muck Posted January 8, 2006 Share Posted January 8, 2006 I have hunted before, but not in a few years. I have shot clays before, but not very often when I have. I have shot several types of shotguns before -- single shot, double barrell, pump action and semi-automatic. I have shot Winchester, Remington and Benelli. That said, I really don't know much about shotguns, as I'd generally borrow one from a friend when I'd take the random duck/pheasant/whatever trip. I'm looking for a good solid gun ... not really that concerned with price ... will spend $250 or $1250 ... whatever. Am more interested in "getting a really good deal" than in how much I spend (if that makes sense). Just want a reliable, accurate, etc. gun that will allow me to hunt pretty much anything, including someone who isn't supposed to be in my living room at 2am. Will buy used ... don't need a new one. Have been told that I'd probably be well served to get something that can take a 3.5 inch shell, for flexibility reasons, if nothing else. Also, have been told that getting a 24" barrell is fine, but, longer is better (28" or 30"). Not sure if I should go for pump-action or semi-automatic. Apparently pumps are more reliable, and semi-automatics are a bit quicker. The semi-automatic models that have been recommended to me include: Remington 1187 Browning Gold Winchester X2 Beretta Extrema Benelli Super Black Eagle The pump models that have been recommended to me are: Remington 870 Benelli Nova Browning BPS Thoughts about any of this? And, any ideas on where I'd be able to get a good deal on something? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perchoutofwater Posted January 8, 2006 Share Posted January 8, 2006 It doesn't sound like you are going to be using it all that much, so I'd suggest the Remington 870. I know you said that price really doesn't matter, but why buy more than you need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Pennypacker Posted January 8, 2006 Share Posted January 8, 2006 It doesn't sound like you are going to be using it all that much, so I'd suggest the Remington 870. I know you said that price really doesn't matter, but why buy more than you need. 1254952[/snapback] I have the 870 Wingmaster and I am happy with it. If you are going to use this gun primarily for bird hunting I would recommend going with the 20-gauge. The 12-gauge is pretty heavy carrying around in the field for 2-3 hours. But you mentioned you wanted it to be multi-purpose and this gun can easily take down a deer or larger animal. I like pump actions myself. They are cool to shoot and if you also want it for protection nothing will scare and intruder more that the sound of you racking a shell into the chamber. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nuke'em ttg Posted January 8, 2006 Share Posted January 8, 2006 ya the 870 would probably be your best value, plus for home security that unique sound of pumping one in the chamber will encourage that 2:00am guest to leave...........quickly........happy hunting............ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PEDRO Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 I've got an 870 and I understand the sound of fear when you pump it. But I'd rather have an over/under semi-automatic. I'd rather pump 4 or 5 shells into someone instead of just scaring them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polksalet Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 Mossberg 835 with 24" barrel. It is a bad weapon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yukon Cornelius Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 Benelli Super Black Eagle the best gun right there..... will last forever u can use it for anything and they swing very nice.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yukon Cornelius Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 most sbe are around 1200 for the camo and 1100 for the black mat.... u can find used ones but if u go that route get the ones with the raised rib( newer i think they came out in 2001 or so) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kid Cid Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 You may be trying to doo too much at once. A shorter barrel is better for home protection (a sawed off 12 gauge double barrel is the cats meow) while a longer barrel will give you better accuracy out in the field. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebellab Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 most sbe are around 1200 for the camo and 1100 for the black mat.... u can find used ones but if u go that route get the ones with the raised rib( newer i think they came out in 2001 or so) 1255759[/snapback] Benelli has come out with the SBE II. It is the elite gun for hunting. It will cost you anywhere from 1200 to 1400 depending on wood, synthetic or camo. The SBE I and the SBE are greatly reduced. 1000 to 1100 for a new gun. The used guns are not worth it. You get someone like me that shoots sporting clays, pheanants, ducks, and geese year after year and trades in a gun, it is well used. If you are looking for a great gun at a great price and don't pass shoot geese, I would go with the Benelli M90. It chambers a 3" and 2 3/4" shell only (which is all you really need to upland bird hunt), and is a Benelli. There line is "performance worth the price." The M90 will more than likely serve all your needs in a semi-automatic gun and I have seen them at Cabela's for around 800. If you are the guy that goes out once a year and doesn't care what you carry, then buy and 870 wingmaster. For around 300-350 you can purchase this gun and it will last you forever. It is a pump. IMO, I would get a 26" barrel. I have a 24 on my SBE I. I love it and I am looking to upgrade to the SBE II with a 24" barrel. I know Yukon has a Benelli, but I have gathered he is a lot like me he shoots and hunts a lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wirehairman Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 I hunt birds every day of the fall that I can get away so have several shotguns ranging in price. It sounds like you are looking for an "all around" gun that you will only use occasionally. I have a 12 ga. Browing BPS in Shadwograss for waterfowl that I would recommend in a heartbeat and think would suit your needs very well. The BPS chambers 3 1/2" shells, is a bit more affordable than a Super Black Eagle (say $500ish), and sturdier than an 870 (which is still a great gun for the price). Also, I would definitely recommend a new gun out of the box versus a used one if you're not experienced enough to know what you're looking at. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hat Trick Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 Benelli has come out with the SBE II. It is the elite gun for hunting. It will cost you anywhere from 1200 to 1400 depending on wood, synthetic or camo. The SBE I and the SBE are greatly reduced. 1000 to 1100 for a new gun. The used guns are not worth it. You get someone like me that shoots sporting clays, pheanants, ducks, and geese year after year and trades in a gun, it is well used. If you are looking for a great gun at a great price and don't pass shoot geese, I would go with the Benelli M90. It chambers a 3" and 2 3/4" shell only (which is all you really need to upland bird hunt), and is a Benelli. There line is "performance worth the price." The M90 will more than likely serve all your needs in a semi-automatic gun and I have seen them at Cabela's for around 800. If you are the guy that goes out once a year and doesn't care what you carry, then buy and 870 wingmaster. For around 300-350 you can purchase this gun and it will last you forever. It is a pump. IMO, I would get a 26" barrel. I have a 24 on my SBE I. I love it and I am looking to upgrade to the SBE II with a 24" barrel. I know Yukon has a Benelli, but I have gathered he is a lot like me he shoots and hunts a lot. 1255840[/snapback] Muck, this is exactly what I was going to suggest. I wouldn't trade my semi for a pump. A lot of it depends on how much you plan on using it. Benelli is making some good shiatt! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MojoMan Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 Question for hunters--What is the range of a slug? 12 ga Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grits and Shins Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 (edited) Question for hunters--What is the range of a slug? 12 ga 1256267[/snapback] Not sure I can answer you ... but the answer varies depending on the size of the shot used, the number of grains of gun powder used ... I once had a 20 gauge that also had a 'choke' on the end of the barrell that would let you alter the dispersal pattern of the shot ... wider would have less range Edited January 9, 2006 by Grits and Shins Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MojoMan Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 Not sure I can answer you ... but the answer varies depending on the size of the shot used, the number of grains of gun powder used 1256271[/snapback] Ball park 12 ga, 3 inch shell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grits and Shins Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 (edited) Ball park 12 ga, 3 inch shell 1256274[/snapback] ... the farther away the target the more dispersed the shot (or slugs) ... I guess I'd say anything further away that 50 yards with standard shot (not slugs) is relatively safe. With slugs you might be able hurt something at 100 yards Edited January 9, 2006 by Grits and Shins Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebellab Posted January 9, 2006 Share Posted January 9, 2006 Max 100 yards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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