New Shotgun-Old Guy

[soco11]

Looking for my first shotgun, and thought I might tap the expertise of the guys on the board. I really don't necessarily want a "tactical/home defense" shotgun--I am not real big on tactical anything--so much as a gun which is good all-round and not necessarily specialized in anything. A light shooting 12gauge auto might be the way to go, since I am not a big guy, and not as young as I used to be. Love to hear recommendations (and especially reasons for the recommendations) from you guys who love shotguns. And thanks!

[Pat-inCO]

For a one gun many uses type, I suggest the Mossberg Model 500 pump, or one of its variants. I have one and it came with two barrels (18" and a 28"). It takes about thirty seconds to a minute to change barrels and you are then set for what ever you like.

The 28" full choke will handle trap shooting (remember to get a pad for the top of the stock to get consistent cheek placement), or without the pad, bird hunting (remember to have the magazine plug inserted if you go bird hunting).

If you change your mind about having one available for home defense, you just put on the 18", pull out the magazine plug and RR (rock and roll).

The 500 is strong, reliable and relatively inexpensive. They seem to fit about midway between safe queen and beater.

[5knives]

What Pat-inCo said!

Good advice and I'd say the same but he said it first!

Only add that in a number of hunting situations that 18" open choke can be real handy!

Grouse in heavy timber and similar, slugs for critters in the brush, and those moments when something big and heavy seems to be huffing and grumbling just the other side of your tent wall. Probably just a porky or something, but a 12 gauge with a full magazine of slugs or Buck can be mighty comforting!

As always, JMHO, YMMV!

Regards,

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