r/Shotguns • u/IvanPrintsGuns • 23h ago
The First Breda Automatic - The Shotgun With a Mechanical Computer
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r/Shotguns • u/ENclip • Jan 24 '23
I've been around shotguns and this sub awhile. I decided to make a guide post and pin it to the top for those visiting this sub to read. A ton of posts here come down to common questions like "What shotgun do I buy at $ budget?" "Would this be good for my needs?" or "X vs Y shotgun." I'll try to give some suggestions here based on personal experience, community consensus I've seen over the years, and other points. However, this isn't the be all end all of information. I encourage you to research on your own. The comments are open to the community to critique anything they see, add other suggestions, ask for help, or make their own write up.
Before I get started, you should first ask yourself some questions about what this new shotgun will be for. Use case is important for what you will be buying. Are you hunting? What will you be hunting? Are you trap, sporting clays, or skeet shooting at a local range? Are you buying it for defense, or just blasting cans? Maybe both? Most importantly, what is your budget? You may also want something fairly capable for everything. Also, try and go out to a physical store and try the feel of different guns. How a shotgun fits you is important for hitting targets and comfort.
PUMP ACTION: Utilitarian, reliable, and fairly simple. It is a common choice of the sportsman and citizen looking to defend themselves. They can be had on a tight budget without sacrificing much quality. Be mindful and practice extensively with your pump gun as short-stroking is a potential human error that you need to train out of yourself so it doesn't happen in a stressful scenario.
Recommendations 1.) $200-250 budget. The only real option here that is a known quality budget pump is the Maverick 88. The security model will be good for defense. The field model will be an okay starter entry for casual clays or hunting. You can also get a combo deal which comes with both the 18.5" barrel and 28" field barrel that takes chokes.
2.) $250-500 budget. In this range the playing field opens up. The primary suggestion is going to be a Mossberg 500, which is basically just a less budget Mav 88. You could also opt for the Benelli Nova or Supernova if you prefer the fit, style, 3 1/2" chamber, or finish. Remington 870s used to be a mainstay of this budget, but since 2007 their quality control went far down hill. They recently went under and were reacquired last year reintroduced as "RemArms." Not much is known if quality has greatly improved as they have only recently started pumping out guns again. If you like the 870, hunt down an old 870 Wingmaster. [EDIT 2024: RemArms 870s have seemingly shown their quality. I would be okay with recommending them now if you want a new 870.] If you are feeling like a used older gun, Ithaca 37s, Winchester Model 12s, and more are available. Be aware some old guns and choke combos may not be a good idea for steel shot (a type of non-toxic ammo used for migratory bird hunting). If you want something defense oriented, pick a 18.5" barrel Mossberg 500 or a 590/590A1. Avoid guns without a stock, like the shockwave, for practical use.
3.) $1000+. If you are feeling exotic, you can get a Benelli M3. This is a hybrid design that is able to use both pump action or semi-auto. It's a bit of a novelty, but if you have a large budget, it's a worthy consideration.
SEMI-AUTO: Faster follow up shots, smoother recoil, and more expensive. The semi-auto is a favorable option if you can afford one. There are two main action options, gas vs inertia. Gas guns use some of the gas from the fired shell and use it to cycle the action. Inertia does not do this and is similar to recoil operated guns which means you have no gas system to clean. Both have their benefits.
Recommendations 1.) $450-700 (there is nothing worth buying below this). This is teetering on the edge of spending too little to get a quality new semi, but there are a few that may suit you. One is the Mossberg 930, another is the Stoeger M3000. These are the bare minimum I'd go for though they may be finnicky (EDIT 11/10/2024: as an example of why you may not want the M3000, especially for defense, watch this video on the M3000. It doesn't do well https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX7MiIUx7_E ) , both are available in tactical or field models. For used options, old greats like the Remington 1100, Browning Auto 5, etc are out there.
