suggestions on a duck gun

[eastcoastguy]

Looking into staying to duck hunt. Looking for a decent shotgun to get started. If i like it and get really into then I'll spring for a higher priced one. I'll also use it for rabbit and other things. Lets say 700 is my budget. What are your suggestions? I like the looks of the stoeger 3500. Thanks

[NW-GSP]

Beretta A300, I picked one up a couple of months ago. Great gun.

[Jimmybelltown]

I had a stoeger m3000 that worked real well and you will have a few bucks leftover for deeks.

[NW-GSP]

You can get the A300 for $600

[270Shooter]

Would not recommend the 3500 if you plan to shoot light loads like target or small game loads through it. I've heard some of them don't cycle those loads. The 3000 will and will kill ducks and geese no problem. There really is no need for a 3 1/2 inch she'll unless you plan on trying to pass shoot geese.

[beninchelan]

Any shotgun that fits & points well for ya, why not start with a pump or pick up a used Winchester SX2, beretta 390, browning gold, Franci ..

I picked up a used super black eagle for $450 once,

Just try a lot of guns & buy what fits best spend your extra cash on clays and shells
You will be a better shot than most who carry $1,300 guns in the field

[Stein]

I'm looking at the 3500 as well, for the price it looks like the best bet.

Dicks has them on sale 50 off every now and then.

[DuckHunter88]

I second the Stoeger. Shot an m3000 1.5 seasons now, in mud, freezing temps, buck nasty days: absolutely no problems. Just clean it every few trips (which is a BREEZE) and make sure the ejector isn't gunked up and it'll do the job justtttt fine.

[Dan-o]

You can get a new Remington 870 Magnum Express for $350 on sale.

Shoot everything from light target loads through turkey/geese 3  1/2".

Solid as a rock.  Not finicky.

Leaves you lots of money for dekes and calls.

Also, if you ever decide to upgrade, an 870 Magnum is probably the easiest to sell shotgun out there.

[Commando]

I would look at either a benelli nova or the Remington 870

[WSU]

I've had way more trouble with my 870 than my stoeger.  The 870 does eject shells.  From what I understand, I need to polish the barrel down or something? 

[h2ofowlr]

There is a Benelli Super Nova in the classified section for $425.  They are a good gun.

[CP]

There are a lot of good shotguns out there; Benelli, CZ, Winchester, etc.  find one that fits you.  Many come shim kits that allow you to adjust the LOP, cast and drop, that will save you a lot frustration and/or trips to the gunsmith.

[Henrydog]

I own a lot of shotguns, the only thing that matter is fit.  It does not matter what you spend or the brand name if the gun does not point naturally for you.  I have owned 4 different 870's and everyone was a little different.  I had one that I hated, have one now that I love.    I have a browning BPS matte finish hunter that is was reasonable, I also have a super nova and have zero issues with them.  I like the Super nova because it came with factory fiber sites and sling studs.  I actually use it as a turkey gun, but by design they are made for the swamp 

[eastcoastguy]

Great suggestions. I am planning on a pumpto,was just told i should look into a semi since its better for birds.

[Wa hunter]

You could find a used Al390 Beretta gas puker in synthetic.  Easy to break down and clean. I put thousands or rounds thru it and never had trouble with it. 

[Bullkllr]

I've had way more trouble with my 870 than my stoeger.  The 870 does eject shells.  From what I understand, I need to polish the barrel down or something?

My Wingmaster started doing that after 'who knows how many' rounds through it.

Good ream with a chamber brush fixed it right up. Plastic residue was the problem.

[metlhead]

Autos are better for the birds. Kills them more friendly. I shoot a p350, which is the pump stoeger. Difficulties at first, then I layed the file to its guts, not a problem since. Brand new at $299. I am very rough on guns as far as maintenance and handling, cleaned enough rifles and machine guns spotless to last a lifetime. That stoeger will just go boom. Feels good also.

[DaveMonti]

I bought a Benelli SuperNova for waterfowl.  I have no problems shooting ducks and geese with it relative to my hunting partners who shoot semi autos.  I usually outshoot them!  It's a great, quality firearm.

[northwesthunter84]

Beretta A300, ran one this year. Flawless, also aluminum receiver,so nice for the salt. And I was very impressed with the fit and recoil for the gun weight.

[Stein]

I've had way more trouble with my 870 than my stoeger.  The 870 does eject shells.  From what I understand, I need to polish the barrel down or something?

Me too, it doesn't like Kent Fasteel very well in either 2s or 4s.  I end up having to tear it apart after every outing and it still ends up not ejecting worth a dang.  Never had a problem until I took it duck hunting.

[syoungs]

I love my 11-87, never had a problem besides 2-3 stove pipe type failure to ejects in the first 25 rounds. I bought it new 6 years ago (maybe 7), and have put Over 1200 3", and north of 5000 2 3/4 at the trap range with it. I bought a spare oring, hut never used it. It got stolen, and recovered a few weeks later, solid rust, some paint and a new stock fixed it right up. I've had brand new guns in my hands 5 or 6 times thinking I needed a new shotgun, but can't bring myself to stop grabbing this one.

