People have opinions of which gun may be better in terms of quality, but don't let your friend forget that how a shotgun fits/feels/comes up is probably the most important factor when choosing one.
I personally don't like the way the 870 fits me. A Mossberg 500 or 535 fits much better. Also, I owned a BPS for several years and appreciated its quality. Finally, I was able to admit that it also didn't "feel" right to me and I sold it. I now have a shotgun that may be inferior in a lot of ways, but it works for me.
Get your friend to go out to the stores and pick up and shoulder as many models as he can and pick the one that fits him best.
Shotgun Choice?
Re: shotgun choice?
Justin hit the nail on the head. Shotguns are used instinctively. The bead is not supposed to be used when shooting. I own a few shotguns and have traded some off because they didn't fit and I didn't feel like getting them fitted. There is a world of difference between one that fits and one that does not. My Benelli SBEs comes with shims that allow for a closer fit. Your friend should shoulder them with his eyes closed to see it they fit by looking when it is mounted. A second bead is nice to see if it fits (you want to stack the beads to see a figure 8 ) but certainly useless when hunting or shooting.justin wrote:People have opinions of which gun may be better in terms of quality, but don't let your friend forget that how a shotgun fits/feels/comes up is probably the most important factor when choosing one.
Get your friend to go out to the stores and pick up and shoulder as many models as he can and pick the one that fits him best.
Last edited by Boo on Sun Jan 13, 2008 7:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Some people just like stepping on rakes
As mentioned, with a shotgun "package" you can hunt just about anything. Squirrel, rabbit, grouse, turkey, deer, bear and some may even use it for moose.
Another option yet to be mentioned is a combination gun. A rifle over a shotgun. Not great for follow up shooting but great versatility in one gun.
Another option yet to be mentioned is a combination gun. A rifle over a shotgun. Not great for follow up shooting but great versatility in one gun.
You can take the man out of the woods but you can't take the woods out of the man.
"Celebrate your harvest with a Bloodtrail Ale(tm)!!"
"It CAN Be Done!"
"Celebrate your harvest with a Bloodtrail Ale(tm)!!"
"It CAN Be Done!"
Justin makes a great point. I don't care how well a shotgun is made if it doesn't fit right you're not going to hit squat with it. Remingtons fit me okay, at least well enough that I can shoot well with then but Brownings fit me best by far. I can shoot more consistantly with my BPS than with any gun I've ever owned and that's included some higher end over/unders and side x side's. Fit is a very personal thing so your buddy may have to try a few to see what works best for him.
While I personally don't like mid beads I wouldn't say they are useless. They are really intended for clay target shooters who shoot high gun (pre-mounted) to insure they have a consistant mount. I think they are a detrement to low gun shooters and hunters.A second bead is nice to see if it fits (you want to stack the beads to see a figure 8 ) but certainly useless when hunting or shooting.
The most important blood trail leads to the Cross...
Phoenix
HHA Optimizer
Hawke scope
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Phoenix
HHA Optimizer
Hawke scope
Boo strings
Boo tuned trigger
I sold my 870 and bought a Mossberg 500 this past fall. Now it's not fair of me to compare fit as the Mossberg is a Bantam model. 
I bought it used and it came with a 2nd bead which took some getting used to. I have to line them up (not stacked) and it still shoots a bit high for me. I'm considering removing the middle bead, but I want to shoot a stack of clays before I make that decision.
I really liked my 870, but this Mossberg seems just a bit more slick. Both guns were bought well used, but very well-maintained and the actions felt like they would almost work themselves. It all comes down to fit (and something less tangible - maybe vibes?
) The 870 felt good, but the Mossberg felt like an extension of my arm the first time I shouldered it.
I bought it used and it came with a 2nd bead which took some getting used to. I have to line them up (not stacked) and it still shoots a bit high for me. I'm considering removing the middle bead, but I want to shoot a stack of clays before I make that decision. I really liked my 870, but this Mossberg seems just a bit more slick. Both guns were bought well used, but very well-maintained and the actions felt like they would almost work themselves. It all comes down to fit (and something less tangible - maybe vibes?
