Need some shotgun advice

[gregj]

I'm looking to pick up a shotgun to be used almost exclusively for trap. Some friends have taken my son and I shooting trap, and my son is begging me to get a shotgun. What's a dad to do? But go out and get one!

I've been around shotguns a lot in my youth, did a lot of dove and quail hunting back in Texas. I have a 12Ga semi Remi back at my Mom's house, but that doesnt do me any good up here. So, I'm looking for a decent 12 ga, most likely pump, that isnt going to break my slush fund kitty (still have an AR to finish building). I was thinking something along the lines of an 870 or Winchester 1300. Any other suggestions?

[OakRidgeStars]

If you're looking for a good pump shotgun that's not going to break the budget, you can't go wrong with a Mossberg 500 Field model w/ 28" barrel. A trip to your local gun shop to browse their inventory would be an excellent start. You might even find a used shotgun from a trade-in.

Check over at VaGunTrader.com too. You never know what you might find.

[gregj]

We were at Clark Bros today (sighting in my Sigs), and they had a few, but none that really caught my eye. Been looking on Vaguntrader, too. I'll keep my eyes out for a Mossy. Thanks

[jadedone4]

Greg - try Dick's Sporting Goods; they just ran a sale a few weeks back (ask for a manager, often they can give a discount - I have gotten about 15% off just by asking).

Plenty of Mossbergs, Bennilli, and a few "non-Premium" Remingtons (seems that the "Premium" lable from Remington start at/about $1000/min). Last I looked (FridayPM) at the FairLakes store (ask for Nick - LodgeSales or Dan; both guys know their stuff - Nick is more engaging and isn't afraid to actually hold a conversation with a customer); they had some nice models in the $400 to $800 range (o/u, pump, auto's).

BRA has about 5-6 shotguns; prices are not necessarily competitive and it seems that they will not negotiate much, but you can try.

VAC (I was there SaturdayAM, needed cleaning supplies), had about 3-4 pump/auto's - didn't notice any o/u's; VAC will get my business (the SIG came from the VAC Stork), but the inventory on shotties is small.

I should have hit Guns & Ammo after leaving VAC but had to the to BullRun Skeet/Trap (figured is was bad weather = lower turnout).

I've got the skeet/trap "bug" now so looking for a new addition as well. If you are looking for a "used" unit - BullRun as a bulletin board in the office area (off to the corner near the TV) that has listings.

[allingeneral]

I used by Mossy 500 for skeet a few weeks ago for my first time shooting skeet. The guys that I was shooting with had really nice over-unders. I think that the pump action is a liability - especially when you start getting sighted in and get good at it. If I were to get serious about skeet/trap, I would buy a nice semi-auto or an over-under to get the job done.

The Browning Citori is really nice, but is a bit costly. Here's a Remington that ought to do the trick:

http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.a ... 439642#PIC

I'd say any over-under would be better than a pump-style for any serious skeet competitor.

[gregj]

Thanks for the input guys. I shot skeet once, didnt care for it much. My friend shot an 870 shortie at both trap and skeet, and kicked butt. But agreed, the pump does put something more into the equation than an o/u or auto. I'll be going to Dick's this afternoon and see what they have.

[allingeneral]

Gander Mtn has a much larger selection. I was just in there Friday looking at shotguns (Fredericksburg).

[gregj]

Came home with a Remington 870 with 28" barrell. It was priced at $320, on sale for $289, then I had a $10 gift card from Dicks, plus a $30 mail in rebate by Remington. SUWEEET!

[jadedone4]

Greg - good deal; might head over there myself (once the General is asleep); quick question the mail-in rebate that I saw (near the ammo stacks) listed $50 from Remington, was there some (typical) small print that I missed...?

[allingeneral]

That sounds like a pretty sweet deal. Congrats on your purchase!

[OakRidgeStars]

Nice score, but.....

[gregj]

Greg - good deal; might head over there myself (once the General is asleep); quick question the mail-in rebate that I saw (near the ammo stacks) listed $50 from Remington, was there some (typical) small print that I missed...?

Depends on the model:

870 Express - $30 rebate
700SPS and ADL Rifles - $40 rebate
11-87 Shotguns - $50 rebate
770 Rifles - $40 rebate

They also have rebates on Copper Solid Sabot slugs, and Core-Lokt cartidges.

[gregj]

As directed, here are the requisite pics.

I dont take good pics, plus I had to hurry while my "general" was out of the house.

[gregj]

Forgot to add, Dick's also had a $20 gift card for firearms over $250, so with this gift card added to the Remington mail in rebate, and the sale price and the $10 gift card I had at time of purchase, the 870 will wind up costing me about $230.

[OakRidgeStars]

Very nice indeed

[XD45acp]

Greg, now you need to join the ATA and get that shotgun warmed up and broke in. They have a great Scholastic clays program for youngsters.

http://www.shootata.com/