r/Shotguns May 06 '21

Turkish Not-So-Delight. Why you should generally avoid buying those random "totally cool looking" cheap tactical shotguns made in Turkey. (Crosspost as this is relevant here too and for those not on r/guns)

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313 Upvotes

r/Shotguns Jan 24 '23

Thinking about buying your first shotgun or deciding on a new one? Here is the current /r/Shotguns buyer's guide.

262 Upvotes

I've been around shotguns and this sub awhile. I decided to make a guide post and pin it to the top for those visiting this sub to read. A ton of posts here come down to common questions like "What shotgun do I buy at $ budget?" "Would this be good for my needs?" or "X vs Y shotgun." I'll try to give some suggestions here based on personal experience, community consensus I've seen over the years, and other points. However, this isn't the be all end all of information. I encourage you to research on your own. The comments are open to the community to critique anything they see, add other suggestions, ask for help, or make their own write up.

Before I get started, you should first ask yourself some questions about what this new shotgun will be for. Use case is important for what you will be buying. Are you hunting? What will you be hunting? Are you trap, sporting clays, or skeet shooting at a local range? Are you buying it for defense, or just blasting cans? Maybe both? Most importantly, what is your budget? You may also want something fairly capable for everything. Also, try and go out to a physical store and try the feel of different guns. How a shotgun fits you is important for hitting targets and comfort.

PUMP ACTION: Utilitarian, reliable, and fairly simple. It is a common choice of the sportsman and citizen looking to defend themselves. They can be had on a tight budget without sacrificing much quality. Be mindful and practice extensively with your pump gun as short-stroking is a potential human error that you need to train out of yourself so it doesn't happen in a stressful scenario.

Recommendations 1.) $200-250 budget. The only real option here that is a known quality budget pump is the Maverick 88. The security model will be good for defense. The field model will be an okay starter entry for casual clays or hunting. You can also get a combo deal which comes with both the 18.5" barrel and 28" field barrel that takes chokes.

2.) $250-500 budget. In this range the playing field opens up. The primary suggestion is going to be a Mossberg 500, which is basically just a less budget Mav 88. You could also opt for the Benelli Nova or Supernova if you prefer the fit, style, 3 1/2" chamber, or finish. Remington 870s used to be a mainstay of this budget, but since 2007 their quality control went far down hill. They recently went under and were reacquired last year reintroduced as "RemArms." Not much is known if quality has greatly improved as they have only recently started pumping out guns again. If you like the 870, hunt down an old 870 Wingmaster. [EDIT 2024: RemArms 870s have seemingly shown their quality. I would be okay with recommending them now if you want a new 870.] If you are feeling like an used older gun, Ithaca 37s, Winchester Model 12s, and more are available. If you want something defense oriented, pick a 18.5" barrel Mossberg 500 or a 590/590A1. Avoid guns without a stock, like the shockwave, for practical use.

3.) $1000+. If you are feeling exotic, you can get a Benelli M3. This is a hybrid design that is able to use both pump action or semi-auto. It's a bit of a novelty, but if you have a large budget, it's a worthy consideration.

SEMI-AUTO: Faster follow up shots, smoother recoil, and more expensive. The semi-auto is a favorable option if you can afford one. There are two main action options, gas vs inertia. Gas guns use some of the gas from the fired shell and use it to cycle the action. Inertia does not do this and is similar to recoil operated guns which means you have no gas system to clean. Both have their benefits.

Recommendations 1.) $450-700 (there is nothing worth buying below this). This is teetering on the edge of spending too little to get a quality new semi, but there are a few that may suit you. One is the Mossberg 930, another is the Stoeger M3000. These are the bare minimum I'd go for though they may be finnicky (EDIT 11/10/2024: as an example of why you may not want the M3000, especially for defense, watch this video on the M3000. It doesn't do well https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX7MiIUx7_E ) , both are available in tactical or field models. For used options, old greats like the Remington 1100, Browning Auto 5, etc are out there.

