Shotgun Recomendations

[The100Road]

In the market for a new 12g shotgun under $500. Mostly just grouse & pheasent kind of thing. Leaning towards the Remmington 870 express super magnum. What do you guys think?

[Feanix]

Grab the one that fits you best. For me, Remington and Benelli both fit very well. I have one of each.

[wadu1]

Like Feanix said get one that fits. My pump gun is a Winchester SXP, that I won at a DU event. I shoot it better than a 870 or Nova and is in your price range. 

[baker5150]

Ive had 870's my whole life and love them.  Couple years ago I thought I would try an 11-87,.   Just didn't feel right.  SO I went back to the 870.  Affordable and dependable. 

[scottcrb]

love my benelli super nova and i think it was like $480 in camo

[TONTO]

love my benelli super nova and i think it was like $480 in camo

    and with the super nova you can shim it to fit 

[The100Road]

love my benelli super nova and i think it was like $480 in camo

I thought about the super nova also. I dont know why but im drawn to the wood finish guns. 

[The100Road]

I know it might be a little more then the $500 but does anyone have any experiance with the Browning BPS?

[full choke]

If your main interest is "Grouse and Pheasants" why are you looking at 3 1/2" guns? If I were you, I would definetly look at an 870, but I would go nowhere near the Supermag. For $500 I would look at getting a used Wingmaster 870 in 12g 3" with at least a modified barrel if not one that will accept removable chokes. Excellent guns, will out last you.

[Bofire]

BPS, Nova and 870 all great guns. 10 million 870's sold cannot be wrong!!! many options available. You do not need 3.5 for a pheasant gun. The Wingmaster is a much nicer shotgun then the Express.
Carl

[thinkingman]

BPS, Nova and 870 all great guns. 10 million 870's sold cannot be wrong!!! many options available. You do not need 3.5 for a pheasant gun. The Wingmaster is a much nicer shotgun then the Express.
Carl

[The100Road]

If your main interest is "Grouse and Pheasants" why are you looking at 3 1/2" guns? If I were you, I would definetly look at an 870, but I would go nowhere near the Supermag. For $500 I would look at getting a used Wingmaster 870 in 12g 3" with at least a modified barrel if not one that will accept removable chokes. Excellent guns, will out last you.

so i can have the option if i want. why dont you like the supermag?

[The100Road]

BPS, Nova and 870 all great guns. 10 million 870's sold cannot be wrong!!! many options available. You do not need 3.5 for a pheasant gun. The Wingmaster is a much nicer shotgun then the Express.
Carl

I also hunt Turkey but maybe a weekend or two. if the 3" & 3 1/2" are the same price why not have the option of a 3 1/2"? i can still but 3" shells in it correct? by "much nicer" do you mean looks? I havent really looked into the difference.

[CP]

You might want to read these threads:

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,134508.0.html

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,134558.0.html

[full choke]

If your main interest is "Grouse and Pheasants" why are you looking at 3 1/2" guns? If I were you, I would definetly look at an 870, but I would go nowhere near the Supermag. For $500 I would look at getting a used Wingmaster 870 in 12g 3" with at least a modified barrel if not one that will accept removable chokes. Excellent guns, will out last you.

so i can have the option if i want. why dont you like the supermag?

I personally know seven people who have the 870 supermags, and they all have issues. They are just not the same action design as an 870, which IMO is as flawless an action as you can get. Having the 3 1/2 option is valid, but I personally would take a wingmaster or even an express, and only 3" shells, over the supermag and the bigger shells any day of the week. If you absolutely had to have 3 1/2- go with the Nova. Way more dependable. Though they are kind of rattlely and loose feeling...

[The100Road]

If your main interest is "Grouse and Pheasants" why are you looking at 3 1/2" guns? If I were you, I would definetly look at an 870, but I would go nowhere near the Supermag. For $500 I would look at getting a used Wingmaster 870 in 12g 3" with at least a modified barrel if not one that will accept removable chokes. Excellent guns, will out last you.

so i can have the option if i want. why dont you like the supermag?

I personally know seven people who have the 870 supermags, and they all have issues. They are just not the same action design as an 870, which IMO is as flawless an action as you can get. Having the 3 1/2 option is valid, but I personally would take a wingmaster or even an express, and only 3" shells, over the supermag and the bigger shells any day of the week. If you absolutely had to have 3 1/2- go with the Nova. Way more dependable. Though they are kind of rattlely and loose feeling...

Thanks for the advice. hmmm........................... any experiance with the browning BPS?

