A little backstory- I had tried to research best I can but simply can't find a starting point on what I'm asking. Google links show the best "all around shotguns" and then add in tactical and home defense. Other articles have to throw in their sponsors or you can tell they are one sided towards a particular manufacturer that gives them money. So, I figured I would just ask.
If you were to buy one more shotgun what would it be. I hunt waterfowl a handful of times per year, I also hunt upland game once or twice. Then, obviously I travel around hunting turkeys in the spring, and even have hunted a few "shotgun only" deer areas in my day. So, does anyone have a bead on something that would do all of those well!? Would it still be the Remington 870? The last few years the quality seems to have dipped and I'd hate to hang my hat on something that's not what it once was. Maybe a mossberg 500? I don't need semi auto, as I've used pumps all my life but id really purchase one at any "realistic" price point for a shotgun that gets used and abused and doesn't sit on the shelf for decor. Thanks for any info you might have.
Prior to Remington's demise, I'd have suggested the 870. Simple, inexpensive, plenty of aftermarket, and reliable. But today, my nod would go to the Mossberg 500.
I'm going 12ga 26" Benelli Supernova. They shoulder good for me, have a good choke system, and are a seemingly bomb proof action. Wouldn't bother me a bit to drop it in a duck blind, crawl through the mud with it chasing turkeys, or tote it on a deer drive. Hell, I took one squirrel hunting this year when the woods were still good and thick. In an all around all purpose shotgun I want a beater that just keeps on firing and that one fits the bill.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: notsure on March 02, 2021, 02:01:20 PM
Prior to Remington's demise, I'd have suggested the 870. Simple, inexpensive, plenty of aftermarket, and reliable. But today, my nod would go to the Mossberg 500.
Yep. I looked at a few 870s and just couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger on one. Kind of glad I did it. I'd like to have a short list and go swing a few around the store to see which one I liked best.
Quote from: ChesterCopperpot on March 02, 2021, 02:09:30 PM
I'm going 12ga 26" Benelli Supernova. They shoulder good for me, have a good choke system, and are a seemingly bomb proof action. Wouldn't bother me a bit to drop it in a duck blind, crawl through the mud with it chasing turkeys, or tote it on a deer drive. Hell, I took one squirrel hunting this year when the woods were still good and thick. In an all around all purpose shotgun I want a beater that just keeps on firing and that one fits the bill.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
My dad has a Benneli. I believe it's the nova and the gun is "loud". Like the pump part of the gun fits loosely to the gun, even though everything is tight, and it rattles as he walks. It drives me absolutely batty and I've heard of others mentioning this too, but nobody has really mentioned this with the super novas.
I think we need to define great, but if we are talking about a quality gun, with a quality price, that can be used as a better than average gun in multiple areas....I would go with the Mossberg 500. Several yrs. ago..maybe the 870, but not anymore. But that's my opinion....I'm sure others have had other makes that excelled in several areas also.
For 'all around' I'd pick a 12 gauge. Browning BPS, a Benelli for inertial action bomb proof, or even a Beretta Xtreme Plus, the gas will function with low recoil loads.
Going with 870's not being what they used to be, what about 870 WINGMASTERS? Mine is from 1975 and while I have other shotguns, if I could only have one, it's the one I would keep. Smooth, reliable and beautiful. I have used it to kill most everything huntable in Iowa. Because I'd never shot a turkey with it, I snagged a Primos choke, bought some Turkey Thug shells and shot a turkey. Wingmaster can do it all!
An older walnut stock 870
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Quote from: POk3s on March 02, 2021, 02:11:23 PM
Quote from: notsure on March 02, 2021, 02:01:20 PM
Prior to Remington's demise, I'd have suggested the 870. Simple, inexpensive, plenty of aftermarket, and reliable. But today, my nod would go to the Mossberg 500.
Yep. I looked at a few 870s and just couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger on one. Kind of glad I did it. I'd like to have a short list and go swing a few around the store to see which one I liked best.
Of course now, you`d be lucky to find an 870 Wingmaster for under 1K. That`s IF you can find one at all. I wouldn`t hesitate to buy one for an all around gun. My Remingtons, to include some relatively recently manufactured guns ( a V3 in `17, an 870 Express manufactured in `15 ) have been flawless.
870 12 gauge with a 26" barrel.
Remington 870 supermag 12 ga.
