Beginner All Around Shotgun

New to the forum... From texas.

Looking for advice on a relatively cheap, but reliable shotgun to use now for Dove Hunting, but also that could be used for just about anything down the road.

I've looked online and the Maverick 88 and the H&R Pardner and both are in the price range in looking to spend. Somewhere below $225 for sure.

What all can you hunt with shotguns besides dove and duck here in Texas... I mean I'm sure you can hunt hog as well but just new and curious.

Thanks in advance.

Buy an older used Remington 870, or do better and buy an Ithica mod 37. Both are cheap and money well spent.

A pump 12 gauge will down most game in Texas.

I believe, you can hunt pretty much everything in Texas with a shotgun. Whether it's capable of taking everything in Texas down is another thing. Like nilgai, it can sometimes take multiple rounds from a high caliber rifle to kill one. If you interested in native species only you will do fine with a 12 gauge, just gotta change ammo and chokes for different animals

I also recently purchased a Winchester super x black shadow sxp in 12ga and it seems to be a pretty solid gun. I was choosing between it and a stoeger p350 12ga at the 299 dollar price mark. The Winchester felt much better in my hands

Never buy a Winchester shotgun. Unless it's a model12. Back when quail were plentiful I loved a model 1200 Win Featherweight. It's the best handling shotgun ever made. The only problem with that pump action is you can wear it out to disfunctional in two years of you shoot it every day of season. I ran through at least 5 of them In the 90's. They were extremely cheap and the only reason I know the model # is there is still a rusty one sitting In my shop for killing varmints.

After taking down and cleaning a few shot guns I prefer the Mossberg 500 over the rest. Possibly crude but definitely more robust/tougher than the rest.

Another vote for the Mossberg 500.

More shotgun for less money. They last forever, always work.

I also looked at the Mossberg 500 only reason I didn't get it was because everybody has one.

And welcome to the forum!

There is a reason everybody has one of these, or an 870... I've got a couple of each.

In your price range I would go with the Mossy 500

870

Mossberg 88 is a great shotgun. It's a model 500 with the safety in a different spot.

rem 870 or Mossberg 500. If you can find a used mossberg 835, it's a good one too.

Based on customer feedback where I work, of the two you mentioned I would go with the H&R Pardner.

I have seen 870 EXPRESS on sale for $299 Cant beat that for a 870

look at a Dickenson too..

Another vote for the Mossy 500 or 835. I've shot an old 835 for years.

Don't own one, but I've read ALOT about the 870 express having some quality control issues.

Dad bought an 870 last year its been good. SIL got one about 3 years ago its been good also.

Rem 870 or winchester 1300

I have owned them both and yes, either are excellent and inexpensive. I believe the 870 is the most sold shotgun ever.

x2

You can also use any choke made for the Mossberg 500 in the 88.

I own one in 20 Gauge that I let my daughter shoot. I think its a well built gun, which is made here in Texas.

Not to split hairs, but I think "assembled in Texas" is a better description of the Maverick 88, as barrels and other parts are made in Mexico. Still a good shooter though and is inexpensive.

There's a reason people buy Yugo's.

Ok, there is more than one reason that folks buy a Mossberg 500 or Remington 870... inexpensive and reliable. Can't say that about the Yugo.

Both Remington and Mossberg have produced over 10 million each of these shotguns... they can't be all that bad with those kind of numbers.

I have been shooting a Winchester 1300 for 20 years at ducks. It has been underwater more than I want to admit. It has been "ice locked", it has been stepped on by a muddy dog more times than I have fingers and toes. If you can find one used online get it. Your price range is a hard one to get quality with unless your willing to look for an extended time. I know an earlier poster said stay away from Winchester. Yes, the 1200 was a low end gun. They learned their lesson and have produced a good product since.

Not everyone else, just them two above

Check out you local pawn shops. I've found some pretty good deals on guns.

870 or 500 my pick best deal wins

I asked the same question on here a few years ago and went with the recommendations of a Remington 870. They are typically on the used rack at Cabela's for $300. It's been a great gun for dove and duck. Every now and again you can find a super mag used for $350-$400, which is a great deal. Per the other comments, make sure it's an older 870. Apparently the Remington quality has gone way down in recent years.

I shoot a Mossberg 500C (20ga) and it is a good all-round gun. Inexpensive and easy to take down.