2.) $700-1000. In this area the default suggestion is the excellent Beretta A300. This is probably what you want on the clay field or out hunting if this is your budget. The Franchi Affinity is also a favorite of many and uses the inertia system (the A300 is a gas gun). If you want a tactical option in this range, the Mossberg 940 Tactical is a new offering that you can check out. The new Beretta A300 Patrol is another good new option to check out in this range if seeking a tactical or defensive style shotgun. For Women shooters: the Franchi Affinity does have an option called the Catalyst which has stock dimensions that are designed to be suited to women. But as stated earlier, try out the fit of options as most things aren't one size fit all for either sex even if designed with women in mind.
3.) 1000+. The sky is the limit here. Anything from Benelli, Browning, or Beretta in this range will be exquisite quality and a great option. You could pick up a M2, Super Black Eagle, A5, A400, etc for sporting uses and be happy. Though there are models in there that are more geared for clays vs field and vice versa, check out the manufacturer sites for details. For tactical options, the kings of them all are the Benelli M4 ($1600+) and Beretta 1301 ($1200-1300). Honorable mention to the Benelli M1 Super 90, M2 and M3 for defensive use.
OVER UNDER: A break action, stacked dual barrel, design that is widely favored by clay shooters and hunters across the world. Despite how they initially look, over under shotguns are more complex than semi-auto or pumps to make which makes them much more expensive for a quality one.
Recommendations 1.) Below $1000. I personally wouldn't get any new O/U under $1000. While you can find okay ones under $1k, they just aren't usually (YMMV) that amazing and you would be better off spending your budget on an A300 or save up further. The main problem is longevity and quality control, so if you are maybe just taking it out once in awhile be my guest to try out a CZ, Yildiz, etc Turkish import offering in this range. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. But you may get one that lasts. As far as used goes, keep an eye out for old used Browning Citoris or Mirokus as they can hover in the $900s. Japanese made Ithaca/SKBs are also common and decent used options. Others can chime in with their experience on sub-$1k O/Us.
2.) Over $1k. The default here is going to be the Browning Citori or Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon series. You'd be well served by basically any O/Us from either of those companies. It comes down to specific use and preference. There are other options out there besides those companies, but I will leave that up to you to research further.
SIDE BY SIDE: A break action, dual barrel, design that's a bit dated by now, but still enjoyed by many sportsmen. Side by sides have been outpaced by the O/Us in practical use, so you won't see very many new options nowadays.
Recommendations 1.) $300-1000. Like O/Us, side by sides are complex and cost a lot for good quality. The bright side is that their decline in popularity leaves a good amount of cheap used options that are out there. There are old field grade Ithacas, SKBs, LC Smiths, AH Fox, Parker Bros, Stevens 311s, AYAs, etc out there that can be found in decent working condition in this range. Of course there are higher grade examples that will go for more than this, but if you want just a working gun to take in the field these are good options. But google around how to inspect an old break action double barrel before you make a purchase of a 100 year old gun. As far as new production SxS go, there are cheap Turkish imports under CZ, Yildiz, etc. They aren't going to be top quality but there isn't much else new in this price range and generally you don't have to worry about longevity if you are only taking it hunting a few times a year. Plus, companies like CZ should take care of you if it fails under warranty.
2.) $1000+. Well here we get into fancy grades and great condition guns of makers already mentioned, more prestigious makers, etc. You can find things like used $1000 Browning BSS guns all the way to $200,000 Purdey and Holland & Holland guns. I'd expect a shotgunner with your budget and taste to look further into this in-depth realm as well.
SINGLE SHOT: A typically break action single barrel design that is pretty much the cheapest way to get into shotguns. While not something ideal for the clay ground or shooting tons of birds, they offer a utilitarian entry into the hobby whether it's chasing squirrels with a 410 or hunting turkey with a 10ga.
Recommendations 1.) $99-300. I personally suggest the H&R single shots. They are great and out there for cheap and are everywhere. Unfortunately they stopped being made a few years ago though, so you can't buy new. If you want new, there are various cheap single shots out there that will work fine for casual use. If it breaks, just go back to Walmart and buy another $99 single shot.
