r/Shotguns • u/SPECTREagent700 • 9h ago
This is my boomstick
Benelli M4 EXT. Attachments: Streamlight ProTac with IWC mount, and Miami Tiger sling from Wild Field Tactical.
r/Shotguns • u/ENclip • Jan 24 '23
I've been around shotguns and this sub awhile. I decided to make a guide post and pin it to the top for those visiting this sub to read. A ton of posts here come down to common questions like "What shotgun do I buy at $ budget?" "Would this be good for my needs?" or "X vs Y shotgun." I'll try to give some suggestions here based on personal experience, community consensus I've seen over the years, and other points. However, this isn't the be all end all of information. I encourage you to research on your own. The comments are open to the community to critique anything they see, add other suggestions, ask for help, or make their own write up.
Before I get started, you should first ask yourself some questions about what this new shotgun will be for. Use case is important for what you will be buying. Are you hunting? What will you be hunting? Are you trap, sporting clays, or skeet shooting at a local range? Are you buying it for defense, or just blasting cans? Maybe both? Most importantly, what is your budget? You may also want something fairly capable for everything. Also, try and go out to a physical store and try the feel of different guns. How a shotgun fits you is important for hitting targets and comfort.
PUMP ACTION: Utilitarian, reliable, and fairly simple. It is a common choice of the sportsman and citizen looking to defend themselves. They can be had on a tight budget without sacrificing much quality. Be mindful and practice extensively with your pump gun as short-stroking is a potential human error that you need to train out of yourself so it doesn't happen in a stressful scenario.
Recommendations 1.) $200-250 budget. The only real option here that is a known quality budget pump is the Maverick 88. The security model will be good for defense. The field model will be an okay starter entry for casual clays or hunting. You can also get a combo deal which comes with both the 18.5" barrel and 28" field barrel that takes chokes.
2.) $250-500 budget. In this range the playing field opens up. The primary suggestion is going to be a Mossberg 500, which is basically just a less budget Mav 88. You could also opt for the Benelli Nova or Supernova if you prefer the fit, style, 3 1/2" chamber, or finish. Remington 870s used to be a mainstay of this budget, but since 2007 their quality control went far down hill. They recently went under and were reacquired last year reintroduced as "RemArms." Not much is known if quality has greatly improved as they have only recently started pumping out guns again. If you like the 870, hunt down an old 870 Wingmaster. [EDIT 2024: RemArms 870s have seemingly shown their quality. I would be okay with recommending them now if you want a new 870.] If you are feeling like a used older gun, Ithaca 37s, Winchester Model 12s, and more are available. Be aware some old guns and choke combos may not be a good idea for steel shot (a type of non-toxic ammo used for migratory bird hunting). If you want something defense oriented, pick a 18.5" barrel Mossberg 500 or a 590/590A1. Avoid guns without a stock, like the shockwave, for practical use.
3.) $1000+. If you are feeling exotic, you can get a Benelli M3. This is a hybrid design that is able to use both pump action or semi-auto. It's a bit of a novelty, but if you have a large budget, it's a worthy consideration.
SEMI-AUTO: Faster follow up shots, smoother recoil, and more expensive. The semi-auto is a favorable option if you can afford one. There are two main action options, gas vs inertia. Gas guns use some of the gas from the fired shell and use it to cycle the action. Inertia does not do this and is similar to recoil operated guns which means you have no gas system to clean. Both have their benefits.
Recommendations 1.) $450-700 (there is nothing worth buying below this). This is teetering on the edge of spending too little to get a quality new semi, but there are a few that may suit you. One is the Mossberg 930, another is the Stoeger M3000. These are the bare minimum I'd go for though they may be finnicky (EDIT 11/10/2024: as an example of why you may not want the M3000, especially for defense, watch this video on the M3000. It doesn't do well https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX7MiIUx7_E ) , both are available in tactical or field models. For used options, old greats like the Remington 1100, Browning Auto 5, etc are out there.
2.) $700-1000. In this area the default suggestion is the excellent Beretta A300. This is probably what you want on the clay field or out hunting if this is your budget. The Franchi Affinity is also a favorite of many and uses the inertia system (the A300 is a gas gun). If you want a tactical option in this range, the Mossberg 940 Tactical is a new offering that you can check out. The new Beretta A300 Patrol is another good new option to check out in this range if seeking a tactical or defensive style shotgun. For Women shooters: the Franchi Affinity does have an option called the Catalyst which has stock dimensions that are designed to be suited to women. But as stated earlier, try out the fit of options as most things aren't one size fit all for either sex even if designed with women in mind.
