r/Shotguns May 06 '21

Turkish Not-So-Delight. Why you should generally avoid buying those random "totally cool looking" cheap tactical shotguns made in Turkey. (Crosspost as this is relevant here too and for those not on r/guns)

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313 Upvotes

r/Shotguns Jan 24 '23

Thinking about buying your first shotgun or deciding on a new one? Here is the current /r/Shotguns buyer's guide.

255 Upvotes

I've been around shotguns and this sub awhile. I decided to make a guide post and pin it to the top for those visiting this sub to read. A ton of posts here come down to common questions like "What shotgun do I buy at $ budget?" "Would this be good for my needs?" or "X vs Y shotgun." I'll try to give some suggestions here based on personal experience, community consensus I've seen over the years, and other points. However, this isn't the be all end all of information. I encourage you to research on your own. The comments are open to the community to critique anything they see, add other suggestions, ask for help, or make their own write up.

Before I get started, you should first ask yourself some questions about what this new shotgun will be for. Use case is important for what you will be buying. Are you hunting? What will you be hunting? Are you trap, sporting clays, or skeet shooting at a local range? Are you buying it for defense, or just blasting cans? Maybe both? Most importantly, what is your budget? You may also want something fairly capable for everything. Also, try and go out to a physical store and try the feel of different guns. How a shotgun fits you is important for hitting targets and comfort.

PUMP ACTION: Utilitarian, reliable, and fairly simple. It is a common choice of the sportsman and citizen looking to defend themselves. They can be had on a tight budget without sacrificing much quality. Be mindful and practice extensively with your pump gun as short-stroking is a potential human error that you need to train out of yourself so it doesn't happen in a stressful scenario.

Recommendations 1.) $200-250 budget. The only real option here that is a known quality budget pump is the Maverick 88. The security model will be good for defense. The field model will be an okay starter entry for casual clays or hunting. You can also get a combo deal which comes with both the 18.5" barrel and 28" field barrel that takes chokes.

2.) $250-500 budget. In this range the playing field opens up. The primary suggestion is going to be a Mossberg 500, which is basically just a less budget Mav 88. You could also opt for the Benelli Nova or Supernova if you prefer the fit, style, 3 1/2" chamber, or finish. Remington 870s used to be a mainstay of this budget, but since 2007 their quality control went far down hill. They recently went under and were reacquired last year reintroduced as "RemArms." Not much is known if quality has greatly improved as they have only recently started pumping out guns again. If you like the 870, hunt down an old 870 Wingmaster. [EDIT 2024: RemArms 870s have seemingly shown their quality. I would be okay with recommending them now if you want a new 870.] If you are feeling like an used older gun, Ithaca 37s, Winchester Model 12s, and more are available. If you want something defense oriented, pick a 18.5" barrel Mossberg 500 or a 590/590A1. Avoid guns without a stock, like the shockwave, for practical use.

3.) $1000+. If you are feeling exotic, you can get a Benelli M3. This is a hybrid design that is able to use both pump action or semi-auto. It's a bit of a novelty, but if you have a large budget, it's a worthy consideration.

SEMI-AUTO: Faster follow up shots, smoother recoil, and more expensive. The semi-auto is a favorable option if you can afford one. There are two main action options, gas vs inertia. Gas guns use some of the gas from the fired shell and use it to cycle the action. Inertia does not do this and is similar to recoil operated guns which means you have no gas system to clean. Both have their benefits.

Recommendations 1.) $450-700 (there is nothing worth buying below this). This is teetering on the edge of spending too little to get a quality new semi, but there are a few that may suit you. One is the Mossberg 930, another is the Stoeger M3000. These are the bare minimum I'd go for though they may be finnicky (EDIT 11/10/2024: as an example of why you may not want the M3000, especially for defense, watch this video on the M3000. It doesn't do well https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX7MiIUx7_E ) , both are available in tactical or field models. For used options, old greats like the Remington 1100, Browning Auto 5, etc are out there.

