best shotgun buy around $250 or less?

old fart · August 13, 2017, 01:09 PM

i am in need of a shotgun by november, i'm saving now and by then will have around $250 or so, i have about $160 now if that will get one. i will be using it as a deer gun in thick woods with shots 50-75yds at most, also it will double as a home gun along with my lcr 9mm. i am wanting a 12 gauge as i have lots of ammo saved up and don't want another gauge. since it's been several years since i bought a shotgun, i thought i would ask what models can i get and the best bang for the dollar? thanks for any help

JoeSixpack · August 13, 2017, 01:32 PM

I've not had a lot of shotgun experience.. and I don't hunt.. so keep all this in mind.

But I've been happy with my maverick 88's.. They're not wingmasters but they are a reliable gun.

You can get the field/security combo (18.5 & 28in) model for about 220 online shipped..
https://www.gunbuyer.com/maverick-88...els-31014.html
I've bought from gunbuyer before, Infact that's where I got my mavericks from, no complaints.

If you're not interested in the shorter security barrel you can save 20-30 dollars, I think the barrels come in 24,26,28(vent rib)

Then again you might be able to pick up an even cheaper used one at the lgs or pawn.
Or if not cheaper then just simply nicer quality gun.

There is nothing wrong with the mavericks but they do have plastic stocks rather than wood and the finish is not great.

so depends on how important aesthetics are.

FITASC · August 13, 2017, 02:12 PM

Used will be your best bet. The Maverick from Mossberg will be about your best bet if new. Used, maybe a Remington 870 can be in the mix

baddarryl · August 13, 2017, 02:14 PM

You can find many an old reliable pump gun on the used racks for that money. Find one you like then google it. Can't go wrong with the old 870's, Moss 500's, Winchesters etc. Some hidden gems are the old Sears Ted Williams models. Many were made by Winchester, Savage etc and can be found cheap.

stuckinthe60s · August 13, 2017, 02:46 PM

hit the pawn shops.............

GarandTd · August 14, 2017, 12:00 PM

I 2nd the Mossberg Maverick 88 or Mossberg m500. The Maverick is cheaper, but if you watch sales, the m500 can be found for only a little more. These are both available in a variety of combos with interchangeable barrels, depending on your wants and needs.

T. O'Heir · August 14, 2017, 12:29 PM

Suspect 'used' will be your only bet. Mind you, 'used' is not an ugly word in Firearm's Land. Takes a lot of abuse to damage a modern firearm.
There's a BNIB Maverick 88 with a bead sight and 18 1/2" barrel(actually a lower end Mossberg M500) on Gunbroker(in RI. Dealer has 5 of 'em.) for $189.99 with no bids and 18 days left. Mavericks use the exact same extra barrels(and all the other daft stuff too) as M500's too.
http://www.gunbroker.com/item/677469484

JoeSixpack · August 14, 2017, 04:47 PM

Ya but he wants a gun for both hunting and home defense.
That's why I suggested the field & security model, It could fill both roles.

If you just want one for home defense I'd recommend the 7+1 model, it's a tad longer at 20 inch tough.

Kvon2 · August 14, 2017, 05:24 PM

I have a Maverick 88 and it has been great so far. I would also take a look at the CZ612(I think I have the model number right?)

Omaha-BeenGlockin · August 14, 2017, 07:51 PM

You can get a Mossberg 500 at Walmart for less than $20 bucks over your limit

osbornk · August 14, 2017, 08:36 PM

I went to Walmart to get the $188 Maverick 88 but they were out of stock on the 12 gauge (they had the 20) so I found the Mossberg 500 for $259 with 3 choke tubes. I started to buy it but saw the Field/Deer combo with 2 barrels for $298. I bought the combo one and have been very happy with it. The Maverick 88 has a 1 year warranty and the Mossberg 500 has a 10 year warranty.

The maverick has one choke tube and Mossberg has 3.

