What's good,but cheap shot gun under $250?

[BigKat]

I would like to go bird hunting and would like to get my own gun instaed of using my father in law's. I was thinking of getting a Mossberg model I saw at Wal-mart for $199. It seemed reasonable and since I won't be able to go but three or four times a year,I think it would be a decent buy.Would this gun do or should I save up and get a better one?

[hunter1992]

I do alot of bird hunting and my mossberg has never failed me. taken uncountable number of ducks and 2 turkeys. Go with the mossberg there the best shotgun you can get for 200 bucks.

[BigKat]

Thanks. I wish I had a double barrel I had several years ago ,but I never got used to the triggers. It was a great little gun though.

[rooster52]

I own 3 Mossberg shotguns 20,12,and 410 and never have had any problem with any of them and they get shot ALOT!

[triggerhappyshawn]

DUDE skip mossbergs!!!!!!!!!!!! Get a remington 870. express!!!!!!!!!! No offense but mossbergs are ugly as sin.. Plus the 870. is only like 229$

[Todd G.]

For a good inexpensive shotgun, the Mossberg pump, Remington 870 Express, and the Benelli Nova are all great guns. Although they may touch the $250 mark, I would try each and see which one you like best.

For a little more, the Ithaca Model 37 or the Browning BPS are great choices also.

[Yooper]

I've seen Nova's for $249 before and think it's an excellent gun. Mossbergs have always been a favorite but the 870 is a good gun too.

Go look at them and see what fit's best.

[rem 700]

Remington 870 :) mossberg or benelli would be good choices too.

[Duckman90]

I agree with TriggerHappyshawn. I have a mosberg, its nice and fairly reliable but i have 3 Remington 870's. Having shot both i can honestly say that the 870 has much better balance, reliabilty, and is just more comfortable to shoot. If i recall right, The Remington 870 is the most popular pump action shot gun that has ever been produced. More people hunt with them than any other pump shot gun...PLUS YOU CAN DROP DOVES AT 60yards with a 870 20ga. and full chokes

[triggerhappyshawn]

I just bought a nice 870 express and it is pretty sweet. You can get one for 229 at a gander mountain.

[Rodeoclown_bullfighter]

i would stay away from the express because i have many friends that have them and they are loose and wobble alot i shoot my dads 30 year old mossberg and it still shoots nice

[triggerhappyshawn]

rodeo bullfighter: i disgree with you. Your friends must have messed with their guns or something.
I was outside today shhooting my 870 express and i didnt have any problems with it!!

DONT LISTEN TO HIM GET THE 870 EXPRESS!!!!!!!!!!

[rem 700]

Then again, most mossbergs I come to see are loose and wobbly as rodeoclown has seen with 870s...but you know what either gun gets the job done, I just find the 870 has a better, more even upland pattern. They're quite close with turkey/goose loads and chokes but with normal loads I see most mossbergs have consistency problems. IMO mossbergs were of better quality back in the day, but like I say they both git 'er done.

[DinkKiller]

For a couple of bucks more, I'd definitely take the 870 Express . Either gun will do what it's intended for. Get what you want and have fun.

[Brent]

My first gun was an 870 Express and that is what I recommend as a nice $250 gun. I have not had any troubles with it. They have been around for a long time and there is a reason for it.

[YoungBuck]

I use an 870 express and its dropped birds all day long. My friend however swears by Mossberg. We both shoot about the same number of birds when we go out. So I would say its your whatever you can bring up to your shoulder easier.

[dovehuntergreenbay#1]

My local Gander Mountain has the 870 Express 12 or 20 for 229.00 and Remington has a mfr rebate for 30.00 making the gun cost 199.00. Don't own one myself mine are all Mossbergs but this is cheap for a Remington.

[tommy]

Good choice Shawn, any of those mentioned would have been OK, Good Luck and Good huntin!

[siucowboy]

I'm not sure there are two tougher more proven pump guns than the Moss 500 and the Rem 870....both are timeless and almost EVERYONE has at least one of these in the family.

I've never had ANY problems with either model, but I prefer the looks and feel of the 870 to the 500, but I wouldn't hesitate to hunt with either.

