Help Me Choose a Dove Gun!!!

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Help Me Choose a Dove Gun!!!

Posted: 8/30/2004 11:21:51 AM EDT

I need a shotgun for Saturday's opening day of dove season!

I am really short and have short arms, and my old Winchester 120 pump 12, I have decided, is just too big for me, and there is not enough time to order a youth stock, and my local smith is swamped with orders as it is. As you can see, I'm looking for an excuse for a new gun.

I'm open to Autos, side by sides and over/unders, and possibly a pump, if it's the right gun. My budget is $200 to a little over $400. Would like to keep it cheap until I can get something really, really nice.

I'm currently considering Beretta 3901, Baikal 43 and 27, various Traditions models. Also, I'm looking for a length of pull in the 12.5-13 inch range.

Thanks in advance. Andy.

Posted: 8/30/2004 11:23:08 AM EDT

[#1]

870 remmy express 20 gauge

Posted: 8/30/2004 11:27:38 AM EDT

[#2]

Posted: 8/30/2004 11:28:23 AM EDT

[#3]

Quoted:
870 remmy express 20 gauge

+1

Youth model.

Posted: 8/30/2004 11:36:57 AM EDT

[#4]

Early Season-Camo Synthetic Rem 870 YOUTH! This has got to be my best handling weapon! Folks laugh at my youth model but they quit shortly after things start flying (and falling)!

Late Season-SBE 12ga. (black death)

Last year on opening day, I shot the limit(12) with a box of shell with my SBE!
I'll probably never do it again!

Posted: 8/30/2004 11:39:33 AM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:

Posted: 8/30/2004 11:40:37 AM EDT

[#6]

What 'ya guys think about the 16 ga. 870 express w/ 23 in bbl. Franklins has 'em for 189.

Posted: 8/30/2004 11:42:01 AM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:
Quoted:
ge-bisse.subnet.dk/134s.jpg

HAHAHAHA That was my first thought when I opened the thread!

Posted: 8/30/2004 11:43:45 AM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:
What 'ya guys think about the 16 ga. 870 express w/ 23 in bbl. Franklins has 'em for 189.

Nope. Longer barrel will make it harder to screw up your swing. I prefer 26-30" on a pump gun.

Also, 16 gauge shells are expensive, and limited in selection, relative to 12/20 gauge.

The 16 is ok for nostalgia, if you're into that, but makes no practical sense.

Get a 20 or a 12, with longer barrels, youth model if you're a 'little guy'.

Posted: 8/30/2004 11:43:52 AM EDT

[#9]

i guess it would be silly to cut the stock down yourself?
all it takes is a circular saw and a bit of patience.

Posted: 8/30/2004 11:48:21 AM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:
i guess it would be silly to cut the stock down yourself?
all it takes is a circular saw and a bit of patience.

Gotta sand down the pad after filling the screw holes with dowels and drilling new holes... I'd rather not do this myself. Plus, I be ripe for a new addition to the stable.

Posted: 8/30/2004 11:50:49 AM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:
What 'ya guys think about the 16 ga. 870 express w/ 23 in bbl. Franklins has 'em for 189.

I hadn't noticed that Remington was making a 16 ga. again! I believe that a 16 ga. is an excellent choice for dove hunting, but I don't know if I would want this particular model with only a 23" barrel. I'd opt for a 26" minimum, but apparently this particular model doesn't have that as an option. That is a very good price though.

At worst, you could get this shotgun and buy a longer barrel if you find that this one is too short and still come under your $400 max limit.

Michael

Posted: 8/30/2004 11:50:58 AM EDT

[#12]

My 2 favorites are Browning 'Light 20' and Winchester 101 (O/U with mod/imp. cylinder).

I just got a Traditions ALS 2100 12 ga. (home protection synth. model) that I can change the barrels out easily to make into a game gun (lots of barrel lengths to choose from, screw in choke tubes, lightest 12 ga. made). It looks like it's gonna be fun (haven't gotten to pattern it yet). They make it in 20 ga. too (I think).

Posted: 8/30/2004 12:18:14 PM EDT

[#13]

Leanin toward the 870, but what about the Beretta?

Posted: 8/30/2004 12:19:32 PM EDT

[#14]

probably too expensive for your budget.

Posted: 8/30/2004 12:22:29 PM EDT

[#15]

870 would be hard to beat.

The 12 ga. dove loads are $29.00 a case around here so I would get it.

BigDozer66

Posted: 8/30/2004 12:28:28 PM EDT

[#16]

Quoted:
870 would be hard to beat.

The 12 ga. dove loads are $29.00 a case around here so I would get it.

BigDozer66

I've always used the winchester AA 3-1/4, 1-1/8, #7-1/2 trap loads for doves, quail, snipe, etc.

$50.00 a case, and much, much better ammo for longish shots. Inside 30 yards, the cheap stuff works just as well, though.

Posted: 8/30/2004 12:32:24 PM EDT

[#17]

I love the Remington 870 and believe it is hard to beat as far as quality and price go.
I want a 16 ga badly and think it is perfect for dove.
Ammunition is more expensive than 12 or 20 and that is a drawback.

Everything considered if you are not going to get an 870 12 ga (my first choice)
I would definately get the 16 ga. and go have a blast!

Posted: 8/30/2004 12:33:34 PM EDT

[#18]

Quoted:
Quoted:
870 would be hard to beat.

The 12 ga. dove loads are $29.00 a case around here so I would get it.

BigDozer66

I've always used the winchester AA 2-3/4, 1-1/8, #7-1/2 trap loads for doves, quail, snipe, etc.

$50.00 a case, and much, much better ammo for longish shots. Inside 30 yards, the cheap stuff works just as well, though.

Fixed ir for you.

Posted: 8/30/2004 12:35:43 PM EDT

[#19]

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
870 would be hard to beat.

The 12 ga. dove loads are $29.00 a case around here so I would get it.

BigDozer66

I've always used the winchester AA 2-3/4, 1-1/8, #7-1/2 trap loads for doves, quail, snipe, etc.

$50.00 a case, and much, much better ammo for longish shots. Inside 30 yards, the cheap stuff works just as well, though.

Fixed ir for you.

All trap loads are 2-3/4". I was referring to 3-1/4 drams equivalent of powder.

When I read your post I had to look and see if anyone had added 'cats' to the list.....

Seriously, I think those are advertised as heavy pigeon and/or super-handicap loads.

Posted: 8/30/2004 12:36:59 PM EDT

[#20]

Since everyone is talking about the 16 ga. - I also love my Browning 'Sweet Sixteen'. It's light and Dove/Quail loads are NOT hard to find and not much more expensive (at least around here).

Posted: 8/30/2004 12:39:08 PM EDT

[#21]

Quoted:
Since everyone is talking about the 16 ga. - I also love my Browning 'Sweet Sixteen'. It's light and Dove/Quail loads are NOT hard to find and not much more expensive (at least around here).

in most locales 16 gauge ammo selection is limited, and most ammo is $7-9/box.

In a good year, I may buy several cases of dove ammo. Luckily (?), this won't be a good year. No birds on the field.

Therefore, I'll spend opening day skydiving.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Help Me Choose a Dove Gun!!!

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