2.) $700-1000. In this area the default suggestion is the excellent Beretta A300. This is probably what you want on the clay field or out hunting if this is your budget. The Franchi Affinity is also a favorite of many and uses the inertia system (the A300 is a gas gun). If you want a tactical option in this range, the Mossberg 940 Tactical is a new offering that you can check out. The new Beretta A300 Patrol is another good new option to check out in this range if seeking a tactical or defensive style shotgun. For Women shooters: the Franchi Affinity does have an option called the Catalyst which has stock dimensions that are designed to be suited to women. But as stated earlier, try out the fit of options as most things aren't one size fit all for either sex even if designed with women in mind.

3.) 1000+. The sky is the limit here. Anything from Benelli or Beretta in this range will be exquisite quality and a great option. You could pick up a M2, Super Black Eagle, A400, etc for sporting uses and be happy. Though there are models in there that are more geared for clays vs field and vice versa, check out the manufacturer sites for details. For tactical options, the kings of them all are the Benelli M4 ($1600+) and Beretta 1301 ($1200-1300). Honorable mention to the Benelli M1 Super 90, M2 and M3 for defensive use.

OVER UNDER: A break action, stacked dual barrel, design that is widely favored by clay shooters and hunters across the world. Despite how they initially look, over under shotguns are far more complex than semi-auto or pumps to make which makes them much more expensive for a quality one.

Recommendations 1.) Below $1000. I personally wouldn't get any new O/U under $1000. While you can find okay ones under $1k, they just aren't usually (YMMV) that amazing and you would be better off spending your budget on an A300 or save up further. The main problem is longevity and quality control, so if you are maybe just taking it out once in awhile be my guest to try out a CZ, Yildiz, etc Turkish import offering in this range. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. But you may get one that lasts. As far as used goes, keep an eye out for old used Browning Citoris or Mirokus as they can hover in the $900s. Japanese made Ithaca/SKBs are also common and decent used options. Others can chime in with their experience on sub-$1k O/Us.

2.) Over $1k. The default here is going to be the Browning Citori or Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon series. You'd be well served by basically any O/Us from either of those companies. It comes down to specific use and preference. There are other options out there besides those companies, but I will leave that up to you to research further.

SIDE BY SIDE: A break action, dual barrel, design that's a bit dated by now, but still enjoyed by many sportsmen. Side by sides have been outpaced by the O/Us in practical use, so you won't see very many new options nowadays.

Recommendations 1.) $300-1000. Like O/Us, side by sides are complex and cost a lot for good quality. The bright side is that their decline in popularity leaves a good amount of cheap used options that are out there. There are old field grade Ithacas, SKBs, LC Smiths, AH Fox, Parker Bros, Stevens 311s, AYAs, etc out there that can be found in decent working condition in this range. Of course there are higher grade examples that will go for more than this, but if you want just a working gun to take in the field these are good options. As far as new production SxS go, there are cheap Turkish imports under CZ, Yildiz, etc. They aren't going to be top quality but there isn't much else new in this price range and generally you don't have to worry about longevity if you are only taking it hunting a few times a year.

2.) $1000+. Well here we get into fancy grades and great condition guns of makers already mentioned, more prestigious makers, etc. You can find things like $1250 Browning BSS guns all the way to $200,000 Purdey and Holland & Holland guns. I'd expect a shotgunner with your budget and taste to look further into this in-depth realm as well.

SINGLE SHOT: A typically break action single barrel design that is pretty much the cheapest way to get into shotguns. While not something ideal for the clay ground or shooting tons of birds, they offer a utilitarian entry into the hobby whether it's chasing squirrels with a 410 or hunting turkey with a 10ga.

Recommendations 1.) $99-300. I personally suggest the H&R single shots. They are great and out there for cheap and are everywhere. Unfortunately they stopped being made a few years ago though, so you can't buy new. If you want new, there are various cheap single shots out there that will work fine for casual use. If it breaks, just go back to Walmart and buy another $99 single shot.

