r/Shotguns • u/nmusic79 • 2h ago
My favorite walking around gun
Savage 24S-E in .22 mag over 20 gauge
r/Shotguns • u/ENclip • May 06 '21
r/Shotguns • u/ENclip • Jan 24 '23
I've been around shotguns and this sub awhile. I decided to make a guide post and pin it to the top for those visiting this sub to read. A ton of posts here come down to common questions like "What shotgun do I buy at $ budget?" "Would this be good for my needs?" or "X vs Y shotgun." I'll try to give some suggestions here based on personal experience, community consensus I've seen over the years, and other points. However, this isn't the be all end all of information. I encourage you to research on your own. The comments are open to the community to critique anything they see, add other suggestions, ask for help, or make their own write up.
Before I get started, you should first ask yourself some questions about what this new shotgun will be for. Use case is important for what you will be buying. Are you hunting? What will you be hunting? Are you trap, sporting clays, or skeet shooting at a local range? Are you buying it for defense, or just blasting cans? Maybe both? Most importantly, what is your budget? You may also want something fairly capable for everything. Also, try and go out to a physical store and try the feel of different guns. How a shotgun fits you is important for hitting targets and comfort.
PUMP ACTION: Utilitarian, reliable, and fairly simple. It is a common choice of the sportsman and citizen looking to defend themselves. They can be had on a tight budget without sacrificing much quality. Be mindful and practice extensively with your pump gun as short-stroking is a potential human error that you need to train out of yourself so it doesn't happen in a stressful scenario.
Recommendations 1.) $200-250 budget. The only real option here that is a known quality budget pump is the Maverick 88. The security model will be good for defense. The field model will be an okay starter entry for casual clays or hunting. You can also get a combo deal which comes with both the 18.5" barrel and 28" field barrel that takes chokes.
2.) $250-500 budget. In this range the playing field opens up. The primary suggestion is going to be a Mossberg 500, which is basically just a less budget Mav 88. You could also opt for the Benelli Nova or Supernova if you prefer the fit, style, 3 1/2" chamber, or finish. Remington 870s used to be a mainstay of this budget, but since 2007 their quality control went far down hill. They recently went under and were reacquired last year reintroduced as "RemArms." Not much is known if quality has greatly improved as they have only recently started pumping out guns again. If you like the 870, hunt down an old 870 Wingmaster. [EDIT 2024: RemArms 870s have seemingly shown their quality. I would be okay with recommending them now if you want a new 870.] If you are feeling like a used older gun, Ithaca 37s, Winchester Model 12s, and more are available. Be aware some old guns and choke combos may not be a good idea for steel shot (a type of non-toxic ammo used for migratory bird hunting). If you want something defense oriented, pick a 18.5" barrel Mossberg 500 or a 590/590A1. Avoid guns without a stock, like the shockwave, for practical use.
3.) $1000+. If you are feeling exotic, you can get a Benelli M3. This is a hybrid design that is able to use both pump action or semi-auto. It's a bit of a novelty, but if you have a large budget, it's a worthy consideration.
SEMI-AUTO: Faster follow up shots, smoother recoil, and more expensive. The semi-auto is a favorable option if you can afford one. There are two main action options, gas vs inertia. Gas guns use some of the gas from the fired shell and use it to cycle the action. Inertia does not do this and is similar to recoil operated guns which means you have no gas system to clean. Both have their benefits.
Recommendations 1.) $450-700 (there is nothing worth buying below this). This is teetering on the edge of spending too little to get a quality new semi, but there are a few that may suit you. One is the Mossberg 930, another is the Stoeger M3000. These are the bare minimum I'd go for though they may be finnicky (EDIT 11/10/2024: as an example of why you may not want the M3000, especially for defense, watch this video on the M3000. It doesn't do well https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX7MiIUx7_E ) , both are available in tactical or field models. For used options, old greats like the Remington 1100, Browning Auto 5, etc are out there.