I would find an older 870 - like about an 80's model. Wingmaster would be nice but a lot more coin. I would hunt the pawn shops and such. Then I would put some new furniture on it (like camo synthetic). My son took the one I bought in 89 - had a 26" barrel and it has killed - ducks, geese, turkey, deer, hog, squirrels, dove, 1 possum ;), and shot skeet and sporting clays. Never a hiccup. Same extractor. Parts are easy to get.
If I was looking for a true do it all gun it would probably be a benelli sbe 2. I've had mine for several years now. They are higher priced than most of the guns mentioned but mine has never had an issue and I've crawled through plenty of mud with it and even used it as a kayak paddle. Great feeling gun for waterfowl and a deadly shooter for turkeys even though it hasn't been carried on a turkey hunt in a few years now since I switched to a 20 gauge
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thank you guys. I know there are plenty of "what's the best gun" threads but I couldn't find an answer to what I wanted. It doesn't look like my short list is changing much except for adding that benneli to it! If I trip over an old 870 I won't give it a second thought to buy it. Mostly if we can get some banquets going again, I'd like to be ready to wheel and deal with a guy if he ends up winning the one I want hahahaha!
No franchi fans?? Maybe not best for an all around hunting gun but it was on my list too.
My first choice would be mossberg 835. Very versatile and very dependable. Then mossberg 500 then remington 870. It really is hard to narrow it all down to one but I've had various 870's, winchesters, couple over and unders, side by sides, autos, and single barrels. I still have an over and under, 870 pump, and various others but my all time favorite is the moss 835. It's built like a tank, has a million chokes made for it. Can cover any type of hunting and shooting available in America, has a back bored barrel and will throw superior patterns compared to most guns with most loads. They're just plain hard to beat. I hunted with a binelli nova for a long time but it finally started getting heavy and cumbersome to me. The pump rattle was louder then any other pump I've had as well. Spooked two different birds with it because the 26" barrel hung on brush and pulled it off of my shoulder. All around it was a great gun but started to feel like I was fighting it to maneuver it through the thick places I hunt and then I got paranoid about the rattle. After 15 years I parted with it. Basically though it all boils down to what feels and looks good to you. But I'm still leaning torwards mossberg.lol
I have mossberg 500s, 535s, and an 835.
For more of a do-all pump, I would say a 535. It's the same as a 500, but can chamber a 3-1/2. Maybe you don't plan on shooting 3-1/2s, but it gives you the option. Especially if it was something you wanted for the few times you go for waterfowl. It's lighter and more maneuverable than the 835. The 835 is more barrel heavy, but you get the 10ga bore as a trade off. If you are an avid 3-1/2in user I might change my suggestion to the 835. On average it patterns 3-1/2in shells better.
Quote from: old3toe on March 02, 2021, 05:27:21 PM
My first choice would be mossberg 835. Very versatile and very dependable. Then mossberg 500 then remington 870. It really is hard to narrow it all down to one but I've had various 870's, winchesters, couple over and unders, side by sides, autos, and single barrels. I still have an over and under, 870 pump, and various others but my all time favorite is the moss 835. It's built like a tank, has a million chokes made for it. Can cover any type of hunting and shooting available in America, has a back bored barrel and will throw superior patterns compared to most guns with most loads. They're just plain hard to beat. I hunted with a binelli nova for a long time but it finally started getting heavy and cumbersome to me. The pump rattle was louder then any other pump I've had as well. Spooked two different birds with it because the 26" barrel hung on brush and pulled it off of my shoulder. All around it was a great gun but started to feel like I was fighting it to maneuver it through the thick places I hunt and then I got paranoid about the rattle. After 15 years I parted with it. Basically though it all boils down to what feels and looks good to you. But I'm still leaning torwards mossberg.lol
I was going to ask specifically about the 835 but was hopeful for this type of response so I didn't have to phish for the answer I wanted. Awesome to hear thank you!
Quote from: vt35mag on March 02, 2021, 05:52:14 PM
I have mossberg 500s, 535s, and an 835.
For more of a do-all pump, I would say a 535. It's the same as a 500, but can chamber a 3-1/2. Maybe you don't plan on shooting 3-1/2s, but it gives you the option. Especially if it was something you wanted for the few times you go for waterfowl. It's lighter and more maneuverable than the 835. The 835 is more barrel heavy, but you get the 10ga bore as a trade off. If you are an avid 3-1/2in user I might change my suggestion to the 835. On average it patterns 3-1/2in shells better.
