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Gun nuts, any suggestions on a "nice" shotgun?

BrunoPuntzJones

BrunoPuntzJones

Lifer
My old man is looking at getting me something nice that I could keep. Just a gift. It could be anything, but we've kinda settled on a gun of some sort, and figured a shotgun would probably be something more practical. Pistol wouldn't get used much, neither would a rifle. I do trap shooting and clay piegon trails throughout the year, so a shotgun seems to be a good choice. Looking for something around $1500-$2000. Problem is that's been outta my price range (normally spend $600 or so) so I don't know what is a good piece. Also probably need to stay away from "cool" stuff like an M1 or M3, something a little more classy like a Beretta. Don't really know where to start other than a local dealer, but don't want to ask a bunch of questions and not buy anything from 'em. Anyone have any ideas?
 
M1's are just too fun...I hear they can unload 4-5 shells a second if you are fast enough....

Though, Im rather found of Mossburg pump shotguns, but then this can be due to my CS addiction. You can probally find a new Mossburg pump shotgun for less than $600, or a used one for a bit less... you can always check gunbroker.com for a good idea of prices on the second-hand market.
 
For trap and skeet, a Browning over/under is hard to beat. A lot of serious shooters do use customized automatics, though.
 
Yeah, I already have 2 Remington 11-87's. I know competition shooters use autos, but I'm looking for something a little more classy. Figured the over/under would fit that pretty well. Kinda rules out the M1 also, well the Super 90's. They have regular field M1s, but not like the Berettas or Brownings. There are just so many and not really sure where to start. Need something general purpose, for skeet, trap, etc. No hunting however.

Specifically not looking for something sub $1200, I know what I'd get for that price. It's not like I have to spend more 🙂, but since I can choose from nicer stuff, might as well do it.
 
Oh boy do I have a suggestion.

The Remington Ideal 300. (over/under)

I have one with a 28 inch barrel; it can handle 3" loads; it has wonderful balance and a great feel to it. Interchangable chokes. Hand-checkered walnut stock. I use it for skeet and waterfowling and I can't speak highly enough of it. In case you're wondering, I rarely find need for a third shot; by that time the quarry is fleeing and I really, really don't want a) to stick some pellets up its butt and not bring it down or b) to hit it at a high altitude when it's heading away, at wich point my lab and I will have to look for hours on end.

Personally I love a good double. For a semi I'd go 1100 series.

Beretta makes an excellent gun as well. I'm not so fond of Browning/Winchester, but that's just me; not to say they're a bad gun.

Edit: the Browning Citori is a nice piece, but it's a little out of my price range 🙂 The Ideal 300 will probably run about $1100, and mine was a gift.
 
I'd choose Beretta, or maybe Browning.

_NOT_ Mossberg. well, maybe if you were looking for a run-of-the-mill pumper.
 
Yeah I know to stay away from Mossburg. I'd like to get a Beretta, think it would be the best choice, and not many folks here have them. However the Brownings look slick.

I'm looking for specific models that you folks may have some input on.
 
Well, I'm personally partial to the old Remington 870 for trap- sorry can't help you with the O/U- no experience, but I hear the Brownings are quite nice.

As far as my own opinion- don't worry if it's nice or not, ask yourself some questions
1 Is it comfortable? Will it still be comfortable after a 100 rds (and you have a shoot off)?
2 Can you effectively shoot it? More than once I've seen guys swap guns- and their scores plummeted. If possible, see if someone will "lend" you one in the make/model you want to try
3 Hows it's reliability? Seen a few "quality" guns barely make it through a years worth of trap/skeet before having to go to the gunsmith for assorted problems. Ask around- you may want to get your local gunsmiths $.02 worth

BTW, absolutley nothing wrong with a Mossy, I've got one for my field gun (plain jane, bought new 20 years ago for $150!!!)- it's stock & forearm scratched all over, "blueing" wearing off the reciever, minor rust on the barrel. Load it, kick safety off, pull trigger- I hit what I shoot at- what more do you want?
 
