What is the best make,model and gauge to get for a shotgun?

Answer 1

With such an open-ended question I'll go with the general, overall most useful and economical choice.

12 gauge pump with removable chokes. I personally feel for fit, finish, smoothness of action, and reliability for the price, the Remington 870 can't be beat. Also for a do-it-all shotgun, go with about a 28" barrel.

Now about the chokes, since you may not know. With a screw in choke system, you can use the right choke for the situation:

Open cyl. -- widest pattern, shortest range
Improved cy. -- tighter pattern, effective density of shot is a little further out.
Modified choke -- tighter pattern
Full choke -- Tight pattern
extra full -- very tight, used most often on turkey, often cannot be used with steel shot
super extra full -- even tighter

You can't go wrong with the normal complement of chokes that comes with a gun, improved, modified, and full. Close shots such as at quail in woods would be best with the Improved. Modified is a good general choke. If you are expecting longer shots and no close ones, full.

Answer 2

It would be helpful if you gave some information about yourself such as age and size. I am a firm believer that all new shooters should start out with a single shot. The only way to learn how to shoot properly. If you need more lead in the air I would shy away from a semi, and lean towards a pump action. For a younger shooter a 20 gauge is alot less punishing that an 12, and is capable of taking anything you may need. Everyone seens to lean towards the Rem 870, a good gun, but personally I prefer the Browning BPS.
Update your question with more info and I am sure you will get some more useful answers.

Answer 3

It depends on your age, use, and physical size. I think a Remington Express in 20 gauge or even 12 gauge is a good start. It's a pump shotgun which you can get from Wal-Mart for about $250-$350.

Also, Mossberg Maverick 88 in 12 gauge is a good choice. It is $150-$200.

Answer 4

Ultimately, it depends on your need. However, the most affordable, best all-around-shotgun is the Remington 870 pump in 12 gauge (also available in 20 gauge). If you need something simplier consider a Stoeger single or double in the gauge of your choice.

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Answer 5

Remington 870 Express 12 gauge

Answer 6

10 Gage is a big shot gun round best for Ducks, Geese and Turkey. Its probably overkill for rabbit, upland bird and squirrel, but there is no law saying you can's use it.

12 Gage best for Turkey, Duck, upland birds and small game. A 12 Gage that can shoot 2.75 inch up to 3 inch or 3.5 inch is versatile as a shot gun can get. Keep in mind a pump is probably a little better for feeding 2.75 inch shells than a semi-auto if you plan on purchasing a 3.5 inch Mag 12 Gage model.

20 Gage is a good choice also, but is milder than the 12 Gage. This is a good upland round and small game, but has decreasing effectiveness with Ducks and Turkey, especially when they are distant targets.

28 Gage or .410 is good for rabbit or squirrel, but as you get into the larger critters a shot gun can be used for, these become less effective.

Answer 7

OHHHH YESSS!!! The 870 is the most classic, most reliable and by far the easiest take down on the market. 12-guage is usual, and it depends on what you're shooting. If you wanna shoot turkeys, get the turkey model, if you wanna shoot waterfowl, go for the super-magnum model which chambers 3.5" shells and a 30" barrel... it's camo'd too. I'm saving up for the 870 wingmaster magnum myself. I've been shooting my Dad's which he bought when he was 17 and it still works WONDERFULLY. If you want a gun that won't break and stays with you for life, this is the gun to buy. Good shootin'. Oh yea, that's the Remington 870 Wingmaster.

Answer 8

When you ask about best shotguns without a qualifier, you're talking about spending US$60,000 or more (maybe a lot more) on a bespoke gun from one of the British houses like Purdey or Holland. I suspect that isn't what you mean. Guns are tools, and the best gun for your needs depends on ....your needs. You may find an English-style 28 bore a lot of fun for quail, but it won't work for turkeys. Twelve-bores are most versatile, fit is most important, and the rest depends on what you're hunting and what you have for a budget, as well as personal preference. I'm a big fan of side-by-sides, for instance, but they're not as good for busting clay as over/unders.

Answer 9

12 Guage Pump is the best all around shotgun.

As for make and model, you need to find a gun that fits you best. A gun that when you put it to your shoulder quickly, the sights line up on your target.

Remington, Benelli, Mossberg, Stoeger, Winchester, and Beretta all make fine guns.

Price is also a factor, a Mossberg of Benelli Pump can be bought for under $400, while the top end Benelli Autoloader is around $1500.

Answer 10

Remington SPR 220 Cowboy shotgun. It's 12 gauge and double barrel. It is a hinge action, making it simple to use. It is also easy to see if it is loaded or not with it being hinge action. It is lightweight and shorter than most shotguns, making it easier to carry and store.