Help with 1st hunting shotgun

[Tigergixxer]

After much debate I have decided that I am going to get into deer hunting. Not sure if I will be able to get everything together to hunt this season or if it will be next year. I've been doing some research and wanted some friendly input on what would be a good starting shotgun. Part of my dilemma is that when I purchase one, if my girlfriend's oldest can stand to shoot it more than a couple times for practice, I will likely be finding her one as she wants to go very much.

I am on a fairly limited budget, especially since I may be buying two. I know that 12 ga is larger than 20 ga in terms of what the load can actually contain. It is my understanding that, all things being equal, the 12 would kick harder than the 20. I already plan to invest in limbsavers as I have heard good things about them. I know it is acceptable for the regulations in Indiana, but would a 20 be sufficient or do I really need to go 12?

I found this Mossberg 500 at Gander Mtn and I like the price point. I like that they also have a 20 for the same price, which may be a better option for the daughter.

What do you think? I want to support local businesses so I do plan on shopping around at some local shops to see if I can get the same, or close to, without spending too much more.

 

[IndyMonkey]

Better option would be to buy a used 870 off of the classified here or Hoosier topics.

 

[RichardR]

A 20 gauge slug will take a white tail just fine.

And the deer won't be able to tell the difference if it was shot with a Mossberg, a Remington, a Rossi or a Winchester slug gun.

 

[Joe Williams]

A 20 is more than sufficient, and much more pleasant with slugs.

Another option, if this is to be strictly a deer gun, is a single shot .44. They can be had quite cheaply, and recoil is even more pleasant. You do lose the versatility that can be had by buying an extra barrel for your shotgun, though.

 

[Tigergixxer]

I like the idea of getting another barrel and expanding my hunting capability. My uncle primarily hunted deer, but he did do some turkey and skeet. It sounds like a 20 would be good, and I like the idea that it would be more fun to shoot! I don't want something that we dread practicing with.

 

[tv1217]

You gonna shoot a rifled barrel with sabots or smoothbore with regular slugs?

I started with a 20 when I was a kid, bought a 12 a few years ago. Both Remington 870s

I've always used rifled deer barrels. The sabot selection seems better with the 12.


I've been using Hornady SSTs lately, my gun seems to like them.


If you're willing to spend a bit more on a semi-auto, the recoil won't be as big of a deal.

 

[Tigergixxer]

I was thinking rifled barrel. Am I correct in that you shouldn't use rifled slugs in a rifled barrel?

Rifled = sabot and Smooth = rifled slug ??

 

[rhino400]

I just did a quick search of Armslist.com and came up with this shotgun that someone has for sale on there. For Sale: Mossberg Super Bantum 20 gauge youth or ladies slug gun <---Clicky

Also what you said about a rifled barrel is correct. Sabot rounds are designed for a rifled barrel or rifled choke tube. And Rifled rounds are for a smooth barrel.

 

[Tigergixxer]

Thanks Rhino. I sent the person a message to check on physical sizing. I'm wondering if it would be large enough for me or the daughter. She's 5'5" ish, so adult woman size. I'm 5'7".

 

[Joe Williams]

Thanks Rhino. I sent the person a message to check on physical sizing. I'm wondering if it would be large enough for me or the daughter. She's 5'5" ish, so adult woman size. I'm 5'7".

My 5' 11 y/o son has one. It's good for him, but I punch myself in the nose everytime I shoot it. I'm 5'6"

 

[Tigergixxer]

Thanks Joe. That's what I was afraid of. Might be ok for her. I think a trip to Gander may be in order for some sizing.

 

[booey50]

almost any gun shop will have a used shotgun in stock, so take a look at those...they are usually rarely beat up and you can find them for 100 to 125. Mossberg has always worked for me...

 

[DeadeyeChrista'sdad]

Booey may be exaggerating a little on the prices, but I do see lots of used shotguns in perfectly useable to pristine condition pretty cheaply priced in the gunshops. If you have any doubt, take someone more experienced with you, but don't be afraid to buy a used pump gun.

https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/firearms/110917-870_with_scope.html

 

[Tigergixxer]

Depending on how wiped out I am after work today I may try to stop by Wyatt's in Cicero. I rarely get home in time to go to Target Sports and if I remember he was mostly AR's. I'd love to get a 458 SOCOM upper for mine, but if I am getting 2 guns, I'll actually be able to afford shotguns, at least I think so!

Christa's Dad - Thanks for the link on that used one, I will be checking into that as well.

 

[malern28us]

If money is an issue, just keep looking at that 458 Socom upper. Dont actually buy one. The cost to shoot it will make you cry!

 

[Tigergixxer]

I have a pending purchase on a Mossberg listed on these forums. It should be in my hands Wednesday evening. Aside from not being rifled, anything I need to know about Turkey and Waterfowl barrels? If I used rifled slugs could I use either of those, or would I want to invest in a rifled barrel and sabots?

And I looked into the SOCOM a little more... you are right, the shooting prices would make me cry!

 

[jshiloh]

would definatly recommend the remington 870

 

[Zoub]

I have a pending purchase on a Mossberg listed on these forums. It should be in my hands Wednesday evening. Aside from not being rifled, anything I need to know about Turkey and Waterfowl barrels? If I used rifled slugs could I use either of those, or would I want to invest in a rifled barrel and sabots?

And I looked into the SOCOM a little more... you are right, the shooting prices would make me cry!

Any smooth bore barrel can take Turkey and waterfowl. It is the shooter, not the gun. If your gun has a 24" to 28" Vent rib barrel and choke tubes, you are set. good to go, done for now. You must practice with it. Describe the gun you are getting.

Sabots must be shot in rifled barrels BUT Rifled/Foster slugs are for smoothbore barrels. Make a note of that. Rifled barrels are ONLY for sabots. Nothing else.

Long before you go the sabot game, go the .44 mag single shot. The entire Gun costs less than a rifled barrel, and often before you scope the shotgun barrel. Sabots are outrageous in price compared to any ammo. Yeah, 25 years ago it was the stuff, now a single shot .44 or .357 kills them in Indiana. Dead is dead, as posted beore, deer can't do math, don't know calibers and gauges.

If you can memorize this "Plus or minus 4 inches" and can tell when somethng is closer than 80 yards, you can hit a deer with a smoothbore barrel. Practice with cheap smootbore slugs from Remington or Winchester.

One used all purpose shotgun and one single shot 44 or .357 is a great combo and cheap.

For God's sake get a shotgun with choke tubes.

 

[HICKMAN]

I'll throw out using a muzzleloader, because it's more accurate and you get two hunting seasons.

 

[Tigergixxer]

Describe the gun you are getting.

https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/firearms/109573-mossberg_535_ats_pump_12g.html

This is what I am picking up tomorrow. The handgun caliber would probably be much better for the daughter. The "multiple disciplines" I can engage in with the shotgun makes me want one. For her though, simple and the least kick possible is best.