Thank you for the response! I used to think I was big and bad and needed the 3 1/2" but I've since toned it down some. I would still like the ability to use them however as sometimes, around here, the 3 1/2" waterfowl loads are on sale or simply just available.
You will get pump rattle but the couple that have seen the most use have quieted down and you don't get it at all when holding it into your shoulder.
I'd go with a Browning o/u. Lots of choices in the Citori and Cynergy lines. Automatic - Winchester SX4. Pump - New, Browning BPS; used, older 870.
Franchi affinity. Loved some 870s in my time but that franchi is a sweet gun. You won't find one easier to break down and clean either.
For an all around gun I would go with a benelli, 26" barrel
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
If I had to pick just 1, It would be a Browning Bps, 12 gauge 3.5" 24 or 26" in a camo finish.
Winchester 1300 - 22" smoothbore and a cantilever rifled barrel.
No matter the season, I wouldn't feel under gunned nor functionally challenged.
870 super mag ;)
Great thread. I always was an over-under, semi auto fan till I joined the forum. Since then, after reading about some of the great pumps, I added a few laminated NWTF pumps to my collection. They are great, one is the Buck & Beard model with rifle sights. Love them both. Then I started reading about the Old Original Greenleaf and Bottomland 870's. My search began. Finally, through a friend I got an Original Bottomland 870 in mint condition with the original sling and paperwork. It has a 26 inch barrel, and I have all the original chokes. There is something smooth about the action, and there is very apparent evidence that the gun is well made. You can feel that this gun is built like a tank, it was made in the early 90's. After handling it, I can see why they are sought after. I believe it is one of the Ultimate turkey guns ever made. It throws a mean pattern too. I am searching for a Greenleaf 870 with the 21 inch barrel. Might never land one, but I will keep pursuing one. My first shotgun was a Light weight 20 gauge 870 Wingmaster pump. I sold it several years ago, a mistake I regret. I am glad Remington is coming back. Would love to see the old quality come back too. Be safe....
Quote from: THattaway on March 02, 2021, 06:37:29 PM
Franchi affinity. Loved some 870s in my time but that franchi is a sweet gun. You won't find one easier to break down and clean either.
i'm going to get one of these some day. synthetic stock because i think that's all that's available for lefties.
that thing shoulders so perfectly for me. the balance of the gun feels so much better to me than a mossberg or beretta a300
"On April 13, 2009, the ten millionth Model 870 was made"
There is a reason why ...with that said its a pump , but for turkey hunters thats pretty much a non issue
Aftermarket parts are everywhere
Quote from: Tom007 on March 02, 2021, 08:10:45 PM
I am glad Remington is coming back. Would love to see the old quality come back too.
Are they coming back? That is great news. I still have my 1992 Remington 870 Wingmaster that I am thinking of having cerakoted. But right now I like my Winchester SX3 and it would be my top pick.
The mossberg 535's are good guns too but as far as I know they're the lightest weight 3 1/2" chambered gun ever made besides the h&r single shot. I've shot the nova, 835, 870 super mag, and win sx2 all with magnum loads and they will all get your attention for sure. But a 535 turkey thug with 20" barrel and lightweight collapsible stock will take your breath away, possibly cause a slight black out, and cross and water your eyes all at the same time!! I can't imagine waterfowl hunting with one even a few times a year.lol As a matter of fact everyone I know that had them sold them quickly or they never shoot 3 1/2's in them after their first try. They all shoot 3" loads in them.
Remington 870. I've seen these guns get absolutely abused in the duck blind or goose field and never an issue. Mossberg makes a great pump but they rattle like a coke can filled with rocks and I'm just partial to the trigger safety
Ithaca model 37. The new ones are perfect.
Not a bad suggestion on this thread. I would go with a Browning Gold Semi, Maxus now. I have killed every legal game species up here except for a moose. The pattern master code black turkey choke is the best I ever tried on it and I tried them all. Good luck, al
Quote from: lunghit on March 02, 2021, 08:56:04 PM
Quote from: Tom007 on March 02, 2021, 08:10:45 PM
I am glad Remington is coming back. Would love to see the old quality come back too.
Are they coming back? That is great news. I still have my 1992 Remington 870 Wingmaster that I am thinking of having cerakoted. But right now I like my Winchester SX3 and it would be my top pick.
I think most, if not all of us hope so, but I`m not sure it`s definite that they`ll be back.