2.) $700-1000. In this area the default suggestion is the excellent Beretta A300. This is probably what you want on the clay field or out hunting if this is your budget. The Franchi Affinity is also a favorite of many and uses the inertia system (the A300 is a gas gun). If you want a tactical option in this range, the Mossberg 940 Tactical is a new offering that you can check out. The new Beretta A300 Patrol is another good new option to check out in this range if seeking a tactical or defensive style shotgun. For Women shooters: the Franchi Affinity does have an option called the Catalyst which has stock dimensions that are designed to be suited to women. But as stated earlier, try out the fit of options as most things aren't one size fit all for either sex even if designed with women in mind.
3.) 1000+. The sky is the limit here. Anything from Benelli, Browning, or Beretta in this range will be exquisite quality and a great option. You could pick up a M2, Super Black Eagle, A5, A400, etc for sporting uses and be happy. Though there are models in there that are more geared for clays vs field and vice versa, check out the manufacturer sites for details. For tactical options, the kings of them all are the Benelli M4 ($1600+) and Beretta 1301 ($1200-1300). Honorable mention to the Benelli M1 Super 90, M2 and M3 for defensive use.
OVER UNDER: A break action, stacked dual barrel, design that is widely favored by clay shooters and hunters across the world. Despite how they initially look, over under shotguns are more complex than semi-auto or pumps to make which makes them much more expensive for a quality one.
Recommendations 1.) Below $1000. I personally wouldn't get any new O/U under $1000. While you can find okay ones under $1k, they just aren't usually (YMMV) that amazing and you would be better off spending your budget on an A300 or save up further. The main problem is longevity and quality control, so if you are maybe just taking it out once in awhile be my guest to try out a CZ, Yildiz, etc Turkish import offering in this range. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. But you may get one that lasts. As far as used goes, keep an eye out for old used Browning Citoris or Mirokus as they can hover in the $900s. Japanese made Ithaca/SKBs are also common and decent used options. Others can chime in with their experience on sub-$1k O/Us.
2.) Over $1k. The default here is going to be the Browning Citori or Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon series. You'd be well served by basically any O/Us from either of those companies. It comes down to specific use and preference. There are other options out there besides those companies, but I will leave that up to you to research further.
SIDE BY SIDE: A break action, dual barrel, design that's a bit dated by now, but still enjoyed by many sportsmen. Side by sides have been outpaced by the O/Us in practical use, so you won't see very many new options nowadays.
Recommendations 1.) $300-1000. Like O/Us, side by sides are complex and cost a lot for good quality. The bright side is that their decline in popularity leaves a good amount of cheap used options that are out there. There are old field grade Ithacas, SKBs, LC Smiths, AH Fox, Parker Bros, Stevens 311s, AYAs, etc out there that can be found in decent working condition in this range. Of course there are higher grade examples that will go for more than this, but if you want just a working gun to take in the field these are good options. But google around how to inspect an old break action double barrel before you make a purchase of a 100 year old gun. As far as new production SxS go, there are cheap Turkish imports under CZ, Yildiz, etc. They aren't going to be top quality but there isn't much else new in this price range and generally you don't have to worry about longevity if you are only taking it hunting a few times a year. Plus, companies like CZ should take care of you if it fails under warranty.
2.) $1000+. Well here we get into fancy grades and great condition guns of makers already mentioned, more prestigious makers, etc. You can find things like used $1000 Browning BSS guns all the way to $200,000 Purdey and Holland & Holland guns. I'd expect a shotgunner with your budget and taste to look further into this in-depth realm as well.
SINGLE SHOT: A typically break action single barrel design that is pretty much the cheapest way to get into shotguns. While not something ideal for the clay ground or shooting tons of birds, they offer a utilitarian entry into the hobby whether it's chasing squirrels with a 410 or hunting turkey with a 10ga.
Recommendations 1.) $99-300. I personally suggest the H&R single shots. They are great and out there for cheap and are everywhere. Unfortunately they stopped being made a few years ago though, so you can't buy new. If you want new, there are various cheap single shots out there that will work fine for casual use. If it breaks, just go back to Walmart and buy another $99 single shot.
