First Gun - what shot gun

[frumpy]

Well I have my shotgun picked out after going back into the store again (and no surprise its about the price of both a Remington 870 I was looking at AND the maverick). Its the 870 express tactical with 18" barrel and folding stock

Its $520 but if I pay cash he will knock 20 bucks off, the cheapest 870 he had there was just a normal express for $380. So, I'm pretty much going to save up the extra money for the folding stock one unless I can't wait (then upgrade later).

[java]

ive fired that exact one a lot, one of my buddies had it. i dont think the pistol grip is very nice on a 12ga. lose accuracy and your wrist will hurt after a good shooting session. if you need the shorter length from the folding stock them by all means go for it. and if you hate it you can always get a standard stock for pretty cheap and swap them out.

[Mexican_Hippie]

Knoxx makes a few different types of stocks and pistol grips for the 870 that have recoil suppression in them.

You can also get a cheaper 870 clone like the Pardner Pump or Norinco 982. IMO they're sturdier than the Express (all metal) and upgrade the pieces you'd like for cheaper.

Base platform ($180): https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...ducts_id/16597 (I've seen them at Academy too.)
Wilson mag ext ($45): http://shopwilsoncombat.com/Extensio...nfo/SGET-RH-1/
Wolf mag spring ($7): http://www.gunsprings.com/Rifles%20%.../mID108/dID216 (#32712)
Knoxx stock ($ 135): http://www.blackhawk.com/product/spe...,1158,1447.htm (They have folders, AR style, pistol grips, etc. all with the recoil suppression technology built into them)

Also: research here....http://www.shotgunworld.com/

All the upgrades are very simple.

I like this approach because you can afford the base model and shoot it. Then upgrade the parts as money comes. You also get to figure out what you want AFTER shooting it. You may change your mind on certain options.

[frumpy]

I know this one is probably way out there (compared to what I have been looking at) but what about a savage 220 slug shotgun? I think it would be more practical for the range and if I get into hunting. If I don't go with that I will probably go with the remington 870 combo (slug barrel and 28" barrel) or even just a 22 for this year so I can shoot a ton and then decide what I want.

[johnsoax]

The 870 is the longest running, best selling shotgun in existence. You should easily be able to buy a used one in good shape. I bought mine three years ago (Express Magnum, 5 round magazine) for $220 used. It was practically brand new as the previous owner barely ever used it.

Heck, Walmart sells the same gun new for under $250 now. At least here in the States.

[frumpy]

I want to go new just because I want the warranty and don't know 100% what I would be buying and could easily wind up with a screwed up useless gun that I can't use.

The savage 220 is $490 here and the Remington with 20" rifled barrel and 26" which will allow me to do more but be less accurate. Walmart doesn't sell guns here, only air guns and ammo, both of which are locked up and limited supply.

[96discoXD]

Get an 870 combo and then you can use it for upland bird/small game hunting with the 26 or 28" barrel and deer or large game with a rifled barrel. Just my .02 if you can get a barrel with a cantilever scope mount opt for that versus iron sights. I have an 870 deer special with synthetic stocks and the cantilever barrel with a nice Nikon scope for places I can't use my rifle locally, and then another 870 with a 28" barrel that I use for pheasant/upland bird hunting.

The 870 is a proven design with lots of inexpensive aftermarket support/accessories.

[IRBIS]

saiga 12 russian spetsnaz shotgun.

[Mr. Leary]

saiga 12 russian spetsnaz shotgun.

Those are pretty cool!

[frumpy]

Test went good tonight. I didn't do the course and am very glad I didn't waste my money on it. I got 100% on the written portion and 98% on the practical. My only mistake (and in my opinion it was a big one) was putting a lever action into half cock my hands were sweaty and the cocking hammer slipped. Guy asked a few questions and then said no biggie as I was "on a range" and the muzzle was pointed down range in a safe direction.

Time to play the waiting game and go window shopping.