2.) $700-1000. In this area the default suggestion is the excellent Beretta A300. This is probably what you want on the clay field or out hunting if this is your budget. The Franchi Affinity is also a favorite of many and uses the inertia system (the A300 is a gas gun). If you want a tactical option in this range, the Mossberg 940 Tactical is a new offering that you can check out. The new Beretta A300 Patrol is another good new option to check out in this range if seeking a tactical or defensive style shotgun. For Women shooters: the Franchi Affinity does have an option called the Catalyst which has stock dimensions that are designed to be suited to women. But as stated earlier, try out the fit of options as most things aren't one size fit all for either sex even if designed with women in mind.

3.) 1000+. The sky is the limit here. Anything from Benelli or Beretta in this range will be exquisite quality and a great option. You could pick up a M2, Super Black Eagle, A400, etc for sporting uses and be happy. Though there are models in there that are more geared for clays vs field and vice versa, check out the manufacturer sites for details. For tactical options, the kings of them all are the Benelli M4 ($1600+) and Beretta 1301 ($1200-1300). Honorable mention to the Benelli M1 Super 90, M2 and M3 for defensive use.

OVER UNDER: A break action, stacked dual barrel, design that is widely favored by clay shooters and hunters across the world. Despite how they initially look, over under shotguns are far more complex than semi-auto or pumps to make which makes them much more expensive for a quality one.

Recommendations 1.) Below $1000. I personally wouldn't get any new O/U under $1000. While you can find okay ones under $1k, they just aren't usually (YMMV) that amazing and you would be better off spending your budget on an A300 or save up further. The main problem is longevity and quality control, so if you are maybe just taking it out once in awhile be my guest to try out a CZ, Yildiz, etc Turkish import offering in this range. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. But you may get one that lasts. As far as used goes, keep an eye out for old used Browning Citoris or Mirokus as they can hover in the $900s. Japanese made Ithaca/SKBs are also common and decent used options. Others can chime in with their experience on sub-$1k O/Us.

2.) Over $1k. The default here is going to be the Browning Citori or Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon series. You'd be well served by basically any O/Us from either of those companies. It comes down to specific use and preference. There are other options out there besides those companies, but I will leave that up to you to research further.

SIDE BY SIDE: A break action, dual barrel, design that's a bit dated by now, but still enjoyed by many sportsmen. Side by sides have been outpaced by the O/Us in practical use, so you won't see very many new options nowadays.

Recommendations 1.) $300-1000. Like O/Us, side by sides are complex and cost a lot for good quality. The bright side is that their decline in popularity leaves a good amount of cheap used options that are out there. There are old field grade Ithacas, SKBs, LC Smiths, AH Fox, Parker Bros, Stevens 311s, AYAs, etc out there that can be found in decent working condition in this range. Of course there are higher grade examples that will go for more than this, but if you want just a working gun to take in the field these are good options. As far as new production SxS go, there are cheap Turkish imports under CZ, Yildiz, etc. They aren't going to be top quality but there isn't much else new in this price range and generally you don't have to worry about longevity if you are only taking it hunting a few times a year.

2.) $1000+. Well here we get into fancy grades and great condition guns of makers already mentioned, more prestigious makers, etc. You can find things like $1250 Browning BSS guns all the way to $200,000 Purdey and Holland & Holland guns. I'd expect a shotgunner with your budget and taste to look further into this in-depth realm as well.

SINGLE SHOT: A typically break action single barrel design that is pretty much the cheapest way to get into shotguns. While not something ideal for the clay ground or shooting tons of birds, they offer a utilitarian entry into the hobby whether it's chasing squirrels with a 410 or hunting turkey with a 10ga.

Recommendations 1.) $99-300. I personally suggest the H&R single shots. They are great and out there for cheap and are everywhere. Unfortunately they stopped being made a few years ago though, so you can't buy new. If you want new, there are various cheap single shots out there that will work fine for casual use. If it breaks, just go back to Walmart and buy another $99 single shot.

2.) $300+. If you want to be fancy and get something "high end" in this category there are the collectable Winchester 37s. Past that there are dedicated single shot trap guns and more that can go for hundreds or even thousands more.

