Shotgun

[ISUKing]

Looking for some information on shotguns. I am not a hunter, nor do I think I would like it. What I have found that I particularly enjoy is skeet shooting.

I have been trying to research some good guns but really have no idea what to be looking for.

I used my dad's 3 shot autoloader and really liked that, but seems that they are out of my price range.

I am looking for a good gun somewhere between $250 and $500, autoloader would be the preference, but pump action seems to be all I can find in that range.

Is it even worth looking at Walmart or something similar, their website has guns listed, but doesn't give much information about them.

 

[JP4CY]

For a pump action I have a Benelli Super Nova and the thing is rock solid. Highly recommend it.

 

[BigLame]

Any Benelli would be very good - but their semi-autos will be out of your price range. Pump action - maybe right at the top
For your price range, I'd say a Browning semi-auto could be had at the top of your price range - most likely used.
I'd look at Scheels & Cabelas to start pricing, then find a local gun store & see what they have. Just remember, you can negotiate price at any place, including the big boys - particularly on used firearms.

 

[JBone84]

In the $200 to $500 range, you won't be able to find an autoloader (think $1,000+ for an autoloader). The Benelli Nova or SuperNova would be awesome at that price range (will eat anything, plus can shoot 3-1/2" shells if you ever got into waterfowling). Remington 870 is the classic pump shotgun. One thing about pump shotguns - you won't have any trouble cycling light target loads, which some autoloaders struggle with (not enough force from the light loads to cycle the action properly).

 

[du4duks]

get yourself a used beretta auto, like a 390, 391, or 303. You can find these in your price range. You will never be sorry if you buy Beretta. It is almost impossible to shoot one out, so buying used is your best option in your price range. Good luck!

 

[JBone84]

I echo the sentiment to start shopping at Scheel's, Gander Mtn, Bass Pro, etcetera and then find your choice at the local gun store. Local gun store will be at least $100 cheaper to start and they are better at negotiating fair prices.

 

[TXCyclones]

In the price range you're looking at, yes, Walmart is worthwile and they do have a good selection. As those above have posted, Benelli is a great gun, but you're not likely going to find one in your price range. Don't worry about fancy for your first gun; functional is perfect. You'll likely find the all-black cheaper than the wood grain. But don't worry about aesthetics for now.

An alternative for your price range is to check out the swap meets. You can get a great gun in your price range!

 

[ISUKing]

I was actually looking at the Remington 870 so I am glad that I wasn't completely off base. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[MJAnderson]

For somebody starting out, it's hard to beat a Remington 870.

 

[jtm]

Other reply said to get Benelli but your price range eliminates that brand or any shotgun starting with a B that is new . I would suggest a Tristar Silver Viper semi-auto for under $600. BEST OF LUCK!!!
It is listed in Pheasants Forever magazine Fall 2011 edition. tristarsportingarms.com

 

[BigLame]

In the $200 to $500 range, you won't be able to find an autoloader (think $1,000+ for an autoloader). The Benelli Nova or SuperNova would be awesome at that price range (will eat anything, plus can shoot 3-1/2" shells if you ever got into waterfowling). Remington 870 is the classic pump shotgun. One thing about pump shotguns - you won't have any trouble cycling light target loads, which some autoloaders struggle with (not enough force from the light loads to cycle the action properly).

Remington - definitely a fine brand for this type of shotgun
Also, don't rule out other names like Winchester, etc. One of my favorites I have & use all of the time is an Ithaca.

 

[oldman]

To get something in that price range, you'll need to get a used gun. My first job growing up was working in my Dad's gun shop. Probably the most reliable semi-auto IMO is a Remington 1100. If you want a pump (which I use, but more difficult for skeet) I'd go with a Remington 870, or an Ithaca. Ithaca is great for lefties, as the hull ejects out of the bottom. Just my two cents.

 

[ISUKing]

Any advice on a good, reputable place to find used guns around Des Moines / Ankeny / Ames?

 

[bigsag]

Two suggestions:

1) go to gunbroker.com Good place to look at a lot of shotguns for sale. (I have bought several shotguns listed on this site.

2) Hard to go wrong with a Remington Wingmaster 870. Bought my first one in 1976, and (several thousand shells later) it's still as good as the day I bought it.

 

[JP4CY]

Any advice on a good, reputable place to find used guns around Des Moines / Ankeny / Ames?

Scheels. People forget that it is a family owned company too, its not just some big box store.

 

[VTXCyRyD]

Don't be afraid to buy used. I have a Remington 1100 that I bought used in your price range. It is an autoloader, but it is also heavier than the Bennellis and Berettas. If your just range shooting weight shouldn't be much of an issue.

I think you could buy a new Stoeger 2000 in your price range. Its an auto loader and is basically the same thing as a Bennelli (same company and same recoil design).

Go to Scheeles and look around. They also have used guns there.

 

[Agkistrodon]

Sportsman's Warehouse has a good selection of guns (or they did 6 years ago, anyways). I'm not sure how many used guns they carry, though.

Jax might be worth checking as well, although I recall their prices being a little steep and again, I'm not sure how many (if any) used firearms they carry.

 

[FarminCy]

I was actually looking at the Remington 870 so I am glad that I wasn't completely off base. Thanks for the suggestions.

I very rarely hunt anymore but have been using the same 870 since I was 15. 18 years later it still looks and works like brand new. Mine is the all black synthetic stock version. It has been through hell and back during some deer seasons (conditions where other guns were having issues especially the autoloaders) and has never had any issues.

lf you're looking to get started it's tough to beat an 870.

 

[FarminCy]

Any advice on a good, reputable place to find used guns around Des Moines / Ankeny / Ames?

Sportsman's in Ankeny or JAX in Ames.

If you are ever going north soon Cabelas in Owatonna used to have a huge used gun selection.

 

[JBone84]

You can get a new Benelli Nova or SuperNova (both pumps) for less than or right at $500. Nice thing about the Remington 870 is that you can get one with both the smooth barrel (shooting clays and birds) and the rifled barrel (shooting slugs). But, if you aren't going to hunt deer you wouldn't use the rifled barrel.

Beretta makes good stuff, Winchester makes nice stuff. There aren't a lot of shotguns you need to run away from if you are going to get a pump. Be cautious with cheap autoloaders.