First shotgun tips

[Scheindogg]

Looking to get my first shotgun!
I plan on using it for trap at the local range occasionally as well as potentially upland, Turkey, coyote hunting with it.
I’m down to 2 selections because of my budget.

1-Winchester SXP black shadow 12 gauge

2- Savage Stevens 320 field pump 12gauge

The caveat is that if I get the Stevens I’ll have enough for this awesome Cabela’s tent I’ve been wanting also...

Should I go with the nicer Winchester and just save up longer for the tent?

Or just get both now 

 

[wadu1]

Ether or,  not much difference get a 28' barrel if you can it will help with trap. 

[Call em in]

If those are the two you are choosing from I would go shoulder both and see which one fits you better.  I would buy the gun that fits you the best with cost being secondary.  If this is your first shotgun your hunting and shooting experience will be much better with a proper fitting and functioning shotgun.

A couple of additional points, interchangeable choke tubes are your friend.  Pick the right choke for intended quarry.

You don't "need" a 3 1/2" gun.  If you end up with one that is great but you can do very well without it.

Good luck!

[Stein]

If you don't need it now, I would wait until fall when a bunch of guys around here will be upgrading their duck guns and you can pick up a nice shotty for the price of an ok one new.  If you are only going to use it occasionally, it doesn't make as much difference.  For turkey and coyotes, any shotgun will work as long as you can get it hitting what you point at.  Some of the real cheap guns will hit 6" low or to the side at 20 yards.

[M_59]

Some of the expensive ones don't shoot can shoot worse than that. Do your home work on whatever you decide to buy as far as reviews.

[Scheindogg]

I actually think I’m just deciding on the opposite of my original plan.
Gonna get the tent now, (while it’s in stock online- it had been backorder for a while)
Then save back up for the shotgun. The SXP. Or maybe if I can save a little more I’ll get the next step up from there.
Thanks guys
(I’m gonna atleast go with the SXP because it comes with 3 chokes compared to Stevens only 1, among other reasons)

[addicted1]

I have the sxp, it was my first shotgun. Don't get it as your first shotgun. The reason being is the inertia pump takes a while to get used to, especially on followup shots. Just my experience with using the gun, I wish I had gone with a mossberg. Or save and get a semi.

[magnanimous_j]

A pump shotgun is one of the few guns I would be comfortable buying 2nd hand (unless I knew the previous owner). I'd scour the classifieds and pawn shops and try to get a deal on a 500 or an 870.

[Mfowl]

I have a Stoeger M3000 (Semi Auto) in Max 5 that I would part with for $400+FFL. I bought it last fall, it just doesn't fit me like I thought it did in the store. Comes with 3 chokes, Mod, full, X full (turkey.) Its the 3" version, not the 3.5". PM me if your interested, I'm in Renton.

[thinkingman]

If those are the two you are choosing from I would go shoulder both and see which one fits you better.  I would buy the gun that fits you the best with cost being secondary.  If this is your first shotgun your hunting and shooting experience will be much better with a proper fitting and functioning shotgun.

A couple of additional points, interchangeable choke tubes are your friend.  Pick the right choke for intended quarry.

You don't "need" a 3 1/2" gun.  If you end up with one that is great but you can do very well without it.

Good luck!

Fit is by far, the most important factor.

As others have said, a 3.5" shotgun is just for bragging.
Most people who own them have never fired a 3.5" shell.

[yorketransport]

As others have said, a 3.5" shotgun is just for bragging.
Most people who own them have never fired a 3.5" shell.

I never shot a 3.5" shell in any of mine, but I suckered a couple other people into doing it.

Since you've got a little more time to think on it now, try hitting a local club and asking to try a couple different guns. It may point you towards a model you've overlooked.

[jasnt]

My favorite shotgun I own is a Weatherby pa459. It’s light, quick, changeable chokes, pistol grip with a trigger guard safety.  I love it!  #2 is Mossberg 930 jm pro. It’s long and heavie but a blast to shoot.