Advice wanted on a 12 ga

[shayne]

I am looking for a good, all purpose 12 ga pump. Can you guys recommend any new or older models (used) that are a durable, reliable 12 ga? I have a semi auto but I hate beating it up on the quad, in the mud, etc. Had Grampa's old pump but it bit the bullet. I also find some of the newer pumps in my price range a little sloppy. If I can get a couple names and models that I can search for over the spring that would be great! Budget is under $500.

Thanks!

[elkhunter11]

Pick a shotgun that fits. The Winchester SXP and Remington Express are options, but I would also consider used higher quality guns.

[CMichaud]

Do you need 3" or is 2 3/4" OK?

If 3", I would go with an 870.

If 2 3/4" is ok, an older Wingmaster 870

Lots of cheap mods and parts for these guns.

[Ithaca Dog]

Looks like you just want an all purpose just in case gun. I'd get a used 870 2 3/4. Nothing fancy but a quality gun. I wouldn't worry about the choke unless you're shooting steel. Standard foster slugs for bears and deer. 8's for grouse, 4-6 for pheasant. Shoot your auto for waterfowl.

Don't over think it. Really any older pump will do what you need. Don't get hung up on brands. I would just take an older 870 first.

[CNP]

Mosberg 500 or Rem 870. If I was to pick one of those it would be the Mossberg 500 because I prefer the Mossberg slide release and safety.

[223Jake]

I just picked up a Hatsan Escort at the last gunshow to play around with and I am quite happy with how well it shoots. Look up a review on YouTube. Lots of people only have good things to say about them and for under 500$ you can't really go wrong with one.

[shayne]

Appreciate the advice and opinions guys! Definitely looking for a everyday gun that can take a bit of a beating. Will mostly shoot lead but would be nice to also be able to shoot steel for a field backup.

[Salavee]

Originally Posted by shayne

Appreciate the advice and opinions guys! Definitely looking for a everyday gun that can take a bit of a beating. Will mostly shoot lead but would be nice to also be able to shoot steel for a field backup.

If you plan on shooting steel you should not be considering older guns.
Using lead shot only provides the option for some great classic shotguns like an older Rem 870, Win Mod 12 etc.

[Dick284]

Take a trip over to a gun shop.
State your budget and intended use.
Go hold those that fit your criteria.
Remember which ones feel right.

Go to another gun shop and repeat.

Repeat.
Repeat.

Then once you have the love of your life chosen, go find a good deal.

Sounds like dating don't it!?!?!

[Xbolt7mm]

Originally Posted by Dick284

Take a trip over to a gun shop.
State your budget and intended use.
Go hold those that fit your criteria.
Remember which ones feel right.

Go to another gun shop and repeat.

Repeat.
Repeat.

Then once you have the love of your life chosen, go find a good deal.

Sounds like dating don't it!?!?!

sound advice

[covey ridge]

Originally Posted by shayne

Appreciate the advice and opinions guys! Definitely looking for a everyday gun that can take a bit of a beating. Will mostly shoot lead but would be nice to also be able to shoot steel for a field backup.

If your intended use is rough and tough, I would still go with an older 870 2 3/4. If you need steel buy an express barrel. The combo should be still within budget. Those older 870 are mechanically as good as the present day new wingmasters.

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by covey ridge

If your intended use is rough and tough, I would still go with an older 870 2 3/4. If you need steel buy an express barrel. The combo should be still within budget. Those older 870 are mechanically as good as the present day new wingmasters.

If anything, the old Wingmasters are built tougher.

[covey ridge]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

If anything, the old Wingmasters are built tougher.

agree

[Scott h]

Lots of old Winchester model 12's around. Plenty of them saw extreme use in combat zones for the last 100 years, so riding around on a quad should be a cake walk. You would have a hard time finding a better quality, well built shotgun for the money.

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/foru...light=model+12

[curtz]

Definitely between the Rem 870 and Mossberg 500, witch every feels right.

[covey ridge]

Originally Posted by Scott h

Lots of old Winchester model 12's around. Plenty of them saw extreme use in combat zones for the last 100 years, so riding around on a quad should be a cake walk. You would have a hard time finding a better quality, well built shotgun for the money.

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/foru...light=model+12

For some reason I can not open your link. thought that the Winchester that won fame in the trenches was the Model 97? The Trench Gun was made on the 97 action. There were lots of model 12 actions around as well and may have been put to military use. It certainly would be up to the task for rough use but is more costly to adapt to steel.

[Scott h]

Originally Posted by covey ridge

For some reason I can not open your link. thought that the Winchester that won fame in the trenches was the Model 97? The Trench Gun was made on the 97 action. There were lots of model 12 actions around as well and may have been put to military use. It certainly would be up to the task for rough use but is more costly to adapt to steel.

They used both model 97 and 1912/12. I believe the model 12 was used in every conflict from WWI all the way to Vietnam.
The link was merely directing the OP to a current add on CGN, to what looks like a decent model 12 that happens to be wearing a poly choke and was well under the price ceiling he quoted. Open the choke up and load up some steel if he chooses. There are plenty of old shotguns that have steel shot through them with no ill effects. I've got one in the safe that's shot tens of thousands of shells with percentage of those being steel. It's even a full choke. If I was picking one up to use with steel I would however chose a more open choke or get a smith to open it up AND I wouldn't do it with a gun that I really cared about.

[hilt134]

Mossberg 500 or remmington 870. Not a bad gun i owned the 500 bot a problem i sold mine for 300 used price is around there generally. Its not fancy or amazing quality. But it does the job.

[covey ridge]

Originally Posted by Scott h

They used both model 97 and 1912/12. I believe the model 12 was used in every conflict from WWI all the way to Vietnam.
The link was merely directing the OP to a current add on CGN, to what looks like a decent model 12 that happens to be wearing a poly choke and was well under the price ceiling he quoted. Open the choke up and load up some steel if he chooses. There are plenty of old shotguns that have steel shot through them with no ill effects. I've got one in the safe that's shot tens of thousands of shells with percentage of those being steel. It's even a full choke. If I was picking one up to use with steel I would however chose a more open choke or get a smith to open it up AND I wouldn't do it with a gun that I really cared about.

I agree that there are not always ill effects. There are many old gun out there have been shot with lots of steel and no one has lost noses or eyes or fingers. That said I have seen enough old and new firearms with blown barrels to know that I would never advise contrary to what the firearms industry and the ammunition industry advise. If one wants to try steel out of a non steel proofed firearm I will never be in court for the lawsuit and he will never name me as the guy on AO that said it would be OK

BTW the model 12 is a fine firearm and was my first

[Scott h]

Originally Posted by covey ridge

I agree that there are not always ill effects. There are many old gun out there have been shot with lots of steel and no one has lost noses or eyes or fingers. That said I have seen enough old and new firearms with blown barrels to know that I would never advise contrary to what the firearms industry and the ammunition industry advise. If one wants to try steel out of a non steel proofed firearm I will never be in court for the lawsuit and he will never name me as the guy on AO that said it would be OK

BTW the model 12 is a fine firearm and was my first

Point taken.

[birdsntrout]

My first shotgun was a 1970s Remington 870 Wingmaster, really solid gun, a true workhorse. Can't comment on the newer ones as I have not owned a current one. One very good option is a Browning BPS, these are sweet, very well built, with a steel receiver, bottom load, bottom eject, top tang safety.
Most of all gun should feel good in your hands & fit well. Just my 2 cents.
Good luck