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.