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Dec 7, 2004 | 08:48 AM

#16

Okie-Dokie

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Joined: Oct 2003

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Remington 870 is about as trouble free as you can get and has a steel reciever. If something goes hay wire, about any one can work on it, although I personally have never had a problem with mine.

Dec 7, 2004 | 09:02 AM

#17

MontanaFord

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Joined: Nov 2003

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From: Kalispell, MT

i'll vouch for the 870 Express...when my dad and i go bird hunting, whether it's ducks or pheasants, i borrow his 870, and he has his winchester auto loader...i just like the fact that with a pump gun, there is almost no chance whatsoever of the gun jamming...if an auto loader gets gummed up for some reason, or if it gets too cold, then it can jam...my dad missed a good lookin mallard drake for this very reason, this year, and i scored a double outta the bunch with his spare pump gun (granted it took me 1/2 a box of shells before i hit anything that morning, but we won't go into how much practice...or lack there-of...that i get with a shotgun, either...lol)...but my vote's on the 870 Express chambered in 2 3/4 and 3" mag....they're good guns for the price....up here, i think you can pick one up for around 250 bucks at wal-mart...

MontanaFord

Dec 7, 2004 | 05:33 PM

#18

Ford Louisville

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Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 77

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From: Thornville, Ohio

Pump shotguns are usually very reliable but whatever brand you decide to buy,
before any shell is fired, know it's operation thoroughly. Dry pump it and work the safety until your satisfied it works properly. I use to work in a firearms store and have seen all brands returned because of malfunctions, usually in the field.
For your first shotgun, I recommend shooting clay pigeons either at a range or rural location. Shoot them on the ground and in the air so your learn sighting down the barrel and get comfortable. 2-3/4" shells have plenty of punch but most manufacturers make there shotguns with 2-3/4" and 3" chambers. Know your shells.
Remington 870's are very good shotguns. Check the local gun dealers for sales because I've sold them with 2 barrels for around $300. (Marines have used 870's for many years......that'll say something )

Dec 7, 2004 | 05:51 PM

#19

mountravlr

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Joined: Dec 2003

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Pretty good advice so far. I bought a Smith and Wesson 12 ga. with improved cyl. choke in 1975 for $189.00 in a going-out-of-business sale. The stock design was the best I have ever owned, and I could hit better than with later guns, Rem. 870, Winchester Model One, Mossbergs, SKB pump, Ruger O/U, even my Beretta O/U. I have always regretted selling that S&W.

Dec 7, 2004 | 08:56 PM

#20

FBINA109

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Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 122

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From: Western, Montana

Fbina109

You already have enough suggestions to choke a horse. I would say all of the guns mentioned are good as is the advice. What I would suggest is that you contact the NRA and ask for the name/s of firearms instructors in your area. These are trained and certified instructors, most of whom would enjoy helping a young person in the use, safety and type of gun best suited for you. You may have to take a hunters safety course, depending on your state laws. Your Local Fish and Game Department can advise you on this. I am probably older than most of the respondents and more old fashioned. I would recommend a double barrel, either side by side or over and under in .20 or .16 gauge. A lot less to go wrong and easier to maintain, maybe even a little safer for someone new to firearms. My first shotgun was an Iver/Johnson single shot .20 gauge. Does that date me to some of you?

1999.5 F250, Lariat, 4X4, Auto, X-Cab, Long Box, Banks Bighead, Banks Trans-Command, Gauges

If you can read this thank a teacher. If you can read this in English, thank a soldier. In memory of Spec. James Wolf 1982-2003.

Dec 7, 2004 | 09:11 PM

#21

wezol5484

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 2,735

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From: TX

Hey everyone, I really appriciate it. FBINA is right, I think I have enough advice here to kill a cat

. My grandpa and uncle are big into guns so Im going to see what they reccomend also, same with a safety course. I have been told I dont have to take one to buy rifles, but I want to anyways. I plan on looking after graduation (December 16th

) so I will post an update on what the final descision is!
Thanks alot

Dec 7, 2004 | 10:00 PM

#22

Nightrain

Posting Guru

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 1,824

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From: Dixie - Tennessee

My advice;

A good starter gun that I had as a kid was a New England Firearms 12-gauge single shot. Available at your local Wal-Mart for less than $100. If you're looking for an excellent pump, check into the Maverick Model 18. Excellent pump shotguns all for under $200.

BTW, if you were to get a New England Firearms 12-gauge, you can send the stock and receiver back to the factory and have any gauge shotgun barrel hand-fitted onto it for less than $50.

Hope this helps.

Nightrain

Dec 7, 2004 | 10:18 PM

#23

FordTruckFreeek

Senior User

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 207

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From: Missouri

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nightrain

My advice;

If you were to get a New England Firearms 12-gauge, you can send the stock and receiver back to the factory and have any gauge shotgun barrel hand-fitted onto it for less than $50.

If you get the .45/70, you can have it sent in to get any shotgun barrel, as well, but conversely, you can't get the rifle barrel for a shotgun, wierd, to say the least...
I almost bought one of those this past spring...I'd bet with a hotter than normal load, they'd kick like a mule, too.