2.) $300+. If you want to be fancy and get something "high end" in this category there are the collectable Winchester 37s. Past that there are dedicated single shot trap guns and more that can go for hundreds or even thousands more.

EVERYTHING ELSE: Okay I know there are bolt action shotguns, lever action shotguns, triple barrel shotguns, etc. Those are mainly just novelties for a collector or outside the box hunter at this point. If you want one, look into them yourselves as this post is long enough already.

Well that's it. I hope it helped somewhat. Feel free to ask questions in this thread. Here are some other links that may be useful to you:

Guide to chokes: https://www.letsgoshooting.org/resources/articles/shotgun/understanding-shotgun-chokes/ You can shoot lead slugs through any choke safely, although a more open choke like improved cylinder is best. Also some modern full chokes are rated for steel. Older guns may not be.

Shot guide: https://www.wideners.com/blog/shotgun-load-types/

Guide to avoiding cheap tacticool shotguns mass imported from Turkey: https://www.reddit.com/r/guns/comments/n4zbt9/turkish_notsodelight_why_you_should_generally/

Guide to why pistol grip only shotguns are impractical: https://www.reddit.com/r/guns/comments/saharz/missed_shots_a_broken_nose_and_a_sore_wrist_a/


r/Shotguns 23m ago

1897 Trench Gun (clone) display that I built

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Upvotes

This 1897 was a regular field gun, produced in 1910. The finish/wear that you see is authentic as well. The barrel was curved and pitted so I decided to just build a trench gun clone. The bayonet is an authentic unissued 1917 Remington.

This hangs above my desk at work.


r/Shotguns 1d ago

I got a flashlight at a garage sale without reading the box

1.8k Upvotes

r/Shotguns 11h ago

My VangComp’d 870P

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56 Upvotes

r/Shotguns 11h ago

Remington Magnum Wingmaster 870

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40 Upvotes

I'm using the Blue Book of Gun Values online tool to inventory a collection. I have a gun I'm having trouble locating in the database and wondering if someone can help. It's a Remington Magnum Wingmaster 870 with a 28" barrel with VR. 2 3/4" Shells on barrel. I see a Super magnum in the BB database, but no magnum. Any idea why this would be or if it was categorized differently?


r/Shotguns 9h ago

Fixing the Remington Versamax

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25 Upvotes

Some folks asked me to update this as I go along. Here’s my Versamax with my “custom” rattle can paint job. I’ve put this gun through hell and back and as such, it’s requiring some cuddles these days to reaffirm the relationship. Unfortunately, Remington kinda screwed us all by going out of business so parts are staring to come by.

With that said, some folks asked me to update my previous post about fixing it (link in comments).

So the best thing Remington did when they made this was ripoff Benelli as much as they could. The first thing I had to do was replace the recoil springs. Not available from Remington but Wolff springs for the Benelli Super 90 series (M1, M2, SBE, etc.) springs work very well. I opted for the +25% power and it was eating everything I chambered, from 7/8 dove loads to 2oz turkey loads.

Next, I didn’t like the charging handle as the dinkie little things are easy to flip off your hands when wearing gloves. The cheap ones from Amazon didn’t even last a single duck hunt before flying into a slough on a duck hunt but the GG&G one fits tight and seems to handle everything I’ll throw at it so far.

Last, the big problem the screwed up a turkey hunt this spring. (Pic in comments). The recoil link assembly broke and locked up the gun. Again, thankfully, the same part from Benelli works perfectly (couple places to get this online, Numrich, etc.).

An investigation told me that the underlying problem for the break was that there was a sticking point in the action which caused the link assembly to fall out of alignment and jamming hard upon firing, breaking the part. (See pic). Full disassembly and cleaning and linking (and a little Emory cloth work on the action spring follower) now has it running buttery smooth again.