TB9 · August 15, 2017, 06:53 PM

they make a maverick 88 with the 24" rifle sight slug barrel I think its the smooth bore for like $200

dreaming · August 16, 2017, 12:19 PM

Will the thickness of these woods make it difficult to use a typical 28" field barrel? Removable chokes enable you to use the same barrel for different applications and some get a rifled barrel for slugs, but many shoot slugs in a smooth bore.

Some of the two barrel combination guns cheap out and have fixed choke barrels. TB9's suggestion just above sounds like it could be a good fit. An even shorter barrel may be better for home defense, but 24" will get the job done and you have the lc9 for tight quarters.

GarandTd · August 16, 2017, 01:04 PM

My Maverick 88 field 20 gauge has solid accuracy with rifled slugs and an improved cylinder choke. 12oclock hold @ 60-70 yards with the bead sight gets me flirting with the center of the bullseye. It was enough to impress me anyway.

Jim Watson · August 16, 2017, 02:13 PM

End of hunting season, Christmas, tax day bring down prices on common guns. You might could make a private purchase, but be wary of want ad sellers.

jmr40 · August 16, 2017, 02:39 PM

Was in Walmart earlier today, a standard Mossbeg 500 was $250 and change. But that was with a standard barrel. If you're going to deer hunt that wouldn't be ideal, but most folks would be surprised at how accurate slugs can be out to 50 yards from a standard barrel. A dedicated slug barrel will make it a 100 yard gun if the shooter is good enough.

bamaranger · August 16, 2017, 07:07 PM

We had a Maverick 88 here in the house for a while, 'till I sold it to help pay for hunting club dues !!!!!!!!!!

We shot it a bit , bamaboy found the location of the safety odd since he was used to the tang safety on the Moss 835 already present. I was a little better off, being an Wingmaster guy, but not by much, as the safety on the 870 is rearward on the triggerguard, while on the Maverich it is forward. But if you are not accustomed to a certain safety location, I do not see it being a real problem, as you'll simply learn it sooner or later anyhow.

Bamaboy took the Maverick to his academy where it was shot for qualification by him and his squad....for some reason, there were not pump shotguns too be had for trainees, , and the recruits had to provide one. Reports from the boy is that the gun ran fine for him and everybody else, and shot exactly to point of aim with both buck and slugs.

He was not happy when he brought it home and I sold it!!!!!!!!!

old fart · August 17, 2017, 10:56 AM

how good is the savage 320?, my local store has a sale for $139. i called savage and they don't have any parts, not even small ones if i have a problem i would have to send the whole gun in for just the firing pin or ejector under warranty. thanks

JoeSixpack · August 17, 2017, 11:18 AM

No experience with them, Is it threaded for chokes? you'll want that for hunting.. otherwise you're stuck with cylinder bore.

All the 320's I've ever seen was setup for security.
Good price though I think the cheapest I've ever seen them was 159

Really sucks about the parts.. They don't have them? or won't sell them?
If they just flat don't have them how are they gonna repair the gun if it comes in for work?

Reason I never bought a 320 was I didn't think there was much aftermarket support.

old fart · August 17, 2017, 11:29 AM

they have parts at their gunsmith and its up to him whether to ship parts, they said they would rather have the gun returned to make sure work was done right but may send a part but it would be up to him and he rarely does that.

JoeSixpack · August 17, 2017, 12:07 PM

Wow that sucks, so you can't even buy parts to keep as spares.
It's really annoying because a simple part could take down the whole gun.. something like the extractor that could be swapped out in 15mins would probably take a couple of weeks.

did they say if they cover shipping? I'd be pissed if I had to spend 25 dollars (actually I have no idea how much shipping a gun costs) just to replace some small part.. would really defeat the point of a cheap gun if you're paying shipping all the time.

Is it covered for warranty forever? otherwise you'll probably be paying a smith fee too.

If I was in that situation I'd just look for used parts online and do it my self.

FITASC · August 17, 2017, 12:42 PM

First, where is it made? I doubt it is Stateside. A lot of "US" brands aren't any more.

