Shotguns

[foppa21 0]

I was in a trap shooting competition with my dad a week ago for the first time and absolutely loved it! I'm thinking about buying a shotgun, and was wondering if anyone had suggestions on a good model. I'm looking for an entry level 12-gauge semi-auto.

[Rustpot 1]

For your first gun, I would go with a pump over a semi. Getting new shooters to properly clean the gas cylinders is a bit tricky, and they require a lot more out of you. If you're shooting just specifically trap, it's actually considered rude to have a semi.

I think you should be more than happy in a Benelli Nova, Remington 870 or Mossberg 500.

There are tons of guns out there. As with skates, you need to get to a gun store and "try them on" as it were. The length of pull needs to be suitable for you, the action easy to manipulate, the safety second nature, all of the controls within reach, etc.

If you go to a good gun shop with a wide variety like a Gander Mountain, Bass Pro, Cabelas, etc. you should be able to get fitted and shoulder a good number of guns.

If you're dead set on a semi-auto, there are a ton of choices as well. They tend to run quite a bit more than pump guns, but if you're investing for various reasons they can be a lot nicer to shoot.

If all you're going to be shooting is trap, skeet and sporting clays, the most your gun can ever carry is 2 shells anyway (with some sporting clays in exception). Most serious clay sports shooters will go for over/under models and leave the hunters with the semi and pump guns.

For the price, value, reliability and simplicity, I would very much recommend going with a pump-action shotgun.

I'll try to pass as much experience and knowledge as I have.

[Drewhunz 3]

I would go with a Stoeger over a Benelli. Both use the same inertia recoil saction with the Stoeger running about half the cost. I however always shoot trap and sporting clays with my trukey gun- a Winchester SuperX2.

[Rustpot 1]

Have you handled both the Stoeger and Benelli, Drew? It's like a Charles Daily compared to a Remington. The inertia mechanism is OEM from Turkey, but you're getting an Italian firearm versus a Turkish one with the Stoeger.

Benelli's semis are pretty pricey. Beretta, Browning, Winchester, Remington, Mossberg, Franchi, Fabrams, FN, Saiga, Charles Daily, Baikal/Spartan, Zoli, Savage, Merkel, Ithaca, Perazzi, Weatherby, Kahn, the list goes on and on.

Truth is there are dozens of companies out there, and most of them produce guns that are of fine quality.

Most people go with the bigger names like Remington et al.

I still stand behind a pump over a semi for the casual trap shooter. If trap is your only game a semi should not be your automatic (get it?) choice.

Edit-

Asking for a good shotgun isn't much different from asking an open ended question like "I just skated on ice, what's a good skate to buy?" except there are dozens more firearm companies than hockey ones.

You need to be more specific in what you want and what you're looking for. Do some research first, decide what you really want.

[davis 0]

The Remington 870 seems to be the most popular shotgun out there, and has been the most popular for decades in this price range. Shoots well, patterns well, and lasts forever.

Rustpot mentioned the Benelli Nova, but the SuperNova is another popular starter gun, which is said to handle better than the original Nova...personally, I don't like the stroke-length of the Benelli's, but they supposedly make a solid product. Browning's BPS model is another gun, which is a little pricier than the others mentioned, and a little heavier too, but wouldn't be a bad choice as a starter.

I bought a Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag because a spend a lot of time hunting salt water ducks, and I didn't wanna take the chance of accidentally forgetting to disassemble the gun and clean it after a day on the Atlantic Ocean..the thing would rust in no time. Also, I'm pretty hard on my guns in general, so I went the cheaper route so I wouldn't end up breakin my own heart.

Much like hockey equipment, gun choice is largely personal preference. Get to one of the stores previously mentioned, tell the clerk your situation, shoulder a few different guns, and pick the one that fits you and your budget. Also, don't forget about chokes. :)

Oh, and check out Shotgun World. Lots of info there.

[Monty22 833]

Not a semi-auto, but I would go with some varriation of the Remington 870. You will find no problem finding parts you can very easily change barrels should you decide to put on a slug barrel, a shorter/longer one etc. My only complaint with the Express models is the finsih can be prone to rust.

[Rustpot 1]

My only complaint with the Express models is the finsih can be prone to rust.

And the plastic trigger housing. I had a buddy tear his up deer hunting. I have no idea how, but the gun was orange and the trigger housing was about gone.

[Monty22 833]

Metal trigger housings, and every other possible part you could think of can be ordered through Brownell's. www.brownells.com Great site. IF you are hunting in harsh/inclimate weather, it's definitly worth the extra cash for a more weather resisitant finish, or Duracoat it. For skeet/trap it should be fine, just wipe it down with CL&P or something similar before you put it away.

Also, you will likley find better deals & service at your local gunshop, not Cabella's or the big box stores.

[t1tan 19]

Not a semi-auto, but I would go with some varriation of the Remington 870. You will find no problem finding parts you can very easily change barrels should you decide to put on a slug barrel, a shorter/longer one etc. My only complaint with the Express models is the finsih can be prone to rust.

Probably the most suggested one I've seen across the internet, especially for home defense. Personally I just can't get over the Benelli M4, definitely going to pick one up as a trunk gun for police work, just a wee bit pricey.

[Rustpot 1]

Metal trigger housings, and every other possible part you could think of can be ordered through Brownell's. www.brownells.com Great site. IF you are hunting in harsh/inclimate weather, it's definitly worth the extra cash for a more weather resisitant finish, or Duracoat it. For skeet/trap it should be fine, just wipe it down with CL&P or something similar before you put it away.

Also, you will likley find better deals & service at your local gunshop, not Cabella's or the big box stores.

Once you start refinishing and changing parts, isn't it closer to just getting a Police model?

Big box stores are just like hockey ones. The service lacks, but the selection can't be beat. My LGS (local gun store) doesn't carry anything but Remington and Mossberg, both of which I don't like. The only way I got my hands on my Nova was through Gander Mountain.

[Drewhunz 3]

Have you handled both the Stoeger and Benelli, Drew? It's like a Charles Daily compared to a Remington. The inertia mechanism is OEM from Turkey, but you're getting an Italian firearm versus a Turkish one with the Stoeger.

Yep, I've used both and really don't get the whole attraction to Benelli. Stoeger usn't terrible, but for a starter there are worse. I currently own a Supersport and an M4, and honestly much prefer the Winchester.

[Monty22 833]

Rust- yes, it would be closer to a police model, or a Wingmaster. like I indicated, it should be fine as is for trap/skeet. I own the Remington HD model, and it has express finish. if I have issues with it I plan on getting it parked. It was too good of a deal to pass up, which is why I didn't pick up a PD model. Most places don't carry, and they can get pricey. For the OP- I would try to find a used Wingmaster over a new Express if possible.

The Cabella's near me is a joke as far as firearms pricing goes. Almost everything used I looked at was priced as if it was new, and the prices on new guns were the highest I've seen outside of gunshow "bargains". I also didn't care for having to take a number like at the meat counter of a supermarket. No thanks. Your local shop should have no problem ordering something if they do not have it in stock.

[Rustpot 1]

Monty- I've never actually been to a Cabela's. My bog box experience is with Bass Pro and Gander, and both places have 2-3 dedicated workers in the gun counter, and Gander has a full-time smith at the one by me. Pretty good service and knowledge from both, but I guess I got lucky. The LGS where I currently live is pretty pathetic. If the owner (the only guy I've seen working the counter) decides to look up from his conversation with some pal about how Obama or Clinton are going to fuck us all, you get pointed to the stack of catalogs and quoted MSRP +transfer +tax +shipping +idiot charges.

I don't have too much experience with the 870 line. I just know my friend had an Express that he bought and a week later was trashed. It did still fire, if that's an indication to the ruggedness of the weapon. I think the Nova trumps the 870 in almost every department until you start looking at aftermarket accessories and parts availability.

Drew- I'll agree that Stoeger isn't a horrible gun, but it's like using a price point OPS versus a top model. The subtle differences make the whole unit just so much more smooth and perform so nicely. I think the ergonomics on the Stoeger/Franchi guns are behind the Benelli, but it just might be that the Benelli fits me better.

The same might be true for your Winchester. I've heard great things about the SX2, but I've shouldered one and it my sightline wasn't falling along the rib and the stock grips just didn't feel as natural in my hands. I've only shouldered a handful of Benelli autos, and only fired an M2. I've handled/fired the Stoeger and Franchi equivalent (2000 and I2?) as well as a Beretta, Rem 1100, Mossy 930 and a few others. The M2 just felt really fantastic in my hands, and if I ever end up shopping for an auto, I'd put a bet on landing on the M2 after giving a good look at a bunch of alternatives.

[JR Boucicaut 3803]

I used to shoot with my dad, who used to do it at a competitive level. We used Browning and SKB over-unders.

[Monty22 833]

I guess I'm lucky then- I have a few LGS in my area. Two are about 5 minutes apart. One is similar to what Rust describes, only larger. They have a great invintory , but the customer service leaves much to be desired. The other shop is a much smaller operation, but has an excellent staff. I try to support them when I am looking to make a purchase. Cabella's just opened a few months ago. It's similar to Bass Pro Shop, just with less fishing and more hunting gear. I'm hoping to get out Wed afternoon for a range trip, maybe some informal skeet..

[DavidT 11]

Buy an 870. It's the lego of shotguns and has unlimited platforms.

[Chadd 916]

I grew up with real old school hardware.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winchester_Model_1912

A semi just seems like cheating.

[Monty22 833]

I grew up with real old school hardware.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winchester_Model_1912

A semi just seems like cheating.

Nice- Was it your Father's?

[GekigangarIII 0]

I grew up with real old school hardware.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winchester_Model_1912

A semi just seems like cheating.

Nice- Was it your Father's?

I'm with Chadd. My old school tech was a Lefever Optimus (double barrel) that my great grandfather actually got from Dan Lefever. A gun with WAY too much history and monetary value to be used as my trap/plink/hunting shotgun but man, I used it all the time. Replaced the pins at least 3 times and still have it. It is circa 1901..

[Rustpot 1]

I'm currently using my dad's Antonio Zoli Gray Eagle O/U 20ga for trap. The marble bluing on it is so beautiful, you never see work like that anymore. It's post WWII, but still an older gun.

I'm also using my grandpa's old Mossberg 390KA bolt-action 16ga. It is a nice gun with a 2+1 removable magazine and C-lect choke.

[jmiro 55]

i got a nice used wincester pump for under 200. I wouldnt go semi. Some of the shoots around here wont let you use a semi.

[davis 0]

I'm currently using my dad's Antonio Zoli Gray Eagle O/U 20ga for trap. The marble bluing on it is so beautiful, you never see work like that anymore. It's post WWII, but still an older gun.

The Zoli's are solid guns! Planning on picking up one of their Z Sport Extras next summer actually.

[Chadd 916]

I grew up with real old school hardware.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winchester_Model_1912

A semi just seems like cheating.

Nice- Was it your Father's?

Grandfather, he has two of them. Also learned to hunt deer with a model 55. Something like this in .32

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=94455010

[Maka 0]

if you're looking for an autoloader (industry term for what are commonly known as semis), you can't go wrong with a good ol' Remington 1187. That was the gun I learned to shoot Sporting Clays with, and I still can take birds with it if necessary. Although if it's a first, to repeat what was said above, pick up an 870. Simple, not prone to failure, and a good firearm all around.

Of course, when you're ready to play with the big boys out on the clays range, invest in a nice O/U set-up. Woo Browning!

[number21 3]

rustspot mentioning that bolt action made me think of my first gun.

A 4/10 bolt action! It was a lot of fun to shoot. Too bad it lives in Michigan right now with my Mossberg 12 gauge and Marlin 30/30. Chicago has too many hoops/fees to have them in the city and i don't have a cabinet to lock them up or a place to hunt anyway.

Someday when I live outside the city I am going to get a nice over/under.