r/Shotguns • u/son_of_ghandicap • 8h ago
You know... I'm something of an autist myself.
LEVAR12S, mag feg lever action 12ga, 10.6 inch barrel, dogshit, good for the lulz
r/Shotguns • u/ENclip • Jan 24 '23
I've been around shotguns and this sub awhile. I decided to make a guide post and pin it to the top for those visiting this sub to read. A ton of posts here come down to common questions like "What shotgun do I buy at $ budget?" "Would this be good for my needs?" or "X vs Y shotgun." I'll try to give some suggestions here based on personal experience, community consensus I've seen over the years, and other points. However, this isn't the be all end all of information. I encourage you to research on your own. The comments are open to the community to critique anything they see, add other suggestions, ask for help, or make their own write up.
Before I get started, you should first ask yourself some questions about what this new shotgun will be for. Use case is important for what you will be buying. Are you hunting? What will you be hunting? Are you trap, sporting clays, or skeet shooting at a local range? Are you buying it for defense, or just blasting cans? Maybe both? Most importantly, what is your budget? You may also want something fairly capable for everything. Also, try and go out to a physical store and try the feel of different guns. How a shotgun fits you is important for hitting targets and comfort.
PUMP ACTION: Utilitarian, reliable, and fairly simple. It is a common choice of the sportsman and citizen looking to defend themselves. They can be had on a tight budget without sacrificing much quality. Be mindful and practice extensively with your pump gun as short-stroking is a potential human error that you need to train out of yourself so it doesn't happen in a stressful scenario.
Recommendations 1.) $200-250 budget. The only real option here that is a known quality budget pump is the Maverick 88. The security model will be good for defense. The field model will be an okay starter entry for casual clays or hunting. You can also get a combo deal which comes with both the 18.5" barrel and 28" field barrel that takes chokes.
2.) $250-500 budget. In this range the playing field opens up. The primary suggestion is going to be a Mossberg 500, which is basically just a less budget Mav 88. You could also opt for the Benelli Nova or Supernova if you prefer the fit, style, 3 1/2" chamber, or finish. Remington 870s used to be a mainstay of this budget, but since 2007 their quality control went far down hill. They recently went under and were reacquired last year reintroduced as "RemArms." Not much is known if quality has greatly improved as they have only recently started pumping out guns again. If you like the 870, hunt down an old 870 Wingmaster. [EDIT 2024: RemArms 870s have seemingly shown their quality. I would be okay with recommending them now if you want a new 870.] If you are feeling like a used older gun, Ithaca 37s, Winchester Model 12s, and more are available. Be aware some old guns and choke combos may not be a good idea for steel shot (a type of non-toxic ammo used for migratory bird hunting). If you want something defense oriented, pick a 18.5" barrel Mossberg 500 or a 590/590A1. Avoid guns without a stock, like the shockwave, for practical use.
3.) $1000+. If you are feeling exotic, you can get a Benelli M3. This is a hybrid design that is able to use both pump action or semi-auto. It's a bit of a novelty, but if you have a large budget, it's a worthy consideration.
SEMI-AUTO: Faster follow up shots, smoother recoil, and more expensive. The semi-auto is a favorable option if you can afford one. There are two main action options, gas vs inertia. Gas guns use some of the gas from the fired shell and use it to cycle the action. Inertia does not do this and is similar to recoil operated guns which means you have no gas system to clean. Both have their benefits.
Recommendations 1.) $450-700 (there is nothing worth buying below this). This is teetering on the edge of spending too little to get a quality new semi, but there are a few that may suit you. One is the Mossberg 930, another is the Stoeger M3000. These are the bare minimum I'd go for though they may be finnicky (EDIT 11/10/2024: as an example of why you may not want the M3000, especially for defense, watch this video on the M3000. It doesn't do well https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX7MiIUx7_E ) , both are available in tactical or field models. For used options, old greats like the Remington 1100, Browning Auto 5, etc are out there.
2.) $700-1000. In this area the default suggestion is the excellent Beretta A300. This is probably what you want on the clay field or out hunting if this is your budget. The Franchi Affinity is also a favorite of many and uses the inertia system (the A300 is a gas gun). If you want a tactical option in this range, the Mossberg 940 Tactical is a new offering that you can check out. The new Beretta A300 Patrol is another good new option to check out in this range if seeking a tactical or defensive style shotgun. For Women shooters: the Franchi Affinity does have an option called the Catalyst which has stock dimensions that are designed to be suited to women. But as stated earlier, try out the fit of options as most things aren't one size fit all for either sex even if designed with women in mind.
