Shotgun for multi use

[sweed]

My fiance and I are looking for something to get to do some clay shooting, range day fun, possible hunting in the future(??). We both have never shot clay, trap, sleet; not sure about the difference of all of it either, but it sounds like fun!
This was more of my fiances idea lately, and I've had it on the back burner of getting a shotgun eventually, so we're looking for something in 12G relatively soon. She also wants to have someone to help teach us so we're actually knowing what we're doing. My range (PFG) has someone that will show us how to use the range, but actually what the difference is between all the trap/ skeet/clay etc, chokes, and a little training on tips to shoot.
I did a rough research on chokes and it looks like you use different chokes to shoot better because you're a bad shooter JK!

I've always like the mossberg 590a1 pump, but not sure if it would be best for us right now. I like having more rounds than less. I know it's great for SD, but I have other stuff already around for that. Would a dedicated U/O be better for us. We're looking in the $5-700 range I'd say.

I'm just remembering about 3 gun comps. I've never done a competition, but it sounds like a blast getting into that, so I'd like to figure that in also.
My fiance is an Oklahoma girl, so she loves to shoot! Gotta love her!!

 

[RImike]

My fiance and I are looking for something to get to do some clay shooting, range day fun, possible hunting in the future(??). We both have never shot clay, trap, sleet; not sure about the difference of all of it either, but it sounds like fun!
This was more of my fiances idea lately, and I've had it on the back burner of getting a shotgun eventually, so we're looking for something in 12G relatively soon. She also wants to have someone to help teach us so we're actually knowing what we're doing. My range (PFG) has someone that will show us how to use the range, but actually what the difference is between all the trap/ skeet/clay etc, chokes, and a little training on tips to shoot.
I did a rough research on chokes and it looks like you use different chokes to shoot better because you're a bad shooter JK!

I've always like the mossberg 590a1 pump, but not sure if it would be best for us right now. I like having more rounds than less. I know it's great for SD, but I have other stuff already around for that. Would a dedicated U/O be better for us. We're looking in the $5-700 range I'd say.

I'm just remembering about 3 gun comps. I've never done a competition, but it sounds like a blast getting into that, so I'd like to figure that in also.
My fiance is an Oklahoma girl, so she loves to shoot! Gotta love her!!

Do you want a pump or semi-auto? I would recommend a Remington 11-87, it fits in with both your price range, and what you would like it to do.

 

[whacko]

If your plan is to shoot clay sports youll do better with a shotgun that has relatively available barrels in different lengths and of course changeable chokes. Trap is better with a 28 inch or longer barrel. Skeet shooters much shorter cuz you have to swing more and the targets are a bit closer. If only shooting trap a pump action is OK as you only shoot singles. If you want to shoot skeet or sporting clays you'll want a semi auto or over under for shooting doubles. You can do doubles with a pump but its not ideal. Yes a Remy 1100 is probably the best all around clay sports/hunting shotgun. I've done all of my trap shooting and hunting with Mossberg 500 pump and love it.......but got a 1969 browning a5 recently and am in awe of how great that gun points!

 

[mac1911]

Finding one gun to fit both of you and your needs will be tough.
Shotgun clay games are about proper shotgun fit. In a nut shell you do not aim a shotgun your shotgun has to shoot where you are looking.
That said a remington 1100 28" with chokes would fit a broader range of use. When or if you get the bug proper guns can be purchased....
Try going to trap/skeet/sporting clays where they have shotguns to use and try a few.

 

[magoo]

Remington 1100 is good all around shotgun.

 

[RImike]

Remington 1100 is good all around shotgun.

I was thinking 1100, but your only able to shoot 2 3/4 shells, what are the hunting limitations?

 

[92G]

Dude check out the mossberg flex. If ypu want a shottie to fit you and your woman, the flex is awesome. everything from HD or slug shooter to 100 yards or to my wife's trap gun. Can swap out stocks and forends in the field. Its not the prettiest shotgun around but its damn versatile.

 

[Keeper]

Stoeger M3000. Semi-auto, Benelli internals, inertia driven, 2-3/4 & 3" . . . $450.

http://www.stoegerindustries.com/m3000-shotgun

There are rifled slug and 3 gun versions as well.

 

[Glockster30]

I was thinking 1100, but your only able to shoot 2 3/4 shells, what are the hunting limitations?

Then take another look at the Rem 11-87 magnum, which can shoot either 2 3/4" or 3". It's similar in design to the 1100 but parts are not interchangeable.

 

[whacko]

I was thinking 1100, but your only able to shoot 2 3/4 shells, what are the hunting limitations?

In the real world the only limit is if you prefer 3 inch shells for turkey and goose. But.......contrary to the opinions of the "wonder load" loving crowd........you can kill a turkey with 2 3/4 inch remmy high brass game load.......3 inch shells are not "mandatory".

 

[jaymce]

Older 1100 with screw in chokes and extra gas rings. Newer 1100s are crap.
Different length barrels are cheaply available

I have a buddy who bought a Stoeger semi auto. Seemed like a good gun but had some break in issues.

Reliable O/U are out of your price range unless you can find someone giving away a Browning. If you decide to go cheap O/U then go Stoeger in the sub 1200-1500$ range. If you spend more ie. Remington spartan, Mossberg Silver reserve, Lanber, you get a nicer looking gun but not a better gun than the Stoeger so you might as well save the extra $ and save towards a better gun.

Best advice os hit some clubs that offer non-member weekly shoots and shoot. Shotgunners are usually friendly and will let you try different guns.

Semi auto will be better to learn on for clay games.