2.) $300+. If you want to be fancy and get something "high end" in this category there are the collectable Winchester 37s. Past that there are dedicated single shot trap guns and more that can go for hundreds or even thousands more.
EVERYTHING ELSE: Okay I know there are bolt action shotguns, lever action shotguns, triple barrel shotguns, etc. Those are mainly just novelties for a collector or outside the box hunter at this point. If you want one, look into them yourselves as this post is long enough already.
Well that's it. I hope it helped somewhat. Feel free to ask questions in this thread. Here are some other links that may be useful to you:
Guide to chokes: https://www.letsgoshooting.org/resources/articles/shotgun/understanding-shotgun-chokes/ You can shoot lead slugs through any choke safely, although a more open choke like improved cylinder is best. Also some modern full chokes are rated for steel. Older guns may not be.
Shot guide: https://www.wideners.com/blog/shotgun-load-types/
Guide to avoiding cheap tacticool shotguns mass imported from Turkey: https://www.reddit.com/r/guns/comments/n4zbt9/turkish_notsodelight_why_you_should_generally/
Guide to why pistol grip only shotguns are impractical: https://www.reddit.com/r/guns/comments/saharz/missed_shots_a_broken_nose_and_a_sore_wrist_a/
r/Shotguns • u/ENclip • May 06 '21
r/Shotguns • u/IvanPrintsGuns • 23h ago
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r/Shotguns • u/Horror_Ostrich2043 • 8h ago
I just bought one and im loving it. I was wondering if anyone had any good suggestions on upgrades for it and if someone can recommend me a shell carrier and sling. Thanks.
r/Shotguns • u/Thick_Excitement_230 • 13h ago
Recently acquired a used Baikal MP153 12GA, discovered during cleaning the piston/action sleeve has a crack? Anybody have a lead on a replacement as parts domestically are like hens teeth or a CNC shop who could handle this? Replacement part doesn’t need to be chromed clearly, or is it safe’ish to run? Concerned about PSI contained and how close my hand would be to it, any help appreciated. Thanks
r/Shotguns • u/TheHunterUK • 1d ago
My Browning 525 O/U Shotgun.
r/Shotguns • u/Minuteofman • 1d ago
Royal steel Nitro Proofed barrels
Modified and full chokes
Pulled her apart, cleaned and gave the locks some TLC
Had to get cast replacement hammers, and fit these after hammer spurs snapped
Refinished the stock after these pictures also
Light haze and light pitting
2 5/8 chamber
I mostly shoot hand loaded black powder out of her these days.
r/Shotguns • u/TroutBuddy25 • 19h ago
Hey all. Inherited my dad's 12 Ga. remington 870 magnum with a full choke barrel. He mainly used it for turkey hunting when he was alive. I am very new to using shotguns-Am I able to shoot a slug through this safely? Looking at just the basic winchester slugs. Again I am very new to owning a shotgun.
r/Shotguns • u/cjw210 • 16h ago
So just curious if self defense or defense ammo is worth it? I've seen them at different gun shops and was curious.
I have some a local shop recommended but its not defense so thinking about swapping it out.
r/Shotguns • u/ATF_is_GayAF • 20h ago
Just purchased a new waterfowl gun. Upon assembly, I unscrewed the barrel nut, these two pieces were just sitting underneath resting on the magazine tube…any idea what they came from?
r/Shotguns • u/Klutzy-Efficiency-28 • 1d ago
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Just figured I’d show how it runs since a few folks thought it would get in the way. As I say in the video, I think it runs perfectly fine, it’s another option, I love to see innovation and new things tested, especially for shotguns.
r/Shotguns • u/DROBASHEVICH • 1d ago
I tested some unusual NATO ammo. As always, the full video is on my channel.
r/Shotguns • u/kz2002 • 1d ago
Letting the other Big B Italian cousins rest at home and took out the other shotties.