[CoryTDF]

Love the 870 express magnum hate the super magnum. I had nothing but trouble with the super magnum. My buddy just got the Winchester SXP it's pretty sweet man. I have an SX3 and love it andthe SXP is just as nice.

[CP]

...... any experiance with the browning BPS?

I do.

The BPS is Browning’s version of the Ithaca M37, e.g. bottom load, bottom eject.  The BPS is a bit heavier and more robust than the M37, higher quality fit & finish, both are fine pumps, IMHO both are superior to the Nova and the 870.   Drawbacks to the BPS are muzzle rise/jump, when fired the muzzle tends to rise, somewhat shooter dependant, YMMV.  Also, if dirty or when short stroked on the pump, they can drop a live shell from the magazine along with the spent hull.  When this happens the shooter rarely notices since it dropped out the bottom, the result is an empty chamber and a missed follow-up shot. 

my 

[Bofire]

  I have no problem getting the 3.5 if you'll ever use it, you might want to think it over. I have the 3.5 inch but never use it as it does not pattern well, and kicks HARD. The wingmaster is smoother, quicker, quieter. Put 5000 shells thru a express it might get smooth, the wingmaster comes smooth. The wingmaster SPS is way cool also.
Carl

[magnanimous_j]

If your main interest is "Grouse and Pheasants" why are you looking at 3 1/2" guns? If I were you, I would definetly look at an 870, but I would go nowhere near the Supermag. For $500 I would look at getting a used Wingmaster 870 in 12g 3" with at least a modified barrel if not one that will accept removable chokes. Excellent guns, will out last you.

so i can have the option if i want. why dont you like the supermag?

The action is different and most people don't need the 3.5 anyway. More turkeys have been taken without the 3.5 than with it.

[packmule]

Have you considered a 20 gauge?

[CoryTDF]

...... any experiance with the browning BPS?

I do.

The BPS is Browning’s version of the Ithaca M37, e.g. bottom load, bottom eject.  The BPS is a bit heavier and more robust than the M37, higher quality fit & finish, both are fine pumps, IMHO both are superior to the Nova and the 870.   Drawbacks to the BPS are muzzle rise/jump, when fired the muzzle tends to rise, somewhat shooter dependant, YMMV.  Also, if dirty or when short stroked on the pump, they can drop a live shell from the magazine along with the spent hull.  When this happens the shooter rarely notices since it dropped out the bottom, the result is an empty chamber and a missed follow-up shot. 

my 

The nova..... yeah i will agree I HATE Nova's I bought one for my wife and I hate it. She wanted it so she got it. I disagree about the 870 though the Remington 870 Express is one of the most reliable and well built shotguns ever made. It is ALWAYS in the top of any reviews and a great gun. The problem you discried about the shell falling out is enough to prove that point. A gun needs to do one thing and that is go bang when the time is right. Otherwise it's just a fancy looking stick.

[CP]

...... any experiance with the browning BPS?

I do.

The BPS is Browning’s version of the Ithaca M37, e.g. bottom load, bottom eject.  The BPS is a bit heavier and more robust than the M37, higher quality fit & finish, both are fine pumps, IMHO both are superior to the Nova and the 870.   Drawbacks to the BPS are muzzle rise/jump, when fired the muzzle tends to rise, somewhat shooter dependant, YMMV.  Also, if dirty or when short stroked on the pump, they can drop a live shell from the magazine along with the spent hull.  When this happens the shooter rarely notices since it dropped out the bottom, the result is an empty chamber and a missed follow-up shot. 

my 

The nova..... yeah i will agree I HATE Nova's I bought one for my wife and I hate it. She wanted it so she got it. I disagree about the 870 though the Remington 870 Express is one of the most reliable and well built shotguns ever made. It is ALWAYS in the top of any reviews and a great gun. The problem you discried about the shell falling out is enough to prove that point. A gun needs to do one thing and that is go bang when the time is right. Otherwise it's just a fancy looking stick.

Everyone has their own opinions and memories about the different models.  My experiences with the 870 were not positive.  I’ll take an occasional shell drop over stuck cases any day.   I'm not a big BPS fan either, the muzzle rise sucks.

I haven’t shot one yet, but I’d probably buy a Winchester SXP over any of the above.  Mainly because it has a chrome lined chamber and bore. 

[The100Road]

Have you considered a 20 gauge?

have not. dont really know why. just have always had a 12.

[The100Road]

You guys are making this hard on me!  I cant find a BPS to physically hold to see how it feels. I might go look at an express today after work.

[Carl]

I have been following this link because I'm considering a 3" or 3 1/2" waterfowl shotgun.
 