Mossberg 835, can handle 3.5" if you so choose (I don't no need but some still like them) the gun is back bored. Throws a nasty pattern with Longbeard XR and most chokes in the .675 range. Very well balanced gun and it will not break the bank.
If money is not a consideration my wife bought me a Benelli SBE3 turkey gun for a retirement present from the Army which is phenomenal also. But for the money I go with the 835 and mine will be in the woods with me at least 50% of the time this year with some #9 TSS.
Sent from my moto z4 using Tapatalk
Winchester 1300 12ga with 22" barrel and laminated stock. It is the best gun for me.
A Beretta or Benelli semi auto 20ga or O/U. I do hunt waterfowl and upland, while I do use a 12ga for waterfowl a 20 will do just fine, I shoot decoying birds and the 20 works well.
I prefer the weight and the way a 20ga handles.
Quote from: catman529 on March 02, 2021, 03:54:50 PM
An older walnut stock 870
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
This right here. can't beat it. All around gun 12 gauge 26" barrel. Points good , swings good.
Don't shine and spook game. Don't rattle around. Plenty of choke tubes available.
Why not a 835 ? Every swing one of those in the quail and pheasant fields ? Its a good point and shoot turkey gun no doubt , but upland gun? Deer hunt with an 835 ? No slugs without a new barrel.
Frankly there is no "Great" all around gun.
Inertia operated guns are great for reliability, but recoil more.
Gas guns recoil less, but take more time to clean, and are more apt towards jamming.
The preferred 28" barrel for waterfowl is a bit long for fast-swinging upland... Not optimal for turkey hunting either.
A 26" barrel is probably the best all-around length, but not optimal for waterfowl or dove/pigeon shooting.
A 24" barrel is good for turkey, but horrible for waterfowl, and a bit too "whippy" for even upland.
O/U's are probably the best for reliability, and many shooters shoot better with them (including me). You are limited to two shells, and they recoil with stout load, and can be heavy to carry around.
Pumps are affordable and reliable and allow for 3 shots... But they recoil far more than an auto, and you get more barrel jump than an auto or O/U, and you have to pump them.
That is why you have to convince the wife of the necessity of multiple hunting and clay shooting guns. ;D
Personally, I shoot a 28" Beretta 12 ga. for waterfowl and turkey. The longer barrel does not bother me for turkey hunting... I shoot a 26" Beretta 20 ga. for most upland... When I run out of turkey ammo for my 12 ga., I will likely invest in ammo for the 20 ga. and use that.
Benelli SBE2 and be done with it. Probably one of the best do it all shotguns ever made.
H&K imported SBE1 if you can find one. The GOAT in my opinion.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Older 870 , can be used as a boat paddle to a zombie killer !
If you decide to go with a semi auto check out Browning maxus. I've used mine for everything including sporting clays waterfowl and turkeys.
Another vote for the Mossberg 835
Everything has gotten so specialized today. Used to be you just used whatever shotgun you had and picked the shells you needed for what you were going to hunt and away you went.
Quote from: the Ward on March 03, 2021, 01:54:26 PM
Everything has gotten so specialized today. Used to be you just used whatever shotgun you had and picked the shells you needed for what you were going to hunt and away you went.
That's exactly why I started this thread. I like having one gun to turn to for everything. I own a tikka 300 win mag, I have the upmost confidence in it and I use it for anything from antelope to elk. Even taking it pig hunting this weekend. My thought process is the same with shotguns. I like to have one that can do it all. It's how I've always used my shotguns but the next one I buy I want to be confident in killing whatever I'm after with it.
For arguments sake and for everybody who might be wondering I currently use a Remington m887. It was free and I am deadly with it on everything but it hasn't come without some growing pains. It's point of aim with turkey loads is a foot low and a foot left. After rifling through 3 different kinds of chokes and every kind of ammo I could get my hands on. I finally figured out that it's most accurate with its factory "full" choke and heavi shot. It just shoots a foot low with this combination. I like them to stretch their neck out, aim at the top of the head and let er fly :turkey2:
I've owned a lot of shotguns over the years, and shot even more. As far as a "best all around", I keep coming back to an 870. I've had older ones, and more recent, and never had a single issue out of any of them. Older ones are higher quality, though.
A close second IMO, and first choice if going the SA route, would be the Browning Maxus. Excellent gun. Obviously, it would cost you quite a bit more than a pump gun.
