]

In addition to suggestions in prior posts, if you friend is doesn't mind used, the store brand shotguns will be the least expensive. I have had several J C Higgins model 20 pump shotguns costing from $90 to $200. Most needed cleaning up but they are all steel, made by High Standard for Sears, and have worked well as utility guns. These have no collector value and therefore won't cost much. There are other store brands of good quality as well.

[skizzums]

I picked up a used H&R pardner pump for 100$ a couple years ago. 100% reliable shooting nothing but heavy 00 buck and slugs, and I admit to not taking great care of it. it's a heavy gun but built like a tank. you can find them pretty much anywhere. not the prettiest, but cheap and reliable....did I mention HEAVY? this is a heavily used shotgun and maintains perfect reliability from day one, I bought from a friend who had it for a few years of heavy use as well. as long as the weihht is okay, I recommend to anyone on a budget

[TfflHndn]

If you look around you may be able to find a Stevens 350 Security for about $200. I think mine was about $220 out the door at a sale. Nice home defense gun. Made by the same folks that make Savage.

[bedlamite]

He may have to save a little more, but I'd pick up a used Remington 870 Express Magnum. Preferably a pre-triggerlock model.

[rightside]

Almost direct ripoff of the Remington 870, but this one gets good reviews. Well built and dependable.

http://www.centerfiresystems.com/SG0009.aspx

[CWKahrFan]

I have a Pardner Pump... Heavy and solid... Never had one problem with it nor have I read anything bad about their functioning or reliability. They're basically made in China if that's a consideration... just thought you ought to know before you get it home and inspect the markings. (Doesn't matter much to me but does to some...)

[Nodak1858]

Another vote for the Mossberg Maverick. I bought one years ago as just a beater shotgun, but I've hunted and shot skeet with it for years. Good entry level shotgun, no frills but it works

[idek]

The replies sound like the usual suspects:

used: Remington 870 or Morrberg 500

new: Pardener pump (based off of the 870) or Maverick (based off of the 500)

A person can use any length barrel, but if he really wants a designated defense gun and wants a shorter barrel, one of the NEW options may be easier to come across than a used short barrel gun.

[Arizona Fusilier]

Yeah, I'd say we're all on the same page. Here's another vote for the Maverick, though.

[johnwilliamson062]

Cutting down a shotgun barrel is pretty simple. Even doing it correctly.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...18.5+BLK+4%2B1
This is one of Buds import brands. They claim to back them pretty well and I have not heard much complaining about the service. If I was going cheap i would look at one of these hard. Considered the inertia gun buds is importing.

[SARuger]

Another vote for the Maverick 88. I picked up a used 20g with 4 chokes from a local gun shop for 170 out the door. It lives in my truck and is very reliable.

Note, if you are use to a good pump like an older Wingmaster or BPS, you will feel like you are holding crap in your hands, they just don't have the quality of those guns but they work.

[MANual_puller]

+1 for the Maverick 88 Mine has some expensive furniture, a magazine feeding system, camo finish and it still only cost me $700...initially.... Very smooth running gun and I shot 4 deer for the group this past winter with it

I added the saddle mount, tactical sight with circle dot reticle, took 7/8" out of the stock by shortening the intermediate tube, modified the magazines to run longer 2.75" sabot slugs, 24" vented fully rifled slug barrel(not pictured), and a sling(not pictured) I'm well over a grand into mine but underneath it all is just a good old everyday economical mossberg

[Brotherbadger]

There must be tons of used Remington 870s and Mossberg 500s around for that price.

Agreed. Used 870s in my area go for around $125-150. I'd look used for the best value.

[SARuger]

I'm coming to your area to buy a few 870's!!!!

The newer Express models are bringing $250 on the used market, add another $25 for a 20ga.

Mossy's are bringing $200 and 88's are around $150. I have seen Pardners in the $125 range but I'm never fast enough to snag one. And once again, if its a 20ga add more money. If its a .410 you will pay premium for it.

I don't know why our market likes the smaller gauges but they sell and sell well.

[FITASC]

Smaller bore sizes are better for upland hunting; 12s shred quail and the like so there's nothing left to eat.

[Rbrt3474]

Another vote for the Maverick. If he's not real experienced, it's just easier to buy new and know you'll have a reliable firearm than get a used one with a questionable past. Especially at such a low price point.

The only complaint I have with my Maverick is the safety. It's very stiff, and in a spot on the trigger guard that just doesn't fit my hands... It's cheap enough though that I don't worry about dirt, grime, dings, etc.

[Doug S]

I like the Maverick also, but in my parts I haven't seen one below $234, and the local hardware store, last I looked had the Security Model for $275. With that said, I think it's a great shotgun. It's just an economized version of the 500, made in the same production facility in Texas as are current production 500s. Modern production seems to be about identical to the 500. Mossberg claims that are made in the U.S.A., while some gun forumites repeatedly argue that it is the "Mexican Mossberg". Again, a little research would seem to indicate that if current production Mavericks are using some Mexican parts, then most likely so are current 500 models.

Having both multiple 500s and a Maverick, I notice no difference at all in the quality. The only meaningful difference IMO is the placement of the safety.

[g.willikers]

I got a friend who has never owned any guns, and lives in a small apartment in a rough neighborhood.

I suggested he get a shotgun.

Glad I ain't living next to him - or above him - or below him.
Since a shotgun is not something that's going to help him away from his apartment, maybe it's not such a good idea.
Maybe a firearm is not what he needs, right now.
There's plenty of other ways he can secure his place that won't put his neighbors at risk.
Just a thought.

[Blindstitch]

There's plenty of other ways he can secure his place that won't put his neighbors at risk.

Like what?