Need help trying to pick a quality versitile shotgun

[Ksinghas]

Hello all. I'm a novice hunter only bagging one doe so far. I have rights to a small plot where we are able to hunt with bow, black powder or shotgun. I was thinking of purchasing a shotgun so I could hunt small game or whitetail w the same gun. The problem is I'm not very familiar w the different types if shotgun. I was wondering if someone could reccommend a shotgun that would suit my needs for slugs and small game loads. I'm looking for a pump action if at all possible.
I thank you ahead
of time for helping a new hunter!

Kenny

[NYBuckhunter]

How much do you want to spend? There are plenty of good pump guns out there in all kinds of price ranges. My 3 suggested guns, in order from lowest price to highest:

1 - Mossberg 500
2 - Remington 870
3 - Benelli Nova

If you dont mind a used one, look around at the older Ithacas as well.

[Ksinghas]

It will be my first firearm to own so I'd like to keep the cost low. Maybe between 200 or 250? What can I look for in that range?

[NYBuckhunter]

You might find a Mossberg setup for that, possibly a Remington 870 if you catch it on sale. You can definitely find a used one for that. For the best deal on new, look at the big box stores, but for used, look at local shops. Now is a good time for used, people are in need of money and are letting their stuff go on the cheap.

[Tenpoint]

That's good advice from NYbuckhunter. Unless you are small framed, look for a 12 gauge with an adjustable choke. That's a very versatile gun. If you want to spend a bit more a year or two down the line, you could pick up a slug barrel to improve your range when deer hunting.

Let us know if you have any other questions.

Cheers,
Tenpoint

[backwoodsman]

The N.E.F. pumps are a good gun and a good deal also but I dont think the mart stores carry them? Our local Wallys had Mossberg 500 12 and 20 ga. combos with a bird barrel and a rifle sighted slug barrel for $325 a little while back.

[craig85]

I got my Mossburg 500 for $200 about 11 years ago but I think they are still below $250 with a bird barrel. Got it at K-Mart