TexasCHLforum.com

I'm not a waterfowl hunter so I don't have a shotgun. I've been informed that I have to go on a duck hunt in January (work networking thing) so I'll need to get a shotgun. I don't want to spend a lot on the gun since I'm not a fowl hunter and aside from this work event I don't see myself making it a regular thing.

I suppose it would be a good thing to have a shotgun on hand for the sake of having one in the event I ever need one but again, I don't want to spend a whole lot.

What are some options for me? I see that pump actions are on the inexpensive side so a Remington 870 comes to mind but if I want to go the semi-auto route I'm not sure on what's a good way to go. Really could use some expert opinions here...

Thanks!!

I've shot a whole lot of ducks and geese, back in the day, with a 3" Remington 870. That, plus a short barrel for shooting around, and in, the house is available. BTW, you will want a 12 ga. for waterfowl.

Go and enjoy your "mandatory fun"; especially, if someone else is footin' the bill.

Oldgringo wrote:I've shot a whole lot of ducks and geese, back in the day, with a 3" Remington 870. That, plus a short barrel for shooting around, and in, the house is available. BTW, you will want a 12 ga. for waterfowl.

Go and enjoy your "mandatory fun"; especially, if someone else is footin' the bill.

I was definitely thinking a 12 ga; I'm going to need all the pellets I can get. ;)

Nice idea with multiple barrels, I didn't think of that. Are there any major disadvantages with a pump action? Besides the obvious slower shots, of course.

Work is footing most of the bill so that's the one good thing.

Thanks,

XDSConcealer wrote:

Oldgringo wrote:I've shot a whole lot of ducks and geese, back in the day, with a 3" Remington 870. That, plus a short barrel for shooting around, and in, the house is available. BTW, you will want a 12 ga. for waterfowl.

Go and enjoy your "mandatory fun"; especially, if someone else is footin' the bill.

I was definitely thinking a 12 ga; I'm going to need all the pellets I can get. ;)

Nice idea with multiple barrels, I didn't think of that. Are there any major disadvantages with a pump action? Besides the obvious slower shots, of course.

Work is footing most of the bill so that's the one good thing.

Thanks,

A Remington 870 is basically fail safe and there is no mistaking the sound of a pump gun having its slide racked. That racking sound will put fear in a bad guy andele pronto causing BG to vamanos and/or di di mau or at least, get BG's undivided attention.

And if you can't find one let me know and I'll go for you!

Buddy if mine hunts waterfowl every year and loves the Benelli Nova pump.

Check around the local pawn shops, I expect there to be some good deals this time of year.... If your not familiar with shotguns bring a friend to help check out the mechanicals with you.....

A-R wrote:Buddy if mine hunts waterfowl every year and loves the Benelli Nova pump.

I'll "+1" this. While I've done very little waterfowl hunting, my original Benelli Nova served me well across several seasons of dove and other hunting excursions. My brother still has it as a loaner for anyone that goes out with him but doesn't own a shotgun. I know the 870 is much like a 1911 in that there's a lot of nostalgia and memories associated with them, but for hunting I feel like the Benelli would be a better choice.

SigM4 wrote:

A-R wrote:Buddy if mine hunts waterfowl every year and loves the Benelli Nova pump.

I'll "+1" this. While I've done very little waterfowl hunting, my original Benelli Nova served me well across several seasons of dove and other hunting excursions. My brother still has it as a loaner for anyone that goes out with him but doesn't own a shotgun. I know the 870 is much like a 1911 in that there's a lot of nostalgia and memories associated with them, but for hunting I feel like the Benelli would be a better choice.

Did you just unintentionally start a 1911 debate in a shotgun thread?

I'll throw in a vote for the Remington 1100 / 1187.

A-R wrote:

SigM4 wrote:

A-R wrote:Buddy if mine hunts waterfowl every year and loves the Benelli Nova pump.

I'll "+1" this. While I've done very little waterfowl hunting, my original Benelli Nova served me well across several seasons of dove and other hunting excursions. My brother still has it as a loaner for anyone that goes out with him but doesn't own a shotgun. I know the 870 is much like a 1911 in that there's a lot of nostalgia and memories associated with them, but for hunting I feel like the Benelli would be a better choice.

Did you just unintentionally start a 1911 debate in a shotgun thread?

Gosh I hope not. Probably a bad comparison, just meant to say that there's nothing wrong with the 870 but there are other options in that price range.

Semi: Remington 11-87
Pump: Benelli Nova/ Super Nova

SigM4 wrote:

A-R wrote:

SigM4 wrote:

A-R wrote:Buddy if mine hunts waterfowl every year and loves the Benelli Nova pump.

I'll "+1" this. While I've done very little waterfowl hunting, my original Benelli Nova served me well across several seasons of dove and other hunting excursions. My brother still has it as a loaner for anyone that goes out with him but doesn't own a shotgun. I know the 870 is much like a 1911 in that there's a lot of nostalgia and memories associated with them, but for hunting I feel like the Benelli would be a better choice.

Did you just unintentionally start a 1911 debate in a shotgun thread?

Gosh I hope not. Probably a bad comparison, just meant to say that there's nothing wrong with the 870 but there are other options in that price range.

No worries, just friendly ribbing

I have and still shoot the 870 I bought in 1974. 30" barrel full choke, 3" chamber. It as seen more water and ducks than most state parks. Never had a mechanical problem with it ever, even in freezing rain. A beautiful thing about them is the interchangability of barrels including the shorty and the slug barrel with sights. They also make a model that handles 3.5" shells. Wouldn't go there as it is a costly shoot, but if the duck bug hits bad, they do give a bit a of help to the pattern. If you aren't going to be using it a lot I would second the used route. They are hard to abuse and most of parts are readily available. Oh yeah, if the bug to customize hits then there are many options available. I would recommend a good recoil pad for the butt if it does not come with the one you pick up.

If you haven't bought a shotgun yet, you may take a look at the Zildiz from Academy. You can get one fro around $450.00 and they are dependable O/U shotguns with nice looking wood. My daughter uses one to shoot skeet with the 4-H. She has put 2500 rounds thru it in 1 1/2 years with no problems at all. Thanks, Steven

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/store ... 4294958154" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;