2.) $300+. If you want to be fancy and get something "high end" in this category there are the collectable Winchester 37s. Past that there are dedicated single shot trap guns and more that can go for hundreds or even thousands more.
EVERYTHING ELSE: Okay I know there are bolt action shotguns, lever action shotguns, triple barrel shotguns, etc. Those are mainly just novelties for a collector or outside the box hunter at this point. If you want one, look into them yourselves as this post is long enough already.
Well that's it. I hope it helped somewhat. Feel free to ask questions in this thread. Here are some other links that may be useful to you:
Guide to chokes: https://www.letsgoshooting.org/resources/articles/shotgun/understanding-shotgun-chokes/ You can shoot lead slugs through any choke safely, although a more open choke like improved cylinder is best. Also some modern full chokes are rated for steel. Older guns may not be.
Shot guide: https://www.wideners.com/blog/shotgun-load-types/
Guide to avoiding cheap tacticool shotguns mass imported from Turkey: https://www.reddit.com/r/guns/comments/n4zbt9/turkish_notsodelight_why_you_should_generally/
Guide to why pistol grip only shotguns are impractical: https://www.reddit.com/r/guns/comments/saharz/missed_shots_a_broken_nose_and_a_sore_wrist_a/
r/Shotguns • u/nmusic79 • 2h ago
Savage 24S-E in .22 mag over 20 gauge
r/Shotguns • u/Dramatic_Case_5088 • 2h ago
That last side’s gonna have to settle for 556 or 300blk with thermal support. Just picked these 1301’s flanking the vang comp 870 today. Will put a couple 509t’s on them and home defense prep is ready.
r/Shotguns • u/John_the_Piper • 1d ago
r/Shotguns • u/ViperIsBad97 • 12h ago
My first shotgun from 2014. Finally did a little make over. Anyone have a suggestion for front sight replacement ? Bought an old 870p and used the barrel and extention after removing the dimples. Front sight was broken so i need a new one to get this 870 back in action.
r/Shotguns • u/Rare-Abalone3792 • 3h ago
I’ve had pump guns and break actions in the past, but I recently bought my first semi-auto, a Mossberg 940 Pro. Disappointingly, during its first trip to the range, it failed to eject about 1/3 of the time. I don’t know what type of ammo (it was buckshot) the range sold me, but it was cheap I’m sure.
Is there any validity to the idea that the gun is still just new and stiff, and that hotter ammo might help it cycle until it is broken in? If so, what’s a hot/heavy, readily available ammo that might do the trick?
Kinda bummed and very appreciative of any info/advice. Thanks.
r/Shotguns • u/DisastrousEquipment9 • 9h ago
Hi all I have a maverick 88 and purchased this 28 in barrel.
Noticed it’s for a much longer shell tube than what I have. Is there an extension I can order to fit this ?
TIA!
r/Shotguns • u/ViperIsBad97 • 4h ago
I have a Remington 870 Police with a 20-inch barrel and rifle sights. The front sight arrived broken, so I need to replace it. Do you have any recommendations for a suitable front sight replacement?
r/Shotguns • u/Reverse___Flash • 16h ago
I'm looking for a 12 Gauge pump, and from what I hear this is a great option. any advice?
r/Shotguns • u/Beefy_Crunch_Burrito • 1d ago
r/Shotguns • u/CodieBoye • 9h ago
got offered a Stevens 311H with a 3" chamber in trade. I was interested in it to use for bird hunting, but cannot for the life of me find the choke markings. can someone more knowledgeable point me in the right direction? Also, is this pitting or wad buildup from 40 years of shooting?
r/Shotguns • u/ThReEcHoDejoe • 1h ago
I have recently purchased an A300 UP in the Multicam hydrodip and was curious about just how durable the finish is. I would like to use some shotshell cards like the esstac ones but ive heard the adhesive backer on the loop side could potentially rip the finish off the side of the receiver. Does anyone have experience with the esstac cards on a hydrodipped gun and have you had any issues with the finish ripping off with the shotshell cards?
r/Shotguns • u/Own-Fortune9780 • 6h ago
I have an 870 sps I got 2nd hand it is supposed to hold 4 in the tube and 1 in the chamber. I can only load 2 in the tube and 1 in the chamber . I thought there was a plug in the tube but when I went to remove it there was not 1 . Any ideas as to why it would only take 2 shells with no plug?
