Shotgun advice desperately needed

[magnanimous_j]

I'm planning on breaking into hunting this year with Grouse, and maybe pheasant. I had my heart set on a Remmington 870 in 20 gauge. But it seems like I can get a much better deal on 12 gauge. (339 at big5), plus better specials on ammo. Is that just overkill for what I'm going after?

On the other hand, having the 12 gauge is a good home defense gun (my 9mm is too small, and my AK-47 isn't a good choice for apartments), so should I consider one of these Mossberg combo rigs (28" and 18" barrel)?

Finally, I like the look and feel of real wood stocks. Is synthetic that much lighter after 4 hours in the field?

So Basically, I had what I wanted totally figured out, now I have no idea what I want

[bobcat]

12 gauge will be just fine for grouse, and more versatile than a 20. If I only had one, I'd definitely have a 12 gauge. I wouldn't buy the Mossberg. The 870 is a good choice and I'd get a wood stock if that's what feels best to you. For grouse I'd recommend a relatively short barrel. 26 inch would be perfect, imo.

[ICEMAN]

Maggie, I had to unblock you to read this post. Maybe I shouldnt block you anymore....heh heh...

For multi purpose, you cant beat a 12gauge. Lots of grouse dropped by 12's. Good home defense. If I had to buy my first shotgun, it would be a 12. Then later get something smaller to specialize with...grouse, rabbit....etc....

Who told you a 9mm is too small to defend the home with? 9mm has killed more than just about any other pistol round over the years...nothing wrong with it...

[magnanimous_j]

For multi purpose, you cant beat a 12gauge. Lots of grouse dropped by 12's. Good home defense. If I had to buy my first shotgun, it would be a 12. Then later get something smaller to specialize with...grouse, rabbit....etc....

Who told you a 9mm is too small to defend the home with? 9mm has killed more than just about any other pistol round over the years...nothing wrong with it...

My fear was that a 12 gauge would pulp the birds and ruin them for the eating.

I'm sure that 9mm is adequate for defense (that's why I bought the thing in the first place, after all), but if I hear that door get kicked in, and I've got a my 9, a shotgun, and my AK, I'm not grabbing the pistol.

[Pathfinder101]

For grouse I don't think that a 12 gauge is over-gunning.  In fact, for pheasant I would almost say that you are undergunning with a 20.  I will probably get flamed for that comment, but pheasant are big birds.  I am more comfortable shooting them with a 12, and all the guys I hunt with shoot 12 gauges.
It's not so much the gauge, but the size shotshell you use.  If you mess up a bird, then use a lighter load next time.  I even use a 12 gauge for quail (only because I am usually pheasant hunting when I come across them).  Just use a light load.
also, if you ever decide to start waterfowling, in most cases you will be glad you have a 12 gauge.

I know there are some real proponents of the 16s and the 20s out there, but I like my 12, so that's what I stuck with.

[Pathfinder101]

Oh, and I own 2 Remington 870s.  I LOVE them.  Best shotgun you can get for the money IMHO.

[jackelope]

shoot 7 1/2's in the 12 gauge with a mod choke and you'll be fine with grouse, then you can buy a turkey choke and shoot a turkey, a different choke for waterfowl, etc. one gun, change out chokes and ammo and you're good to go.
870 all the way too....millions of gun owners can't be wrong.

[@RCHER]

I'll second Bobcat's exact words. Good advice.

For ammo, you don't need a lot of BOOM. You'll have good luck with 2 3/4", 3 to 3 1/4 dram, 1 oz., 6 shot loads.

I'll assume your concern for beating them up is due to close range shots on the ground or in trees?? If that's the case, then aim just above the head, once you know how your new gun patterns and depending on your choke. If you're flushing them up, then you can't hand pick the range you'll shoot anyway. You need a good all-purpose scatter gun. The 12 will allow you to expand into more hunting opps than the 20.

Congrats and good luck!

[bowhunterforever]

I'll second Bobcat's exact words. Good advice.

For ammo, you don't need a lot of BOOM. You'll have good luck with 2 3/4", 3 to 3 1/4 dram, 1 oz., 6 shot loads.

I'll assume your concern for beating them up is due to close range shots on the ground or in trees?? If that's the case, then aim just above the head, once you know how your new gun patterns and depending on your choke. If you're flushing them up, then you can't hand pick the range you'll shoot anyway. You need a good all-purpose scatter gun. The 12 will allow you to expand into more hunting opps than the 20.

Congrats and good luck!

      You cant go wrong with the 870

[ICEMAN]

Be nice about Mossberg!     A few bucks cheaper, good shotguns. Used them for years.

[Bigshooter]

.

For ammo, you don't need a lot of BOOM. You'll have good luck with 2 3/4", 3 to 3 1/4 dram, 1 oz., 6 shot loads.

That's what I shoot in my 20ga.

[bobcat]

Like others have said, it's not the gauge but more the load that you use. You can shoot a 20 gauge load out of a 12 gauge. For close in shots use 1 ounce of shot in 6's or 7 1/2's and an open choke, like improved cylinder. For longer shooting you can go up to 1 1/8 ounce of shot and a modified choke.

[Pathfinder101]

You can shoot a 20 gauge load out of a 12 gauge.

 
Uh, I think I know what you are trying to say Bobcat, but maybe you should clarify....

[mossback91]

12 gauge 870!!!!

I agree path 20 gauge is almost undergunned for pheasant on marginal shots cause them SOB are the toughest birds Ive ever hunted I swear they will run with half a leg and no wings!!! That being said I killed alot with one when I was younger

[Bofire]

You might want to look for a used 870 "Wingmaster" instead of an Express. In my opinion they are much smoother than the express. !2 is very versatile.
Carl