Beginners shotgun

[jej]

Is the 870 a Semi-auto? What about the Maverick? I know this is a basic question, but my knowledge of the hardware is very limited.

Both are pumps.
jej

 

[dennishoddy]

The flip side to that argument though is that you can run into cycling problems if you don't have a firm placement of the shotgun when firing. The shotgun equivalent of limp wristing.

Possibly with a recoil type action, but with the gas action, it shouldn't make any difference.

 

[ssgrock3]

#4 buck in a 20ga would seemingly suck to have to absorb as the target. Recoil is mild and the shot load should be deadly. If memory serves that is 21 balls.

 

[aeropb]

get an 870, maverick 88, or mossberg 500.

 

[Glock 'em down]

Most anybody who knows me knows that I do love a good scattergun. My bedside companion (other than Mrs GED ) is my Mossberg 590. If I were marooned on a deserted island, it's the gun I would want with me. It's actually a little overkill in the shotgun department. Most of the crap on it is just for flash. A Mossberg model 88 "Maverick" will do everything the 590 will do and for about half the price.

The shotgun market is getting about as bad as the AR-15 crowd as far as whiz bang tacticool gidgets and gazmos you can install. Preferrably, I think all a good scattergun needs is something to hold more rounds and maybe some type of light mounted on it.

My 590 wears a Tac-Star 6 round side saddle and a Speedfeed stock which holds another 4 rounds (slugs) within a pair of two round magazines - one on either side of the stock.

For me a regular ol' bead sight works just fine. Ghost ring and rifle sights are kinda over rated in my opinion, but they are big selling points.

A good sturdy sling is a must have too. Doesn't need to be a fancy $75 sling, just a strap that holds it secure.

As for the ammo issue? Hmmm...it's been hashed out as much as the 9mm vs .45, Chevy vs. Ford, Mary Ann vs. Ginger debates. I stoke mine with Winchester 2 3/4" 00 Buck, but an ounce of lead is an ounce of lead. For a HD shotgun, you won't be firing at a target any more than 15-20 feet away at the most. At that range, it probably won't matter.

As always, YMMV.

 

[Fly]

Mossberg Shotgun cheap & dependable!

 

[67RS/SSx2]

It was definately Mary Ann for me. Now what were we talking about????

Oh yeah. I have a 30+ year old Winchester pump that has a mean sounding action. There's just something about that sound. I think the BGs first instinct would be to get out after hearing that.

Mine is 12 ga but I think 20 ga would certainly be adequate..

 

[Coach_1]

Can't go wrong with a Remington 870 Express. I have a 20 ga. and it has been a great gun. Good luck with the search.

 

[Ignored Member]

go with the maverick 88. great shotgun for under $200 and if you want accesories, most, if not all mossberg 500 accessories will work on it.

and my vote is for mary-anne.