) The 870 felt good, but the Mossberg felt like an extension of my arm the first time I shouldered it.
Last edited by VixChix on Sun Jan 13, 2008 8:19 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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"Team DryFire"
Vixen, Micro 315, HHA Optimizer, Boo & VixenMaster strings, Munch Mounts, Dr. Stirrup accessories.
Sent from a mobile device - So spelling and grammar may be questionable!
---
"Team DryFire"
Vixen, Micro 315, HHA Optimizer, Boo & VixenMaster strings, Munch Mounts, Dr. Stirrup accessories.
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Grizzly Adam
- Posts: 5701
- Joined: Fri Aug 04, 2006 8:36 pm
- Location: Decatur County, Indiana
Amen and amen on the fitting advice.
You'll notice in my former post I said my Win 1300 FITS me better ... and that makes all the difference.
When I shoulder it, I don't have to do any adjusting to get the barrel where it ought to be ... my eye catches the rib automatically and it works beautifully for me. I just can't get that with Rem 870s ... and lots of other guns.
FIT is all important. It would be good if your friend could actually shoot some shotguns of the type he wants to purchase ... in the presence of someone who can help him with mounting, pointing, and shooting the gun ... preferably on some clays.
The slug barrel factor is a whole different matter, using rifle techniques. Fit matters there too ... but not as much.
Best of luck!
You'll notice in my former post I said my Win 1300 FITS me better ... and that makes all the difference.
When I shoulder it, I don't have to do any adjusting to get the barrel where it ought to be ... my eye catches the rib automatically and it works beautifully for me. I just can't get that with Rem 870s ... and lots of other guns.
FIT is all important. It would be good if your friend could actually shoot some shotguns of the type he wants to purchase ... in the presence of someone who can help him with mounting, pointing, and shooting the gun ... preferably on some clays.
The slug barrel factor is a whole different matter, using rifle techniques. Fit matters there too ... but not as much.
Best of luck!
Grizz
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LondonDave
- Posts: 402
- Joined: Thu Oct 11, 2007 2:34 am
- Location: London, Ontario Canada
Re: shotgun choice?
You guys are both correct the feel of the gun is ultimatley the most important factor. However based on the question if funds are an issue feel of the gun is not a factor. I personally own the 870 fully riffled for deer only and like it but love my bennelli nova the feel of the nova is much more supierior then the 870. I want to buy a riffled barrel for the nova and keep the 870 for when my son wants to hunt someday!! HOPEFULLY!!Boo wrote:Justin hit the nail on the head. Shotguns are used instinctively. The bead is not supposed to be used when shooting. I own a few shotguns and have traded some off because they didn't fit and I didn't feel like getting them fitted. There is a world of difference between one that fits and one that does not. My Benelli SBEs comes with shims that allow for a closer fit. Your friend should shoulder them with his eyes closed to see it they fit by looking when it is mounted. A second bead is nice to see if it fits (you want to stack the beads to see a figure 8 ) but certainly useless when hunting or shooting.justin wrote:People have opinions of which gun may be better in terms of quality, but don't let your friend forget that how a shotgun fits/feels/comes up is probably the most important factor when choosing one.
Get your friend to go out to the stores and pick up and shoulder as many models as he can and pick the one that fits him best.
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Pydpiper
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I must have got lucky, the 870 feels like it was made just for me. 
My Rossi is a smooth bore, I use the front bead to shoot slugs and it works great! I can see why they wouldn't be of much value in a flying bird situation, but from a rest I find it to be a great point of reference.
My Rossi is a smooth bore, I use the front bead to shoot slugs and it works great! I can see why they wouldn't be of much value in a flying bird situation, but from a rest I find it to be a great point of reference.
If you are not willing to learn, nobody can help you, if you are willing, nobody can stop you.
A bowhunter with a passion for shooting firearms.
WMU 91
Boo string
A bowhunter with a passion for shooting firearms.
