Hi everyone,

What shotgun would you recommend for total hunting beginner who is reasonably skilled in rifle/hand gun shooting (paper). I'm looking for something with good ration price / functionality, the main purpose will be hunting (small game, birds) but also something I can take to range and practice.

I looked through the forum and did not find the topic like that. I realize that this is very subjective question but still I'd love get your opinion.

Thanks!

if its for an adult, I would choose a semi-auto like a beretta A300, a Franchi, Browning silver hunter, or a remmy 1100


semi-auto's have less felt recoil and allow for fast follow up shots. $700-$900 will buy you any of the above.

I own both the A300 and the Silver Hunter, the franchi is built on the same action as the silver hunter and have owned a few 1100's....all are solid guns

For a price, function and reliability I would recommend a Remington 870, Mossberg 500, or Benelli Nova.

If you don't mind pump, Remington 870 (or Benelli Nova) first and foremost. After that, I'd go semi-auto. I've got a Weatherby SA-08 that I really, really like. However, I bought it after looking at about 15 different guns and seeing which one I thought fit me best. I'd start with the action you want, then look at/handle them all and see what you think.

pump- 870


semi- weatherby sa 08


o/u. - stoeger condor

just my two cents love dem guns

don't know when the last time you have shot a newer 870 but those things suck.

if its not a Wingmaster I don't want any part of it. the Nova's are solid guns if you like synthetic

What about it sucks? Build quality? The way it shot? Do you work in quality control for Remington and you know that they all suck, or just the one that your buddy has? It's a $290 shotgun. If you want better, buy better and pay for it. Just checked Academy, it has 21 reviews with 17 of them being 5*, including 2 in the last 20 days.

Thanks to everyone for the reply.

It is good that I asked because I'm very surprised with the responses. I would expect, that for hunting you would recommend some double barrel shotgun and it actually is semi auto or pump.

I will definitely look around but I think that start with cheaper pump shotgun would be way to go.

Rem 870 is a good option for a cheap, reliable, easy gun.

If you want a semi I like the Browning Silver Hunter and any of the Beretta's. I'm not a fan of Benelli's.

Rem 870 is a good option for a cheap, reliable, easy gun.

If you want a semi I like the Browning Silver Hunter and any of the Beretta's. I'm not a fan of Benelli's.

What is your budget? That's really the first question you need to answer.

I have only been Bird hunting for a couple of years. I started off with a Mossberg 500 pump when I was in college. Last year I purchased a used semi Beretta A300 for doves, duck, and deer. I love this gun. This gun shoot every time and never jams. I purchased a Over/Under Red Label last week for Doves. But if money is an issue, Academy has brand new pump shotgun for $180.

This is really hard to answer since I'm starting there is a lot of things I have to buy. But that being said I do not want to buy trash. So even though I'm happy to save money and do not buy something I do not need I still want something useful and reliable. So budget can be up to $800 but I would be happy to stay lower and buy for example better binocular

By the way I assume that 12 gauge is the way to go

870 for a pump.
Winchester Super X2 or 3.
I own both and both are very reliable. Only issue I have had with my 870 was a pheasant hunt in Kansas where it was really dry, windy and dusty. Everyone that had semi autos were cut to a single shot. I could get 2 out of my 870. Everything was just nasty dirty and gummed up from all the dirt in the actions. A good cleaning and I was back in business.

Yes 12 gauge. You can find ammo just about anywhere in 12 gauge. 20 is pretty popular too and is also plentiful. Bigger payload with a 12 though. Less recoil with a 20.

I have a bunch of Remington 870s I shot them and never have any issues let some one else use it and they work 85% of the time. I think part of the issue with the 870 is the user. I think guys try to short stroke the action trying to be fast instead pulling the action all the way to the back.

I like my Remington 11-87s never have had any issues with them. Soft shooting guns.

I really like my new Browning A-5, never had an issue and fits me very well.

My favorite guns are my Merkel SxS. I have a 12, 16, 20 and 28. These are really fun guns for everything except geese....

Winchester 1300 or Mossberg 930.

Beretta A300, great gun for a great price. Will do anything and everything you need.

Thanks I think I will go for Remington 870 12 gauge. Seems to be the best first choice.

Is it out of box usable or would you recommend any accessories for hunting?

Just make sure it has interchangeable chokes and you're good to go out of the box. Make sure someone shows you how to exchange the chokes and properly clean the gun. Save your extra money for shooting lessons and ammo at the local shooting range. And invest in hearing and eye protection and a shooting vest.

Good luck with the new hobbie! And don't forget to take a hunter safety course before heading into the field. It's the law in Texas.

Awesome thanks

No matter what the 870 is always going to come up number one because that's what people have. The 870 is not very recoil friendly after shooting a day of skeet or doves.

I would skip it and get into a semi auto.

Unless you are definitely going to hunt ducks, geese, turkeys, or pheasants I would get a 20 gauge.

Dove, quail, skeet, trap, squirrels, rabbits, etc. are all fine for a 20 ga. In fact, I prefer the 28 ga for all small game, but those shells have gotten so expensive that I have pretty much quit using mine.

You are correct, however, that the 12 is the most universal shotgun for everything.

That is the thing, I'm beginner (scheduled for hunting course next week) so I do not know what I'm going to end up hunting so I wanted something as much universal as possible.

What about the shell length? I see two version Magnum for 3 1/2 and express for 3. Does it make difference?

If you don't plan to hunt waterfowl very much 3" is plenty. Most of what you'll be shooting is 2 3/4", particularly for smaller birds and game as well as clay targets.