My first "real" shotty

73dodgedart · December 22, 2006, 06:31 PM

I'm in the market for a new shotgun. I already have a NEF single shot but it kicks like a mule and is no fun to soot. So I'm going to get a pump. I want a good gun at a good price <300. Any suggestions?

revjen45 · December 22, 2006, 06:58 PM

If you live where there's a Big 5 watch their ads. They have regular sales on 870s and Mossy 500s for <$300 in various types. If you want it for hunting and HD get the one with the 18" bbl and the 26" fowling piece bbl. You can set it up for huntin' or fightin'. Sometines they come as a "cruiser pack" with a pistol grip and a stock. A pistol grip 12 ga. can be real unpleasant to fire, and unless you plan to limit your defensive ammo to light dove loads leave the stock on it. If you want a purely fighting gun get the 20" Mossberg Persuader and ask why it's plugged to 6 shots (see other posts on this subject). When I was in gunsmithing school (back when smokeless powder was a new invention) it was general lore that the best pump shotty period was the 870, and the best for the $ the Mossy 500. Whatever you end up getting, be sure it has 2 action bars. Also be sure of the chamber length before you shoot 3" ammo in it.

Edward429451 · December 22, 2006, 07:04 PM

Rem 870 Express, 289. all over.

kozak6 · December 23, 2006, 03:50 AM

Although if you see an Ithica Model 37, that would be a mighty fine pump gun as well.

akr · December 23, 2006, 10:20 AM

On "Shotgunsports.com", I noticed that there are 2 Ithaca 37's for sale, one 12 and one 20ga. in classifieds....both for $250 apiece...sounds good to me. I just can't afford one right now. Also, on that single shot, do you have a good pad for it? I always liked a good single shot.

steveracer · December 23, 2006, 10:44 AM

...you habve serious problems. They are everywhere, and the 870 express is the best darn pump gun under $300 EVER.
I'm usually in the "get something original, everyone has glocks and Kimbers" camp, but there's a reason everyone has these guns. Mostly because of fads or marketing, but I've never seen an ad for a Remington 870, but every shooter I know has one or more of them. I have three.
Get an 870, please. That way you won't be back here on TFL trying to find accessories for a winchester model 12.

akr · December 23, 2006, 10:55 AM

You are correct. The Remington 870 is a very fine shotgun, as well. I have 4 Wingmasters and 2 Expresses myself. He may buy one of those or he may buy another fine shotgun, such as the Ithaca 37, as well. Most people "in the know" realize that it is a fine shotgun, and lots of people would love to find one.

December 22, 2006, 06:31 PM	#1
73dodgedart Member Join Date: November 9, 2006 Posts: 56	My first "real" shotty I'm in the market for a new shotgun. I already have a NEF single shot but it kicks like a mule and is no fun to soot. So I'm going to get a pump. I want a good gun at a good price <300. Any suggestions?

December 23, 2006, 10:44 AM	#6
steveracer Senior Member Join Date: October 26, 2005 Location: Virginia Posts: 123	For $300, if you don't get an 870... ...you habve serious problems. They are everywhere, and the 870 express is the best darn pump gun under $300 EVER. I'm usually in the "get something original, everyone has glocks and Kimbers" camp, but there's a reason everyone has these guns. Mostly because of fads or marketing, but I've never seen an ad for a Remington 870, but every shooter I know has one or more of them. I have three. Get an 870, please. That way you won't be back here on TFL trying to find accessories for a winchester model 12.

December 22, 2006, 06:58 PM	#2
revjen45 Junior member Join Date: May 7, 2006 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 626	If you live where there's a Big 5 watch their ads. They have regular sales on 870s and Mossy 500s for <$300 in various types. If you want it for hunting and HD get the one with the 18" bbl and the 26" fowling piece bbl. You can set it up for huntin' or fightin'. Sometines they come as a "cruiser pack" with a pistol grip and a stock. A pistol grip 12 ga. can be real unpleasant to fire, and unless you plan to limit your defensive ammo to light dove loads leave the stock on it. If you want a purely fighting gun get the 20" Mossberg Persuader and ask why it's plugged to 6 shots (see other posts on this subject). When I was in gunsmithing school (back when smokeless powder was a new invention) it was general lore that the best pump shotty period was the 870, and the best for the $ the Mossy 500. Whatever you end up getting, be sure it has 2 action bars. Also be sure of the chamber length before you shoot 3" ammo in it.

December 22, 2006, 07:04 PM	#3
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	Rem 870 Express, 289. all over.

December 23, 2006, 03:50 AM	#4
kozak6 Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2005 Location: AZ Posts: 3,113	Although if you see an Ithica Model 37, that would be a mighty fine pump gun as well.

December 23, 2006, 10:20 AM	#5
akr Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2006 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,379	On "Shotgunsports.com", I noticed that there are 2 Ithaca 37's for sale, one 12 and one 20ga. in classifieds....both for $250 apiece...sounds good to me. I just can't afford one right now. Also, on that single shot, do you have a good pad for it? I always liked a good single shot.

December 23, 2006, 10:55 AM	#7
akr Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2006 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,379	You are correct. The Remington 870 is a very fine shotgun, as well. I have 4 Wingmasters and 2 Expresses myself. He may buy one of those or he may buy another fine shotgun, such as the Ithaca 37, as well. Most people "in the know" realize that it is a fine shotgun, and lots of people would love to find one.