I'm looking to get a shotgun soon. I'm looking for an all in one gun--shoot anything from dove to deer to turkey. Is it possible? I was looking at 870 super magnum--shoots up to 3.5 in shell. Is that necessary to go so big...would a 2 3/4 be enough? Thanks
~have 4-500 to spend...

The 870 Super Mag would do it. So would SBE II, so would Cynergy, so would...

Your budget will help narrow suggestions, of course.

For an "everything" shotgun, I'd go with at least a 3" gun. You could get by with a 2-3/4" but a 3" sure is nice when waterfowl/turkey/varmint/coyote hunting. Also for deer you get more pellets in 3" buckshot than 2-3/4 and a bit more umph with slugs too.

Without posting a budget, I'd recommend a versamax. They are a bit bulky, but are really soft shooting.

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I'd get the 870 but 3" only and then buy a rifled barrel for it.

In my opinion, there is no reason for a 3.5" shotgun shell. In fact, I goose hunted with a guy who shot a 870 magnum with 3.5" and he could not hit the broad side of a barn because of the recoil. Also, he would short stroke the action all the time because the stroke is longer.

I have owned a Mossberg 500 and I sold it, I hated it. If I were you I would buy a Beretta Outlander new or used whatever you can afford. Shoot buck shot for deer if you like and it can take any bird out there. Pumps can shoot rifled slugs 50-75 yards accurately but some semi-autos can't shoot slugs.

If you are set on a pump, I recommend the Winchester SxP, Benelli Nova, and Weatherby Pump. Remington 870 is ok for if you want multiple barrels but I have seen an 870 express literally blow up in the field. Not in a dangerous was, a guy just shot it and pieces went everywhere, spring must of been loose or something, pretty funny though. Look for Remington Wingmaster if you go the Remington route.

Mossberg 930 has treated me well.

Find a used Beretta AL390. If you're patient you can find one for around $500. You won't regret it. I do regret selling mine.

I just picked up a Browning BPS that shoots 3.5" shells and its been a great gun. Yes it is pricy and is a pump but it eats up shells and is very smooth.

That said its just my hunting gun. I shoot sporting clays with a Browning Cynergy.

I forgot about the BPS! That is a badass shotgun, a used one of those would be in your price range.

I've had good luck with Mossberg 500's. They are a very reliable/inexpensive pump shotgun and you can easily find extra barrels for them for slugs, home defense, etc. I have owned 3 and never had a problem with any of them.

Another satisfied BPS owner in 12, 16, 20, and 28 gauge.

If I had to choose just one scattergun out of all mine it would be my Benelli M2 12ga. I use it from pigeons to crane. It's taken javelina, coyotes and crane within one weekend.

Love my 12ga BPS. But if I had to pick 1 it would be 12ga Benelli Nova. Not high dollar, and never failed to fire/cycle a shell from 2 3/4 field loads to 3 1/2 buckshot. Maybe a little ugly but it can take a beating and not feel bad about it.

Have had two BPS 12 gauges and sold them both. Just didn't feel right to me. Wouldn't mind getting my hands on a BPS Upland special though. Straight grip, 16" barrel. Looks sweet.

The 870 is the Little black truck of the shotgun world...it will do it all.

Ed