Dairy King

I am totally new to shotgunning. I have never even shot a 12 gauge til about 2 months ago, and that was only about 10 times. I couldn't tell you the difference between a Remington between a Browning or anything else for that matter. This question is probably like what we always get in the bowhunting forums "which bow is better"? etc etc... BUT I just need 2 or 3 top quality gun makers and gun models that I cant go wrong with. I plan to hunt rabbits, squirrels, maybe some dove, skeet/trap, I may even go for a few deer next year. What are the going prices on these guns, too? Thank you

Lance

TScottW99

I will tell you to go the local stores and try some on for size. See which one you feel comfortable with, which one has the safety where you like, the ejection where you like and the feel that you like.

Browning, Winchester, Remington, Benelli, etc.. etc.. all make a great gun. I have owned all the ones I listed except Browning. We each like differn't guns for differn't reasons, though the good ones are all good

Benelli Nova - $300
Mossberg 500 $250
Remington 870 $275 - $500 (depending on model)
Winchester - $250 - $400 (depnding on model)

These were for the pumps. Semi's will run more and I think then you have choices on which one is better. Some will eat anything, some don't care for field loads, some can not handle the 3 1/2"'s if you choose to shoot them.

Then you get into O/U and SXS and the big money comes out

Buckmaster9

I would get the Benelli M2. It's $1040 on their website. Check out benelliusa.com

jashoffa

Depending on what you are looking to spend, and I would guess that $1000 was not your plan, I would go with a good solid pump. You have the option of a follow up shot with out the $1000 price tag.

I have a Benilli Nova I bought 3 years ago and I love it. The Nova has a 3 1/2'' chamber mine is the all black stock and barrel. The camo is about $50 more. I would get it if you plan to hunt duck, geese or turky. I wish I had gotten mine in camo...oh well good reason to get another gun

If you like a prettier gun get one of the others listed, some will have some really nice looking wood stocks.

For a cheaper alternative you also may want to concider a single shot as your first shotgun. I just got my girlfriend a single shot Stoeger in 20 gage for $105. For a single shot I think it is a nice gun.


Now as said earlier try some guns out and see how you like the feel of them. Aim them like you would be aiming at the game you would be hunting or the target you would be shooting and see how you like it.

Hope This helps. Let us know how it all turns out!

haugenna

I own the Nova in camo. Absolutely love it. Durable, dependable, and deadly on the geese. I have an 870 express mag that I use exclusively for deer, don't like it, will be retiring it soon and buying a nova slug gun or barrel if I can find one. Benelli makes a great gun. I love my nova very versitile.

Worc

I would stay with a 3" gun in semi auto's.

For guns around $700.00 and up. Benelli M1/M2, Beretta AL391, Browning Golds.

For guns between $500.00 to $700.00. Beretta's 390,3901,Pintail/ES100, Franchi 612,712, Weatherby SAS, and Winchester SX2.

All of these are very good models that would work well for your intended uses.

Antler Eater

Everybody likes something different but there are some general guidelines one can go by.

Just like the draw length on your bow you want to find a gun that fits you. One that you feel comfortable putting to your shoulder, one that hits the same spot everytime.

I don't like a barrel heavy gun. I like one that balances well with the weight between my hands. For me, Browning and Beretta do it the best (not counting the high end guns like Krieghoffs or Perrazzi (sp) etc.) but there are also other companies like Remington, Winchester, Benelli, Mossberg, that make a quality shotgun as well that you may find fits your likes better. (I won't get into issues like Browning owns Winchester, or that Beretta owns Benelli).

For hunting, usually mid to short barrel length is better, say 26 inches. For trap, skeet, and sporting clays the serious shooters go longer, with the minimum normally being 28 inches.

I think you will find that a gun with a 3" chamber will be more than enough fire power to handle anything you want to hunt. Remember 2 3/4" shells are the maximum that is allowed in trap, skeet, or sporting clays. Additionally, for me anyway, the 3 1/2" chambered 12 gauges don't balance as well, kick like mules, and none of that is worth the price of the ammunition.

You can choose between over and unders, side by sides, semi-autos, pumps, and single shots. Whatever you choose I would always take quality over a cheap price any day.

Good luck...

Buckmaster9

Benelli now has a combo for their Nova pump. It's just as much as an 870 combo.

4wheeldrive

there are alot of good shotguns out there i just got a remington 11-87 12 ga i like it alot. shop around and i know you will find something you like good luck

Big Al C

DK, You have really opened a can of worms here! With the variety of possible uses you have listed there is no single "best" answer, but many of todays guns will work. A big factor here is what price point do you have in mind? A Benelli Super Black Eagle will do anything you want to do (and do them very well), but they run approx $1300!!! If you are not used to pump guns then you will probably want to stick with a semi-auto. Remington 11-87, Winchester Super X2, Browning Gold and others can all be found in good all-purpose styles that will serve you well. Prices will depend on features and where you purchase, but will probably run between $700-$1000. If you can run a pump gun with confidence then your out of pocket expenses get much lower. You can get Benelli Novas, Winchester 1300's, Remington 870's and others with prices starting in the mid-$200s.
My personal vote? For maximum versatility and low cost it is hard to beat the Remington 870 Express. It can be found at Wal-Mart or other stores for about $249. There are about a million aftermarket parts to customize it to your particular tastes. Remington makes it with several barrel options, and with wood or synthetic stocks. The basic design is time proven and any gunsmith in the country can fix it in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. You can get the basic gun for wingshooting or skeet/trap, and add a rifled slug barrel for deer hunting in your home state. For less than $500 you can truly have a multi-purpose weapon that will last you for years with proper maintenance. (However, it is a pump gun, and that may not be what you want.)
Try as many as you can, and have fun deciding!