Whats a good pump shotgun for target practice? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Hatterasguy · #1 10-08-2006, 04:34 PM

I want to buy a 12 gauge shot gun. Did some skeet shooting today and had a blast. I know of various brands and types but what brands are pretty good and don't cost a fortune.

http://personalsecurityzone.com/cgi-win/order/prodlist.exe/PSZ/?Template=ProdDetail.htm&ProductID=20891

My friend has this one, seems to work well, but I have not fired other shot guns before. I was nailing the clay birds with it so it seems to shoot straight enough, nailed quite a few doubles to!

I had never shot one before so my friend loads up the thing that slings the clay birds(forget its name

) He's like your probably going to miss quite a few takes awhile to get the hang of it. My first shot and I blew it apart.

I was doing doubles after 20 rounds or so.

I guess playing all those video games payed off...

Matt L · #2 10-08-2006, 05:05 PM

I recently got a Remington 870 Express, and recommend it, with one caveat.

It's a lot less expensive than the Mossberg that you listed, and a very old, reliable design. The caveat about mine is that the parkerized coating on the receiver isn't thick enough, and started to show a bit of rust after sitting for about a month. I oiled it, and don't expect any more trouble. If I were to buy it again, I'd probably pay a bit more for the blued version.

#3 10-08-2006, 05:28 PM

Benelli Nova.

Wodnek · #4 10-08-2006, 05:36 PM

I bought my Mossberg new in 1986. A good reliable shot gun.

Hatterasguy · #5 10-08-2006, 11:37 PM

So this:
http://www.benelliusa.com/firearms/novaPump.tpl
(Scroll to the bottom, I'd opt for the water version)
VS
http://personalsecurityzone.com/cgi-win/order/prodlist.exe/PSZ/?Template=ProdDetail.htm&ProductID=20549

Jeff what makes the Benelli a better gun? It seems to be a bit cheaper thats a plus. It also uses less metal, so it should be pretty durable.

I need to go to the local gun store and check both out, maybe fire both. The Mossberg works for me, but I have not shot the Benelli so I should give it a try.
That particular Mossberg in my link the 590A1 I like, thats the model I'd go for. Looks like its built a bit better.

#6 10-09-2006, 07:55 AM

I know this may piss off some but Mossberg is crap from start to finish.

The Benelli action is derived from the HK military action and is almost fool proof. Plus the manufacturing is superior.

POS · #7 10-09-2006, 09:09 AM

Since you're just starting out, I suggest a cheap, reliable pump 12 until you're comfortable and certain you want to move up to the next level. The only, best option is the Remington 870 - $200.

Once you're comfortable with that and you shoot well, then you may say to yourself you'd like to get something better, then go up to a Benelli or the like.

I've been hunting and shooting shotguns for the past 30 years (I'm 37); you most certainly do not need the latest, greatest, and most expensive gun on which to learn. Work your way up and have a good time - shotguns are a hell of a lot of fun.

Botnst · #8 10-09-2006, 09:20 AM

I'm preetty much in agreement with POS. Around here you can pick-up a used 870 or Winchester Model 12 (or 1200, I prefer the 12) advertised in local sales paper for under $200.

Think of it like you do a car for a newbie driver. I'd start with a used one in good working order to get the feel of if, etc. Once you have the care and feeding down, look for the shotgun of your dreams. I just think it would be a shame to plunk down major bucks on a high quality, new weapon before getting experienced enough to understand the choices on a personal level.

FWIW, a mentor of mine when I was a kid was a champion doubles trapshooter. She practiced with a Model 12 look-alike chambered in .410. Used a O/U (don't recall mfr) in competition. I saw her shoot 100 straight in competition. She was also hell on doves and quail.

B

PS If you get an older Model 12 beware that you MUST release the trigger when pumping or when you jack the shell into teh chamber, it will immediately fire. That's can be an unwelcome surprise.

#9 10-09-2006, 09:26 AM

The Winchester Model 12 is IMO the best pump gun ever made but because of the age it is not the optimum gun for shooting steel shot or any other heavy modern load.

#10 10-09-2006, 09:28 AM

And the OLD Remington 870's are Wayyyyyy better than the modern Jamingtons.

Botnst · #11 10-09-2006, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MedMech

The Winchester Model 12 is IMO the best pump gun ever made but because of the age it is not the optimum gun for shooting steel shot or any other heavy modern load.

Undoubtedly right about the modern loads thingy.

Plus I haven't shot skeet or traps in decades, and when I did it was low brass and lead shot: not a problem for older guns.

John Doe · #12 10-09-2006, 10:00 AM

I have the Benelli Nova and for $100 more than the 870 Express, it shoots 3 1/2 inch shells and is indestructable. I think the Express Magnum is about the same price as a Nova.

Botnst · #13 10-09-2006, 10:23 AM

Hijacking in progress!

You guys seen that Benelli demo with the shooter making some in-freaking-credible shots? I think he was shooting hand-thrown golf balls. I rec'd it in a quicktime clip.

I think it was Benelli.
B

#14 10-09-2006, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Doe

I have the Benelli Nova and for $100 more than the 870 Express, it shoots 3 1/2 inch shells and is indestructable. I think the Express Magnum is about the same price as a Nova.

Did you pay extra for the bent barrel?

#15 10-09-2006, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Botnst

Hijacking in progress!

You guys seen that Benelli demo with the shooter making some in-freaking-credible shots? I think he was shooting hand-thrown golf balls. I rec'd it in a quicktime clip.

I think it was Benelli.
B

Tom Knapp is the name, I have duck hunted with him and it is a humbling experience to say the least, the guy never misses.