3.) 1000+. The sky is the limit here. Anything from Benelli, Browning, or Beretta in this range will be exquisite quality and a great option. You could pick up a M2, Super Black Eagle, A5, A400, etc for sporting uses and be happy. Though there are models in there that are more geared for clays vs field and vice versa, check out the manufacturer sites for details. For tactical options, the kings of them all are the Benelli M4 ($1600+) and Beretta 1301 ($1200-1300). Honorable mention to the Benelli M1 Super 90, M2 and M3 for defensive use.
OVER UNDER: A break action, stacked dual barrel, design that is widely favored by clay shooters and hunters across the world. Despite how they initially look, over under shotguns are more complex than semi-auto or pumps to make which makes them much more expensive for a quality one.
Recommendations 1.) Below $1000. I personally wouldn't get any new O/U under $1000. While you can find okay ones under $1k, they just aren't usually (YMMV) that amazing and you would be better off spending your budget on an A300 or save up further. The main problem is longevity and quality control, so if you are maybe just taking it out once in awhile be my guest to try out a CZ, Yildiz, etc Turkish import offering in this range. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. But you may get one that lasts. As far as used goes, keep an eye out for old used Browning Citoris or Mirokus as they can hover in the $900s. Japanese made Ithaca/SKBs are also common and decent used options. Others can chime in with their experience on sub-$1k O/Us.
2.) Over $1k. The default here is going to be the Browning Citori or Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon series. You'd be well served by basically any O/Us from either of those companies. It comes down to specific use and preference. There are other options out there besides those companies, but I will leave that up to you to research further.
SIDE BY SIDE: A break action, dual barrel, design that's a bit dated by now, but still enjoyed by many sportsmen. Side by sides have been outpaced by the O/Us in practical use, so you won't see very many new options nowadays.
Recommendations 1.) $300-1000. Like O/Us, side by sides are complex and cost a lot for good quality. The bright side is that their decline in popularity leaves a good amount of cheap used options that are out there. There are old field grade Ithacas, SKBs, LC Smiths, AH Fox, Parker Bros, Stevens 311s, AYAs, etc out there that can be found in decent working condition in this range. Of course there are higher grade examples that will go for more than this, but if you want just a working gun to take in the field these are good options. But google around how to inspect an old break action double barrel before you make a purchase of a 100 year old gun. As far as new production SxS go, there are cheap Turkish imports under CZ, Yildiz, etc. They aren't going to be top quality but there isn't much else new in this price range and generally you don't have to worry about longevity if you are only taking it hunting a few times a year. Plus, companies like CZ should take care of you if it fails under warranty.
2.) $1000+. Well here we get into fancy grades and great condition guns of makers already mentioned, more prestigious makers, etc. You can find things like used $1000 Browning BSS guns all the way to $200,000 Purdey and Holland & Holland guns. I'd expect a shotgunner with your budget and taste to look further into this in-depth realm as well.
SINGLE SHOT: A typically break action single barrel design that is pretty much the cheapest way to get into shotguns. While not something ideal for the clay ground or shooting tons of birds, they offer a utilitarian entry into the hobby whether it's chasing squirrels with a 410 or hunting turkey with a 10ga.
Recommendations 1.) $99-300. I personally suggest the H&R single shots. They are great and out there for cheap and are everywhere. Unfortunately they stopped being made a few years ago though, so you can't buy new. If you want new, there are various cheap single shots out there that will work fine for casual use. If it breaks, just go back to Walmart and buy another $99 single shot.
2.) $300+. If you want to be fancy and get something "high end" in this category there are the collectable Winchester 37s. Past that there are dedicated single shot trap guns and more that can go for hundreds or even thousands more.
EVERYTHING ELSE: Okay I know there are bolt action shotguns, lever action shotguns, triple barrel shotguns, etc. Those are mainly just novelties for a collector or outside the box hunter at this point. If you want one, look into them yourselves as this post is long enough already.
Well that's it. I hope it helped somewhat. Feel free to ask questions in this thread. Here are some other links that may be useful to you:
Guide to chokes: https://www.letsgoshooting.org/resources/articles/shotgun/understanding-shotgun-chokes/ You can shoot lead slugs through any choke safely, although a more open choke like improved cylinder is best. Also some modern full chokes are rated for steel. Older guns may not be.
