Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: mendozer on July 19, 2016, 10:53:15 AM

Title: Good bird shotgun
Post by: mendozer on July 19, 2016, 10:53:15 AM: I have a Moss 500 pump I've used for bird hunting as well as trap. I have a bite on a Weatherby Sa-08 for a good price (300) and wanted to know whether I should pull the trigger on it. I feel like my limited hunting experience would benefit from faster follow-up shots for the rare time I actually see birds haha. I don't care that it's made in Turkey because I've seen nothing but great reviews on it.

However, a local pawn shop as a Remington 1100 for $400 (I don't know how old) but he stated 2 3/4. So IDK if that means it's only 2 3/4. The SA-08 will do 3" too. I can't check out the Remington until Friday because the pawn shop is open at the same time that I work. I know Rem lovers will say "time tested" and "durability" but at the end of the day if the gun goes "bang" over and over and over again without problems I don't care what name's on the metal.

Any opinions on the two? I would like to keep my limit at 300 if possible.
Title: Re: Good bird shotgun
Post by: CP on July 19, 2016, 11:21:59 AM: Quote from: mendozer on July 19, 2016, 10:53:15 AM

However, a local pawn shop as a Remington 1100 for $400 (I don't know how old) but he stated 2 3/4. So IDK if that means it's only 2 3/4.

Yes, that would be only 2 3/4". Most likely it has a fixed choke as well - it would be of limited use for hunting. I'd pass on the 1100 unless it has removal chokes.
Title: Re: Good bird shotgun
Post by: birddogdad on July 19, 2016, 11:29:35 AM: do your homework, 400 is a bit high for the 1100 but you can buy barrel and choke tubes for it later and upgrade for all situations. there are several cheap semi's if that is your desire and they come with tubes. no need to spend the money on a high end semi unless that is your desire. most will work very well these days. be careful of salt water application and rust regardless of gun purchased. many products and some guns better for coastal service...
Title: Re: Good bird shotgun
Post by: Henrydog on July 19, 2016, 11:40:06 AM: My kid has the weatherby, not a bad gun, very light several chokes ect. Fit and finish are ok, but the trigger is heavy
Title: Re: Good bird shotgun
Post by: mendozer on July 19, 2016, 12:18:27 PM: the sa-08 from what I've read has a 4 lb 1 oz trigger pull. I can't recall what my Mossberg 500 is, but it may be harder than that. My long rifle is 2.5 or so and it's at least double that to my perception.
Title: Re: Good bird shotgun
Post by: BigGoonTuna on July 20, 2016, 05:09:01 AM: $400 is a little on the steep side for a 2 3/4" 1100 unless it's in really good shape. i just picked up a sportsman 12(essentially an "1100 express", same gun but cheap birch stocks) for $179 at cabelas the other day.

there is nothing wrong with fixed chokes, and the remington guns will handle steel just fine. there are screw in choke barrels available but they're hard to find used, and expensive new. there is also a 3" "steel shot" barrel which you can use to convert a 2 3/4" 1100 into a 3" capable duck gun, but again, hard to find as remington quit making them, and the 1100 never came with a 3" screw choke barrel from the factory(the 11-87 replaced the 1100 mag the same time they started using rem chokes).
Title: Re: Good bird shotgun
Post by: Bill W on July 20, 2016, 10:20:13 AM: I had a Remington 11-87 and it was a very good shotgun. Almost wish I had it back as it was a very forgiving shotgun.
Title: Re: Good bird shotgun
Post by: Bofire on July 20, 2016, 05:55:55 PM: :) Hell I have a 11-87 Remington 3 inch 12 g. Premier, beautiful wood and high gloss blue I'll sell ya for $400.00 screw in chokes. It is like new.
Carl
Title: Re: Good bird shotgun
Post by: follow maggie on July 21, 2016, 12:36:51 AM: I have an 1100 that I really like. They only shoot one size shell, either 2-3/4" or 3", depending on the gun. Contrary to what others have said, they did come with screw in chokes. I bought mine new in 1996 and it has screw in choke tubes.
Title: Re: Good bird shotgun
Post by: BigGoonTuna on July 21, 2016, 06:51:36 AM: 1100s made after '86 are pretty rare though, since the 11-87 took over as far as mass produced autos went. ever seen how much a new one costs? it's no wonder they don't sell many these days.

my last one had no issues with either 2 3/4" or 3" loads. i have heard that some of the magnums didn't like 2 3/4" light loads, mine was a standard gun with a 3" barrel installed. used it mostly for duck hunting with steel shot, would cycle any hunting load i ran through it.
Title: Re: Good bird shotgun
Post by: konradcountry on July 21, 2016, 08:46:10 AM: I wouldn't buy anything with wood if it is going into the field.

My advice would be to use the pump for now and then find a 930 duck commander in a year-end sale. You'll be happier with it and there all kinds of after market parts for them.
Title: Re: Good bird shotgun
Post by: Angry Perch on July 21, 2016, 09:02:45 AM: Quote from: konradcountry on July 21, 2016, 08:46:10 AM
I wouldn't buy anything with wood if it is going into the field.

My advice would be to use the pump for now and then find a 930 duck commander in a year-end sale. You'll be happier with it and there all kinds of after market parts for them.

That makes me sad. Going into a gun shop these days and not seeing any walnut just leaves a whole in my heart. :'(
Title: Re: Good bird shotgun
Post by: BigGoonTuna on July 22, 2016, 01:27:17 AM: people just don't take care of things any more. cleaning my gun at the end of the day is an enjoyable part of the hunt. besides, plastic doesn't get more character as it gets scratched and dinged up over the years.
Title: Re: Good bird shotgun
Post by: mendozer on July 27, 2016, 01:05:19 PM: I didn't get any emails about replies so I didn't see all the latest replies. I ended up getting that weatherby. I do like synthetic over wood, just my preference for hunting guns. It's quite a bit lighter than my mossy 500 pump. I'm excited to take it to the range for some shooting. I gave it a thorough US cleaning.
Title: Re: Good bird shotgun
Post by: Don Fischer on July 31, 2016, 04:36:28 PM: I fired a 3" load in a 12ga one time. That will never happen again!
Title: Re: Good bird shotgun
Post by: seth30 on July 31, 2016, 04:50:55 PM: Quote from: Don Fischer on July 31, 2016, 04:36:28 PM
I fired a 3" load in a 12ga one time. That will never happen again!
Why would you not want a 3" ? I shot 3" all the time for geese and turkeys and use 2 3/4 for grouse, ducks, rabbits, and coyotes (buckshot load)
Title: Re: Good bird shotgun
Post by: JJD on August 01, 2016, 07:20:36 PM: Quote from: Don Fischer on July 31, 2016, 04:36:28 PM
I fired a 3" load in a 12ga one time. That will never happen again!

Why, was it only chambered for 2-3/4?
Title: Re: Good bird shotgun
Post by: JimmyHoffa on August 01, 2016, 07:31:32 PM: 1/4 inch is a big jump