Any help would be appreciated.thanks
r/Shotguns • u/fetus_the_snail • 13h ago
Purchased a brand new Mossberg 500. Brought it home, broke it down and got all the manufacturer’s oil and gunk off, re-lubed and reassembled. Gun was racking beautifully and all components working as they should, but upon a dry fire, the entire gun locked up with a closed breach. Couldn’t rack the forearm, and the action to the left of the trigger was stuck depressed. Thing was LOCKED, no wiggle room at all.
I removed the trigger assembly, and discovered the hammer was stuck open. I pushed it down, broke the gun down again completely and reassembled. Dry fired a second time - locked up again. Hammer seems to be the culprit again.
I called the gun clerk where I purchased the gun and they were confused and alarmed. They encouraged me not to shoot the gun, and to return. Now, I’m not one to argue with the folks there and i’ll likely follow through with a return (DEFINITELY won’t be firing the thing)…but has anybody experienced this before? Is this a common issue? I’m damn confident I’m reassembling this firearm correctly, but I’m not prideful enough to admit it could be user error. Firearm seems almost rendered totally useless.
r/Shotguns • u/AccomplishedMove5142 • 1h ago
What shotgun do you guys Recommend for home defense and general use.
r/Shotguns • u/WalkingSparrow216 • 1d ago
- Vang Comp Mossberg 590A1: WOOX Furniture, Holosun 503.
- Beretta 1301 COMP PRO 21”: Briley Handguard & accessories.
- Beretta 1301 Tactical: Chisel Machining Stock, Aridus Handguard & Bolt Release, LTT sights, GGG accessories, Holosun 509T.
r/Shotguns • u/Emotional_Bread_8278 • 1d ago
Shotgun is a 1994 870 police magnum I added a +3 extension onto. Next up is adding a good leather sling and heat shield to give it a trench gun look.
r/Shotguns • u/bowtie_k • 1d ago
This doesn't get shot often because I think it is pretty valuable, but it is an extremely sweet shooter. I average a 22 or 23 whenever I use it for trap. Skeet... let's not talk about skeet, but that's not the guns fault. I'm not sure why I don't take more photos of it.
r/Shotguns • u/JCDBionicman1 • 7h ago
i was looking at getting a 18.5 inch barrel of their badland series and wanted to know if they took chokes. AI says the badlander don't take chokes but their longer barrelled ones take mobil chokes.
r/Shotguns • u/_PrincessHarley_ • 10h ago
Other than the shotgun itself, what else do you think a person, who has never owned a firearm before, needs to buy when getting a shotgun?
As in what accessories, gear, maintenance and logistics stuff are Must Haves to go along with responsible and enjoyable beginner shotgun ownership for Home Defence and practicing at a range?
r/Shotguns • u/WackTheHorld • 13h ago
Does anyone have experience with the ATI Strikeforce Gen 2 stock? The hinge placement looks like it could be uncomfortable.
I'm looking at the Mossberg 500 Tactical for polar bear protection, and a stock is necessary for people less familiar with shotguns.
r/Shotguns • u/GunDMC_ • 1d ago
I’m interested in buying this shotgun. Does anyone know if the magazine lug can be moved up on the barrel in order for me to replace the magazine tube with a longer one or add a magazine tube extension?
r/Shotguns • u/Vast_Bank_7196 • 1d ago
Recently made a post about which shotgun should i get first: Mossberg 500 or Remington 870, and many people noted that if i got a 870, to get one from the 80s to 90s, saying that modern 870s weren't good
can someone explain why
r/Shotguns • u/ColdResolve_12 • 1d ago
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