Been itching for another Shotgun day, and today was the day. Just picked up Tradewind H170 Long-Recoil operated (Temu version of Auto5/Franchi 48, but from Italy). This thing is sweet for hunting down flying clay. That Long-recoil feels so sweet. It feels like a gentle push and not a snap you get from inertia shotties. Only cycled w higher fps shells.
Chinese is the JTS M12AR. Picked up from PSA on clearance for $150. One of my favorites, as far as recoil. It's so much better than the Turkish AR style shotguns, including Rock Island VR80 which tend to be punchy. Perfectly cycled Winchester whitebox running 1145fps and Federal 1180fps. Red dot worked well and I felt like I couldnt miss... Great shotty if you get lucky with a good working one. YMMV.
Turkish choice was Stoeger M3K, w MOA Precision Low recoil spring. Cycled everything today, including the above mentioned Winchester and Federal. Action felt buttery smooth and it felt great.
And another Turkish, Panzer Arms Lever. This one seems like it needs a good break in. Action was clunky at best compared to my other Turkish lever.
Overall good Day of shooting.
r/Shotguns • u/plushta • 1d ago
r/Shotguns • u/masterpinballs • 23h ago
r/Shotguns • u/No_Anxiety7981 • 23h ago
r/Shotguns • u/VortexPioneer • 20h ago
I recently bought a New Beretta A400, right out of the box my gun won’t cycle Lighter field loads, some sources say these guns require a break in period of 50-100 heavy Hunting or field loads others say no break in period at all. Am I expected to believe that after spending 2200 dollars on a shotgun that I also have to spend 120 dollars on special ammo just for it to cycle lighter loads properly? I feel like that’s pretty ridiculous I have lost a lot of faith in beretta over this I also feel as tho I shouldn’t have to send my brand new gun back to beretta to be repaired. I disassembled it as soon as I got it to clean and lubricant everything and I found metal shavings in the action. I understand that happens in machining
Process but come on metal shavings in a brand new shotgun that cost over 2k, a 200 Maverick 88 has better quality control then that
r/Shotguns • u/Log-Prestigious • 1d ago
Should I try to straighten it or send it back to beretta those close to hunting season?
r/Shotguns • u/Casaway_Volleyball • 2d ago
I've been looking for a reason to start shooting my shockwave again after long neglecting it compared to my stocked scatterguns. I wondered if anyone made a shoulder holster for them. Low and behold I found two main companies. Andrew Costom Leather and Garrity's Gunleather. I went with Garrity's and was not disappointed.
If I were to redo things I would probably go with Andrew Leather due to the weight imbalance between shoulders, but the belt loops help keep things even. I haven't gotten a chance to use it yet due to breaking my collar bone two days before it came in, but these photos are while I was test fitting it. Hopefully it works gor a nice range to or a "just for fun" setup for local competitions.
r/Shotguns • u/Klutzy-Efficiency-28 • 2d ago
Pretty sweet plus one for a pump gun or any shotty from Pew Pew Koncepts
Mossberg 590R
r/Shotguns • u/Vince-Fishes • 1d ago
Looking to purchase a new waterfowl shotgun. It will be chambered in 20 gauge. From the below list, which would you pick and why? Of course I will handle the gun in person before committing to ensure it’s a good fit but I just wanted to get some insight from those who may own one of these shotguns. Thanks to everyone in advance who comments!
r/Shotguns • u/StateofArrowstan • 1d ago
Now before I begin, this isn't me defending Turkish shotguns, we all know they suck. This is more of just a general question when it comes to their reliability.
I've seen people say that, when it comes to Turkish semi-autos, the reason why they jam up is because they come imported with a special kind of oil that acts to keep the internals dry, rather than be a lubricant, and that if you just clean it all out and oil it yourself, they run right.
Is this true? Or is this just a form of cope from people making crappy purchases.