JoeSixpack · August 17, 2017, 12:45 PM

I think Savage makes a lot of stuff in Canada these days don't they?
I know the Mavericks are assembled in Texas but I think most or all the parts come from Mexico.

dreaming · August 17, 2017, 01:09 PM

The 320 is NOT a Savage, but a Stevens 320 even though Savage owns Stevens. It is made in Turkey.

JoeSixpack · August 17, 2017, 02:51 PM

Oh my bad I've seen them in the shops and could have sworn they was savage also.

Not being made in the US wouldn't turn me off.
I've got a pair of 92's made by MKE (Turk gov. owned arms mfg)
and a Stoeger Cougar (Beretta subsidiary).

So the Turks can make a decent gun when they want to but I suppose it would depend on where in Turkey the 320's being made.

That might be why they're tight with the parts however, They probably don't have enough parts state side to supply the market.

August 13, 2017, 01:09 PM	#1
old fart Senior Member Join Date: May 24, 2009 Posts: 405	best shotgun buy around $250 or less? i am in need of a shotgun by november, i'm saving now and by then will have around $250 or so, i have about $160 now if that will get one. i will be using it as a deer gun in thick woods with shots 50-75yds at most, also it will double as a home gun along with my lcr 9mm. i am wanting a 12 gauge as i have lots of ammo saved up and don't want another gauge. since it's been several years since i bought a shotgun, i thought i would ask what models can i get and the best bang for the dollar? thanks for any help

August 13, 2017, 02:12 PM	#3
FITASC Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 2014 Posts: 6,441	Used will be your best bet. The Maverick from Mossberg will be about your best bet if new. Used, maybe a Remington 870 can be in the mix __________________ "I believe that people have a right to decide their own destinies; people own themselves. I also believe that, in a democracy, government exists because (and only so long as) individual citizens give it a 'temporary license to exist'—in exchange for a promise that it will behave itself. In a democracy, you own the government—it doesn't own you."- Frank Zappa

August 13, 2017, 02:46 PM	#5
stuckinthe60s Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 2017 Location: Va., Ct., Mo.. Posts: 877	hit the pawn shops............. __________________ Retired Military Aviation Former Member Navy Shooting Team Distinguished Pistol Shot,NRA Shotgun/Pistol Instructor NSSA All American, Skeet/Trap Range Owner

August 14, 2017, 12:00 PM	#6
GarandTd Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2016 Location: Rural PA Posts: 1,639	I 2nd the Mossberg Maverick 88 or Mossberg m500. The Maverick is cheaper, but if you watch sales, the m500 can be found for only a little more. These are both available in a variety of combos with interchangeable barrels, depending on your wants and needs. __________________ 22lr, 20 gauge, 8mm Mauser, 35 Remington, 30-06, 5.56x45/223, 9mm, 380acp

August 14, 2017, 12:29 PM	#7
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	Suspect 'used' will be your only bet. Mind you, 'used' is not an ugly word in Firearm's Land. Takes a lot of abuse to damage a modern firearm. There's a BNIB Maverick 88 with a bead sight and 18 1/2" barrel(actually a lower end Mossberg M500) on Gunbroker(in RI. Dealer has 5 of 'em.) for $189.99 with no bids and 18 days left. Mavericks use the exact same extra barrels(and all the other daft stuff too) as M500's too. http://www.gunbroker.com/item/677469484 __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

August 13, 2017, 01:32 PM	#2
JoeSixpack Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2017 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,048	I've not had a lot of shotgun experience.. and I don't hunt.. so keep all this in mind. But I've been happy with my maverick 88's.. They're not wingmasters but they are a reliable gun. You can get the field/security combo (18.5 & 28in) model for about 220 online shipped.. https://www.gunbuyer.com/maverick-88...els-31014.html I've bought from gunbuyer before, Infact that's where I got my mavericks from, no complaints. If you're not interested in the shorter security barrel you can save 20-30 dollars, I think the barrels come in 24,26,28(vent rib) Then again you might be able to pick up an even cheaper used one at the lgs or pawn. Or if not cheaper then just simply nicer quality gun. There is nothing wrong with the mavericks but they do have plastic stocks rather than wood and the finish is not great. so depends on how important aesthetics are.

August 13, 2017, 02:14 PM	#4
baddarryl Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2011 Location: Cape Fear! Posts: 1,683	You can find many an old reliable pump gun on the used racks for that money. Find one you like then google it. Can't go wrong with the old 870's, Moss 500's, Winchesters etc. Some hidden gems are the old Sears Ted Williams models. Many were made by Winchester, Savage etc and can be found cheap.

August 14, 2017, 04:47 PM	#8
JoeSixpack Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2017 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,048	Ya but he wants a gun for both hunting and home defense. That's why I suggested the field & security model, It could fill both roles. If you just want one for home defense I'd recommend the 7+1 model, it's a tad longer at 20 inch tough.

August 14, 2017, 05:24 PM	#9
Kvon2 Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2016 Posts: 757	I have a Maverick 88 and it has been great so far. I would also take a look at the CZ612(I think I have the model number right?)

August 14, 2017, 07:51 PM	#10
Omaha-BeenGlockin Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2001 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 1,183	You can get a Mossberg 500 at Walmart for less than $20 bucks over your limit __________________ I take the leech that's bleeding me Can't stop to save my soul I take the leash that's leading me -------Metallica

August 14, 2017, 08:36 PM	#11
osbornk Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2012 Location: Mountains of Appalachia Posts: 1,598	I went to Walmart to get the $188 Maverick 88 but they were out of stock on the 12 gauge (they had the 20) so I found the Mossberg 500 for $259 with 3 choke tubes. I started to buy it but saw the Field/Deer combo with 2 barrels for $298. I bought the combo one and have been very happy with it. The Maverick 88 has a 1 year warranty and the Mossberg 500 has a 10 year warranty. The maverick has one choke tube and Mossberg has 3. Last edited by osbornk; August 17, 2017 at 10:55 AM.

August 15, 2017, 06:53 PM	#12
TB9 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2013 Location: N.H Posts: 120	they make a maverick 88 with the 24" rifle sight slug barrel I think its the smooth bore for like $200 __________________ Why thats... Brilliant ! now go lay down by youre dish and shut up .

August 16, 2017, 12:19 PM	#13
dreaming Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2016 Posts: 186	Will the thickness of these woods make it difficult to use a typical 28" field barrel? Removable chokes enable you to use the same barrel for different applications and some get a rifled barrel for slugs, but many shoot slugs in a smooth bore. Some of the two barrel combination guns cheap out and have fixed choke barrels. TB9's suggestion just above sounds like it could be a good fit. An even shorter barrel may be better for home defense, but 24" will get the job done and you have the lc9 for tight quarters. Last edited by dreaming; August 16, 2017 at 12:25 PM.

August 16, 2017, 01:04 PM	#14
GarandTd Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2016 Location: Rural PA Posts: 1,639	My Maverick 88 field 20 gauge has solid accuracy with rifled slugs and an improved cylinder choke. 12oclock hold @ 60-70 yards with the bead sight gets me flirting with the center of the bullseye. It was enough to impress me anyway. __________________ 22lr, 20 gauge, 8mm Mauser, 35 Remington, 30-06, 5.56x45/223, 9mm, 380acp

August 16, 2017, 02:13 PM	#15
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,535	End of hunting season, Christmas, tax day bring down prices on common guns. You might could make a private purchase, but be wary of want ad sellers.

