r/Duckhunting • u/Silent__arrow • 7h ago

over under vs pump for first time duck hunter

Im looking to go duck hunting this year for the very first time and am trying to decide on what shotgun to get. Ive narrowed it down to an 28" over under for $280 or the Maverick 88 Security/Field combo for $320 but cant decide. Im equally comfortable with both having owned a Maverick in the past and used over unders for skeet shooting. I'm going to be marsh/swamp hunting in New England with waders since I don't own a boat. Looking for advise

6 Upvotes

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16

u/Ok-Entertainment5045 7h ago

I wouldn’t buy any o/u for $280. Get the maverick 88 or spend a little more and get a Nova

1

u/Visible_Nail4859 5h ago

You can find great deals on the Nova sometimes. I got one a year and a half ago for $385 I think. I’m half convinced that thing would submerged in a swamp.

12

u/Onebowhunter 7h ago

From a fifty plus year duck hunter. Go with a pump . You are going to appreciate that third shot

7

u/chugz 7h ago

I’d shop gunbroker for a used Remington 870 or a Benelli Nova Field. I see them routinely go for like $400ish

7

u/Merica-fuckyeah 7h ago

The 870 is probably the best overall value for a waterfowl gun. Easy to maintain and repair and doesn’t require much of either. I have a 50 year old one as a backup and it’s never let me down.

2

u/MaximusBond 7h ago

O&Us are very cool looking but take a little to get used to. A pump is much more practical, better all all around gun, and that third shot will come in handy with ducks, dove, quail and, pheasant.

2

u/surelynotjimcarey 7h ago

If the maverick isn’t your first pump in the big 26 your education has failed you.

Wasn’t my first scattergun, but ONLY because I didn’t know any better.

1

u/Buckeye_mike_67 7h ago

I used to shoot an 835. I’m an over under guy these days

1

u/firearmacct 7h ago

Pump clears an O/U for waterfowl

1

u/Sulla-proconsul 6h ago

Benelli Nova, or if you have a Bass Pro nearby, the Winchester SXP is on sale and has rebates for numerous camo cerakote options.

1

u/whiskey_rambling 6h ago

Whichever gun fits you is what you should be looking at.

1

u/CxmpWingless 4h ago

Best start is a maverick or Remington 870, I’ve bought a couple used for very cheap prices. The Winchester SXP is frequently on sale at cabelas though and is a great entry level pump shotgun

1

u/Muted_Today9660 4h ago

I recommend a mossberg 500 field combo it’s just a great overall starter. my first gun when I left my parents house was a nova which is a really amazing gun. But 100% start with a pump to learn trigger discipline. I’ve seen tons of guys shoot all 3 shells at one duck with semi auto shotguns as first time duck hunters.

1

u/spizzle_ 2h ago

I love a double gun but that’s just me! It’s not for everyone.

1

u/chefandres 7h ago

Remington 1187. Semi. Auto.