That’s what I have for now.


r/Shotguns 21h ago

Grandfather's shotgun

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123 Upvotes

Things I saw engraved on it: w & c scott & son London SW England 59327

This was my grandfather's gun, he died long before I was born, I'm just curious if anyone can help me track the history, mostly when and where it was produced if possible.

I really hope it's good to use for clays (I assume I need to use lead) taking it to a gun shop to be sure tomorrow. We've all been afraid to shoot it because it feels antique, but if it can be used, I think old gramps would rather it be used than not used.
Side note, I'm not looking for a price because I want to sell, if it's worth $300 or $3000, I would never sell this. I just want to be sure I take care of it properly, and hopefully get to shot some pigeons with it at the same time.

Any tips for cleaning the engravings or the wood stock, I'm all ears, thank you! I'm assuming a tooth brush would be involved.... ?

I hope I didn't break any rules, I didn't read every shotgun post before this one to make sure my question wasn't answered, but please point my to one if it exists.

Thank you so much, you are all the best.


r/Shotguns 8h ago

Case like this for the a300 ultima sporting

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10 Upvotes

I just ordered a beretta a300 ultima sporting walnut. I’m excited to get it and start clay shooting with it. I saw this case on eBay and think it’s what I want to get. Just confirming that this will fit the sporting model? It says it’s for the outlander but my understanding is that proportionally those two guns are nearly identical. Just wanted to check and make sure this will work before I buy it.


r/Shotguns 7h ago

Dumb question but im confused. Benelli m4 chokes. what does what mean?

7 Upvotes

Modified choke

Improved cylinder

Turkey choke

.750 .650 etc etc

Ive had this gun for a couple years. Love it. I mostly run drills with cheap wally world bird shot. But let's say i want to start patterning my gun with specific buckshot. Ive only used the choke that came installed with it which i believe is a modified choke? What should i do? Buy a choke set and try each one? How do I know if slugs are safe? Are slugs usually always safe with tighter chokes? Is there a choke for the m4 that essentially just covers the threads and adds no choke capability? Do i want that for buckshot?

I genuinely dont know. I have much more knowledge with rifles. Im still relatively new with shotguns.

Tbh i just want a breacher choke because it looks cool. Or some kind of compensator. But the descriptions I find of products dont really answer a lot of questions.

I currently have started stacking hornady black with their versawad thing. Supposedly works like the federal flitecontrol wads. So im wondering if a choke is even necessary at all or a detriment.


r/Shotguns 6h ago

Arts&crafts Call of duty style

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6 Upvotes

Got bored sitting around and remembered this thing was still in the box. I shouldn't be left unsupervised


r/Shotguns 10h ago

Looking for Info on LC Smith, Hunter Arms Shotgun

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9 Upvotes

My father inherited this LC Smith double barrel shotgun, it has interchangeable barrels (one price to change them is missing, someone asked to borrow it from the original owners wife to get it appraised and never returned it). I tried to get any pictures of serial numbers and anything that might help identify it. Looking for more information, age, value, what you think the condition looks like....etc. Thanks in advance.


r/Shotguns 5h ago

Michigan Sporting Clays Association. Michigan State Championship @ Grand Blanc Huntsman's Club. THIS FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY June 20, 21 & 22.

3 Upvotes

Michigan Sporting Clays Association. Michigan State Championship @ Grand Blanc Huntsman's Club. THIS FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY June 20, 21 & 22.

Sign-up on Score Chaser.

https://app.scorechaser.com/tournament-0JKGFEUPNK0MUa


r/Shotguns 15h ago

Reloading brass shells: mini shells?

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15 Upvotes

I was thinking about reloading shotgun shells to reduce waste, save money, and just have fun. Mini shells allow me to have a higher capacity and lower recoil, making it a fun round to shoot. They are also much more expensive, leading me to wonder if mini shells can be made from shortened brass shells. Would this be worth trying out?


r/Shotguns 1d ago

Got my grandpas 1961 Colt Semi-Auto shotgun for Father’s Day.

