Shotgun

As some of you may know, I was bit by the gun bug. I purchased my first firearm (Sig 2022, 9mm) about 3 months ago. I would let it sleep in my bed, if I thought I wouldn't shoot myself

Now I'm getting ready for fall, and I will be going hunting for the first time. My buddy's uncle owns 400+ acres, and we plan on duck, dove, and ribeye in the sky hunting once the season comes around. I figure I'll be buying in 3 months or so, but why not talk about it now, I've got nothing better to do! Also, it gives me some time in case you say that I NEED the Benelli Super Black Eagle II

I'd like it to be pump. I've shot a few different shotguns, semi and pump, and enjoy shooting pump more. I really don't know what else to look for in a shotgun. I would put a budget around 500, but if you're going to tell me that for an extra hundred or two will get me a MUCH better gun, I'd play with the idea. I think I'm fine buying used, I assume with a shotgun it is pretty easy to tell if it was taken care of or not.

Thanks!

I've got a Benelli Supernova and it's a good allround shotgun. I haven't been able to shoot it a whole lot but others much more knowledgable than me on here like it as well. The price is right too.

I have used a Remington 870 Express for years and absolutely will not go back to another gun. I have been a Remington and Weatherby user since I was a little kid and am very loyal to them. I have to say that the Rem. 870 is my absolute favorite gun I own. I have two and just recently made my second one into a combat shotgun with the flip-stock and shorter barrel (my zombie apocolypse gun). I would look into it and see what you think. It's a great gun for a great price!

It's hard to beat the 870 Express for the money.

I've got an short 870 for home defense. Another great gun. I just need to get somewhere that I can find someone to put hi-vis sights on it.

Excuse my ignorance, but is it fine to take a gun with wood stock/pump out hunting where it will be exposed to the elements?

Get a light too. I feel that every home shotty needs a tactical light.

Of course! They are laminant, so weather really wont play a factor in it all that much. And most guns come in both wood and synthetic stock, most give you options.

Got it, thanks!

Another note, I kind of like the camo shotguns, and I think it would make me a better shooter, obviously. And the zombies won't be able to see it when I am shooting them.

The best place I have found new stocks, cheap ammo, etc. is CheaperThanDirt.com. The place is amazing and you can find plenty of stocks with different mods that you can think of!

There were some pretty nice used 12 gauge pumps at the Cabela's here in Allen on Saturday. I think the cheapest I saw was around $400. Not that you want to go with the cheapest gun.

Have you ever bought a used gun before? I think it's kind of sketchy buying a used gun (that's just me). There is something eerie to me about buying someone elses gun. I have a fear that it would be faulty and blow my head off. Have you had any positive experiences?

I have. It's easy to tell the condition of a gun, especially a shotgun, and a reputable dealer like Cabela's checks them and cleans them to make sure they are only selling quality weapons.

This is spot on. That's how I started and it really does teach you patience.

The more research I do the more Benelli Novas pop up. Also the Super Nova, but I haven't looked up the difference yet. Any opinion on 12 vs 20ga.? I know what it means, but I'm not sure which is more common, or if one has more advantages over the other.

That's the one thing you need to look at. It all depends on what you are hunting. 20ga. is more for quail and smaller game, even dove to some extent. 12ga. is a bigger game gun i.e. dove, duck, pheasant, etc. and can also be used with slug shells and you can hunt deer and larger game. 12ga. is more common if that's what you are looking for!

Ah, thanks for the clarification. I don't plan on doing too many breach and clears, so I doubt I need tactical

Sounds like I'm pulling towards a 12ga. Nova. Now I don't want to wait 3 months to go get it

I would go 12ga. More versatile.