Which Shotgun should I chooose?

JJoyce23

I'm a 33 year old who is fairly new to the shotgun scene. I am looking for something I can use for trap, turkey and eventually deer. I have narrowed it down to a Remington 1100 or 1187 (I suppose I would even consider a 870 or mossberg 500). I want quality but dont want to pay a ton. Can anyone help me decide?

Mark G

For the 3 things you mentioned, I would go with a Remington 870 or the Mossberg 500. You will want the ability to interchange barrels at a reasonable price. You will also want to be able to shoot 2-3/4" and 3" shells. Even if you decide later on down the road that you want/need a semi-auto, you can never have too many pump 12GA shotguns

charliemeyer007

Go to the trap range, I'd bet if you ask around you could try them and see what you like and seems to fit you better. A second bbl made for slugs and sights will hunt deer better.

I have shot them all and lots others, I have 2 870 Express an old Ithaca 37 and HR Topper Single bbl. All but the 37 are for 3 inch shell and have screw in chokes.

golferboy426

go with the 1100. barrels will be cheaper and easier to find. I think I would try to find the trap model with the monte carlo stock as the base just because Trap is easier with the higher point of impact. then buy a short slug barrel then maybe a short fixed choke or Rem choke for turkey. You might get away with just a 25 inch rem choke to use for turkey and slugs, They do make a cylinder and maybe even a slug screw in choke. I initially used a 1100 with a fixed 25 inch skeet barrel for deer with good success, it was nicely accurate at 50 yd and suitable out to 75 . I only used Breneke slugs but some of the newer slugs might be very good from what I've read. I switched out to a slug barrel just because of the handling. They may even make a 21 inch screw in which would be great for turkey with the appropriate choke of your choice.

machine gun moran

quote:Originally posted by Barzillia
Choose an older model that has been around for 50 years or more, with plenty of spare parts available, and extra barrels, and a better fit and finish than most modern starter shotguns.

Many that old will not chamber 3 inch shells, but I remain mostly unconvinced of their actual practical benefit.

Plus many are available as private sales.



+1

Winchester put a lot of research into what was the best load for killing ducks, and concluded that a 2 3/4" with 1 1/2 ounces of #4's, with a pellet density equivalent to lead, was as effective as anything.

XXCross

I'd go with the 870...fewer parts = fewer problems. Been using my 870TB trap gun for "everything" for a l o n g time now. Never a problem. (.02)

Mr. Perfect

If you go the S/A route go with the 11/87 over the 1100, as the 1100s have had some issues with shooting both 2-3/4 and 3" shells. Remington solved the problems of the 1100 with the 11/87.

bambambam

I think a 11/87 or 870 would be good for your declared purpose.

I used to have a 870 bird & slug barrel combo. It was a hastings slug barrel. You would need to buy a trap barrel in addition or some type of rib system to get the package your looking for. Your going to have at least $950 dollars in what you are thinking about...you realize that don't you.

I would go with the semi-auto with hind sight being 20/20. I think most people start out with pumps amd end up with auto's. One thing, pumps are much more reliable than semi-auto's. Some guys are going to tell you that their $1000+ dollar auto loader never has malfunctioned, I call B.S. There is always some weather condition (usually cold) that will trip up a semi auto.

That being said...I'd never buy another pump gun again. I love the Beretta semiauto I own, I have a bird & slug barrel. I got the slug barrel last year. I laughed my butt off the first time I shot a slug out of it. It felt like a 20ga high brass!

I dont have a trap barrel for it yet but I will next time I see them on sale.

tsr1965

I would go with the 870 Express Turkey gun, in 3 inch. No need for 3 1/2". I have the 21 inch Turkey gun, and have never regretted it. I have slayed turkeys out to 65 yards with #6 shot, and the factory extra full turkey choke...just as dead as a $1500.00 3 1/2" Benelli...and by the way...I own a Benelli too...what for, is beyond me, as I don't use a shotgun for much.

Best