 

[mac1911]

Just to add. I shot a 870 express with a,modified choke for years in all the clay games and hunting.
Ideal no, eventually I ended up with a browning o/u trap gun. Browning citori field model for sweet.
And a browning gold sporting clays model for 5stand or sporting clays....oddly though I use my trap model for all the clay games when I play. Turned the gold into a trap gun for wife with a custom stock.

 

[Keeper]

I have a buddy who bought a Stoeger semi auto. Seemed like a good gun but had some break in issues.

To expand on this a bit, I'd say only buy Stoeger SA if it's the M3000 or M3500 since these have the Benelli changes. As for break-in, very light (sub-spec) loads didn't cycle well out of the box, but after 100 rounds with about half being heavy loads, I can even cycle sub-spec 1oz loads reliably. The M3000 is gaining popularity very quickly. Time will tell how well it holds up but at $450 for what appears to be a reliable inertia gun, I couldn't pass it up. Good videos about the M3000 by Jesse Tischauser on YouTube.

As for cheap, reliable O/U, I don't think you can beat a Lanber, IMO. Used about $700 and a reputation for holding up. Seems like anything below that and you're taking your chances.

 

[mrmags]

I got a mossberg 930 semi auto hunt/field combo for $500
came with a 28" choked barrel for trap and skeet and a 20" slugger barrel for hunting
ive shot about 2000 shells at the trap/skeet range with no problems. Best bang for your buck

 

[RImike]

In the real world the only limit is if you prefer 3 inch shells for turkey and goose. But.......contrary to the opinions of the "wonder load" loving crowd........you can kill a turkey with 2 3/4 inch remmy high brass game load.......3 inch shells are not "mandatory".

That opens up a whole new world for me, I have put off hunting for the sole reason of having to purchase a shotgun that could shoot 3" shell. Now that I know that, my 1100 becomes 3X more useful.

I have an 1100, got it a few years back for $350 with a fixed full choke barrel, sold the barrel and bought a 26" Vent Rib barrel for sporting clays and haven't looked back.

 

[whacko]

That opens up a whole new world for me, I have put off hunting for the sole reason of having to purchase a shotgun that could shoot 3" shell. Now that I know that, my 1100 becomes 3X more useful.

I have an 1100, got it a few years back for $350 with a fixed full choke barrel, sold the barrel and bought a 26" Vent Rib barrel for sporting clays and haven't looked back.

Then u are all set for almost any game in new england.....rabbit squirrel pheasant turkey even deer close up duck and goose. For turkey just get high brass loads.

Don't let guys talk you into thinking you need a 3 inch load for deer either! My family took two deer this year using a 20 gauge cheepo Remington slugster ammo. One deer made it 40 yards and dropped and one never took a step after it was hit! So a 12 g standard 2 3/4 inch shell is plenty of power for deer

 

[sweed]

Thanks for the replies guys. I don't think I want a semi auto, I haven't thought about it, I like the pump action. I take a look around at the difference options. I don't mind starting off with something more inexpensive and then working my way up to a better gun. What do you guys that do 3 gun use? Not even sure if there are any around the area, it just sounds like fun!

 

[RImike]

Thanks for the replies guys. I don't think I want a semi auto, I haven't thought about it, I like the pump action. I take a look around at the difference options. I don't mind starting off with something more inexpensive and then working my way up to a better gun. What do you guys that do 3 gun use? Not even sure if there are any around the area, it just sounds like fun!

You will be kicking yourself after the first outing you didn't get what you wanted and went with a budget. Trust me, I have gone through this with pistol, rifles, shotguns, girlfriends and trucks.

 

[SubieGuy4]

My fiance and I are looking for something to get to do some clay shooting, range day fun, possible hunting in the future(??). We both have never shot clay, trap, sleet; not sure about the difference of all of it either, but it sounds like fun!
This was more of my fiances idea lately, and I've had it on the back burner of getting a shotgun eventually, so we're looking for something in 12G relatively soon. She also wants to have someone to help teach us so we're actually knowing what we're doing. My range (PFG) has someone that will show us how to use the range, but actually what the difference is between all the trap/ skeet/clay etc, chokes, and a little training on tips to shoot.
I did a rough research on chokes and it looks like you use different chokes to shoot better because you're a bad shooter JK!

I've always like the mossberg 590a1 pump, but not sure if it would be best for us right now. I like having more rounds than less. I know it's great for SD, but I have other stuff already around for that. Would a dedicated U/O be better for us. We're looking in the $5-700 range I'd say.

I'm just remembering about 3 gun comps. I've never done a competition, but it sounds like a blast getting into that, so I'd like to figure that in also.
My fiance is an Oklahoma girl, so she loves to shoot! Gotta love her!!

Just my $0.02 when it comes to options on more of the defensive end of the design spectrum...

My Rem 870 Tactical (18" barrel) is a defensive gun but I have an Improved Cylinder choke in it and have no issues shooting clays consistently. I like pump for shooting clays personally. I find it more engaging (but if you want to do competition you might want a semi-auto). While it may not be the norm, an 18" barrel with a Modified choke is perfectly useable for clays and the advantage with the 18" is that it makes it better for doubling as a defensive long gun. The shorter OAL also helps with handling, which I think helps make it a fun range day gun. Bottom line... If you have one eye on 18" options, don't shy away for fear of issues on the trap/skeet range.

 

[dcmdon]

I'll throw my $0.02 into the ring.

An 870 or similar Mossberg pump is a fine game and might even work for singles when shooting trap. But it will be a major hassle for skeet or sporting clays, where doubles are common. Believe me, I know. I started shooting sporting clays while in college. All I had was an 870 Express, and it was a significant disadvantage on doubles. (on report, it was fine)

I'm a big fan of the Benelli M2. But the disadvantage is that the barrels are expensive. The best choice may be an older Rem 1100 or a new CZ double.

The simpler CZ over under is close to your budget and seems to be reliable.

Don