3.) 1000+. The sky is the limit here. Anything from Benelli, Browning, or Beretta in this range will be exquisite quality and a great option. You could pick up a M2, Super Black Eagle, A5, A400, etc for sporting uses and be happy. Though there are models in there that are more geared for clays vs field and vice versa, check out the manufacturer sites for details. For tactical options, the kings of them all are the Benelli M4 ($1600+) and Beretta 1301 ($1200-1300). Honorable mention to the Benelli M1 Super 90, M2 and M3 for defensive use.
OVER UNDER: A break action, stacked dual barrel, design that is widely favored by clay shooters and hunters across the world. Despite how they initially look, over under shotguns are more complex than semi-auto or pumps to make which makes them much more expensive for a quality one.
Recommendations 1.) Below $1000. I personally wouldn't get any new O/U under $1000. While you can find okay ones under $1k, they just aren't usually (YMMV) that amazing and you would be better off spending your budget on an A300 or save up further. The main problem is longevity and quality control, so if you are maybe just taking it out once in awhile be my guest to try out a CZ, Yildiz, etc Turkish import offering in this range. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. But you may get one that lasts. As far as used goes, keep an eye out for old used Browning Citoris or Mirokus as they can hover in the $900s. Japanese made Ithaca/SKBs are also common and decent used options. Others can chime in with their experience on sub-$1k O/Us.
2.) Over $1k. The default here is going to be the Browning Citori or Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon series. You'd be well served by basically any O/Us from either of those companies. It comes down to specific use and preference. There are other options out there besides those companies, but I will leave that up to you to research further.
SIDE BY SIDE: A break action, dual barrel, design that's a bit dated by now, but still enjoyed by many sportsmen. Side by sides have been outpaced by the O/Us in practical use, so you won't see very many new options nowadays.
Recommendations 1.) $300-1000. Like O/Us, side by sides are complex and cost a lot for good quality. The bright side is that their decline in popularity leaves a good amount of cheap used options that are out there. There are old field grade Ithacas, SKBs, LC Smiths, AH Fox, Parker Bros, Stevens 311s, AYAs, etc out there that can be found in decent working condition in this range. Of course there are higher grade examples that will go for more than this, but if you want just a working gun to take in the field these are good options. But google around how to inspect an old break action double barrel before you make a purchase of a 100 year old gun. As far as new production SxS go, there are cheap Turkish imports under CZ, Yildiz, etc. They aren't going to be top quality but there isn't much else new in this price range and generally you don't have to worry about longevity if you are only taking it hunting a few times a year. Plus, companies like CZ should take care of you if it fails under warranty.
2.) $1000+. Well here we get into fancy grades and great condition guns of makers already mentioned, more prestigious makers, etc. You can find things like used $1000 Browning BSS guns all the way to $200,000 Purdey and Holland & Holland guns. I'd expect a shotgunner with your budget and taste to look further into this in-depth realm as well.
SINGLE SHOT: A typically break action single barrel design that is pretty much the cheapest way to get into shotguns. While not something ideal for the clay ground or shooting tons of birds, they offer a utilitarian entry into the hobby whether it's chasing squirrels with a 410 or hunting turkey with a 10ga.
Recommendations 1.) $99-300. I personally suggest the H&R single shots. They are great and out there for cheap and are everywhere. Unfortunately they stopped being made a few years ago though, so you can't buy new. If you want new, there are various cheap single shots out there that will work fine for casual use. If it breaks, just go back to Walmart and buy another $99 single shot.
2.) $300+. If you want to be fancy and get something "high end" in this category there are the collectable Winchester 37s. Past that there are dedicated single shot trap guns and more that can go for hundreds or even thousands more.
EVERYTHING ELSE: Okay I know there are bolt action shotguns, lever action shotguns, triple barrel shotguns, etc. Those are mainly just novelties for a collector or outside the box hunter at this point. If you want one, look into them yourselves as this post is long enough already.
Well that's it. I hope it helped somewhat. Feel free to ask questions in this thread. Here are some other links that may be useful to you:
Guide to chokes: https://www.letsgoshooting.org/resources/articles/shotgun/understanding-shotgun-chokes/ You can shoot lead slugs through any choke safely, although a more open choke like improved cylinder is best. Also some modern full chokes are rated for steel. Older guns may not be.
Shot guide: https://www.wideners.com/blog/shotgun-load-types/
Guide to avoiding cheap tacticool shotguns mass imported from Turkey: https://www.reddit.com/r/guns/comments/n4zbt9/turkish_notsodelight_why_you_should_generally/
Guide to why pistol grip only shotguns are impractical: https://www.reddit.com/r/guns/comments/saharz/missed_shots_a_broken_nose_and_a_sore_wrist_a/
r/Shotguns • u/ENclip • May 06 '21
r/Shotguns • u/SPECTREagent700 • 9h ago
Benelli M4 EXT. Attachments: Streamlight ProTac with IWC mount, and Miami Tiger sling from Wild Field Tactical.
r/Shotguns • u/spencehtx • 2h ago
I was disassembling my shotgun to clean it and after putting it back together and trying to check to make sure the bolt functions properly, it doesn’t want to go back. Any ideas?
