What's a good brand of shotgun?

yearofthenick

Active Member
I'm going to purchase my first firearm and I have no idea what to get. I want something that's good for a beginner, but not too expensive. I'm hoping for something in the $300-$00 range. I've seen shotguns for sale at Big 5 Sporting Goods - is that a good place to get one?
Help!
 

t316

Active Member
My advice would depend on the purpose of this firearm....beginner shooting sports, protection, starting a collection, what? Who would be the primary operator?
 

yearofthenick

Active Member
Originally Posted by T316
http:///forum/post/2950772
My advice would depend on the purpose of this firearm....beginner shooting sports, protection, starting a collection, what? Who would be the primary operator?
It's primarily for home protection... something that my wife can shoot as well.
At the same time, I'm looking for something versatile enough to keep me happy if I went skeet shooting or something.
 

reefraff

Active Member
20 gauge pump. You can leave it loaded but not chamber a shell Assuming there are no kids in the home and be ready to go but just giving it a pump. The 20 gauge will do plenty of damage but wont kick so bad the wife will be intimidated by it.
If you have kids the best weapon is a semi auto pistol or riffle with the clip removed and stored in the same room apart from the gun.
 

bionicarm

Active Member
Remington 1100 semi-auto or Remington 870 pump. Either a 12 or 20 guage, depending on use. I have an 1100 for skeet, dove, and home protection if I need it. Been in my family for 60 years and never had a problem with it. Expect to pay around $600 for the 1100 and $400 - $500 for the 870.
 

egill

Member
Originally Posted by abrand
http:///forum/post/2950928
+1 on Remington
IMO the 870 pump is the best starter shotgun for the money

+1 Love my 870. Bought the "home defensive model" as it only has a 18" barrell and here in Indiana you have to have 18 1/2" to hunt with. (that's what Gander Mountain told me anyway, dunno if that was there way of trying to get me to spend $279 on a longer barrell when the gun was only $319)
 

wattsupdoc

Active Member
I've got a Remington 870 12 gauge. I agree that the 20 gauge will be a little easier for the wife to handle. But the 12 guage will be a more versatile firearm. Really all you gotta do is pump the thing and any intruder will definetly soil themselves.
 

egill

Member
Originally Posted by wattsupdoc
http:///forum/post/2950934
I've got a Remington 870 12 gauge. I agree that the 20 gauge will be a little easier for the wife to handle. But the 12 guage will be a more versatile firearm. Really all you gotta do is pump the thing and any intruder will definetly soil themselves.


Yeah the pump is the universal sound for FREEZE!!!!!!
 

t316

Active Member
It's already been said but I agree, for a first time shotgun, home protection, plus it looks cool....I say a 20 gauge pump. Yes, a 12 gauge has a little more power, will make you poke your chest out a little more and brag, but if wifey is going to do any practicing, she won't like the 12. If she's not, and you are going to just verbally tell her how to use it, then I'd go ahead with the 12. If she ever did have to fire it, it would be over with before she could complain about the kick yet it's purpose would have been served...
 

socal57che

Active Member
Originally Posted by T316
http:///forum/post/2950940
It's already been said but I agree, for a first time shotgun, home protection, plus it looks cool....I say a 20 gauge pump. Yes, a 12 gauge has a little more power, will make you poke your chest out a little more and brag, but if wifey is going to do any practicing, she won't like the 12. If she's not, and you are going to just verbally tell her how to use it, then I'd go ahead with the 12. If she ever did have to fire it, it would be over with before she could complain about the kick yet it's purpose would have been served...

I agree.
 

bang guy

Moderator
Originally Posted by YearOfTheNick
http:///forum/post/2951069
Aside from the size, what's the difference between 12 and 20 gauge shotguns?
Stopping power.
I have two Baretta's (a Pintail & a Urika 2) and an Ithaca Deerslayer. My favorite to shoot is the Urika. I don't believe shotguns are the best choice for home protection. Just my opinion.
 
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