[EWUeagles]

I think every waterfowl should start with a pump. You learn how to relax and take your time on shots. I see a lot of guys just pumping out shells and not worrying about actually being on target. Second don't buy anything right now that shoots 3.5 inch. You don't need it unless you plan on shooting snows in the Midwest soon. I have an 870 express and a mossberg 500 and both have been fine guns. I would go shoulder some pumps and see what fits you best. The best would be to actually fire as many as possible.


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[kodiak 907]

I really like my M2. Handles awesome, will cycle any light load, not one jam. Chambered for 3" only but with a quality shell and decent shooting it does awesome.

I also have a super nova and it is a true "boat gun", clean it every now and then, beat it up a little, it doesn't seem to mind.

[eastcoastguy]

I always thought a pump would be fun. I've used both on rabbits back home.so many decisions.

[konadht]

EWUEagles has a good point about pumps for new hunters. I have an 870 that shoots 3.5"s and have never had a problem. I now shoot a mossberg 930 semi auto. It has cycled everything flawlessly. I would absolutely recommend either one. The 930 is only a 3" gun.

[konadht]

I have a versa max coming in on Monday. I am excited to give it a try. If you want a 3.5" gun Mossberg makes a 935. I read that like a lot of the other 3.5" guns they don't all reliably cycle the light 2 3/4 loads. For ducks I always shoot 3" shells. I also love to shoot the cheap 2 3/4" stuff and would not mind being able to shoot 3.5"s too. The versa max supposedly shoots all 12 gauge rounds reliably due to the gas ports it has. I am hoping to go break it in on Tuesday.

[NW-GSP]

I have a versa max coming in on Monday. I am excited to give it a try. If you want a 3.5" gun Mossberg makes a 935. I read that like a lot of the other 3.5" guns they don't all reliably cycle the light 2 3/4 loads. For ducks I always shoot 3" shells. I also love to shoot the cheap 2 3/4" stuff and would not mind being able to shoot 3.5"s too. The versa max supposedly shoots all 12 gauge rounds reliably due to the gas ports it has. I am hoping to go break it in on Tuesday.

I had a 935, it would get extremely dirty after only a half a box of shells. The only issue I had with it is that Winchester 3.5" shells would get stuck in it. Winchester shells are horrible though.

[pianoman9701]

Under $600 https://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/remington-model-11-87-sportsman-field-semi-auto-shotgun-12-gauge-26-vent-rib-barrel-3-chamber-4-rounds-synthetic-stock-matte-black-29881-047700298818.do?sortby=ourPicks&refType=&from=Search

From where back east did you come?

[krout81]

I have the Stoeger and I love it

[eastcoastguy]

Im from Maine and Ct. Been here since 01

[eastcoastguy]

That rem 11-87 looms great. In my price range too. Will have to go hood one see how it feels.

[Buckewe]

Benelli nova. I have had mine for 8 years and it is a great shooter. Action is smoother than most shotguns I have used. Shoots 2 3/4 - 3.5 shells flawlessly.  Taken many critters with mine hope to take a coyote this weekend.

[Karl Blanchard]

I've got a Browning BPS 12 gauge in shadow grass camo I'll sell ya
Multiple chokes, duratouch rubber overmolding, 3.5" chamber.  Don't waterfowl hunt so she just sits in the safe.

[Bofire]

I have a Remington 11-87 3 inch mag gun I will sell. Fancy blue and walnut stock, beautiful gun.
Carl

[h2ofowlr]

If you start with a less expensive one, you won't know what your missing out on.    It will save you lots of money down the road.

[birddogdad]

so guns are pretty much guns here.. everyone will have a recommendation on what and why... I would take 2 very specific qualities into the process:

1) synthetic stock, you will be wet and I have had swelling in wood stocks in the environment you will mostly be in, butt in mud or a puddle leaning for hours is the devil! (but your call)

2) salt water/ rust resistant components... modern stuff has a dip coating on exteriors that mostly is camo, this helps greatly with the durability in a saltwater environment. Bluing takes a beating in salt~!. Your internal components need constant attention, if you go semi, don't forget the spring inside the buttstock. easy access for disassembly and cleaning. My SBE2 takes a shower with me every return trip from a duck day, then over a register, dry and oil.. never an ounce of troubles...

[eastcoastguy]

Great advice.

[aldal]

 Lots of good advice here. Here is mine. when you go look for a shotgun, make sure you have on your hunting coat. If you ware a light shirt the gun will not mount the same. Also on the 3.5" get one. It is like a 4 wheel drive, most of the year you don't need it, but when you do it is nice to have. Also I would get a pump. Less than a auto. This way you have more for decoys, ect. Also what happens if you don't like duck hunting, could happen. Then you are out only $400-$500.

Al

[chicken_hawk]

Benelli SuperNova hands down. You can beat the heck out of it and it will still perform.

[Zeroforhire]

Got my Remington 887 for $225 new the other day. I know people complain about these guns, but for that price I couldn't resist. We will see how it goes.


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