Ddad, I appreciate the thoughts, but the objective here is to get the best gun for the $1500-$2200 price range. I have a lot of others that I use and like, specifically the 11-87SP 32". I'm not really considering anything under $1200, basically for the fact that I want more of a centerpiece type shotgun, as opposed to a regular one that wouldn't be anything too special. Not trying to sound snooty, just trying to get something nice rather than 100% practical.
 
Crapola; I nearly forgot about Ruger:

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/shotguns.html

I've fired a 20 ga red label and a 28 ga red label; both are great with handling similar to the ideal, but a slightly quicker swing and weight a little more in the stock.

Also very purdey.

I've had a couple pumps go south on me, but never an over/under because the firing mechanism is pretty simple. Not to say I've fired 1000 rounds through one 🙂
 
Some basics:

1. Stick with 12ga. magnums; min. of 3" chamber (although 3-1/2" is nice)
2. Dial-a-choke is better for a beginner than multiple barrels
3. If you want camo then buy it; not worth hassle to paint
4. Ultralight synthetic stocks cut down overall weight; more recoil effects but better snap to aim
5. Pump-Action is better than semi-auto; you won't shoot as many when excited plus works either handed
6. Recoil pads are nice to have; they absorb the shock
7. Ventilated ribs are for barrel stiffness, not cooling 😉
8. 5-shot (2-3/4" shells) or more capacity is nice; note waterfowl restriction of 3-shot limit
9. Buy from a local, reputable dealer - you'll appreciate the service
10. Take hunter safety kid!

Edit: Aww, hell. I posted without reading your situation. In the case of competition I recommend:

1. tri-level loads; heavy-light mix of bb's to eek out the extra edge
2. J-band radar seeker; watchout for fighter planes making sudden moves when you switch it on
3. hire a professional to shoot for you; step in for the medals and get your picture in the papers
 
I don't know if a lot of folks are talking specifically to me, or just for others in general (such as madrat's post) for their own knowledge). I've been shooting for 20 years, I know the basics 😉

I just need to know what models are the best in that price ranger. I've looked at the Red Labels, but there just aren't many options. I have semi-autos, pumps, side/side, over/under, etc. I know what I want:

Wood stocks, not synthetics
12 ga.
2 3/4", but preferably 3"
Over/Under
$1200+

That's all that it must be. The options are types of wood (walnut, etc), barrel length (been looking at 30", but most suggest 26" for general use), adjustable cheek piece, butt-plate, and other stuff.

 
Sorry. Stuff in the $2000 range for shotguns is something I cant help you with. I know if I had that much, I'd be saving an extra $1000 for a barret 99. But hey, at least I'm giving you a bump 😉
 
I'll reiterate my vote for a remington ideal 300, 28 inch barrel.

walnut, 12 ga, can handle 3 inchers (shot 3 inch BBB mags this season to great effect) over/under
remington 332

Otherwise, I'm just familar with that 'un, the red labels, and a really wonderful Beretta piece (IM/IC, 26 in) but its name escapes me.

If that's not what you want, tell me how it isn't 🙂

As for 30" versus 28" or 26," I like 28 inches. I assume this gun will be used in addition to being a fine centerpiece. I've used the beretta and the ideal pretty extensively shooting skeet, and if I'm a fraction of a second slower with the 28" ideal, I kinda like it because the swing feels smoother. If you're hunting quail or woodcock then maybe the 26" but I really like the 28"

The 30" seems a little lengthy for me; don't forget that there's much added weight in the barrels in O/U, what with there being two 🙂
 
All it would be used for is trap/skeet/those walk things where they throw the piegons when they want to. No hunting. Not really a centerpiece, I just meant something a little nicer than synthetic stocks and automatic. A little more "ol' fashion" if you will.

I like the 32" just because it looks cooler for one, and has a bit better range (it seems like). I love waiting till they get out to the farthest range and smacking them, I'm really good at the timing and always blow people away with how far I can hit them 😉

I saw your 332 comment up top, forgot to reply to it 😱

I like how it's a 3", most of the ones I've been looking at are 2 3/4". No chance you could remember the Beretta eh? How would you have ranked it over the 332? I'd have to get a middle of the rung beretta, some of those guys are 6 and 7 grand :Q

I'll add the 332 to the list.
 
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