I’ve duck hunted a few times in my life and had to borrow a gun from my friends. Now I am looking to buy my first shotgun. I want something that will work as an all around gun. Something I won’t be embarrassed of to dove hunt with my friends and will be fine for ducks down the marshes along the coast. My budget is fairly low, $600 max. So far my top few ideas are: the Benelli Nova or Supernova, Remington 870 express, and Winchester SXP. I have also looked at some budget brands like ATA and Tristar but I don’t know how reliable they are. Can someone give me some advice on what is a good all around migratory bird gun that can take a beating and survive the elements while not being thought of as a cheap piece of junk? Thanks!

Which one? single choice
	Winchester SXP
	Remington 870 Express
	Benelli Nova
	Benelli Supernova
	Other (please comment your suggestions!!)
Votes accepted starting: 07/14/20 06:24 PM You must vote before you can view the results of this poll.

Stoeger M3000. Cheap and reliable auto. It's inertia driven and works when a gas gun won't. I've hunted eiders in subfreezing sleet and that shotgun and a Benelli Super Vinci were the only two that were running after a half hour of hunting.

If you want a pump the Nova's are good shotguns. I dont particularly care for pumps as the forearms can and do get slippery. That, and Im an old fart and don't want to be racking a shotgun to shoot.

I'd start with an inexpensive shotgun. Over the years I've noticed a lot of folks get into hunting waterfowl then give it up for various reasons.

Thats my opinion, take it for what you will.

The most important thing for consistent wingshooting is a gun that fits you. So first thing first make sure you and the gun match up.

Also check gunbroker, you can get some good used guns on there for much cheaper than buying new.

I have no experience with any of the guns you listed, except the 870, it will get the job done but would be a last resort for me.

Thanks for the advice, I've shot all three before and their comforts are good. Just trying to get the most bang for my buck.

I appreciate it! I'll look into the M3000. I haven't looked much at any autoloaders because the only ones I've used are brownings that are above my price range and I've never cleaned an auto. Thanks for the tip!

If you are going to hunt with others in a blind you should look into a Browning BPS. Ejects down, doesn't hit anyone beside you. Comes in wood or synthetic. You can find used ones very reasonably. Also makes a good dove gun.

Go hold as many as possible and buy what feels the best. Even better if you can shoot a bunch of them.

I shot a Benelli Nova for many years before moving to a Benelli M2 and it is bulky but a great gun. It is now my backup gun and I would highly recommend it from your listed guns above.

Entry level - Remington is an inexpensive, fine, reliable, pump. The Super-Mag Express is chambered for up to 3.5" shells.

I have a 10 ga BPS and like it a great deal. That said, I agree with the previous sentiment that shotguns are all about fit. Handle as many as possible and buy the one that fits you best.

You said "best"

Beretta A400 Extrema

Second place tie for

SBE2

Browning Maxus

And if you get a good one the new A5.

I would say A5 hands down but quality control is hit or miss.

I was lucky to get a good one and I absolutely love everything about it.

I voted for the Benelli Supernova, but here is my general thinking on shotguns:

Benelli, Beretta, and Browning have given me zero problems, pump or semiauto. YMMV, but "B" shotguns have been rock solid for me.

As mentioned fit matters more with a shotgun than any other firearm. Do some research on gun fit and try before you buy.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

I'm surprised I haven't seen the "buy once cry once, get a $2000 Benelli" comments yet.. Those are the replies I recieved asking this same question with that kind of budget!

If you want a pump I'd say the 870 or Super Nova.. Brother has a Super Nova that is rusty and crusty and still runs, and an 870 has probably shot more birds than any shotgun on the market.

But if you really want to push that $600, the 3000 Stoeger would be good. I've shot one a few times hunting and it's awesome! They get a real good reputation too.

Matter in fact! Check out Cabelas..... They are getting rid of all kinds of shotguns for awesome deals right now... I just got an $1100 Remington Versamax for $629. Others that I saw....

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/win...un-in-mossy-oak-shadow-grass-blades-camo

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/stoeger-m3500-semi-auto-realtree-apg-shotgun

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/franchi-intensity-semi-auto-shotgun

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/browning-a5-stalker-semi-auto-shotgun

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/remington-versa-max-semi-auto-shotgun---synthetic-black

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/Rem...uto-Shotgun-in-Mossy-Oak-Duck-Blind-Camo

All these are close to $1000 shotguns that are well within your budget right now.. That SX4 is an AWESOME deal right now IMO. All of these are semi-auto too..

SuperNova unless you can find a used A300.

If you find an older wingmaster 870 then get that but a newer made 870 will let you down even as a boat anchor. Maybe i just had a bad apple but i won't buy anything Remington after '08

You can't go wrong with a Benelli Nova or 870 as your "starter kit". Either way, it most likely won't be your last...Both of those will last your lifetime and probably the next and will serve as good back up guns or home defense in the off season. A benelli nova was my first shotgun years ago, but I currently own both.

I would also recommend a Stoeger M2000. You should be able to find a used one for less than $400-500 and.

Do not overlook the Beretta A300. Should be able to find one for close to your $600 budget. My A300 has been used for quail/dove/duck/geese without any issues. I also have an A400 so it gets the nod more often now, however, I still use my A300 several times each fall.

I think a lot of folks would say the same thing.

Just saw an X2 in the classifieds for $600, low round count.
Good gun, little heavy but good gun.

In order
Benelli
Berretta
Browning
Winchester
Mossberg
Single shot new Englander
Garage built shotgun powered by bottle rockets
Remington

Yall are funny on here.. if ain't a B gun, it's hunk of [censored]

That browning Maxus is well over 600.00 bucks.

No I'd run a Mossberg or a Winchester. I wouldn't buy a Remington other than an old sportsman for dove hunting.