Which Shotgun?

[ksp771]

I am in the market for a new shotgun. I don't really want to spend a whole bunch but like Both the NE Pardner 12 ga pump and the Charles Daly Pump. Anyone have any experience with either?

[grouser68]

What do you plan to hunt with your new shotgun?

[wkyhunter]

Personally, I'd spend just a bit more and get a 870. If $$ is a problem a trip to a good pawn shop can get ya a nice 870 express for around $150.

[ksp771]

Mostly just wanted another 12ga. Something different than my Brownings and Remingtons. Thought I may try the Charles Daly or the NE in Pump. I like hunting Rabbits, Squirrel, Turkey and will try duck this season.

[daking]

I'd look for an old Ithaca 37 lighweight. They are a lot of shotgun for the money and they are durable as all get out.

If I were looing to buy new, I'd probably consider the Benelli Nova.

Remington 870's are very, very nice shotguns, but they seem to hold their value beyond many others. You can pick up a 37 for a fair amount less than the 870 and have a well-machined shotgun.

If you just want something to knock around with for a good price, get a Mossberg. They are not very pretty and they are not all that highly regarded, but they have the maddening capacity to always work correctly. They also represent a lot of gun for the money.

The good news (and the bad news) is that you have many, many really good options.

[Nikon Shooter]

I'd go with the Mossberg 500, or if you need to shoot 3 1/2" shells, the 535 or 835.

I know we are talking about pumps, but I have a friend at work who has a Charles Daly automatic, and to be honest, it has been nothing but a piece of junk... Perhaps he just got a lemon, but the thing has been back to C. Daly more then he has had it in his hands... The pumps may be another animal, but I never intend to find out.

Don't know anything about the N.E. Pardner models...

I love Remington rifles, and all the older model shotguns, but my brother has a new 870 Express Super Mag, and it has had a lot of issues cycling shells. It sometimes will release a shell from the tube before it clears the spent hull and they jam up in the receiver... I have heard folks claim that this issue is due to buying the "el cheapo" model from Wally World. That may be the case, but I have a Mossberg 835 that came from Wally World, and it has had TONS of shells through it, been through some nasty weather/hunting situations, and I have never had any issues with it. I also hunt with a lot of guys who shoot Mossbergs, and the only issue I have ever encountered is a buddy who has a 935 auto that sometimes has cycling issues.

The "el cheapo" Wally World claim may be accurate, but I cannot for the life of me understand why a good company (Remington) would put out an inferior product just to sell'em cheap at Wally World.

Just my opinion, but if/when buying a brand new cheap hunting pump shotgun, I won't look at anything besides the Mossbergs.

[KYBOY]

You can probably find a 870 express or a moss 500 fairly cheap. I have a charles daily 20 ga auto thats been outstanding. many cases of shells, dead rabbits and squirrels lay at its feet..

[ksp771]

Thank you all for the help. I will take a trip to the gunshop and get a feel for them.

[trust me]

Ditto on the old Ithacas. The 37 is a bargain, even if in not-so-great shape. Only drawback with the older guns is you may not have choke tubes and they may not handle the steel and tungsten stuff.

[swamper]

I don't care for the Nova's myself....for about $400 you can get a Stoeger 2000 semi-auto........company is owned by Bennelli, and the gun is basically a Bennelli (same inertia driven bolt) that is assembled in Turkey to cut down on costs...love mine.

[brasskeeper]

If your wanting something different in a pump I would agree with Ithaca. They make a fine shotgun.