I've become a fan of the 20 gauge. Since I only hunt ducks, some dove and turkeys, my Winchester SX3 Universal Hunter (drilled and tapped from factory) with a 26" barrel has killed all of those for me, I'll go with that gun.
I picked up a franchi affinity 3 in 12 gauge with a 26 inch barrel. Shoulders like a dream and shoots nice. It is very similar in appearance and feel to my benelli m2. At about 1/2 the price of the benelli it's a dam good all around gun.
If on a tighter budget an old remington 870 would be hard to beat.
I didn't read 4 pages worth of responses.
I did see if you could go with older 870 you can find them in pawn shops.
Or new.
Mossberg 500
I did see that you said you don't care for semi-auto. I just picked up a Mossberg 930 turkey so it has .670 XX full choke and mossy oak camo 24" barrel. I like it so far.
I did put in a different spring for the trigger pull. I'm also ordering a different choke. This gun will be for turkey and small game. I don't hunt ducks so? Barrel might be to short for you.
Good luck.
870 gets my vote. Reliable and easy to find parts.
benelli or benelli or a benelli
I only own one shotgun that is NOT dedicated to turkey hunting. It's a 1959 vintage Field Grade Winchester Model 12 28" barrel fixed modified choke in 12 ga. It is my "All Around" shotgun for everything but turkeys! I honestly can't think of any other shotgun I would rather carry for pheasants, rabbits, grouse etc.
If you could find an old 870, if not it's obviously a BPS
There's many good ones, but the 870 and preferably an older one would get the nod from me.
Either an 870 Wingmaster made between '87 and '93, or a modern BPS.
Most of my hunting revolves around waterfowl and turkey, with a spritzer of occasional deer. I would say a good all around shotgun would be a 12 gauge auto, 26" barrel with screw in chokes and factory drilled and tapped receiver. Easily available accessories for it like steadygrips, mag extensions, and scope/red dot mounts. Weight would be 7.5# or so loaded up. I have a Benelli vinci that fit's that bill and love it. I have long lusted for the new Browning A5 16 gauge with a 26" barrel, so one day soon that will probably be my all around gun of choice for my hunting, although it doesn't meet my own list of criteria lol!
Fierce Mayhem. Depending on your budget of course. It's a benelli but cheaper.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Benelli M2 12 gauge with 26" barrel.
Hard to beat A 870
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Put me in the 835 or 535 category. No frills, straight business.
Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
Quote from: budtripp on March 03, 2021, 05:56:47 AM
Benelli SBE2 and be done with it. Probably one of the best do it all shotguns ever made.
Benelli is tough to beat, expensive, but it's a lifetime gun and they are so simple and just plain work. I have an original SBE, absolutely love it.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
My friend has a Remington 870 he bought new when he was in the service in 1972. He still has it and its still his go to gun for most of his hunting, small game, waterfowl, upland and turkey. Never gave him a problem and he loves it. Remington has made over 12,000,000 of 'em since 1950. There will always be after market accessories for this shotgun. Sooner or later somebody is going to reopen Remington. I happen to use a Rem Turkey/Predator 870 right now for the last 5 years and I am very happy with it.
My vote goes to Remington 870!
Remington 870
Fantastic responses. You said you'd prefer a pump, so I'd go with a Mossberg 500 personally.
Sent from my SM-G986U using Tapatalk
Franchi or benelli in 20 guage
Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk
If I was isolated somewhere , the only gun I'd want slung on my shoulder would be a pump action shotgun in general and a Remington 870 in particular.
Benelli SBE 1 26 inch barrel
I've already bought all the "perfect" turkey guns I'll ever need.
To narrow it down to one...........very hard to do. But I'd have to pick my Super X2. That would leave my Super X3 as a neck-and-neck second, only because it's a 28" gun where the SX2 is a 26" gun. A distant, but honorable mention would be a 30-ish year old 870 SP Turkey 21" gun.
That all being said......... I've been using a SumToy tricked out NEF Pardner 20 gauge exclusively for about 3 years.
I have a Benelli SB 1 and it is flawless in all situations. If I had to buy a new gun today for a one gun does it all. I would buy a Benelli M2 12 with 26" barrel.
870 wingmaster supermag 28 inch light contour barrel if it's a pump.
I'm mostly a 20 gauge guy but I like 3.5 capability if I'm going to be carrying a 12 gauge and wingmasters are a pretty big step up from an express.