I want to get into duck hunting

[NDAR15MAN]

What ever you do buy a gun that shoots 2 3/4 , 3 inch and 3 1/2 shells. Do it right the first time. If you don't you will regret it. Those long shells really do a number on geese and ducks at 50 yards. You will never be under gun. Go with a Remington 870 pump or a Stoger 3500 auto for 639.00 at Scheels. That's what I have. Marty.

 

[tbird86]

With the way 3 1/2" guns are falling from favor with the 'cool kids', a Mossberg 835 can often be found for a song. You don't HAVE to run the big shells, but you CAN.

 

[Longrangers]

I don't have a shotgun for hunting. What would be a good entry level shotgun? Any thoughts on it would be greatly appreciated.

Just my 2 cents, but I was very deep into waterfowling at 1 time. Super nova would be good to start with very reliable. I personally shoot a super eagle and have one of the first ones out. I can tell you that it looks like it went through a war and my buddies have owned 7 different semi's. I still am shooting the same one and the only thing that I have done was change the recoil spring once. A 3 1/2" is over rated. I no longer shoot 3 1/2" and shot 2 3/4" mainly. I believe it patterns better and less recoil which keeps you on target for shot 2-3. If you want any other information ask away. We had a team of 5 guys and followed the birds as they migrated from September to April. A used Benelli m2 would be a good choice also. By the way my buddies now have all switched to the simplicity and reliability of benelli

 

[basinman]

I have a stoeger m3500 ive been really happy with. Their owned by beretta/benelli. They are short recoil operated similar too a benelli. Its a 3.5" gun. If i was doing it over again id go for a 3".

I have a Stoeger M3500 as well and I love it. I have the 28" barrel and it shoots everything without any issues at all. I use it for all of my shotgun hunting these days.

 

[JAYgs8163]

These guys should have all the information you need.

https://www.waterfowlforum.net/

 

[Frog4aday]

I don't hunt ducks much but my two kids go all the time. If you can come up with the bucks a Browning 3 1/2 inch 12 gauge. Maybe you could pick one up used. If not then get a pump but it has to be 3 1/2
inch magnum because you have to use steel shot. Zeke

I'm with you on the idea of getting a Browning (the BPS is excellent) but think you are off-base with the 3.5" shell being needed since we DON'T have to shoot steel shot anymore. Google BISMUTH, HEVI-SHOT, and TSS. Makes the 3.5" shell unnecessary these days.

 

[kamml53]

The advantage of the 870 or 11-87 for me was the ease of carefully fitting the stock for my eye alignment. It is easy to do yourself and makes a big difference in shooting knowing that the barrel, your eye and the bird are aligned without making adjustments during the swing. With OUs you need a stock specialist to make this simple adjustment. With the Remy's (and similar others) you can make the adjustment with a file and screw driver. I shoot Remington w/3" chambers and have been very satisfied. I never missed a passing duck because my it was to far away.

 

[brotherbear67]

Remington 870 in 3 1/2" chamber. No you don't need 3 1/2s for ducks but they are nice for late season geese and turkeys. If you decide to go with an auto loader at a later point, research the heck outta the gun you think of buying so that you buy once, cry once. Good luck, nothing finer than the sun coming up, the smell of wet lab, and a bundle of mallards locked up for your dekes.

 

[Gills]

I have been hunting ducks and geese for the the last 25 years at least I shoot 3.5" shotguns and have shot all makes of auto loaders they all jam. My go to is a browning maxus in 3.5" but it has been modified quite a bot to make it reliable for my heavy3.5 " loads. I would say in your price range and for the best reliability I would buy an 870 super mag it will stock on you once and while I till you have shot a shot tons of shells through it though. But when it sticks just slam the but on the ground and away you go. Also it is very easy to disassemble to clean. I have never used a over under. I think they would be fine but I don't like the idea of them in a blind because of need other barrel pointed down to load you are forced to swing a loaded gun around on a blind often just slightly past people with you. Just my thoughts. I also like the browning bps but it is more difficult to disassemble for cleaning.

 

[Kmccord]

In your price range a pump action will get you there, however I suggest upgrading to a semi-auto, for about 150.00 more you could go to a Remington V3 Waterfowl Pro, it comes with all the shims you need to adjust your pattern, three chokes IC, Mod and Full and you can shoot steel shot in the full choke they offer, barrel and receiver are cerakoted for protection from the elements, and the best part Made in the good old USA with a lifetime warranty..

 

[foul bore]

LOOKS LIKE THE 870 WINS, AM I WRONG?

 

[sturner]

LOOKS LIKE THE 870 WINS, AM I WRONG?

Sounds like it can't go wrong with a 870

 

[Deleted member 103481]

Anybody here bought one in the last 5 years? I've seen some internet horror stories

 

[sturner]

No mine lot older than that