I want to buy a shotgun and would like to hear some advice from people who owned one before?

Question

I was thinking maybe the 535 ATS Slugster. Has anyone ever owned one? are there any problems with it?

it is for hunting.

Answer 1

Bound's hubby here:

I would recommend a Remington Model 870 pump shotgun. Remington offers two different type of Model 870, the Express and teh WingMaster.

The 870 Express is an affordable entry level five shot, pump action shotgun. It has an alloy receiver, hardwood stock, and a phosphate/parkerized finish. You can generall find this model on sale at Dick's Sporting Goods for about $260 or with a bird barrel and a deer barrel for about $340.

The Model 870 WingMaster is a more traditional five shot, pump action shotgun. It comes with a steel receiver, blued finish and walnut stocks (it's prettier). The Model 870 WingMaster has been around since the early 1950's. It is durable, it is long lasting, it is reliable and it is fool proof. You can buy one (depending u[on grade) starting at about $600.

I have had bad experiences in the past with the Mossberg line. I would not recommend one. The Winchester line that is currently being produced is very limited.

I would recommend a pump shotgun (Remington 870, Browning BPS) over a semi-automatic because of safety versus experience level. Double barrel shotguns are good but limiting. A pump, using the plug, gives you a third shot as back-up that a double barrel just doesn't offer. I think single shot shotguns (unless it's the only thing you can afford) are severly limiting and shouldn't be counted on for hunting.

Good luck.

EDITED TO ADD:
For Randkl: I had a Mossberg Model 144 bolt blow apart on me while shooting standard velocity .22 long rifle ammunition in a match. The bolt handle separated, and the bolt backed half-way out of the receiver. Yes, it may have been a fluke, but it happened ... fortunately there was no physical injury ... but it DID happen! My gunsmith determined that it was a product flaw/quality control issue ... Perhaps this incident was isolated and not indicative of the Mossberg line ... but I consider myself fortunate ... and I do not wish to take another chance on Mossberg's products ... my choice ... I am not imposing it on anyone!

Again, Good luck!

Answer 2

The 535 ATS is a good shotgun, and with all the optional barrels, you can use it for hunting about anything you might want or have a good shotgun for home protection. It's patterned on the well proven Mossburg 500 shotgun model which has a reputation for being very reliable, rugged and made to last a lifetime. I've seen many police and military issue Model 500's take abuse that would destroy other shotguns and still perform flawlessly afterword. They would last so long in many instances that they were only replaced because the finish was completely worn off the gun or the stocks had suffered so much damage they couldn't be glued back together again.

With that said I personally still favor the Remington 870 series in a pump gun, simply due to some design differences, but I wouldn't hesitate to use the 535 for hunting or as a duty gun. Through the years I've trained many, many police officers and other agents issued Mossburg shotguns with very few problems of any kind occurring with the weapons. My personal experience shooting and using them has been just as positive too.

I would make sure you spend some time at a gunshop checking out exactly how several shotguns from different makers fit you and how they feel on your shoulder. Variations in stocks, sighting systems and other minor factors can make a big difference in how well it will shoot for you and how happy you might be with it over time. There's nothing worse than buying a new gun and finding out it isn't the gun for you down the road.

Good Luck and i hope this is of help to you.

Answer 3

"I have had bad experiences in the past with the Mossberg line. I would not recommend one. The Winchester line that is currently being produced is very limited."
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I wish the earlier poster had elaborated on that one. Personally, I've never seen a Mossberg 500 that had a problem that wasn't the shooter's fault.

I currently own seven Mossberg 500's including two Regals. They work, they last forever, and if they ever break from firing your hundred thousandth shell, it's literally a five minute fix. In fact, there is nothing on the weapon that can't be fixed in five minutes or less.

I currently own one Remington 870. It hasn't been out of the gun cabinet since it went in seven years ago. They're great weapons. They're durable, they work, and they look good. They do have one inherent problem, though. Half their working parts are only servicable by a gunsmith. That means when they *do* break, and all weapons break eventually, expect to spend $75 on what would have been a $5 fix on the Mossberg.

Both have all the addons available that you could hope for. You can set yours up pretty much any way you want.

Me, due to the servicing probs with the Remington, I recommend the Mossberg 500. Since the Remingtons QA and finish has went downhill, I HIGHLY recommend the Mossberg.

As to the 535, there's really no diff between the 500 and the 535 except the 535 can use 3.5" shells. Trust me....if you ever do shoot one, you probably won't ever shoot another.

Answer 4

depends on your experience with guns, also on who will use it apart of you.
IMO the best is a 2-barrel shotgun, 12 gauge. side by side or over/under is the same- depends on your preferences. Excellent both for hunting and home defense, and moreover it is practically fool proof- no chance of missing a shell in a magazine somewhere and ending up with a loaded gun in some kids hands.

For hunting, a 2 barrel is perfect. It will take all loads including hand loaded catridges and not jam. I prefer the 2 trigger version- so I have a choice of slug or shot. And if you can't hit a deer with the first or second slug, then shooting off enough ammo to win WW3 will not help

Answer 5

The shotgun I hunt most with is a Remington 1100. It's semi-automatic, so it cost a little more than an 870. My dad and brother both have 870's, and they like them. I have a Mossberg Maverick, but I only use it during turkey season, and only bought it cuz it was cheap. If you want a good gun, go with a Remington.

Answer 6

I have not owned a Mossberg, but their reputation is very good. The gun you mention above should serve you well in most applications. I have been using a Remington 870 Wingmaster since 1979, and the pump is a rugged and reliable friend. If you haven't already, I would suggest you go to a dealer and hold the gun to your shoulder. If it feels like an old friend (it fits you), go with it. You can always trade it later if it disappoints you.

Answer 7

Depending on what you are buying it for. The 12 guage pump action mossberg maverick is ideal for home protection. If its home protection make sure you get a normal stock and not the pistol grip. The pistol grip makes it easy for someone to take the gun away from you. For hunting I would go with a remington 12 guage pump.

Answer 8

mossberg 500a is a shotgun it has the saftey on the top of the rifle and it good to get at when u nead it fast. Its also a good defence/hunting gun and it pretty inexpenceve, it a 12gage

Answer 9

the mossberg 500 is very reliable and tough and you can get a nice rifled slug barrel very accurate...the only weak link is the plastic safety ...you can order a metal one from brownells ...

Answer 10

It depends on what you want to use it for.

Defense?
Hunting?