Shotgun advice

[Hunter mike]

I've been toying with the idea of getting into duck hunting.  I've never owned (or even shot) a shotgun before, so other than the basic concept, I don't know much about the guns.  I'm looking for the most all-around utility type gun I can get.  I would like it to do double-duty as a grouse gun and also potentially use it for deer in shotgun-only areas.  I've been looking at a couple of new and used remington 870's and several configurations are available for pretty inexpensive.  Can anybody reccomend which configuration (barrel length...etc) would best suit my needs?  Any other guns to consider.  I'll likely go cheap for the first one to see if it even gets any use, then upgrade later if need be.  Thanks!

[GoldTip]

I'd look at a used 870 express magnum, can use 3 1/2" shells if your goose or turkey hunting.  These are pretty inexpensive and are a bullet proof shotgun.  I'd get the 28" barrel then buy an additional slug barrel from Remington if you decide to use it for deer/bear.

[Buckmark]

 
Could not have said it better myself..

[dontgetcrabs]

  x2

But, I prefer a 26" barrel.   

[duckaholic]

i agree u can never go wrong with the 870 as far as the slug barrel goes  i found that mosberg makes riffled barrels for 870 with a scope combo for a lot cheaper then Remington.

[yorketransport]

I'm not much of a shotgun guy, but I've had a few.  My personal favorite is the Mossberg 500, followed by the 870, then the Winchester 1300. I've never had a Beneli, but I've heard good things about them.

I'd get whichever gun with a 26" barrel with the screw in chokes to start, then pick up a rifled barrel later on if you want.

[uplandhunter870]

for a cheap but well built indestructable shotty id search out a used 870 capable of 3.5" shells.  not sure of the notation.  you can get a second barrel for the slugs.

best thing you can do it shoot it before you buy, an ill fitting shotgun will surely lead to bad experiences. make sure it feels good, the combo of the stock feels good on your cheek. i for one hate real narrow combs feels like someone is jamming a butter knife in my face when i shoot.  make sure that the gun isnt to long in the stock, the tip of you nose should be between 1 and 3 inches from your thumb.

i like the 28 inch barrel,  the 26 inch is just too whippy.  there are also benelli and mossberg that should be able to be had pretty cheap used, i cant attest to them ive never shot them.

hope this helps
Steve

[CP]

I bought an 870 Express a few months back and I had nothing but trouble with it.  I know it is a very popular gun but in my opinion they are a cheap, shoddy product.  Poor fit and finish, stamped sheet metal parts, loose tolerances, rib welds ripple the barrel, basically a POS. 

Maybe the Wingmaster is a better gun, but I would not recommend an 870 Express to anyone.

[TONTO]

  This might sound funny, but a single shot like a NEF Pardner or H&R Topper makes a fine first shotgun. Single shot but how often do you get doubles on grouse, of course with practice a double with a single shot isn't that far fetched. They sling a rifled slug in some what of a strait line. They can be found new about $100 sometimes less. Later on you may find out what you realy want in a gun, but that old single will always make a good back up.

[TONTO]

 First two were a double, watched the third sit down and flushed it later.
 Best handling gun I ever shot, my Bennelli is nice and puts alot of steel in the air for the honkers, but a good day grouse hunting I still like packing the Pardner .

[Missing]

I purchased the Mossberg 935 semiauto with both barrels in a package that was fairly inexpensive and is a great shooter. I am not a bird hunter but I would think what works good for predators would work well for birds. 

[GEARHEAD]

WHATEVER you do, dont get the remington 887.

[Shootmoore]

I bought an 870 Express a few months back and I had nothing but trouble with it.  I know it is a very popular gun but in my opinion they are a cheap, shoddy product.  Poor fit and finish, stamped sheet metal parts, loose tolerances, rib welds ripple the barrel, basically a POS. 

Maybe the Wingmaster is a better gun, but I would not recommend an 870 Express to anyone.

well theres pretty then theres pretty functional.  If I wanted pretty I would get a benelli double, if I want a pump that works well in all conditions I would get an 870.  I thought the finish was crappy on the express was well, a little alumihide fixed that right up.

Shootmoore

[carpsniperg2]

870 would be great for you. you can find them cheap new or cheaper used great guns

[Mookie]

What are peoples experience with the Mossberg 835's? I have one I got super cheap used, it has been shot a bit but mostly neglected, some rust spots on the barrel and very dirty, cleaned up super nice, not bad for $160 OTD. It seems to be built just as well as my friends 870 3.5" that he got brand new. The only difference is that mine rattles a bit. The ported barrel is a nice feature also.