WMU 91
Boo string
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hatchet jack
- Posts: 451
- Joined: Thu May 05, 2005 12:49 pm
- Location: topeka kansas
A little off topic but can anyone help me out on recoil. I have an 870 smooth bore and the kick when I fire a slug is unbelievable. Maybe I'm just a wimp but the black and yellow bruising suggests not. I'm look at ways to diminish recoil. Any suggestions?
I dread sighting the gun in each fall. My shoulder doesn't need that kind of abuse.
Dan O.
I dread sighting the gun in each fall. My shoulder doesn't need that kind of abuse.
Dan O.
If you're not part of the solution, you might be part of the problem.
DanO, I shoot over 10 boxes of 3.5" 12 gauge shells per year and often several boxes of 10 gauge shells per year and I don't mind the recoil but I hate slugs with a passion. I should qualify that by saying that I don't feel much when I shoot at an animal but I do react poorly to slugs when I check the gun on a target prior to hunting. I shoot 3" Winchester Supremes and man do they ever hurt but they hurt the deer even more! LOL!
You can often reduce felt recoil by shortening the stock and use a recoil shield on your shoulder/chest, pad and raise the comb(top of the stock), use a gas operated gun, use a newer type of recoil pad (I use sorbathane), add weight to the gun(mercury suppressors or just weight in the stock), shoot in a more erect position(standing), have the barrel Pro Ported(Magnaport) and make sure the stock is not too long for you.
I think I will switch to 2 3/4" next year. There are guys who really don't mind slugs. Pydpier things they are fun![img][img]http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c220/ ... /crazy.gif[/img][/img]
You can often reduce felt recoil by shortening the stock and use a recoil shield on your shoulder/chest, pad and raise the comb(top of the stock), use a gas operated gun, use a newer type of recoil pad (I use sorbathane), add weight to the gun(mercury suppressors or just weight in the stock), shoot in a more erect position(standing), have the barrel Pro Ported(Magnaport) and make sure the stock is not too long for you.
I think I will switch to 2 3/4" next year. There are guys who really don't mind slugs. Pydpier things they are fun![img][img]http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c220/ ... /crazy.gif[/img][/img]
Some people just like stepping on rakes
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jpscribbler
- Posts: 33
- Joined: Sat Nov 24, 2007 12:30 am
- Location: Hamilton, Ont.
shotgun choice
Interesting and intelligent discussion. It's why I joined and continue to monitor the Excal site.
I like the divergent and respectful views and most of all, I like the voices of experience.
For what it's worth, I grew up salivating after my dad's 12 ga. Winchester pump. It was made in the mid-1950's has the quick release barrel with the beer bottle foregrip.
When I was 16 - in the late 70s - and bought my first shotgun, I bought a Smith and Wesson Model 1000 pump. 30" barrel. It was okay and did the job, but I had a problem when the no lead regs came into effect.
I had friends who shot Browning and I loved the Browning over and under Citori. It was a beautiful gun to handle and look at, problem for me is I couldn't hit anything with it. I then purchased a Remington 870 and it's the best shotgun I ever owned. When it comes to my field gear, I like performance and utility. For me the 870 is tough, clean and shoulders well.
It is versatile and priced right.
I'll echo the previous voices - choosing a gun is a personal choice. All our bodies and characteristics are different and there is no one size fits all.
I like the divergent and respectful views and most of all, I like the voices of experience.
For what it's worth, I grew up salivating after my dad's 12 ga. Winchester pump. It was made in the mid-1950's has the quick release barrel with the beer bottle foregrip.
When I was 16 - in the late 70s - and bought my first shotgun, I bought a Smith and Wesson Model 1000 pump. 30" barrel. It was okay and did the job, but I had a problem when the no lead regs came into effect.
I had friends who shot Browning and I loved the Browning over and under Citori. It was a beautiful gun to handle and look at, problem for me is I couldn't hit anything with it. I then purchased a Remington 870 and it's the best shotgun I ever owned. When it comes to my field gear, I like performance and utility. For me the 870 is tough, clean and shoulders well.
It is versatile and priced right.
I'll echo the previous voices - choosing a gun is a personal choice. All our bodies and characteristics are different and there is no one size fits all.