[cwj1981]

Hey everybody I was going to get into hunting this year for water fowl and grouse, what would be a good shotgun and gauge to start out with. I dont need a Benelli right off the bat. Im looking to start at the lower end of the spectrum in price just because I want to find out if Ill like it or not. Thanks for the help in advance!

 

[havasu]

I have always been fond of the Remington 870 pump 12 gauge. They are well built, look good, easy to operate, and pretty inexpensive (which I understand is a relative term!).

 

[G17XJ_BS]

I love my Mosberg 835. It is chambered in 3 1/2 and has a 24" barrel. It is sold as a Turkey gun but i hunt everything with it, pheasant,quail,ducks,geese,and turkey.

 

[rivalarrival]

I'll second Havasu's comments on the 870. Ohio's deer gun season is shotgun-only.

I picked up this kit a few years back for around $450:

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model-870/model-870-express-combos.aspx

20" rifled slug barrel, 26" shot barrel, chambered for 3" shells.

The 870 is a pretty heavy gun, though. I bought a similar 887 kit for my brother's 18th birthday which is much lighter in the hands, but a little heavier on the wallet - about $550 IIRC:

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model-887/model-887-nitro-mag-camo-combo.aspx

22" smooth-bore "turkey" barrel (It has rifle sights and comes with a super full choke; he swapped the choke for an improved cylinder to shoot slugs for deer) and 28" shot barrel.

I prefer the 870 myself, but the lighter weight of the 887 is awfully appealing.

 

[CDR_Glock]

Mossberg 500 or Remmington 870 in Pump. Consider 20 gauge over 12. Still effective for defense.

For semiauto, the Mossberg 930SPX is faster to shoot.

 

[KeenansGarage]

I second CDR_Glocks opinon, except for ducks I still recommend a 12 gauge. For smaller birds (quail, pheasant, grouse) then a 20 would be fine.
A Mossberg will be cheaper, but an 870 has a huge aftermarket following. Police departments use both. Good enough in my book!

 

[Birddogyz]

The 870 is a great choice. I would look for a 12 ga. pump with interchangeable choke tubes. This way you can set it up for any hunting scenario.

 

[rivalarrival]

This thread needs MOAR PICS!
Remington 870 Express combo:

Remington 887 Express Camo Combo:

 

[havasu]

You are correct R/A. Thanks for taking the time to do this!

 

[iGlock]

I bought an RIA M5 shotgun in 12gauge, what you guys think about it? Shoots pretty nice to me, ordering a pistol girp for it soon.

 

[iGlock]

Heres a pic of it next to my g30.

 

[cwj1981]

The 870 express combo is really looking like a nice little deal. Thanks for all your help everyone. Ill probably be purchasing later in the year so if anyone else has any other ideas feel free to post.