Suggestions for a FIRST shotgun

[spideyar]

I am considering getting a shotgun to add to my small, but growing, collection of firearms. I literally have never fired a shotgun before, so I am treading into new water here. What might be a good starting point for something that would be used for primarily fun, kept for home defense, and could possibly become a hunting platform should I decide I have the nads to hunt?

I might be asking to too much here from a single firearm, but maybe there are options out there. I definitely lean toward the tacticool look, I'm willing to admit, but am looking to learn. Is there a decent entry level model that would allow for different stocks and barrels that could suit my whims? What about semiauto configurations, or is that a stupid route to go for a first shotgun? Something that could (emphasis on COULD since I have no plans to do it yet) be used in 3-gun? The Mossberg 500 seems popular, not sure how suitable it is as a starting point. Feedback is appreciated!

Cheers,
Jamie

[sandman76]

Remington 870 Can't go wrong.

[blacklabel]

Remington 870 Can't go wrong.

Or Mossberg 500/590. My first and only shotgun is a Mossberg 590a1. Great weapon.

[BuffCyclist]

Think about what you want to use it for. I recently bought my first, a Rem 870 Tactical (with ghost ring sights and that hideous "door breacher" choke). In my decision, I went to my LGS and tried out a bunch of the popular ones, being the 870s and the Mossy 500/590s etc. I do NOT like the location of the action lock on the Mossys, so that made up my mind in a heartbeat. I ended up with the 870 Tactical because I wanted the option of being able to swap out chokes without having to buy a brand new barrel (in the $100-150 range). The 870 Express (with 6rd tube) has a fixed cylinder and bead sights, retails in the $360 range. The 870 Express Tactical that I got was something around $490.

But my recommendation is to definitely check them out in person, because they handle and feel very different. The Mossy's also felt a little on the cheap side to me, too much rattle, but some people prefer them over the Rems, so its personal preference.

[stenz]

Mossberg. The tang safety and the action lock are what sells it for me. You can operate the trigger, action lock, and safety without ever taking your hand/finger off the weapon.

[Fromk]

Don't make the mistake I did and get a Mossberg 500. It works great but it's stuck at 5+1 capacity and that's kind of a bummer. I'd say go for the Remington 870 for the combo of reliability an aftermarket options.

[BuffCyclist]

Mossberg. The tang safety and the action lock are what sells it for me. You can operate the trigger, action lock, and safety without ever taking your hand/finger off the weapon.

I liked the tang safety on the Mossy, but the action lock was a complete no go for me, I couldn't easily use the action lock on the mossy without having to look down and fumble around for it. The action lock on the Mossy felt very natural, but the safety took a little getting used to. I think the OP definitely needs to feel them both before deciding one way or the other. Especially since one could feel a hundred times more natural than the other for him.

[blacklabel]

Don't make the mistake I did and get a Mossberg 500. It works great but it's stuck at 5+1 capacity and that's kind of a bummer. I'd say go for the Remington 870 for the combo of reliability an aftermarket options.

That's completely depended on the model that you buy. The Special Purpose shotguns have increased capacity.

[Goodburbon]

My first was a Sears & Roebuck (Mossberg) When that got stolen I got an 870. Then when I got married I got my wife an 870, then when I wanted more capacity for 3 gun/home defense I got an 870. When I was working for the DOC they trained us on the 870...notice a trend?

Don't get me wrong, nothing wrong with the mossy, in fact I loved it too, and if my second gun had been a mossy I'd probably have a pile of them. I just stuck with the 870 because it's what I got used to and could run in my sleep.

[MarkCO]

If you want to try 3Gun, you will need an auto unless you go Heavy Metal, then it is a Benelli Super Nova. An 870 is an okay shotgun. I still have my first one. I shot a bunch of birds with it, 2 or 3 3Gun matches, a 6 point bull elk, some fish, 3 deer. It is very utilitarian, and has not been shot in like 6 years. The Winchester SXP defender is a pretty good choice in this class as well.

Auto-loaders good for 3Gun...they don't start until you hit $600, and more like north of $1000. So pick what roles you really want to fill and go from there.

[spideyar]

Great feedback from you all. Seems to have narrowed to primarily (2) choices pretty quick. Is there anywhere that rents out shotguns? Handling in a store is one thing, shooting it is entirely a different beast to me.

[MarkCO]

Great feedback from you all. Seems to have narrowed to primarily (2) choices pretty quick. Is there anywhere that rents out shotguns? Handling in a store is one thing, shooting it is entirely a different beast to me.

If you have Saturday free, there is a 3Gun match at CRC. You can shoot several. 3Gunners are prone to letting people shoot their guns and even give them ammo...odd group.

[killianak9]

If a few members are up for it, Sounds like we need a day to go shoot some clays. I have a super nova and love it.

[USAFGopherMike]

I'm also shopping for a shotty at the moment and would be interested if there's a members meet. Great chance to meet some people too.

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

I vote for the 870.

