Shotgun basics for Newb

[BoomerBSG]

have a read here:
http://members.tripod.com/~jth8260/870.html
good info on both the 500 and the 870.

20gauge is nice, but a 12 would be better.

ah the winchester 1300, i'd take that over either of the other two

also look at the Benelli Nova line (super nova or nova).
damn fine guns.
theres one in my local area i'm thinking of buying, 18inch barrel, telescoping stock, pump, all black for $300.. i've got a buyer lined up for my mossy in my sig, once i sell that.. hello benelli

cheers

[eric_t12]

That's strange - they were one of the first ones i ever looked at - and i forgot all about them. the price was right, as far asi remember.

i might have to add them to the list when i go to the shop next time i'm backin the states.

[Frostyeyes]

The Mossy's can be had for 219.00 and the 870 for about 249.00 here in Mi.

[Dibs50]

Eric,

You said that you were looking for information. While I'm not sure of your intended use of this shotgun (i.e. hunting, personal defense, etc), I'd like to recommend a book by John Farnam. It's called "Farnam Method of Defensive Shotgun and Rifle Shooting". It includes some of the topics you were asking about including

Sights Shotgun Ammunition Chokes Operator Systems and Specifications Conditions of Readiness for the Defensive Shotgun Stoppage Reduction Carry Postures Fire Positions Shotgun Operation Shotgun Maintenance
John's a great instructor and a great guy. I've been through his basic and advanced defensive pistol courses as well as basic defensive carbine class. Now, with 2 kids (a toddler and an infant), I don't have the money or resources to take additional classes at this time.

Here's a link to the book

http://www.defense-training.com/pubs/riflbook.html

His main website is

http://www.defense-training.com/

His DTI quips are worth reading on a regular basis.

Good luck.

p.s. He will actually be in "your area" on 28-29 April 07. I say your area because I don't know where you are in SD. He will be in Pierre teaching Advanced Defensive Handgun. His schedule is on the website.

[eric_t12]

Originally Posted by Dibs50

Eric,

You said that you were looking for information. While I'm not sure of your intended use of this shotgun (i.e. hunting, personal defense, etc), I'd like to recommend a book by John Farnam.

Thanks for the tip i forgot all about the information as to what it was for.

It will be a purely HD shotgun. besides target practice to stay familiar it won't leave the house.

I'm a small guy that's where the stock comes in, and the caliber.
ps - the quips - worth it. thanks!

[ichy_trigger]

Originally Posted by eric_t12

I think either the 500 or 870 is on my 'to get' list.

anybody willing to disclose what they paid for it? i've seen crazy price jumps on GUNBROKER.com, (where i normally shop), and i'm looking for a lil more steady number.

thanks!

I picked up a Remmy on gunbroker for $160.00 and used it for my project gun.

[snapper8081]

Great info from all.

As previously stated the 12ga will cover just about all the basis for an HD gun.

However, sticking with the 20ga will provide you with much better control and follow-up shots when taking off-shoulder shots, which are common in an HD scenario.

My vote is for a pump is the 870. But, I have the 870 in both the 12 and 20. I prefer the sommother pump-action of the 870 over the "wobble" that is sometimes found in the pump-action Mossys and Wins. All field strip easily (just about any pump action is easy) so maint./cleaning is not a hassle.

Any of the Bs (Benelli, Beretta, Browning) are great guns but typically a little more than the 870s, Mossys, or Wins.

For HD, don't worry about chokes. Just stick with what came with the gun.

[BoomerBSG]

around here the depending on the model the 870 express is about $250ish. and the police and miliary models are over $300. with the mossbergs running roughly in the same range for the 500 and the A590's.
that benelli i saw was $300. so i figured on picking one up.
not a bad deal really imo.

[Dibs50]

FWIW, there is a school of thought that suggests that it might be a better idea to stay away from the militarized shotguns for HD. The rationale is this:
[You use the Mossy 590A with heat shield and bayo lug to cease the illegal activities of a nocturnal predator. Yes, you are alive but now you are brought to trial in a civil suit by the family of the decedent who says that he was "such a lovely boy". The plaintiff attorney holds up this "evil military gun" stating that his client was ambushed and didn't have a chance.]
Perhaps, you'd be better off with a run of the mill "hunting type" SG for HD.
I'm not arguing one way or the other. I'm just bringing up the topic for consideration.

[scalce]

Originally Posted by Dibs50

FWIW, there is a school of thought that suggests that it might be a better idea to stay away from the militarized shotguns for HD.

Who's school would that be?

Police and Military models allow you to hold more ammo which could be useful in a SD situation where a hunting shotgun usually only holds a few rounds.

Doesn't make too much sense to me.