Recommend a budget muti-purpose shotgun

[Atroxus]

I am considering buying a shotgun, and looking for recommendations. I will be looking for something inexpensive, but not a total piece of garbage, preferably that comes with both smooth bore and rifled barrels. Is there anything in Washington that I would not be able to hunt with a 16 gauge? Or should I go for a 12? Anyone have any advice?

[ellensburgpo]

Carp sniper is selling a mossberg combo tht sounds like what you're looking for. It's in the classifieds. I have a 16 gauge and love it for upland. All in all a 12 ga is the better purchase if you can only have one shotgun.

[Curly]

On a budget, go with the 12ga. 

I think a Rem 870 Express is the best shotgun for the guy on a budget.  You can find every barrel imaginable that will fit an 870.

[DoubleJ]

2nd the 870 12ga.  A 16ga is nice to shoot but ammo selection is sparse.  Stick with 12ga.

[DoubleJ]

and I saw an 870 Wingmaster (better construction than the Express) at Cabelas in Lacey on the used rack.  Serial number UU (built in 1949) and in good condition.  A little rust on the exterior but not much.  Action was very clean.  Had a 28" barrel on in.  They were asking $179 for it

[carpsniperg2]

thx ellensburgpro.

I have the perfect combo in a 12g mossberg 500 at a great price in the classifieds if you are interested. I would go 12g makes everything simple and you can always find ammo.

[D-Rock425]

find an old 870 at a pawn shop.

[Button Nubbs]

870

[Widgeondeke]

x5 on the 870 or x3 on the 500. Both good all around scatter guns 

[Huntbear]

Stay away from 16 ga. unless you really like being a super detective for shells..

870 is always first choice for me...

Mossberg 500 is second..  that combo of Carps is an awesome set up..   Have thought about it myself.

[Atroxus]

Thanks for the info everyone. That mossberg sounds like quite a deal carp, just wish we lived closer. 

[brokenvet]

I would go with Mossberg 500.

Here are some reasons why: 
                     Barrel selection 18.5"  20" 22" 24" 26" 28"
                     Black powder barrel is available
                     Rifled barrel available
                     Camo or blue

The 870 Wingmaster is great shotgun;  870 Express I am not a fan of.
I have owned all three shotguns and the only one I dislike is the Express. 
                       

[carpsniperg2]

Thanks for the info everyone. That mossberg sounds like quite a deal carp, just wish we lived closer. 

I have a buddy up in Seattle area. He goes back and fourth a lot from here. For a couple of bucks I am sure we could bribe him into a delivery, if you wanted it. It really is the perfect combo. Both 24" barrels If you are not in a hurry for it.

[rebal69972]

I love my 870 but the 500 is a he** of a good shot gun to.

[brew]

i'm selling a mossberg  835 in the classified section.....it's chambered up to 3 1/2's with a 28" barrel.  asking $200 for it.