What shotgun to get?

Question

I just turned 16, and am 5'2", and looking for my first shotgun. One for small game, and waterfoul. What should i get...price is no big factor.

Answer 1

buy a 410 or a 20 gauge when you start on big game get you a camo 12 gauge mossburg.

Answer 2

Tom K is right. A 410 is never the right choice for a first shotgun. And since you're listing waterfowl, you'll want a 12 bore. Perhaps I'm showing my age, but I prefer the classic side-by-side, English style for upland birds, and every now and then I pull out the old L.C.Smith for ducks. But most people these days go with pumps or autos. The most important thing to do, though, is have a fitting, and make sure the stock fits you, even though you'll probably have a growth spurt and have to change it soon. You'd be surprised how a little cast off can improve your shooting.

Answer 3

First you need to choose between a pump or semi auto. Start with a 20 gauge. The pump shotgun will deliver a lot more shock to your shoulder than the semi auto will. If you choose to get a pump you should consider adding a Limb Saver recoil pad. Great semi auto choices are Beretta Urika, Browning Superlite Field Hunter, Remington 11-87. Pump choices are Browning BPS Micro, Mossberg 835, Remington 870.
Visit your local firearms dealer and ask for free literature. You will need an adult with you! Also visit websites.

Answer 4

A .410 is a nasty trick to pull on a beginner. I use all Remingtons by choice for both hunting and competition. If autoloaders are allowed where you are, an 11-87 LC (Light Contour barrel) in 12 gauge will do you very well. It will handle loads from 1 ounce of shot up to the all-out 3-inch magnum with 1 7/8 ounces. I have friends who reload 7/8 ounce loads that will work in one, also.

If an autolader is out, try a Model 870 pump. You can load down to almost nothing for one of them.

Answer 5

What you need is a Remington 870 Express Youth Model in 12 gauge. I would say 20 gauge, but since you are going to be hunting waterfowl, it would be on the light side. Get the one with the synthetic stock as it is impervious to the elements. The only reason I am suggesting the youth model is your listed size. I am 17, 5'8" and my 870 is a little long to my liking. But the best way to determine what you want is to go hold and point each one.

Answer 6

I would go with a Mossberg 500 also;
get one with interchangeable choke tubes. You really will need a 12gauge for waterfowl due to steel shot, a rubber recoil pad will help. There are lighter field loads available for the 12
gauge. You could go with a 20 gauge for now but in a year or two you would want a 12 gauge. Top quality side by side doubles are fantastic but very expensive. I would start with the generic Mossberg pump and then in a few years re-asses your needs.

Answer 7

If I was you, I would start off with a H&R or New England Arms 20 guage single shot break over. It isn't big enough to beat you to death, plenty of power for small game and birds, real economical, and even better it teaches you how to make every shot count, control and conditions you to the flinch you will have from being a beginner shooting a shot gun. When you handle it real good, move up to a Mossburg model 500.

Answer 8

* A .410 Ga. is well undersized for waterfowl. Pigeons, yes. If you tend towards the small side, a 20 Ga. will do if the birds are close enough. You'll find your range.

Answer 9

12 guage 870 express

Answer 10

20 or 12 gauge Ithaca, Remington or Mossberg.*