EVERYTHING ELSE: Okay I know there are bolt action shotguns, lever action shotguns, triple barrel shotguns, etc. Those are mainly just novelties for a collector or outside the box hunter at this point. If you want one, look into them yourselves as this post is long enough already.

Well that's it. I hope it helped somewhat. Feel free to ask questions in this thread. Here are some other links that may be useful to you:

Guide to chokes: https://www.letsgoshooting.org/resources/articles/shotgun/understanding-shotgun-chokes/ You can shoot lead slugs through any choke safely, although a more open choke like improved cylinder is best. Also some modern full chokes are rated for steel. Older guns may not be.

Shot guide: https://www.wideners.com/blog/shotgun-load-types/

Guide to avoiding cheap tacticool shotguns mass imported from Turkey: https://www.reddit.com/r/guns/comments/n4zbt9/turkish_notsodelight_why_you_should_generally/

Guide to why pistol grip only shotguns are impractical: https://www.reddit.com/r/guns/comments/saharz/missed_shots_a_broken_nose_and_a_sore_wrist_a/


r/Shotguns 11h ago

Geneva “Suggestions”

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336 Upvotes

Winchester Model 1897 “Trench Gun” and its great grandson, Mossberg 590A1 Retrograde


r/Shotguns 5h ago

In position.

66 Upvotes

Waiting for some troublemakers to walk by


r/Shotguns 7h ago

Lemme see your WML cable mgmt setups on your tacti shotties pls

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37 Upvotes

r/Shotguns 7h ago

“The Merkel Drilling: One Gun. Three Barrels.”

31 Upvotes

r/Shotguns 15h ago

Traditional Shotgun Stock That Folds?

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54 Upvotes

Does it exist? I’m specifically looking for the style of stock pictured that also has folding capabilities. The pistol grip style is cool but not very user friendly for the Mossberg style safety.


r/Shotguns 21h ago

Stock Recommendations

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113 Upvotes

I received my Mossberg 590 20" barrel Persuader a few days ago and put a couple hundred rounds through it. It's my first pump shotgun and I love it but I also find it be unwieldy.

I'm not a big guy so I find the pump to be at the edge of my reach. Are there any stocks with or without a pistol grip that would better fit the 590 to me?


r/Shotguns 1d ago

It’s official: my Maverick 88 is now my favorite firearm.

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330 Upvotes

I had a lot of fun “pimping” my shotgun. Started with the Magpul SGA Stock. Then I added the Magpul Forend with Hand Stop. Loved it at that point but after installing the SMC Light Mount/SureFire G2X Pro Light and Mesa Tactical SureShell Carrier, I am extremely confident in officially declaring this beauty my new favorite gun lol.


r/Shotguns 1d ago

First hunt. Starting small.

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89 Upvotes

r/Shotguns 5h ago

Langdon Tactical vs TTI

2 Upvotes

Question for the community, looking to get into tactical shotguns - from the research I’ve done both of these custom gun shops do a great job. Has anyone had any experience with either of them? Both seem to off full builds that are completed and also the option to send in your own firearm.


r/Shotguns 1d ago

“Winchester Model 12 Collector’s Edition: 146 of 1,000”

45 Upvotes

r/Shotguns 19h ago

Missing part on Noble pump

6 Upvotes

So I have a bit of a safety concern. I was taking apart an old Noble pump today, I’ve had it kicking around for a while and even though it’s not a great gun or very valuable monetarily I wanted to clean it up, refinish the wood, reblue some metal. Excuse my terminology, I am no gunsmith. I had it broken almost all the way down and was cleaning up the bolt when I accidentally lifted away one of the “grabber” looking bits on the end of the bolt, the spring stayed put but the little metal plunger that pushes against the little grabber arm went flying away. The modern internet has something against showing me diagrams so I can’t seem to figure out if these are part of the extractor or a structural part locking the bolt when it’s closed. I can tell that they hold on next to the barrel, in front of the action, but they don’t seem to add a ton of resistance to the pump, my best guess is that the lug built into the trigger group is the safety important part. I found a nail that’s the proper size to sit in the spring and I can cut off a length of it to put in there to hold this arm tight, but I’m obviously not as comfortable doing so if this is a safety concern. Does anyone know what this is? I doubt I can get a replacement since this gun is a cheap gun from over half a century ago, but for reference the spring it fits into is 3mm outside diameter.