[Flatline]

I personally like the 870. Some people prefer the mossberg 500/590 with the ambidextrous safety. Winchester 1300s and benellis are good too. If your looking for a pump its hard to go bad with any reputable brand.

[TAR31]

Everyone should own an 870.

[TriggerHappy]

I own 3 870's. 2 were what my parents carried as cops. Perfect first and fails-safe shotty.

[Fentonite]

Can't go wrong with any of the big three (870, 500 or 1300). I carried an 870 in my cruiser for years, and trust it. Back when I was a young Marine, I was always intrigued by the security forces' Mossy 500 with their heat shield for serious cool factor, and I still favor its safety placement (keeps the thumb from bloodying the nose). I just sold my last 870, and still regret it.

Having said all that, I like the Winchester 1300 for home defense. The SpeedFeed action seems to rack itself. When firing, apply rearward pressure on the fore grip (as you should). When you fire, the slide will automatically release and start cycling back, and racking seems to take care of itself. On the Remmy or Mossy, you'll have to release the rearward pressure on the slide, or it won't rack. With practice, they can be blisteringly fast. But the Winchester is faster. I've trained lots of new officers who got tied up with developing the muscle memory to run an 870 naturally. The 1300 is not a popular as the other two, but it's worth a look. If there's a member meet-n-greet for shotgun trials, give me a shout. If I can't make it, you can borrow a 1300 to try, and judge for yourself. It all come down to what works best for you.

[fj605]

I bought an 870 Express ten years ago (first gun I ever bought) and have used it for birds and clays. It's been exceptionally reliable for both.

[spideyar]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I have been looking at the Mossberg 500 and it turns out my dad may have one - he's unsure of the model - for me to check out. It might even be a 500. Either way, I am hoping to get a chance to shoot it real soon and see how it is.

Cheers,
Jamie

[spideyar]

Temptation was too great and I broke down and bought a Mossberg 500. Sports Authority had the field and deer Mossy Oak combo on clearance for $250. The combo included the 28" barrel with 3 different chokes and a 24" rifled slug barrel. The camo look wasn't my first choice, but after photoshopping on the black 18.5" barrel, a black fixed or 6-position stock, and a black forend, I think it will actually look pretty cool in hunting OR HD configurations. Getting those upgrades should cost anywhere starting at $200 on up, so either way, I am stoked to eventually have 3 different uses for this shotgun for about $450 or so.

Thanks all for the suggestions! I can't wait to take it out and shoot it.

Cheers,
Jamie

[spideyar]

Here is what she might look like after a few mods.
22755

[killianak9]

Nice buy! We should plan a day to go shooting. A few guys wanted to go, what weekend might be best for everyone?

[ChunkyMonkey]

In this era.. go w/ Saiga 12 and drum mag!!!! [Coffee]

[spideyar]

Nice buy! We should plan a day to go shooting. A few guys wanted to go, what weekend might be best for everyone?

Thanks! I am actually hoping to test it out this weekend on a off-roading expedition. But a group meet up down the road sounds awesome!

[killianak9]

In this era.. go w/ Saiga 12 and drum mag!!!! [Coffee]
Perfect bird gun set up ;)

[yz9890]

Mossberg. The tang safety and the action lock are what sells it for me. You can operate the trigger, action lock, and safety without ever taking your hand/finger off the weapon.

This is why I buy Mossbergs as well. I don't like the safety on the trigger guard or the bolt release in front of the trigger guard. Plus I like that the Mossberg lifter is stowed up when the bolt is closed and the dual extractors on the bolt.

A potential negative is that some people have difficulty reaching the Mossberg safety when they put a pistol grip on their shotgun. I have no use for a pistol grip shotgun though so I have no experience with that.

[CO-Exprs]

I'm gonna get run out of town on a rail for not being an 870 or 500 lemming, but... The Benellli Super Nova is THE do it all shotgun of the 21st century. I've been running a 24" SN for several years and I've just about forsaken every other shotgun I own. 3.5" chamber, huge feed port for fast reloads, interchangeable choke tubes, recoil reducing stock. In the past year I've used mine for skeet, trap, sporting clays, 5stand, 3gun competition, duck and goose hunting and when it's not in my gun bag in the car, it's loaded up with some buck shot for home defense. After thousands of rounds I am convinced that my 24" SN is hands down the most versatile gun I've ever owned.

[yz9890]

I'm gonna get run out of town on a rail for not being an 870 or 500 lemming, but...

Name calling. Cool.

[stenz]

Nova's are legit weapons. They just cost about $150 more. I own a Nova and I love it.

[MarkCO]

Pump: Winchester SXP or Benelli SuperNova

Auto: Stoeger M3000 or Remington VersaMax

[CareyH]

I own both a Mossberg 590 and a Remington 870 and they are good guns, but with that said I would buy a Benelli SuperNova over them any day of the week. It will be my next firearm purchase.

[cofi]

Here is what she might look like after a few mods.
22755

if it were me I would just run a youth stock vs the ar deal