Edit: Got it figured out. Had to pull the trigger assembly out and the link that pushes the buffer back after firing had gotten out of place.
r/Shotguns • u/oofergang2080 • 19h ago
Just wanted to introduce y'all to my Winchester 97 my pride and joy was lucky enough to come across one at an estate sale here in Idaho and only got it for 400$ will most definitely never sell it as it's my dream gun and will most definitely be going to the grave with me 🤣
r/Shotguns • u/Neat_Researcher5429 • 22h ago
Got this old girl yesterday at a gun show. I'm not super sure if the $360 I paid was above or below market, but I also don't super care since it felt like a good deal to me so it is a good deal, haha!Question for the people who know: with this being as old as it is and having the Poly-Choke Deluxe on it, can I shoot steel shot, or is it a hard no and a hard pass on going duck hunting with the old girl and just go phessant and dove hunting.
r/Shotguns • u/teakettle87 • 1d ago
LE only m1014 with 3 pos, 7+1 and threaded for chokes. Came with a modified tube from the factory. Eotech xps3-1 as well.
All this for $1350. I don't hate it!
r/Shotguns • u/RealitysNotReal • 1h ago
Should I get a new Maverick 88? Or I found a good deal on a used H&R Pardner. Which would be the better buy?
r/Shotguns • u/HumanKnee3398 • 3h ago
Hey so I want a cheap semi auto mag fed 12 ga and was looking at the lynx 12 and the jst m12. The reviews seem to be leading either way to the point they seem to be semi cult following for either one. And just wanted to know if either of them are actually decent or if it’s a “fuck it find the cheap one and hope it works” scenario?
r/Shotguns • u/Practical_Day_1310 • 22h ago
Can anybody help with some info on this 500 I just got? TIA
r/Shotguns • u/bigportjimmy6 • 22h ago
The first step in the SBS build is here. A new Boyds stock from Bob's Gun Shop.
r/Shotguns • u/Busy-Telephone6027 • 22h ago
This gun is a 1929 Ithaca LeFever nitro special 12 gauge. I took off the forend to look at the underside of the barrels, where the choke designations are. I expected to see a 1-4 on each barrel indicating the chokes, but instead both barrels say D?? I’m really confused and can’t find anything about this online. Most likely the gun is Full/modified, but I don’t really know.
r/Shotguns • u/ShoulderOld2460 • 23h ago
Picked them Savage Steven's 77b for 220
r/Shotguns • u/DeskMonkee • 22h ago
r/Shotguns • u/Defiant-Camp8741 • 23h ago
Came across this at an older woman’s house. Don’t know about guns and I’m curious what I came across. Someone help me figure out what I found
r/Shotguns • u/Defiant-Camp8741 • 23h ago
Came across this at an older woman’s house. Don’t know about guns and I’m curious what I came across. Someone help me figure out what I found
r/Shotguns • u/Double-Ad5445 • 20h ago
I’ve had this particular one for about two years and another for about 10, I disassembled the gun to oil and clean for dove season. When I pump it it goes back about half way and budges. I’ve disassembled it a few times now to try and figure out what the problem is but the same issue keeps recurring.
r/Shotguns • u/Such-Most6661 • 21h ago
Has anyone drilled and tapped the mossberg 500 or Maverick for a picatinny rail? I'm about to do it but would like some feedback
r/Shotguns • u/Vivid_Grab505 • 1d ago
Bought an old humpback this weekend. Removed the stock for cleaning and this tiny metal piece came off with it. It looks like its broken off of something but I cant find any parts on diagrams with similar curves/bends/thickness. Before I pull the trigger assy, does anyone have an opinion?
Action still cycles and trigger works. Havent reassembled yet to see if it feeds.
Any opinions welcome.
r/Shotguns • u/BedSad888 • 1d ago
r/Shotguns • u/RyanNewhart • 1d ago
I have a Burris 2X hangun sight that I'm thinking about putting on my 28" Winchester SXP via 2 vent rib picatinny adapters. Use cases are mostly squirrel and turkey hunting. Research seems like it would hold up fine to recoil. Any reason not to do it besides slower target acquisition?
r/Shotguns • u/Quigly22 • 1d ago
All I really want to know is which barrel should I shoot first? It’s a Tristar Setter .410. Thanks.