new to hunting...

[Blazin]

and I have some questions. What seems to be the most common shotgun caliber for deer hunting? 12 gauge?
When looking to buy a shotgun, what are some things I should keep in the back of my mind?

the reason I ask is that I am a 30 year that has only rabbit and squirrel hunted a few times. I have handled guns quite often before. I am an Eagle Scout, and on many occasions, I was around .22, different shotguns, some rifles and a variety of handguns. However, I have never really hunted a lot, and I am trying to learn what route to take. I will probably shoot clay pigeons every once in a while, so I guess I am looking for a little versatility as well.

[quigleysharps4570]

Go with the 12 gauge. A Remington 870 is a good one to start with. They've always been pretty reliable. Lots of good choices out there though. Hope to hear a deer story and see some pics. Good luck.

[Buckstopper21]

I use a mossberg 500 20. ga. and that has gotten the job done 3 years in a row. I took a 90 yard shot with it last year, open bead sights, and it downed it just fine. My gun has interchangable choke tubes so during deer season I just put a rifled choke tube on it and I can shoot very consistanly with it. I would go with a 12 ga. though just for that added extra knock-down power. Happy hunting

[gamester]

Try out some of each guage, if at all possible, and pick the one you feel the most confident with. A well placed shot from a 410 will kill a deer better than a poorly placed shot from a 12 guage. Each has their advantages. Confidence in yourself and the weapon is more important than which weapon you chose.
I like the 12 ga. because I hunt a lot of brush and the 12 ga. is good at getting through it with enough energy for a clean kill.

[KShunter]

i would save your money and get a nice rifle to hunt deer with. you will be much more satisfied with the distance of shots and the overall use of the gun. then go and get a decent shot gun to shoot clay with. i just bought a new .300 mag that i love. it does have a bit of a kick but its worth it for the long 400+ yards shots u can take. good luck...

[gamester]

i would save your money and get a nice rifle to hunt deer with. you will be much more satisfied with the distance of shots and the overall use of the gun. then go and get a decent shot gun to shoot clay with. i just bought a new .300 mag that i love. it does have a bit of a kick but its worth it for the long 400+ yards shots u can take. good luck...

In some states (like here in Ohio) rifles are not allowed. Only shotguns (one ball per barrel), hand guns (357 or larger with 5"+ barrel) or muzzel loaders (38 cal or larger, one ball per barrel). pump and simiauto shotguns must be plugged to a maximum of three round max. capacity.

[Blazin]

thanks for the help!!!!

[Blazin]

is there a difference to wood vs. synthetic

[carnivore]

there's probably a difference in the overall weight of the firearm, the feeling of balance of the firearm, and probably recoil, the heavier the firearm the less noticable the recoil. synthetic is practically maintenance free and less subject to showing normal wear and tear, usually less glare from sun reflection due to a matte texture.

[grizz]

everything depends on what your going to hunt if your going to hunt upland birds only any pump 12 ga would work fine but i would recommend the remmington 870 or a mossberg 500 there fairly in expensive and are proven guns ,if your going to shoot goose or deer you will want at least a 3inch chamber so you can shoot 3 inch magnum shells for more reach and better knockdown.remember if you want a shotgun for deer and birds you have to have the right chokes.

[Blazin]

I just plan to hunt deer, and shoot clay pigeons occasionally. Wal-mart has a mossberg synthetic 12 gauge (don't have the model number), for $160.00. I didn't think that was a bad price.

[KwackWacker]

Mossbergs are great shotguns, A word of advice on the action here. Pumps are hands down the best all around shotgun action. I am an avid duck and deer hunter and I have never had a pump fail me in the woods. They're pretty much indesctructible. I have put mine through all types of weather, mud, snow, ice all of it. The key is to keep it well maintained. Clean it after every use or at least every other. And once a year either take it totally apart If and ONLY if you have any gunsmithing skills or take it to a gunsmith and have it cleaned thoroughly. It'll run you about $50.00. Well worth it to have a gun perform on demand for years to come. My shotgun of choice is a Rem. 870. They can be taken apart in three or four simple steps and put back together just as easily. I also have a synthetic stock, that's a matter of choice. I put mine through some pretty nasty stuff and the synthetic stock helps repel water and mud.
The only downsides that I have to say about Mossbergs is that their internal parts are'nt as easy to put back together. As far as gauge, go with a 12 in 3 inch magnum or 3 1/2 inch. The three inch will cover everything you want. The 3 1/2 is also good if you can stand the kick.[/i][/b]

[Blazin]

Mossbergs are great shotguns, A word of advice on the action here. Pumps are hands down the best all around shotgun action. I am an avid duck and deer hunter and I have never had a pump fail me in the woods. They're pretty much indesctructible. I have put mine through all types of weather, mud, snow, ice all of it. The key is to keep it well maintained. Clean it after every use or at least every other. And once a year either take it totally apart If and ONLY if you have any gunsmithing skills or take it to a gunsmith and have it cleaned thoroughly. It'll run you about $50.00. Well worth it to have a gun perform on demand for years to come. My shotgun of choice is a Rem. 870. They can be taken apart in three or four simple steps and put back together just as easily. I also have a synthetic stock, that's a matter of choice. I put mine through some pretty nasty stuff and the synthetic stock helps repel water and mud.
The only downsides that I have to say about Mossbergs is that their internal parts are'nt as easy to put back together. As far as gauge, go with a 12 in 3 inch magnum or 3 1/2 inch. The three inch will cover everything you want. The 3 1/2 is also good if you can stand the kick.[/i][/b]

thank you very much....extremely well put together response. I know a just enough about guns to know that I don't know anything, so I appreciate what you told me. Thanks!