Looking for a good 12 guage?

Question

I am heading to a gun show this weekend to pick up a 12 gauge pump action. I don't want anything fancy just a basic gun. However I do want a known quality brand. I want an all purpose gun for mostly shooting clay, but not for home defense. Also, something easy to clean and maintain. Can you please make a recommendation on what gun and barrel length? Also, what should I expect to pay? Thanks

Answer 1

As a Dealer and retired LEO, I would HIGHLY recommend you try and find a Remington 870 Express 12 gauge Pump Shotgun. There should be some NEW and Used at most any Gun show around. They are quality built, but affordable, reliable, easy to clean and maintain. You could easily find one with an 18" Barrel IC Choked for Home Defense using Buckshot or Slugs.and by an additional 28" Barrel with screw in chokes to shoot Trap and Clays with.Extremely versatile with many barrels you can buy as accessories to fit most any individual need or use from home defense , to hunting Deer and Upland Game, to Sporting Clays.....I sell these 10-1 over Mossberg 500(A cheaper copy of the Remington 870) or the cheaper still Maverick Model 88's.Do yourself a favor and compare these three in quality and you will see EXACTLY what I am telling you first hand. Remington 870 are also the #1 Law Enforcement Shotgun used in the U.S., and has been for years! There is a reason it's this way.Good Luck with whatever you decide.....

Answer 2

Mossberg 500A and Remmington 870 are the big ones. I'd definitely recommend one of those two. Personally, I prefer the Mossberg as I own several of them and have never had a problem. They are simple to take apart, put back together, operate, clean, etc.

The Mossberg used to be the Military Spec gun until they changed the MilSpec to require metal trigger guards, so then they switched to the 870. Either will make a fine shotgun for you. The Mossberg Maverick is a slightly less expensive version that is, for your purposes, every bit as good.

Your best bet would probably be to go to your local gun store/pawn shop and see what they have in the way of used shotguns. Look down the bore and if it's not corroded/fouled/pitted then you should be good to go.

For a used one, expect to pay between $150 and $270.

Have fun and be safe.

Answer 3

Remington 870 is your best bet. I got mine brand new w/synthetic stock for around $300.

If you have a little more $ to spend, look at the Benelli Nova. It a GREAT gun for a fair price. The action on the Benelli is much smoother than the Remington.

If you can't afford the Remington, then look at Mossberg. Decent gun, that will last a long time.

Unless you plan on getting heavily involved w/goose/duck hunting, go w/either a 28 or 26 inch barrel.

Happy hunting...

Answer 4

I have a 870 wingmaster, 870 express, and Mossberg 500A. Both brands have treated me well, no problems from either gun.

My youngest son has a Charles Daly pump 20 and it's a nice gun for the low cost.

Good luck and stay safe.

Answer 5

The Remington 870 has been around since 1950, and it is one of the most reliable shotgun for the hunter and law enforcement as well. You cannot go wrong with this gun. The Mossberg 500 is also another well made and reliable shotgun, and slightly less expensive. I favor Remingtons.

Answer 6

You can buy a Mossberg Maverick brand new at Walmart for $160.00... If you are shooting Trap get a Full choke 28 inch barrel.* If your shooting Skeet get a improved cylinder choke with a 24" to 26" barrel.* I think you will pay a lot more than that for even a good used shotgun at a gun show.* The Mossberg Maverick has a good reputation for quality, smooth action, dependable & performance.* Its not what you pay for something that matters, its what you get for what you pay.*

Answer 7

Mossberg 500 field combo. It will come with a rifled barrel for deer hunting and a 28" smooth bore for small game and bird hunting,the combo should cost $350ish brand new. If you just want the 28" smoothbore it will cost about $250.

Answer 8

get a mossburg at wal mart with 3 choke tubes. you will usually pay more at a gun show for a new one.as for function & durability the mossburg 500 & 590 are the ONLY pump shotgun to meet & exceed u.s. mil spec 3443 & are currently the only standard pump shotgun purchased by the u.s. military. hk makes some specialty shotguns for the u.s.
you have a computer, do some research on line. before you spend your money. all you will get here are opinions & you know what their worth.

Answer 9

soulsour... is correct, the 870 is a very good gun for a good price. I have had one for 30 years now and just love it. its very easy to clean and changing out barrels is so easy my 8 year old can do it.

Answer 10

A Browning BPS is a great Shotgun which but the way, loads and ejects from the bottom of the receiver (A big plus for a Left or Right handed shooter).