Newbie shotgun question - barrel length

[fredtubbs]

I'm looking to get my first shotgun. I've looked at the Mossberg 500, Remington 870, and Benelli Nova. I want to use the gun primarily shooting clays at the range, and if someone wanted to invite me along for hunting I'd like to be able to accept. Home defense is a thought, but I think I really like the handgun in the nightstand safe too.

I've heard really good things about Benelli. I see the they offer the Nova in a 28 or 26 inch barrel. Thinking primarily about non-home defense needs, why would I want one over the other?

Thanks

[arod757]

I'm pretty new to the shotgunning world myself, but this is what I've learned through my research before deciding on a sporting clays shotgun:

Supposedly, the length of the barrel helps with long-range shots; i.e., the longer the barrel, the easier it is to pull off the longer range kill.

OTOH, modern shells tend to make this a moot point, as the velocity that the pellets leave the barrel varies very little between a 26-, 28-, or 30-inch barrel. The chokes would seem to make more of a difference in this regard, IMHO.

So what does this mean? Beats me, but I went with a Benelli Cordoba 12 gauge with a 28" barrel and absolutely love it for shooting clays, whether it's trap or skeet.

Just out of curiosity, though, why are you going with a pump action shotgun if you want it to shoot clays? You're going to have a hard time pulling off doubles with a pump. I'm not saying it can't be done. I just think that if you're going to buy a shotgun primarily for clays, you may want to consider getting an autoloader or an over/under. Just my .02.

[atxgun]

Just out of curiosity, though, why are you going with a pump action shotgun if you want it to shoot clays? You're going to have a hard time pulling off doubles with a pump. I'm not saying it can't be done. I just think that if you're going to buy a shotgun primarily for clays, you may want to consider getting an autoloader or an over/under. Just my .02.

I got a pump action for skeet shooting (Mossberg 590). Frankly it's just fun working the action and even more satisfying when you are able to hit the doubles with it.

After all it is a sport, I think auto loaders should be tantamount to using steroids

[arod757]

I got a pump action for skeet shooting (Mossberg 590). Frankly it's just fun working the action and even more satisfying when you are able to hit the doubles with it.

After all it is a sport, I think auto loaders should be tantamount to using steroids

I still think my auto is too cool for school though.

[Stupid]

I am pretty new too. If you don't plan on going hunting, a pump would do; otherwise, i would suggest to get a semi for quick follow-up shots and low recoil.

As for barrel length, i read quite some and most people agree that with modern ammo, it's not going to make much difference between 26 and 28. So, i got myself a 26" Mossberg 935 semi-auto for $460 shipped.

[FlynJay]

I just recently bought a Mossberg Maverick 88 12ga.(28" Barrel), and am very happy with it. The barrel and stock is interchangable with the mossberg 500, as well as most of the 500 assesories. You can get an additional 18.5" barrel for home defense and have an adequate 12ga for both sporting and HD purposes.

Bought it for ~$160 at Academy.

I shot sporting clays with it last weekend and it did very well. First time ever shooting a shotgun and got 27 out of 50 clays.

[GrayHawk]

I agree with your point regarding pistol vs shotgun for home defense. For hunting and skeet, I personally like a SXS or OU in 12 ga or 20. Pumps are kind of difficult for quick follow up shots.....

[FlynJay]

I agree with your point regarding pistol vs shotgun for home defense. For hunting and skeet, I personally like a SXS or OU in 12 ga or 20. Pumps are kind of difficult for quick follow up shots.....

If you shoot skeet, trap, or sporting clays. Follow up shots will come natrually. It is definately good practice, by the end of the day pulling the trigger then pumping the action was very natrual.

[fredtubbs]

OK, all good information to think about. Thanks for the knowledge. It's nice to see so many other 'newbies' on the board too!

[RKirby]

I agree with your point regarding pistol vs shotgun for home defense. For hunting and skeet, I personally like a SXS or OU in 12 ga or 20. Pumps are kind of difficult for quick follow up shots.....

If you shoot skeet, trap, or sporting clays. Follow up shots will come natrually. It is definately good practice, by the end of the day pulling the trigger then pumping the action was very natrual.

I'm not knocking SxS's or O/U's, but..........it's all about practice. A smooth pump gun can be almost as fast as an autoloader in the right hands. After a little practice I can regularly make doubles with any of my pumps just as often as I can with my 11-87, and I'm not an expert shotgunner or clays shooter by anyone's definition.

Paraphrasing what someone said earlier...It ain't the arrow, it's the Indian.......

[RKirby]

I'm looking to get my first shotgun. I've looked at the Mossberg 500, Remington 870, and Benelli Nova. I want to use the gun primarily shooting clays at the range, and if someone wanted to invite me along for hunting I'd like to be able to accept. Home defense is a thought, but I think I really like the handgun in the nightstand safe too.

I've heard really good things about Benelli. I see the they offer the Nova in a 28 or 26 inch barrel. Thinking primarily about non-home defense needs, why would I want one over the other?

Thanks

I currently own Mossberg, Remington and Winchester shotguns,both pumps and autoloaders. You can't go wrong with any of the three in my experience. All have been utterly reliable for me and all are great values for the money, especially the Remington and Mossberg pump guns. Although I have no hands on experience with the Benelli Nova I hear very few complaints from those that do own them.

As far as barrel length goes, a 28 inch barrel is probably the best compromise for an all around field gun. Personally I prefer a 26" barrel for hunting brushy areas for quail due to it's better maneuverability in tight areas and lighter weight. For dove, pheasant and waterfowl I like either a 28", or even 30" barrel for the longer shots common in this type of hunting.

You also might want to look at the Mossberg 500 Combo. It comes with a 28" hunting barrel and an additional 18.5" home defense barrel for about $300.00.

[TexasVet]

Or if you want an autoloader the Mossberg 930 Field and Security combo (18.5" and 28" barrels)

[CodeJockey]

I will say this though. Make sure you work the actions before you buy. I have a Nova. It is totally reliable, excellent gun, and I would not hesitate to recommend one, but the slide release button, for me, is a bit hard to work compared to an 870 or 500. I'm sure thats just the way my hands are built, but be sure to check all of the fit / feel before you buy. Just my $.02.

[AggieC05]

I just recently bought a Mossberg Maverick 88 12ga.(28" Barrel), and am very happy with it. The barrel and stock is interchangable with the mossberg 500, as well as most of the 500 assesories. You can get an additional 18.5" barrel for home defense and have an adequate 12ga for both sporting and HD purposes.

Bought it for ~$160 at Academy.

I shot sporting clays with it last weekend and it did very well. First time ever shooting a shotgun and got 27 out of 50 clays.

intriguing i am going to have to check this out more!

[RiverRat]

I just recently bought a Mossberg Maverick 88 12ga.(28" Barrel), and am very happy with it. The barrel and stock is interchangable with the mossberg 500, as well as most of the 500 assesories. You can get an additional 18.5" barrel for home defense and have an adequate 12ga for both sporting and HD purposes.

Bought it for ~$160 at Academy.

I shot sporting clays with it last weekend and it did very well. First time ever shooting a shotgun and got 27 out of 50 clays.

intriguing i am going to have to check this out more!

I got the same gun with the 28" barrel. Do you have a good (cheap) source for the 18.5"? Thought it might be cheap way to go both ways......house and bird hunting. Just remember to put the plug back in.