12 ga Inquiry

[Lunker]

I am looking to get a new 12 ga in the next year, and am wondering what others would suggest. Need something that's not strictly just a waterfowl or just an upland gun. Something I can use in the blind or pheasant field. Pump or Semi-auto. I have my preferences, but am open to some ideas. I'll probably do some shopping around and shoot some different guns so any ideas are appreciated.

[FarByondDrivn]

If you can narrow it down to a price range and an action (semi or pump) your choice would be easier. Its hard to beat the gold old 870 Rem for affordability and dependability. Also the 835 by Mossberg is a good gun but is a little heavy for upland hunting. As you get farther up the price range of pumps you have the Benelli Nova and the BPS by Browning; both are good bets. As far as autos go, you'll be spending a little more money and have a little more maintenance but also less recoil and faster target reacquisition. Starting point for the autos would probably be Baikals or Stoegers followed by the Mossberg 935 (Which I have heard is a good gun.). As you go up the price range you hit the SX2 (I have one and it is my favorite shotgun)and then the Browning Gold. Even further up are the Benelli Super Black Eagle 2 and the Berreta Xtrema.

[love to hunt]

I am really partial to the Banelli Nova for several reasons.

I have never had a pump jam, it points great, the price is right in there, and I can use it for anything from turkey to geese.

Nova gets my vote.

[Ron Burgundy]

The 870 combo with the rifled slug barrel would be a great buy. You can get it for around $390 and it will handle anything. The only problem I've had with mine in 11yrs is most likely my fault. I think I didn't screw down the magazine cap tight enough when attaching the barrel and shot it. Now I believe I'm getting a new ejector. Take care of it and it'll take care of you. Field and Stream also did a survey about the most popular and versatile guns. The 870 was the big winner by far. This was in the last few months or so.

[bigdog]

I have always had good luck with Remington 1100's and 11-87's. Also like Beretta 391's.

[loosegoose]

I'm with bigdog. If you're looking for a good all around gun I would recommend a Beretta auto loader. A very light gas operated gun that is very dependable and easy to clean.

[Cooter]

Vote Rem 870

[CodyDawg]

A Beretta auto. I have had my 870 jam, but never my 390 (15,000 rounds and counting). Ducks, geese, grouse, roos, trap, you name it, it does it flawlessly. If you are slug hunter, you can add a slug barrel and have a fantastic deer gun. my $.02

[96trigger]

12 gauge beretta A390. Identical to the old 390 only currently made. My 390 has never failed me, it is my trap gun, grouse gun, goose gun,and pheasant gun. It is easy to break down and clean. You can find one for about $650 new in the black synthetic. Used 390's run about $550. As for pumps, the benelli nova or the rem 870, standard guns, similar price. If you deer hunt with it, I'd look for a combo with a slug barrel. The slug barrel for the beretta is almost as much as the rem 870 and the benelli.

[JDM]

I own three 870's and two Novas. Both are great and you can't go wrong. My main wingshooting gun is the Nova because I shoot better with it (despite being a little heavier than an 870). My main deer gun is a tricked up 870. I am a pump guy. Despite what the other guy said, they rarely jam - especially in cold or wet weather (bottom of duck boat), or heavy dust (Dakota's) Many of my hunting partners shoot auto's and the ONLY one I would consider is the Super Black Eagle. I have hunted with a pump my whole life and I am faster with it than most guys are with autos. It drives those guys nuts! I also own a BPS, but I am not a big fan of that model.

The pumps are also easier to clean and the Nova is a 3 1/2 inch gun, which is great for waterfowl. If you go with the 870, spend the extra money for the Wingmaster. It is worth it. I have had many great meals from both guns.

[Lunker]

Thanks for all the suggestions, always good to hear people defend their favorite gun. My current 12 is an older 870 wingmaster that went through rough times before it landed in my hands

(cracked stock, poly-choked barrel)and I was looking at guns like the 870,benellis and brownings suggested, totally forgot about beretta's but I have shot them and I like the gun, I've always shot pump but kind of want an auto. Definitley have some thinking to do. And shopping(the only shopping I like to do )

[smg04]

another vote 4 the 870express, if your outboard breaks down while duck hunting u can use ur gun as a paddle and it will still shoot strait as and arrow, best gun for the $ by far

[jltimm]

I bought a Stoeger semi-auto last year, and really like it.Comes with 5 chokes, is really light, throws up great, and shoots good also.Put one up to your shoulder while your in the store, you may be surprised!

[Nova]

Rem 870 or the Benelli Nova. By far the 2 best guns I have ever owned. I am currently using the Nova for everything and like it just a bit better than the 870. I would never own a auto, but that is just me. Late season cold weather hunting there is a chance of a jam. With the new guns it's a smaller chance, but it still exists. In 35 years of hunting ducks until the last day and pheasants into late december I have NEVER had a pump gun jam.

[Rotwieler]

I dont think for a pump you can beat a 870 express magnum. I love mine. I duck, and grouse hunt with mine. I even used it for trap shooting and i had a hit rate of 97.41% this year.

[45acpshooter]

Another vote for the 870 Express. I've owned dozens of shotguns valued from a couple hundred dollars to thousands. My 870 has taken a ton of abuse and has never failed to work. The finish is extremely resistant to rust. I have other guns that I shoot better but the 870 will always have a place on my gun rack.

[BigWadeS]

My vote is for Remington 870 or 880 pumps

[LovenLifeGuy]

Anyone know what the wieght is on the 870's? I own one and do not know.

Thanks, LovenLifeGuy

[lunker651]

Quote:

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Thanks for all the suggestions, always good to hear people defend their favorite gun. My current 12 is an older 870 wingmaster that went through rough times before it landed in my hands

(cracked stock, poly-choked barrel)and I was looking at guns like the 870,benellis and brownings suggested, totally forgot about beretta's but I have shot them and I like the gun, I've always shot pump but kind of want an auto. Definitley have some thinking to do. And shopping(the only shopping I like to do

)

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If I was looking for and auto shotgun I'll go with a Browning gold or benelli M1, M2,or super eagle. My buddies have these and they are awsome.

[Bassboy1645]

870 all the way!!!!!!! Had mine new since i was 12yrs old and even now in college its the best shotgun i have ever used....ive shot everythign from mice up to deer wiht it. Squsih it in the mud and its easy to dissaemble and wash out and put it back togther and its good as new. Best gun for the money and youll do better wiht a rifled barrel if u want it to double as a deer gun....oh and im american I like an american firearm.......i hate foriegn jap cars and rip off trucks

[IRISHSOBNO4]

get a BPS and you can't go wrong.

[Fish&Fowl]

Just bought a Benelli M1 Super 90. Great gun for pheasants and ducks. Very reliable, light-weight gun. Dad's going on 7 years with his with zero problems. I find this remarkable as the gun never gets cleaned, at least not good, unless I do it after I do mine. Not a cheap gun, but as I've learned in my whole 20 years, you get what you pay for. Had a BPS before that, also a very good gun as most pumps are. I am a Browning guy but I am sure impressed by that M1.