I've seen a couple Nova haters here.      It’s high on my list, so I’m hoping you can expand on the cons of the Nova?  To be clear, I’m thinking about a Benelli SuperNova (3 ½”).

I’m not trying to hijack the thread – I think this is still on-topic.

Thanks,
Carl

[dmv9]

Weatherby PA-08, great feel and shoots awesomely!

[Pilot_Hunter]

In the market for a new 12g shotgun under $500. Mostly just grouse & pheasent kind of thing. Leaning towards the Remmington 870 express super magnum. What do you guys think?

I got the Remington 870 express super mag and love it. I think I paid $400 brand new at Bi-Mart 6-7 years ago.

[scottcrb]

Hey Carl if u want to meet at Kenmore range sometime you can shoot my supernova . Just let me know .

[Bmcox86]

i love my nova, shuck the rust off and keep on shooting, works as a paddle if your engine fails also.

[Carl]

Thanks, Scott.

I'll have to take you up on that. 

Carl

[jackson7]

Might consider buying used. I prefer the older 870 to the newer ones. bps little heavy for my taste. take a look at dj  loan & pawn in bothell. good selection of used guns.

[et1702]

I have been following this link because I'm considering a 3" or 3 1/2" waterfowl shotgun.
 
I've seen a couple Nova haters here.      It’s high on my list, so I’m hoping you can expand on the cons of the Nova?  To be clear, I’m thinking about a Benelli SuperNova (3 ½”).

I’m not trying to hijack the thread – I think this is still on-topic.

Thanks,
Carl

Hey Carl,

My buddy shoots an older Nova and the thing is a TANK.  He's never had a single problem w/it and we are in rain, mud, water spray, etc. all the time during duck/goose season.  I'll also say 3.5" shells are not worth the extra $$ or recoil.  All we use are 3-inch shells for both Duck and Goose and haven't had any problems knocking them outta the sky.

ET

[CoryTDF]

I have been following this link because I'm considering a 3" or 3 1/2" waterfowl shotgun.
 
I've seen a couple Nova haters here.      It’s high on my list, so I’m hoping you can expand on the cons of the Nova?  To be clear, I’m thinking about a Benelli SuperNova (3 ½”).

I’m not trying to hijack the thread – I think this is still on-topic.

Thanks,
Carl

LONG the gun is long and uncomfortable. At least for me. It works fine but I hate the feel of it. The winchester SXP is lighter and a bettter gun, better chokes, better rib, better fiber, better gun. This is really just a matter of opnion but if you have not looked at the SXP you should. It pulls up very nice feels solid and shoots great.

[Fowlweather25]

Love my nova, but i have a wingmaster as well. If there is ever a chance that you will waterowl hunt, stay away from wood. It will ruin it eventually. No matter how much you tke care of it.

[The100Road]

Weatherby PA-08, great feel and shoots awesomely!

This is another one i was looking at. Did find the best reviews though. The 870 & BPS both have great reviews. hmm...........

[KB88]

870+2 cases of ammo=bps.....obvious a answer here

[curtdiesel]

I am on the east side but have a BPS Hunter for sale.  You planning any pheasant hunts over here?  I would be happy to let you try it out.  If you are seriously interested I make trips to the west often enough and could bring it with me.  I created a thread today with pictures.  It is a very pretty blued and walnut gun.

[The100Road]

I am on the east side but have a BPS Hunter for sale.  You planning any pheasant hunts over here?  I would be happy to let you try it out.  If you are seriously interested I make trips to the west often enough and could bring it with me.  I created a thread today with pictures.  It is a very pretty blued and walnut gun.

PM sent curtdiesel.

Thank you.

[Sportfury]

You guys are making this hard on me!  I cant find a BPS to physically hold to see how it feels. I might go look at an express today after work.

I have a BPS Hunter Stalker model in 12 gauge that I would let you handle and shoot if we could find a place. I am located in Graham. My experience with the gun is that it is heavy, shoots good, and I have never had an ounce of trouble with it. I mainly use it for varmint hunting now and it does a great job. For the uplands I have switched to a 20 gauge due to it being lighter. I bought an 870 youth for my son when he first started hunting and we never had an issues with it. However, I didn't like the finish on it, but it had no problems killing birds. I recently looked at a one of the new Winchester pumps for the heck of it and did not like the feel of it at all. The palm swell where your thumb grips the stalk was way to sharp feeling for me. That alone would drive me batty every time I picked up that gun. Probably the best thing to do is go to every gun shop you can and try handling different guns. When you find one that fits you the best I would go from there. Like vehicles now days; you cannot really get a bad one. Sure there are some cheaper models, but the engineering now days has come a long way.