Recommendations for a bird gun

6448 Views 25 Replies 9 Participants Last post by Don Fischer, Aug 4, 2018

ShotgunPro

Discussion Starter · Mar 9, 2010

I am looking to replace my old Browning Light 12 ga semi-auto shotgun. I will use this shotgun for clays, goose, duck, dove and pretty much anything else that flies. I need some recommendations for what I should look into, preferably under $800 as it won't be my money buying it (birthday gift).

I have been eyeing the Stoeger M2000, and it seems to be a nice shotgun. What other makes/models can you suggest. Also, I have only really ever shot semi-auto, but would be willing to go with either pump or semi-auto.

Thanks

1 - 20 of 26 Posts

ShotgunPro

Discussion Starter · #2 · Mar 9, 2010

I am a fan of the Remington 11-87 supermag I am not sure about the price because it jumped this year on the website but, I got mine last year for $700. It is able to shoot 3 1/2 shells so takes care of geese if you want to do that. If you plan to slug hunt with it be prepared to spend $350+ on a barrel.:shock:

ShotgunPro

Discussion Starter · #3 · Mar 9, 2010

Is the Stoeger the Benelli M1 Clone? If so, it's a pretty decent shotgun.

Personally, for that price range, I'd see if a used Benelli could be found...I love my M1S90 for clays, bird hunting, all that fun stuff. It's nicely lightweight, making it a breeze to carry all day...super reliable (I've never, not once had it choke on anything from light trap loads to heavy upland loads to slugs...), and well, just plain the best darn semi-auto shotgun out there, period.

ETA--didn't see you wanted to go after goose...you may want to see if a used Benelli Super Black Eagle can be found (I've seen them under $1000), so you can use the 3.5" goose loads...

ShotgunPro

Discussion Starter · #4 · Mar 9, 2010

Goose, Remington SP10

ShotgunPro

Discussion Starter · #5 · Mar 9, 2010

laserrs said:
Goose, Remington SP10

Yeah. That'll be reeeeeeeeal fun to shoot clays with.:roll:

ShotgunPro

Discussion Starter · #6 · Mar 9, 2010

I've done some more reading and see that there are mixed reviews about the Stoeger.

I might be leaning towards a Benelli SuperNova, although it is a pump. It would be nice if I could convince the buyer (mother) to fork out for the Super Black Eagle II or the M2 Field. :roll:

ShotgunPro

Discussion Starter · #7 · Mar 9, 2010

99vengeur said:
I've done some more reading and see that there are mixed reviews about the Stoeger.

I might be leaning towards a Benelli SuperNova, although it is a pump. It would be nice if I could convince the buyer (mother) to fork out for the Super Black Eagle II or the M2 Field. :roll:

Consider the possibilty of a partial present...say, $800 towards the SBEII...:wink:

ShotgunPro

Discussion Starter · #8 · Mar 10, 2010

I would go with the old and reliable remington 1100 or the mossburg 500 pump. great shotguns and will knock anything out of the air. Also if you deer hunt you can change the barrell in the mossburg to a slug barrell.

ShotgunPro

Discussion Starter · #9 · Mar 10, 2010

Cuda66 said:
Yeah. That'll be reeeeeeeeal fun to shoot clays with.:roll:

Notice I said Goose? Obviously not

Does anyone even make a target load in 10ga?

There's a reason that there are so many different shotgun configurations available.

My Wingmaster does a great job with clays, deer, birds but I'm not sure its up for geese. Its only a 3" chamber.

ShotgunPro

Discussion Starter · #10 · Mar 10, 2010

laserrs said:
Notice I said Goose? Obviously not Does anyone even make a target load in 10ga?

There's a reason that there are so many different shotgun configurations available.

My Wingmaster does a great job with clays, deer, birds but I'm not sure its up for geese. Its only a 3" chamber.

Perhaps you weren't paying attention when the OP stated he wanted a shotgun that he could also shoot clays with...

ShotgunPro

Discussion Starter · #11 · Mar 10, 2010

Oh no, I saw it, but perhaps the OP isn't aware that he'll end up with a shotgun that is an all around mediocre performer. Go cheap, buy twice. You of all people should know that.

ShotgunPro

Discussion Starter · #12 · Mar 10, 2010

laserrs said:
Oh no, I saw it, but perhaps the OP isn't aware that he'll end up with a shotgun that is an all around mediocre performer. Go cheap, buy twice. You of all people should know that.

I'll state, right up front, that I don't goose hunt...or actually, do any waterfowling; first, I don't like the taste of sky carp, and second, the best days to go waterfowl hunting are days I'd rather be indoors with a fire, a good book, and a nice glass of good scotch...

However--I know many people who do; several started out with SP10s, or 10ga BPS's; most now have switched to 3.5" Benelli SBE's and the like; the reason: that same 12ga that they use with equal effectiveness on geese also works great for pheasant, or rabbit, or coyote, or turkey (or all of the above)...where a 10ga is pretty much a dedicated goose gun, without bringing a whole lot more benefit to the table (using the modern goose loads such as Hevi-Shot or Black Cloud). According to them, a 10ga will get you maybe--maybe 5-10 yards further reach over a 3.5" 12 guage; within range, they both knock those winged carp down great.

So--when the OP stated he wanted a multi-purpose shotgun capable of doing anything from clays to upland bird to goose...a 3.5" chambered 12ga is pretty much covers them all, and covers them all well...where a 10ga has an extremely limited area of use.

See less See more

ShotgunPro

Discussion Starter · #13 · Mar 10, 2010

I like pumps over semi autos. Only because i live in a very cold area. Alaska. The Semi tends to have more problems when it get down below 0.
It's flip a coin. Remington 870 or Mossberg. I like the Mossy 535

ShotgunPro

Discussion Starter · #14 · Mar 10, 2010

I always recommend the Browning BPS. It's the most comfortable pump I've ever picked up.

Reactions: 1

ShotgunPro

Discussion Starter · #15 · Mar 11, 2010

Sky Carp!!! LOL

ShotgunPro

Discussion Starter · #16 · Mar 11, 2010

For an all around gun I'd definitely agree with several on here that a good, used M1, SBE 1 or 2, Browning Gold or Silver or Beretta Extrema would be a good choice. Many will agree that a well maintained used gun of higher esteem is much preferred and better performing in the long run over a new, lower tier piece.

Another thing to consider is barrel length which would vary depending upon what your primarily quarry is. If clays or geese is your primary use you might look at 28" as the longer sighting plane and more forward balance point makes the gun swing a little smoother. Most duck guns typically wear a 26" barrel as they are easier to safely manuver in a blind or pit.

ShotgunPro

Discussion Starter · #17 · Mar 11, 2010

Remington 870 Wingmaster pump

Remington 11-87 auto

Reactions: 1

Dodger3131

· #18 · Oct 9, 2016

I recently bought a Beretta a300 Outlander and love it. I was also was in the market and nothing but great reviews on this shotgun.

ronlhodges

· #19 · Oct 10, 2016

This post is from March 2010.........., kinda old now .

Reactions: 2

SnapCap

· #20 · Oct 12, 2016

Browning's new A5 is a great gun and you will be familiar with the configuration. It is a short rather than long recoil system. I have shot one and liked it very much. I have several shooting buddies that love theirs.

1 - 20 of 26 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.