first shotgun - what to buy?

I will have to see if there is somewhere locally I can try some of these guns. ill have to look into the Mossberg as the tang safety is a feature I liked about the BPS.
 
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If you are not squeezing your pennies too closely, I would choose the Browning BPS over either the Remington 870 or Mossberg 500. You will definitely want it to handle 3" shells and preferrably have the screw in chokes (if by chance you are looking used).

My all time favorite shotgun was the Ithaca M37 which had bottom ejection. That is a HUGE selling point for the Browning. Huge.
 
I did a bit of research on the Mossberg 500 today in my spare time. it looks like I could buy one and get a few mods or an extra barrel for the price of a wingmaster or bps.
 
Seriously consider a double barrel if you can deal with the added weight. If not, the 870 is a terrific pump action that will last lifetimes. Plural. It will outlive you with proper care.
 
After using both the 870 and 500 a bunch for upland game birds I'll go with the 500, I've had fewer issues from it overall. I also agree that I might stay away from the remington because of the Freedom group messing with their production process making things "better" and "more efficient".
 
SoCal_kid said:
.....the 870 is a terrific pump action that will last lifetimes. Plural. It will outlive you with proper care.
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The old Remingtons? Yes.

The new ones? I wouldn't bet on it.

pwerfel said:
Ithaca Model 37.....
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Agreed - if you can find an old Itaca 37 in good condition, jump on it. Basically the same JM Browning-designed action as the BPS.
 
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The new 870 Expresses I have shot ran just fine. They aren't finished as nicely as the old Wingmasters but that's what you get with an Express model. No pretty, all business.
 
I am a lefty as well, and have owned a lot of shotguns. My recommendation is to get the Browning BPS. The bottom eject, the safety on the tang, and the great build quality, and you will have a friend for life! You will not regret it.
Just my $0.02
Dave
 
The 870 is a great gun for the money are there are accessories available to modify one to suit almost any occasion. I don't duck hunt but have a BPS 20 that I have taken countless squirrels, pheasant, and quail with, never had a problem and never had a reason to strip the gun.
 
Duck hunting is a passion of mine and for pump shotguns they would be
1- older Remington 870 express with synthetic stock.
But since your lefty I'd swing my vote to the Browning.
The Ithaca I feel is a great gun but they seem very muzzle light for me. Hard to keep the barrel down on 2nd and 3rd shots.
I've also owned a Benelli Nova pump which was a tank but I did not care for it. Gave that one to my brother.
I'll lump the Mossberg with the Benelli Nova in that they have the finesse of a 4x4.

If your budget will allow it get a Benelli auto and don't look back.
 
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mossberg 500 combo with an 18" HD barrel, and the 26" hunting barrel. Can be had for around $300. Then hunt until you can afford a benelli!
 
I'm left handed and have hunted with my Remmy 870 (the standard right hand version) for right around 30 years. I left the safety the factory way as its no problem once you get used to it . I can't comment on the Mossberg because I bought the Remington 1st and never saw the need for anything else. Hth
 
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