r/Shotguns 22h ago

Help with 1976 Ugartechea sxs

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10 Upvotes

I took apart this gun to redo all the woodworking and when I go to put the gun back together. The hammers are forward but the locking levers are cocked. Not entirely sure what i'm doing wrong or how to fix it. The flat springs are a pain in the ass to get in to begin with so maybe something with those could be the issue but any help would be appreciated.


r/Shotguns 20h ago

Oil shotgun bore or not?

7 Upvotes

I recently purchased a Winchester SXP Extreme Defender for home defense. However I plan to take it out to the range a few times just to fire every now and maybe hit clays.

I am confused with all the cleaning products out there and advice on cleaning.

I plan on taking apart the gun and cleaning it of the factory oils with Clenzoil and clean the bore with Hoppes Elite Gun cleaner.

Here is where I am conflicted. I read that oil in the barrel can lead to increased pressure which can be catastrophic and that you should always run a dry patch inside the barrel to clean it of any excess oil before shooting.
If I have to use the gun for home defense I am clearly not going to take the time to run a dry patch in the gun if needed to use it.

The manual says for the barrel ".....run a clean, dry patch through the bore. Follow this with a final, lightly oiled patch."

Companies all offer a CLP products with many of them having videos showing them using it inside the barrel. I can understand if this is a hunting rifle that I am going to store away but for home defense you never know when it might need to be used and I don't want to risk failure if oil is in the barrel.

Am I over thinking this?


r/Shotguns 1d ago

Remington pre model 11 receiver cracks?

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13 Upvotes

So I thought about about doing. Refresh on this old pre model 11. I knew it would need springs, and wood work. But I'm also recently realized it has two cracks on the left side of the receiver. None on the right side or tang that I can see. Is this fixable? Solder, braze, weld, duct tape lol?


r/Shotguns 1d ago

Surplus 870 Wingmaster With Sage Stock

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178 Upvotes

r/Shotguns 1d ago

Shot question

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124 Upvotes

Going Dove hunting Saturday and where im going requires steel shot. Id like to use this Model 11 but it has a fixed full choke. Would #8 steel shot be fine or still not a good idea for a 1937 gun


r/Shotguns 1d ago

Difference in barrels? Police Magnum vs regular

8 Upvotes

Were there any differences between, say, a 90s model Police 870 Barrel and a regular 870 barrel? If all the obvious variations were the same, such as sights, length, etc.


r/Shotguns 1d ago

Hawk 981 and Friends

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41 Upvotes

r/Shotguns 1d ago

Time to upgrade where to sell old mossberg?

2 Upvotes

Ideas on best way to sell mossberg 500 + attachments. Local guns stores either say not buying or only offering store credit not taking into account accessories. North Texas.


r/Shotguns 1d ago

Remingtion 887 nitro mag question

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2 Upvotes

r/Shotguns 2d ago

Birthday present to myself

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176 Upvotes

Got myself a Benelli Supernova Tactical for my birthday a few weeks ago. Absolutely loving it so far, got the oem +3 extension on there and a Romeo 5.


r/Shotguns 2d ago

Question

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58 Upvotes

This is my home gun and I’ve moved to a bigger place so I want to put a light on it what are y’all’s suggestion on mounts and lights


r/Shotguns 2d ago

Heat Shield ?

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64 Upvotes

Need some suggestions for quality heat shield for a Rem 870HD 18.5".


r/Shotguns 1d ago

Just bought a shotgun online from Frisco Guns (which I hadn't heard of) and noticed they didn't charge me tax. Am I cooked?

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2 Upvotes

r/Shotguns 1d ago

A5 return

2 Upvotes