I finally got enough money together to get my first 12 ga. shotgun, which I've been wanting since my airedale was a pup (he's 6 now).
We'd like to go upland bird hunting (grouse, dove, quail, pheasant), turkeys, and maybe down the road waterfowl. Also skeet shooting, since there's a good gun club down the street.
I'm 5-6" with like 32" arms, so that's a consideration for fit.
Budget: <$500.
I've shot the 870 Wingmaster and like it a lot. Is there much difference between the Wingmaster and lower priced models (besides asthetics)? Thinking 26 or 28" barrel.
Was gonna check out the Mossburg 500 and see how that fit, but I remember shooting one and not liking it as well as the 870.
I read they made a cheapo version of the Mossburg 500 called the Maverick 88. Am I gonna hate life with that one?
Was reading reports, reviews etc. and 870s listed as $300, Mossburg 500s @ 300, and 88s at 200. Is that about right?
Questions on fit:
If I like the action, of, say, the 870 (where I'm leaning) but the fit isn't quite right, can the stock be adjusted or swapped, or is it better to move on and find a better fitting gun?
Was gonna use this for a guide on fit:
Shotgun Buying Guide - How to Choose a Shotgun | TopGunReview
and this:
Beginner Shotguns- Buying Your First Shotgun
any other tips/techniques?
No hate please, for the newbie gun buyer. Gonna go shopping with a hunting friend this weekend at a few local gun dealers.
What about used? In this class of guns is it worth it to go used, or am I better off getting a new one?
Dog and I are itchin' for our first hunt. He tracks/flushes birds daily.:smokin:
We'd like to go upland bird hunting (grouse, dove, quail, pheasant), turkeys, and maybe down the road waterfowl. Also skeet shooting, since there's a good gun club down the street.
I'm 5-6" with like 32" arms, so that's a consideration for fit.
Budget: <$500.
I've shot the 870 Wingmaster and like it a lot. Is there much difference between the Wingmaster and lower priced models (besides asthetics)? Thinking 26 or 28" barrel.
Was gonna check out the Mossburg 500 and see how that fit, but I remember shooting one and not liking it as well as the 870.
I read they made a cheapo version of the Mossburg 500 called the Maverick 88. Am I gonna hate life with that one?
Was reading reports, reviews etc. and 870s listed as $300, Mossburg 500s @ 300, and 88s at 200. Is that about right?
Questions on fit:
If I like the action, of, say, the 870 (where I'm leaning) but the fit isn't quite right, can the stock be adjusted or swapped, or is it better to move on and find a better fitting gun?
Was gonna use this for a guide on fit:
Shotgun Buying Guide - How to Choose a Shotgun | TopGunReview
and this:
Beginner Shotguns- Buying Your First Shotgun
any other tips/techniques?
No hate please, for the newbie gun buyer. Gonna go shopping with a hunting friend this weekend at a few local gun dealers.
What about used? In this class of guns is it worth it to go used, or am I better off getting a new one?
Dog and I are itchin' for our first hunt. He tracks/flushes birds daily.:smokin: