The Unofficial P64 Resource Forum

Wow, this should be sooo easy for me, but man I'm having a tough time.

My wife's best friend is wanting to buy her husband a shotgun for Christmas. They just bought their son a Remington 11-87 for his birthday last month, and she wants them to be able to shoot together.

She wants me to pick one out for her husband. He is a middle age guy (mid fifties), and he's a big golfer and fisherman. He is from out in the country, and grew up hunting....but just hasn't hunted or shot in years.

So I'm the kind of guy that likes guns....and lots of THEM! I have a shotgun for dove, another for rabbit/quail, another for upland, and yet another for waterfowl.

Just one gun for it all....that's what I need to point her to. I'm thinking I can't go wrong with the "3 B's" (Browning, Beretta, Benelli). She only wants to spend about $800 or so.

Any advice?

Automatic, pump, or double? For an auto, I've heard great things about the Benelli's. For a pump, you can't go wrong with a Remington 870 Wingmaster (not the Express model - nothing really wrong with it - just not nearly the same quality gun as the Wingmaster).

should have mentioned - semi auto

I can't say enough about the Benelli. They are quite spendy but worth every penny in my opinion. The 11-87 is a nice shotgun as well and you wouldn't go wrong with it. They don't fit me as well as the Benelli though. The Benelli fits a smaller framed person MUCH better. I would also recommend the Browning Gold, again it doesn't fit me though. I do not care for the Beretta guns. I have never owned one but have seen them jam too many times.

1) Benelli
2) Browning
3) Remington

If you can find an old Remington Model 11, they are nice guns and very reliable. It resembles the Browning A5 (which would also be a wonderful choice). The A5 is also not manufactured any longer so used is your only option. Any of the online gun auction sites have plenty.

Good luck!

That's my 2 cents!

for that budget price, I'd say go for a saiga 12, they only seem to be rising in value and you can mod it in so many ways, I know some people who have them and they are absolutely infatuated with theirs.

reprisejim,

I know all about the old Auto-5's! You're right on my man! I have a 1972 Belgium Sweet 16 that is in 98 to 99%. I've been craving a 1964 or 65 Light Twelve RKLT in 28" VR with the French walnut blond wood.....man o man!

The only thing is....this guy just needs a "do anything" all-around shotgun. You know, from doves to ducks.

Personally, I have several different shotguns for different uses. I also know that she (my wife's friend) wouldn't go for a used gun as a gift. I really like the Benellis....but I think it's just out of budget. May go with the Browning Gold.

Trent,

I actually think the Saiga's are GREAT. Just not so sure it would be practical as a "do-all" shotgun like a 28" 2 3/4" & 3" with choke tubes would. I also know from probing my wife's friend that he likes wood stocks, and really didn't go for synthetic. So, the Saiga is probably out.

I wouldn't rule out the Auto 5!! If the gentleman appreciates guns, he will certainly appreciate that!! Most of the A5's that I see on the auction sites are in great shape.

Yea, the Benelli is an investment. A very Good investment though! I have seen the M2 online for about $950.00. The Browning Gold is going for about $870.00. For the $80.00 differnce, I would choose Benelli.

www.impactguns.com


I assume a 28" barrel in 12 guage and walnut stock.

You probably know all this but just in case...
I would choose the 3" vs. the 3 1/2". The 3 1/2" is really nice for those geese but firing a light 2 3/4" from a 3 1/2" can sometimes not eject properly. I have seen this happen on most guns. In my opinion, the 3" packs plenty of punch (even on turkey with the correct choke).

I hope this is a help.