What should be my first shotgun under $500

[L3G3ND]

I am going to want to hunt rabbit groundhog squirrel and deer. I need realiability and for it to last me my whole life.

[Brooksy]

Without being too one sided on what to buy. For under $500 you can get several very reliable, well made shotguns which would allow you to hunt all the listed game you described. The key to having a gun you entire life is how well you take care of it. That being said here are some suggestions.

Remington 870 Pump
Mossberg Pump
H&R Single shot
I am certain there are several more to consider, but it will boil down to fit of the gun and of course what looks appealing to you. You have to like what you shoot.

Good luck and be safe

[KwackWacker]

You can find a Binelli Nova (pump) for close to 5. They are extremely well made and reliable and they're excellent shooters. But it really boils down how well you take care of your gun.

[Bowhunters]

Welcome to the DHC forum L3G3ND.

I would go with a pump in either the 870 Remington or 535 Mossberg but for deer I would also get a rifled slug barrel with a cantelevered scope mount, that way you can shoot deer out to 100-150yds.

Either the Remington or Mossber with a rifled barrel and scope should shoot 2" groups on slugs (3 shot groups) at 100yds for deer.

You can get either the Remington or Mossberg in a (combo) through Walmart or other sources that will have a smooth barrel and a rifled barrel with scope mount, I believe the Mossbergs include a scope but not so sure about the Remington.

You should be able to slide in under the $500 with the two barrels and with the rifled barrel with scope it will be heads and shoulders above a smooth bore for shooting deer with slugs.

If you buy a smoothbore and then add a cantelevered slug barrel later they generaly cost around $150 - 200 for the rifled barrel and scope together.

[Tony204ing]

Rem.870 Or as me and my buddies call it."The critter Getter"

[cjg]

Browning BPS with a 26 inch barrel. I bought one in 1983 when I first went into the service and am still using it today. I've shot everything from doves to turkey, teal to geese, squirrels to deer with it. Thousands of rounds through it with 0 problems.

[miassmaro98]

so you can buy a shotgun that serves two purposes,how accurate is the smooth barrell

[hlawrimore]

I would get the Mossberg 535 Combo, ----'s Sporting Goods sells it for about $400. You get two guns for the price of one, can not beat that deal.

Hunter

[DouglasSpear]

Mossberg and Remington are my favorites. You can't go wrong with either and both can be found under $500.

[RICHARDCatdaddy]

Mossberg 500,and get a slug barrel too.

[over drawn]

Remington 887 nitro mag i got mine for $250.

[DVW]

I had a Remington 870 with the smooth and rifled barrels. I was very happy with it. However I didn't use it much so I sold it and bought a couple other guns. My current shot gun is an H&R 12 gauge single shot. I am very happy with it as well. It works well with 3" shells and 00 buck for deer. It only cost $100 and is worth every penny. I've never tried a slug in it. My 12 year old son has a single shot Rossi that came with three barrels for under $300. It has a .22 long rifle, .243 and 20 gauge. It is stainless steel with a black synthetic stock. That is a great little gun that will last him a lifetime. We have used in on turkeys and a few deer so far.