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I want to get a shotgun but don't really want to pay full price for a new one. Since shotguns are smooth bore, is there less risk in buying a used one in terms of it operating correctly?
I want to get a shotgun but don't really want to pay full price for a new one. Since shotguns are smooth bore, is there less risk in buying a used one in terms of it operating correctly?
The bore has little to do with it. The action would have to have been abused or have decades if wear for There to be a real problem. There is always a risk, however there are many later model shotguns on the used market, and that is what I what be looking for.
What are you looking for and what would it's purpose be? There are tons of affordable shotguns on the market both new and used. Depending on your budget, new really isn't out of the question.
For general purpose, look into the remington870 or Mossberg 500 (or even the maverick88).
I would tell you that some shotguns are problematic, the Remington 1100 series comes to mind. They're semi-automatic and the gas venting system/action can be finicky.
Add to the above pump guns (870 and 500) a Browning BPS.
I bought a used Mossy 500 pump and it was a great shooting shotgun. Paid $250 and it even had an extra slug barrel. It was hardly used, and not a scratch on it. You can find good deals on Mossy's and they are great shotguns. Time tested and plenty of options for home defense.
One thing to bear in mind is what the shotgun was used for. For example I can find a used semi-auto all day long around here, but if it was someone's duck or goose gun- it could have thousands of rounds through it and pretty hard use. Some of the semi-auto's have to be rebuilt after a while, or they are pretty worn, especially those chambered in big rounds. Sometimes it can be an issue, sometimes not.
But depending on what you want you can find deals.
I bought a used Mossy 500 pump and it was a great shooting shotgun. Paid $250 and it even had an extra slug barrel. It was hardly used, and not a scratch on it.
One thing to bear in mind is what the shotgun was used for. For example I can find a used semi-auto all day long around here, but if it was someone's duck or goose gun- it could have thousands of rounds through it and pretty hard use. Some of the semi-auto's have to be rebuilt after a while, or they are pretty worn, especially those chambered in big rounds. Sometimes it can be an issue, sometimes not.
But depending on what you want you can find deals.
Great points. I'll probably stick to pumps. Is there a difference in quality between dedicated gun stores and pawn shops?
Great points. I'll probably stick to pumps. Is there a difference in quality between dedicated gun stores and pawn shops?
No, the brand is what you are looking for. Mossberg's 500 and Remington's 870 are the most common, most popular, most versatile pumps on the market. They range from basic/cheap to higher end in price and options.
Inexpensive new shotguns are Maverick and Mossberg both usually good shotguns but with Mossberg being the better of the two.
Isn't the Maverick the down market 500?
I have a 500. I found that it is much lighter than either the 870 or BPS (which I also have) and has much greater felt recoil. For full disclosure I also have to admit that the only shells I really shoot are heavy goose loads.
Yes, the maverick 88 is the cheapest version of the Mossberg 500. They used to be right around $200 new.
Between, benelli, Remington, and Mossberg, I seem to use my Mossberg 500's the most. Fwiw
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