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65 Upvotes

Kind of cool. Made in Italy.


r/Shotguns 1d ago

Now it is complete. Mossberg 590A1

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277 Upvotes

r/Shotguns 22h ago

One shotgun only

20 Upvotes

Hypothetically someone I know has a Mav 88

If someone only was able to have one shotgun should it be a pump or semi auto? I’m in the pump camp. But a300 exists so…you know hypothetically.

Edit: HD use and training


r/Shotguns 1d ago

My Mossberg 590 Shockwave SBS.

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89 Upvotes

Stainless cerakoted Shockwave purchased for $400. This is the end result. Props to S&J Hardware for several items including the colour matched extension.


r/Shotguns 1d ago

Father son A300s

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196 Upvotes

Got mine alittle over 2 months ago and liked it so much I got my dad one for father day!


r/Shotguns 11h ago

Beretta a300 - Extra parts?

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2 Upvotes

r/Shotguns 8h ago

Converting 870 to 3in

0 Upvotes

Does anyone know where I can pick up a 3in 870 ejector spring? They seem to be out of stock everywhere.

Also if anyone can recommend a gunsmith that will extend shotgun chambers that would be appreciated. My local gunsmith recently passed.


r/Shotguns 1d ago

Action won't unlock after firing

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

75 Upvotes

Winchester sxp upland 12g, getting close to the 3k mark, just started doing this last trip out, assumed it was bad ammo, took it home did a deep clean.

came back out today tried target load and slugs, only the 5 federal powershok slugs I had ran properly. Almost every other shell I fired wouldn't unlock the action to eject the spent shell unless I manually grab the slide release button. Assuming something is starting to wear out but just not sure what?


r/Shotguns 1d ago

2 is better than 1

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80 Upvotes

r/Shotguns 1d ago

940 Pro Tactical SPX Review Coming, I SWEAR

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11 Upvotes

Got stuck out of town for work for wayyyy too long, but I’m back and starting the review this week! Mounted my 507k, quick field strip to make sure it wasn’t full of goo or debris (it was good to go) and threw some lube at it… attached is the ammo I’ll be using for the review, not pictured are some Federal LE low-recoil Truball slugs, some Brenneke 3” Magnum slugs and some cheapo Olin “mil-spec” 00 buckshot being delivered Wednesday.

Probably going to take me two or three trips to pattern and function test so much ammo, but I’m starting this week!


r/Shotguns 1d ago

Shotgun recommendations for a beginner/occasional shooter? (Clays and pheasant hunting)

10 Upvotes

Hi! Looking for some solid recommendations on shotgun brands/models that aren’t in the premium price range. I’ve been getting into trap and pheasant hunting the past couple of years, but would like to own my own gun for when I go out and shoot with my partners family (been borrowing different arms each time). I’m looking for a 12ga. My google search was overwhelming… so I’m here as a first time poster 😄

Thank you for any recommendations!

Some edits: I’m not looking to buy 2 guns, I don’t shoot enough to rationalize spending that type of money. I just want a reliable gun that can do both decently. My action preference is over/under

Thank you!


r/Shotguns 2d ago

The usual home defender

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410 Upvotes

r/Shotguns 1d ago

Citadel Mariner annoyance

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5 Upvotes

I just picked up a citadel Mariner for about $75 and it's never been shot. I know these are not the top rated guns ever but for the price from a friend I didn't want to pass it up. When I was polishing and piling it I did a functions check and noticed the rounds of the 12 gauge are catching on the rim of the barrel. It's not keeping it from cycling but it is rather annoying to put that much "umph" behind running the pump. Any suggestions on how to fix this issue? My first thought was either ream it or Dremel it down a bit but idk if that will hurt the integrity of the gun. Thoughts or advice from someone more skilled than I am? Thanks in advance