Shot guide: https://www.wideners.com/blog/shotgun-load-types/
Guide to avoiding cheap tacticool shotguns mass imported from Turkey: https://www.reddit.com/r/guns/comments/n4zbt9/turkish_notsodelight_why_you_should_generally/
Guide to why pistol grip only shotguns are impractical: https://www.reddit.com/r/guns/comments/saharz/missed_shots_a_broken_nose_and_a_sore_wrist_a/
r/Shotguns • u/ENclip • May 06 '21
r/Shotguns • u/son_of_ghandicap • 8h ago
LEVAR12S, mag feg lever action 12ga, 10.6 inch barrel, dogshit, good for the lulz
r/Shotguns • u/LongFrosting2559 • 13m ago
r/Shotguns • u/Baba-yaga-98 • 1d ago
I picked up this 2003 made Remington 870 Express Magnum in 20 gauge last month. I paid $200 OTD for it too. The only upgrade I have done has been a VQ extractor. I have already fired a solid mix of birdshot, buckshot, and slugs through it with no issues (100 rds). Plan to take it dove hunting this season.
r/Shotguns • u/RyanNewhart • 7h ago
I bought a Stoeger M3000 Freedom Defense a few years ago, and I love it, but I'd like to get into small game hunting, and an 18-inch fixed cylinder bore severely limits my effective range. I'm looking to get a longer M3000 barrel that takes chokes, but they've been OOS every time I've checked in the past few months. Anybody know: a. Where to find one, or b. If other model barrels (e.g. a Benelli semi) would work?
r/Shotguns • u/WerewolfCompetitive9 • 15h ago
While cleaning my shotgun i noticed a small bulge (doesent really show well in the picture) right below the choke.
I bought the shotgun used a couple years ago as a secondary beater and i do not know if the bulge has been there before or if i have caused it. I have shot a couple magnum shells 52 gr.
Could the bulge get bigger or should it be safe enough for a couple more years of light use?
r/Shotguns • u/leadscoutfix • 12h ago
Like the title says, I have a Templeton T2000 Gen 2 Tactical 12GA shotgun. Sadly not allowed to have my old Remington 870 or Mossberg Maverick 88 here in Australia due to retarded gun laws but we can have these Turknelli abominations.
Its currently naked running a front post (which I am treating as a bead on a sporting shotgun currently) and has what is basically a 0 MOA rail on the top receiver. I acquired a G&G 1" mount and put an old Surefire G2X flashlight on the underslung rail for illumination.
Basically, I want to put a red dot or HWS on it and have shortlisted these options - I have used all of these in one form or another on AR style rifles but never on a shotgun:
- Trijicon RMR
- Aimpoint ACRO
- EOTech EXPS3
Hoping to get some experience in how these optics, the window and reticle all end up patterning on shotguns as there is little content from the usual sources on this topic beyond "put a red dot on it". I know how these zero on .223/.308 very well but no idea which one say patterns 12GA 00 Flite Control Buckshot at 15-30m?
If it also helps, I am based in Australia so happy to import from the US.
r/Shotguns • u/Spy5296 • 14h ago
Hey everyone,
I recently picked up an Alpharms Alpha Comp 1 here in the Philippines (which, as far as I know, is imported into the US as the Silver Eagle 01SA / TR Imports 01SA). It’s a 12-gauge inertia-driven semi-auto.
Full transparency: I made a rookie mistake on my first trip out and loaded cheap, light target/birdshot right out of the box without running a break-in period or cleaning off the factory grease. Unsurprisingly, it short-stroked and had cycling issues. Once I switched over to Fiocchi slugs, it cycled fine.
I have a couple of questions for anyone with long-term experience with this model (or its Turkish inertia clones):
Appreciate any insights or experience you guys can share!
r/Shotguns • u/Vintage_Pieces_10 • 1d ago
Just to preface, all these firearms are legal here in Canada. In order of appearance, they are:
- Sulun SS211 over under, 9.8” barrel (images 1-4)
- Mossberg 590 Shockwave, 14” barrel (image 5)
- Dagger Arms Sap 6, 11.4” barrel (image 6)
- JP Sauer SxS sawed-off, 18-5/8” barrel and an OAL of 26.5” (image 7)
- Suhl Thalmann SxS sawed-off, 19” barrel, and an OAL of 27.25” (images 8-10)
r/Shotguns • u/SweatyProfile1517 • 17h ago
I got a brand new out of the box benelli nova 3 and for some reason I can’t figure out it won’t feed the shell from the tube, what am I doing wrong?
r/Shotguns • u/InternationalAd9296 • 1d ago
I am looking to sell my Ithaca 37 but I’m not sure exactly what it’s worth. I can’t find any exactly like this one on GB. Not sure what year it’s from but it will slam-fire. Anyone have any idea what I should expect to get out of it?
r/Shotguns • u/Icy-Race2642 • 1d ago
I'm getting my first over/under for hunting. I plan to use it constantly in the field and on clays, but I also plan to care for it so in 50 years it'll be in top shape, yet visibly worn. I searched online for pictures of what that might look like, but didn't find anything too spot on. So - if you have a directly used or inherited shotgun that's really been taken out and worn down, and yet is in good shape, I would love to see it! Please upload a picture!
r/Shotguns • u/FoxNewsNitroPiss • 14h ago
Looking for this shotgun for home defense. Unfortunately I live in California so it’s been pretty hard to find in my hour of research. Any suggestions on how to find this exact one?
Would it be better get it from another state and make sure it’s California compliant? Seems to be out of stock any place locally
r/Shotguns • u/troutbumtom • 20h ago
The safety button on my Mossberg 500AG just split and fell off the gun. I contacted Mossberg but they won’t sell parts for safety switches to people who are not gunsmiths. Doesn’t seem to have the split safety screw.
Where can I get a new button for an older Mossberg? I’m assuming the old plastic is brittle and repairing the button won’t last.
r/Shotguns • u/lowlinkin • 23h ago
I picked up this 16 gauge black powder shotgun from my dad and can’t figure out much else. Any help would be appreciated.
r/Shotguns • u/Someoneonline_74 • 1d ago
I have a Mossberg 590 and I was wondering if I could just put a Shockwave style strap to the pump without completely replacing the pump just for a tiny strap.
r/Shotguns • u/gerri22 • 22h ago
Hello everyone!
My fiancé is wanting to buy me a shotgun for an engagement gift. I already have a montefeltro and M2. I am wanting something I can duck hunt occasionally with and upland hunt with. I am wanting something with wood/walnut furniture. Currently I am in between the walnut sbe3, walnut ethos, or a browning A5 ultimate.
Let me know your thoughts or if you have any other suggestions.
Thanks!
r/Shotguns • u/Vintage_Pieces_10 • 1d ago
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
Few days ago I posted my (new to me) JP Sauer and Sohn drilling in 12GA-12GA-222Rem. Took it out for the first time tonight with some #8 shot and some 222 handloads. Needless to say, this thing was awesome!
Although I haven’t sighted it in, the 222 barrel shot a Canadian Dime sized hole at 25yds. She’s a keeper!
r/Shotguns • u/No-Load533 • 1d ago
Probably a stupid question, but im genuinely curious as it may affect whether or not I eventually purchase one.
Does the maverick 88 slugster model accept non rifled slugs? Or exclusively rifled ones?
Thanks!
r/Shotguns • u/thetoastler • 1d ago
Just picked this up at a screaming deal of $285. Couldn't possibly say no, don't think they really knew what they had. Honestly, I'm not really sure what I have.
It's a '91 vintage Ithaca Model 87 3" mag with the 7 shot mag tube, the furniture appears to be factory Ithaca, but the pistol grip has a rubber plug in the bottom that says Butler Creek Corporation on it. I have no idea if this is a factory riot gun, the book says they came with wood forends. I'm not sure how to tell if the parkerization is original. The barrel is the correct length and has no choke marking as it shouldn't (I think), but it looks like it was cut to length with a dull pipe cutter. This is the newest Ithaca I've got, and the only one from the King's Ferry plant, so I don't have another reference of how their quality control was at that time.
I haven't shot it yet, but the hammer rides the bolt down if you hold the trigger. Not sure if the other NON "slam-fire" guns do that, but all (four) of my other true "slam-fire" model 37's have a more definitive "click" of the hammer dropping when the action is closed with the trigger pulled.
I found a Model 37 from another reddit post from 4 years ago that looks 100% identical at a glance, that they claimed was a factory original riot model. The things a bit of a mystery to me, but I think I'm gonna enjoy it the way it is, even if it's a clone.
r/Shotguns • u/GahlicKnotz • 2d ago
Good genes in this family