The nova is also a fine weapon, it's lighter and you'll get 3.5" capability cheaper than with Rem and Moss, but the 500 and 870 have one thing going for them that nothing else does:

YOU CAN GET ANYTHING FOR THEM....if there's a shotgun accessory, it's made for a 500 or an 870 when it's not made for anything else. Don't like the stock? Swap it out! (can't do that on a polymer Nova), want a deer gun, go get you a rifled barrel, want a turkey gun, go get a short barrel and some turkey tubes and some camo stocks, etc...you get my drift....many people own just a 500 or an 870 and the gun transforms for every season....

Might also consider the Moss 835 Ulti Mag too....like the 500 but 3.5".

[Upland_Hunter]

I own 870 express shotguns in 12 and 20 GA and I love them. I've never had a problem with any looseness (my 12 GA is 10 years old and seasoned). Several of my buddies hunt 870's as well and theirs are not loose either. You can't beat an 870 for the price. It will come down to what feels right for you. Personally I don't like the fore end of the 500 and the 870 comes up better for me. Handle them both before buying and see which feels right.

[triggerhappyshawn]

Stick To The Brand Of Guns That We All Know And Trust. Stick With The Guns That Everyone Has So That You Know Its A Good Gun. Not That Mossberg Or Nova Crap-shawn

[KLIKBANGTHUD]

Here's my 2 cents as a remington owner. I went with the rem 870 due to it's feel. it is rock solid not sloppy on the forgrip like every other mossberg that I have handled. The mossberg 835 Ulti Mag is not as bad as the rest, but a friend bought one and after a few hundred rounds it began getting sloppy also. I have an 870 in 2 3/4 my wife bought as a gift for me. It was manufactured in 1952, and it still is solid! I also have an 870 express super mag that I use for ducks and geese and it performs without a hiccup, no matter what the weather or conditions throw my way.
Long and short of it- go to wal-mart, gander mtn, where ever, and pick up one of each. Close your eyes and shoulder the gun. Open your eyes and you should be looking at a clean sight picture. If not put it back and try another. In the end, buy what fits you the best. Benelli, Remington, Browning, or Mossberg, they will all be able to be past down to the next generation if ya keep them clean, and oiled properly.

[cord14]

the moss I have had both sill have many mossbergs one 600 at my old old gun the rem well just died i hunt hard been doing it for 30+ go with the moss

[wildbio]

I have the Moss 500 and it has worked just fine. It'sbeen very reliable and isn't loose after 5 years of shooting lot's of birds and never treating it gently. I bought it because I shoot left handed and I found it easier to cycle a round than the 870. I did buy my wife an 870. The 870 does feel a bit more solid and the barrel isn't ported (which just makes for a quiter shot). Somehow the plug fell out of my magaizine tube (on the MOssberg) and I discovered that it isn't very easy to get inside the tube because it's a press - fitting. The 870 mag tube is easily accessed for cleaning, etc.
Remember shotguns aren't guided missile launchers....they throw wads of shot out there so all should be accurate....just get what fits you and feels good!

[TCCC]

Field & Stream magazine published an article within the past 12 months about a survey of readers favorite guns. The Rem. 870 was by far the most popular. Having said that, I've been using a Mossberg 500 in 12 gauge for a long time and never had a problem with it at all.

[Flatcoat1]

I shoot both the 870 and the mossburg. Only big difference I see is the location of the safety. Do you like the top tang (mossburg) or the triggerguard (870)? I have had trouble with two mossburgs and that dealt with the safety sticking in the semi-open stage. A little work and I got it back to the proper position. Flatcoat

[257Magnum]

I've been shooting the same mossberg 500 20ga. for 14 years now and it's as solid as the first day it was shot. Lot's of friends have the 870 it's a great gun as well. Both are easy to work on and you can find accessories for both at any mom and pop shop on the planet. Friend of mine just bought a mossberg from wal-mart, probably same one your looking at. Took it to the range and it shot all day long, just like a champ

[coyotehunter]

those are all good guns, but for the price you cant beat the wal-mart mossberg. ive shot litteraly thousands of rounds thru mine and it hasnt failed me yet.

[SPARKY50]

I have 2 Mossberg 500 12 gauges and a 870 20 guage, youth model. I hunt birds with both of them and both are great, but I love the 870 for rabbits. It is easy to tote and and real quick to the shoulder when a bunny breaks loose from under your feet.

If you can borrow both models from a buddy, shoot both of them and decide which one feels better. You won't go wrong on either one.

