How do i choose what Shotgun I should buy?

Question

I don't know much about guns, but I want to buy a shotgun as my first gun. I'll probably keep it forever and use it a lot before buying anything else. I was told by a shop keeper to get a 20 gauge but my uncle told me to get a 12 gauge. Whats the difference between the gauges? I want to use it to shoot birds when hunting (duck, geese, whatever else i can hunt here in Texas) and also for shoot practice shots at the range (clay flyers). What would you suggest as a good gauge and gun for me to buy? I'm willing to spend at most 500 but who knows, I'm new to this and don't know how much i should be spending for a good gun. Oh and i think i want a semi-auto gun not a pump action, but i'm still not sure. please help.

Answer 1

The difference in gauge for a shotgun is the diameter of the barrel. 20 gauge is smaller than 12 gauge and usually the bigger the barrel, the bigger the kick of the shotgun will be. I have two 12 gauges. One is a Mossburg 500. This is more of a home defense shotgun. The second one I own is a Benelli Nova. My Nova is all camo and is set up for hunting. The Nova has a removable choke (the choke sets the pattern of your BBs), so you can change between a really loose pattern or a right pattern. Also the Nova can shoot full 3 1/2" shells (for goose/duck hunting). The Mossburg is a smoothbore so there is no changing the pattern. Having said this about both of the guns, they are both pump guns. If you're worries about speed of shots, with practice your shots can come just as fast with the pump. Shoot right the first time, no need for follow up shots....New, the Mossburg costs about $250ish, and the Benelli is about $230ish.

Answer 2

Go with the 12 ga. It can't be beat for versatility. No matter whether you are hunting or trying to break clays, the 12 ga. is a bigger shell holding more shot, ergo higher probability of hits. I haven't priced semi-auto shotguns in a while but you should be able to get 1 for $500.00.

Answer 3

You can't go wrong with a Remington 870 pump in either 12 or 20 gauge. I'd opt for the 12 though.

Good luck.

Remember though, with a pump the action must be worked 'briskly' to prevent jamming.

H

Answer 4

the smaller the gauge the bigger the gun is a 12 gauge is bigger than the 20 the 20 is bigger than the 28etc
for a $500 dollar semi auto i would go with a stoeger model 2000 as it is licensed to use Benelli’s inertia driven operating system because they are owned by the same company
here is a link
http://www.stoegerindustries.com/firearms/index.tpl

Answer 5

if you live in texas i would but a 12 gauge you can use it for anything from grouse to dove duck and geese you can even deer hunt with it please dont buy a stoeger you will regret it if you just have to have an auto then look into the beretta a390 i love mine but pumps are less hassle and super durable do find a local sporting clay/skeet club and practice hope this helps

Answer 6

Buy a good used one & save yourself some $$$$$.* A new one doesn't shoot any better than a used one.* If you like a semi-auto then buy one in a 12 gauge.* I personally prefer & over & under myself even though I also have pumps & semi-auto & single barrels & side by sides.*

Answer 7

Diamond Dog is right get a good quality shot gun. The 391 is a good one. I like Over Unders for targets and upland birds, but i always take my Benelli for ducks geese and turkeys

Answer 8

A Beretta AL391 in 12g is a fantastic semi auto. I've used it for pigeon, fowl and clays. Mine has an ABS synthetic stock.
I've put all types of shells through it and never had a cycle problem.
When it comes to buying a gun I never buy "cheap" buy the best you can afford.
Good luck

Answer 9

I would get the 12 gauge. A12 is about 3 times as powerful as a 20 and i think you would have a lot better luck on geese they are hard to kill.

Answer 10

12 GA is always the best choice....