August 16, 2017, 02:39 PM	#16
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,805	Was in Walmart earlier today, a standard Mossbeg 500 was $250 and change. But that was with a standard barrel. If you're going to deer hunt that wouldn't be ideal, but most folks would be surprised at how accurate slugs can be out to 50 yards from a standard barrel. A dedicated slug barrel will make it a 100 yard gun if the shooter is good enough. __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

August 16, 2017, 07:07 PM	#17
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,300	Maverick We had a Maverick 88 here in the house for a while, 'till I sold it to help pay for hunting club dues !!!!!!!!!! We shot it a bit , bamaboy found the location of the safety odd since he was used to the tang safety on the Moss 835 already present. I was a little better off, being an Wingmaster guy, but not by much, as the safety on the 870 is rearward on the triggerguard, while on the Maverich it is forward. But if you are not accustomed to a certain safety location, I do not see it being a real problem, as you'll simply learn it sooner or later anyhow. Bamaboy took the Maverick to his academy where it was shot for qualification by him and his squad....for some reason, there were not pump shotguns too be had for trainees, , and the recruits had to provide one. Reports from the boy is that the gun ran fine for him and everybody else, and shot exactly to point of aim with both buck and slugs. He was not happy when he brought it home and I sold it!!!!!!!!!

August 17, 2017, 10:56 AM	#18
old fart Senior Member Join Date: May 24, 2009 Posts: 405	how good is the savage 320?, my local store has a sale for $139. i called savage and they don't have any parts, not even small ones if i have a problem i would have to send the whole gun in for just the firing pin or ejector under warranty. thanks

August 17, 2017, 11:18 AM	#19
JoeSixpack Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2017 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,048	No experience with them, Is it threaded for chokes? you'll want that for hunting.. otherwise you're stuck with cylinder bore. All the 320's I've ever seen was setup for security. Good price though I think the cheapest I've ever seen them was 159 Really sucks about the parts.. They don't have them? or won't sell them? If they just flat don't have them how are they gonna repair the gun if it comes in for work? Reason I never bought a 320 was I didn't think there was much aftermarket support.

August 17, 2017, 11:29 AM	#20
old fart Senior Member Join Date: May 24, 2009 Posts: 405	they have parts at their gunsmith and its up to him whether to ship parts, they said they would rather have the gun returned to make sure work was done right but may send a part but it would be up to him and he rarely does that.

August 17, 2017, 12:07 PM	#21
JoeSixpack Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2017 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,048	Wow that sucks, so you can't even buy parts to keep as spares. It's really annoying because a simple part could take down the whole gun.. something like the extractor that could be swapped out in 15mins would probably take a couple of weeks. did they say if they cover shipping? I'd be pissed if I had to spend 25 dollars (actually I have no idea how much shipping a gun costs) just to replace some small part.. would really defeat the point of a cheap gun if you're paying shipping all the time. Is it covered for warranty forever? otherwise you'll probably be paying a smith fee too. If I was in that situation I'd just look for used parts online and do it my self.

August 17, 2017, 12:42 PM	#22
FITASC Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 2014 Posts: 6,441	First, where is it made? I doubt it is Stateside. A lot of "US" brands aren't any more. __________________ "I believe that people have a right to decide their own destinies; people own themselves. I also believe that, in a democracy, government exists because (and only so long as) individual citizens give it a 'temporary license to exist'—in exchange for a promise that it will behave itself. In a democracy, you own the government—it doesn't own you."- Frank Zappa

August 17, 2017, 12:45 PM	#23
JoeSixpack Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2017 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,048	I think Savage makes a lot of stuff in Canada these days don't they? I know the Mavericks are assembled in Texas but I think most or all the parts come from Mexico.

August 17, 2017, 01:09 PM	#24
dreaming Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2016 Posts: 186	The 320 is NOT a Savage, but a Stevens 320 even though Savage owns Stevens. It is made in Turkey.

August 17, 2017, 02:51 PM	#25
JoeSixpack Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2017 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,048	Oh my bad I've seen them in the shops and could have sworn they was savage also. Not being made in the US wouldn't turn me off. I've got a pair of 92's made by MKE (Turk gov. owned arms mfg) and a Stoeger Cougar (Beretta subsidiary). So the Turks can make a decent gun when they want to but I suppose it would depend on where in Turkey the 320's being made. That might be why they're tight with the parts however, They probably don't have enough parts state side to supply the market.