And it is more in the shooter than the gun. Some of my dove hunting buddies have $1000+ guns and I usually take more birds with fewer shots than they do.

[mikeingeorgia]

I couldn't even guess how many rabbits I've taken with a Moss 500 20 ga. I really like the position of the safety. When I carry it, I can keep my right thumb on the safety, and when the rabbit hops I can release the safety as I'm bringing the gun up into my shoulder. If you get a chance though, by all means try out one of each one you are thinking about beforehand. Good Luck, Mike

[wranglerdude]

I vote for the Remington 870 Express. Mine is 15 years old or so and has been trouble free. I have shot skeet with it but mostly it takes care of the unwelcome woodpeckers that think my chimney chase is their private pecking area. Of course, I let them fly first!

[EaternDeerHunter]

I have two Model 870 Express shotguns, a 20 and a 12, I have used both for deer and both for quail pheasant and partridge and i have no complaints. They are nice looking and exceptionally. I have never shot the mossberg so i cant say anything about that but i strongly recomend the Model 870 Express (it even sounds cool when you say it)

[alphadan]

As a left handed shooter as well as a new hunter... would you recommend the 870 express or the benelli nova? Assuming that I can find a left-handed one to buy.

[Perkinz88]

Another Vote for the Remington 870! I bought mine new when I was 17, and Im 27 now... has it been that long? Anyways, the gun has been trouble free for 10 years and I shoot a lot, hunting in the fall, skeet and sporting clays in the spring and summer! Its the most reliable gun in my vault!

[fishboss49]

What about Charles Daily $199 to $219 for a fantastic shot gun,easy shooting and fun too. You can get a all camo for as much as others cost and a quality gun also.

[keb2739]

Remington makes left handed 870's, don't know about Benelli. You just can't beat the 870 for reliability. Many, many police departments have issued them for years, and cops are harder on their toys then anyone. I know this to be fact.

Hunt safe,

Kyle

[ras_f250]

I agree with TriggerHappyshawn. I have a mosberg, its nice and fairly reliable but i have 3 Remington 870's. Having shot both i can honestly say that the 870 has much better balance, reliabilty, and is just more comfortable to shoot. If i recall right, The Remington 870 is the most popular pump action shot gun that has ever been produced. More people hunt with them than any other pump shot gun...PLUS YOU CAN DROP DOVES AT 60yards with a 870 20ga. and full chokes
Must have use #5 shot 2 reach out that far 2 hit a dove and may be seating in tree (kiding)

[Tracker370]

Buy nothing but the Remington 870 Express. I've owned one for the last sixteen years, and I would get rid of every other gun I own before my 870. You will not be disappointed!

[BIGBORELOVER]

Tracker370,

I believe you have gotten rid of every other gun you own, besides your REM 870. (Inside joke).

The Benelli Nova is a keeper if you like the black ops plastic looks. Its rugged and relatively light weight. They go for 299 - 340 depending on options.

[MOhunter]

870, 500,

and several others many would decry. if you go with a cheep sxs or o/u get dubble triggers all the problem in the cheep guns are with the single trigger guns.

[Tracker370]

Tracker370,

I believe you have gotten rid of every other gun you own, besides your REM 870. (Inside joke).

The Benelli Nova is a keeper if you like the black ops plastic looks. Its rugged and relatively light weight. They go for 299 - 340 depending on options.


Actually, I still have my Ruger 10/22. That gun, plus the Rem 700 in 300 Win Mag I am buying in two weeks, is the only other gun I owned that has a legacy. Your Guide Gun will be the same way in twenty years. It's sentimentality for me!

[rantingredneck]

What about Charles Daily $199 to $219 for a fantastic shot gun,easy shooting and fun too. You can get a all camo for as much as others cost and a quality gun also.


I'd stay away from the Daly's. Quality varies widely from gun to gun and they've changed the country they import from about 3 or 4 times in the last 10 years. One common problem that they have is light striking the primer and the shell not going boom. Several gun stores around here won't even carry them anymore due to the high rate of return to the factory for service. I had a maximag for awhile but recently traded it on an 870 if that tells you anything.

[H2O Dog]

Remington 870 without a doubt!

[wildbio]

Mossberg 500 and Remington 870 - both are durable, reliable, and kill as well as any of the more expensive ones.