First Time Shotgun Buyer
#1
11-20-13, 06:05 AM
First Time Shotgun Buyer
I'm in the market for a pump action shotgun, primarily for clay shooting, and am looking for recommendations. I'm looking for something with a stainless barrel and either a black or oak-colored stock. My budget is about $300.
#2
11-20-13, 06:23 AM
Group Moderator
It's hard to argue with a Remington 870 for the first shotgun. Proven over time and nearly every accessory made will be made to fit it.
#3
11-20-13, 07:47 AM
Thanks. I found one on their website that I like.
Also, is it a sin to sell your first handgun? I am considering selling my 910S and applying the proceeds towards a Ruger SR1911, but not sure I want to part with my first pistol. I probably wouldn't get much more than $200 to $250 for it though, so the sentimental value would outweigh that.
Also, is it a sin to sell your first handgun? I am considering selling my 910S and applying the proceeds towards a Ruger SR1911, but not sure I want to part with my first pistol. I probably wouldn't get much more than $200 to $250 for it though, so the sentimental value would outweigh that.
Last edited by mossman; 11-20-13 at 09:53 AM.
#4
11-20-13, 09:31 AM
is it a sin to sell your first handgun?
#5
11-20-13, 10:06 AM
Super Moderator
$300 is going to be pretty iffy for a sporting clays gun. Maybe used at a shop or a private seller.
Stevens has great prices...but they seem to be all tactical. Baikal and CZ also have good prices for the gun you get, but still far above $300 and mostly OU types...which would be fine for clays.
I'd look at Mossburg....the Maverick can be found retail for around $250. You just have to get one thats set up for field work, not defense. Not all the same features as a 500 (that would run about $100 more), but a quality gun.
Btw...stainless barrels? Not likely on a shotgun. Chrome lined maybe.
If the gun has sentimental value...don't sell it. You'll wind up buying another one and pay more than you got for the original. Probably won't shoot as well either.
Stevens has great prices...but they seem to be all tactical. Baikal and CZ also have good prices for the gun you get, but still far above $300 and mostly OU types...which would be fine for clays.
I'd look at Mossburg....the Maverick can be found retail for around $250. You just have to get one thats set up for field work, not defense. Not all the same features as a 500 (that would run about $100 more), but a quality gun.
Btw...stainless barrels? Not likely on a shotgun. Chrome lined maybe.
If the gun has sentimental value...don't sell it. You'll wind up buying another one and pay more than you got for the original. Probably won't shoot as well either.
#6
11-20-13, 12:18 PM
Group Moderator
I sold my first handgun, dang thing was horribly inaccurate. Hard to have sentimental value for something that frustrated you.
#7
11-20-13, 01:04 PM
I agree that the 870 Remington would be a good choice.
I sold my first handgun. Had bought it used, nothing special, to me anyway, so when a buddy told me he was looking for something similar, and offered me $100 more than I paid for it, sure, why not? Well, a few months went by, and I found out why not when my wife said that she wanted to go shooting, and wanted to use "her favorite one". Sheesh, how was I to know?
I sold my first handgun. Had bought it used, nothing special, to me anyway, so when a buddy told me he was looking for something similar, and offered me $100 more than I paid for it, sure, why not? Well, a few months went by, and I found out why not when my wife said that she wanted to go shooting, and wanted to use "her favorite one". Sheesh, how was I to know?
#8
11-20-13, 02:02 PM
Getting rid of handguns is a tough one. Took one of mine (Colt Cobra .38 2") to a gun show a few weeks back thinking of a trade. Holey Moley.....I had guys wanting to trade, but I could tell by the saliva out the side of their mouths they knew what it was worth, and they wanted even trade. Wound up bringing it back home as well as a Taurus PT111 G2 in 9mm. Couldn't help myself!! So I still have all my older guns.
I've never shot clays with anything but a over-under. SIL has his collection we shoot from when I am in Denver. Just find it hard to shoulder up a shotgun I know cost over $3k (Beretta). Must be nice.
I've never shot clays with anything but a over-under. SIL has his collection we shoot from when I am in Denver. Just find it hard to shoulder up a shotgun I know cost over $3k (Beretta). Must be nice.
#9
11-20-13, 03:59 PM
Super Moderator
Hey Larry...even harder to think of the abuse I put my Dad's (now mine, soon my nephews) 100 y/o AH Fox AE grade 16ga through hunting in the Ohio fields. I swear I remember when I gouged the stock and scratched the barrel, but I know I don't really.
If it had looked as good as when I was a kid (Dad never used it) it would probably be $5K or so with the factory accessories.
I've sold a few of my impulse purchase handguns and rifles...but none I either shot well or did any major work on. I still have my el cheapo Chinese .45 that I put new sights, bushing, trigger, hammer, grips, mag well and safety on...all by myself. Will easily shoot about 1" at 25 yds...but I was never that good...except once. 16 full power rds in less than 2".
Back on topic...an 870 will never be a bad choice...but finding one in the right condition/configuration for $300 will be a major PITA. Also...for clays, there is no reason in the world why a 20 ga wouldn't do what you need. If you learn on a 20, you'll probably be better than those who shoot 12's.
If it had looked as good as when I was a kid (Dad never used it) it would probably be $5K or so with the factory accessories.
I've sold a few of my impulse purchase handguns and rifles...but none I either shot well or did any major work on. I still have my el cheapo Chinese .45 that I put new sights, bushing, trigger, hammer, grips, mag well and safety on...all by myself. Will easily shoot about 1" at 25 yds...but I was never that good...except once. 16 full power rds in less than 2".
Back on topic...an 870 will never be a bad choice...but finding one in the right condition/configuration for $300 will be a major PITA. Also...for clays, there is no reason in the world why a 20 ga wouldn't do what you need. If you learn on a 20, you'll probably be better than those who shoot 12's.
#10
11-20-13, 05:08 PM
I don't really like the way my 910s shoots. I can never seem to hit where I am aiming. As soon as I switch to my Taurus revolver, it's like I'm Billy The Kid! I've found that I shoot more accurately when I start below my target and slowly move upwards then pull the trigger. Hope I'm not starting a bad habit by doing so, but it's hard not too when it works for me.
Is the 870 available in 20 ga.?
Is the 870 available in 20 ga.?
#11
11-20-13, 05:25 PM
Super Moderator
And I can't shoot a revolver very well except in single action. Maybe the military thing.
870 should be available in 20 ga, they'd be missing a big segment of the market if not. One thing...you don't want a 20 built on a 12 frame...whats the point?
870 should be available in 20 ga, they'd be missing a big segment of the market if not. One thing...you don't want a 20 built on a 12 frame...whats the point?
#13
11-21-13, 09:54 AM
Super Moderator
Simple answer...yes. Extremely popular and many accessories available. Not the pinnacle of a fancy field gun, but very reliable.
