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The Firing Line

if you could only have one shotgun what would it be?

Uploaded on January 22, 2009

if you were only able to have one shotgun what would it be and why.

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All Replies
from herbie57_57 wrote 51 weeks 6 days ago

Being left handed I've come to love my Browning BPS, its not as flashy as some guns and not as popular as some other pumps but it is very functional. If only mine were chambered for 3 1/2" instead of just 3" it would be the be the perfect gun.

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from bigbryce86 wrote 51 weeks 6 days ago

I would say a remingtion 870. Its reputation should be enough. I like it for the fact I can go duck hunting then take it home and use it for a defense shotgun. There's so many aftermarket products outr there for it you could have 4 or 5 shotguns from the one. I just wish it had a tang saftey like the mossberg.

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from Elmer Fry III wrote 51 weeks 4 days ago

I would have to say my Ithica modle 37 16 gauge. Its older and you know that it was made with good quality. I can hunt small game and all birds. I take it deer hunting even though i havent gotton any thing with it. But when i shot my slugs i have range and good power. Thats my choice.

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from Carney wrote 51 weeks 4 days ago

If I could have only one shotgun, it would be loaded!

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from olsonseth wrote 51 weeks 4 days ago

If I could have one shotgun it would be a remington 870 chamber for 3 1/2 in.

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from infantry08 wrote 51 weeks 3 days ago

I'd have to agree...the 870 with a 3.5" chamber and 26in barrel would be able to handle anything in the shotgun world.

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from Charley wrote 51 weeks 3 days ago

There is an 870 to cover every shotgun need, and you can find one that will cover most of your needs. And, it needs to be loaded.

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from mnmarlin wrote 51 weeks 3 days ago

An 870 - allows goes bang, never breaks, shoots the crappiest shells.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from AlaskanPride wrote 51 weeks 8 hours ago

Yes the 870. But although I have to contradict myself, I recently bought a Benelli Nova. I love it so far, but I do strictly waterfowl hunting. It still has yet to prove itself in the long run, with the 870 I have no doubts that I would still have it in 20 years.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from AlaskanPride wrote 51 weeks 8 hours ago

Yes the 870. But although I have to contradict myself, I recently bought a Benelli Nova. I love it so far, but I do strictly waterfowl hunting. It still has yet to prove itself in the long run, with the 870 I have no doubts that I would still have it in 20 years.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from RevLouM wrote 51 weeks 7 hours ago

I just love my Winchester 1300 "Ranger" model. It still uses the older Win-Choke (r0 tubes, but it's ACCURATE with the new 3" Rackmaster(r)slugs! Even though it is strictly a smoothbore, I'm getting 2-1/2 groups at 100 yds. With the full choke tube, it patterns amazingly well with 3" turkey rounds,and my defensive rounds pattern out equally well. Granted, it IS a bit long, but the balance is right there in my hand.

Of all of the shotgund on the rack, it seems that I pick up "old Bessie" more often than the rest.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Golfing Sportsman wrote 51 weeks 4 hours ago

I recently shot a Ruger Gold Label and it was awesome, the classic lines of old with the screw in chokes and 3 inch chambers of a modern arm. It is beautiful and functional, for the hunting I do most it would be perfect.

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from alabamahunter wrote 51 weeks 4 hours ago

An 870 Wingmaster with a 28" barrel. It will handle anything from deer to ducks to dove.

By the way, 3" chamber; I'm not a big fan of 3 1/2" shells.

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from ishawooa wrote 50 weeks 5 days ago

Hands down Benelli SBE, preferably the older style as I don't much like the esthetics of the new ergonomic ones. I can shoot any shell at anything and hit it.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from jay wrote 50 weeks 5 days ago

My Beretta Xtrema II is hands down the best autoloader I have ever shot but I would have to go with my pre-64 Winchester Model 12 as the one I would keep if all others had to go away.

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from bigajvigs wrote 50 weeks 4 days ago

My tried and true Remington 870 Supermag, I do everything with it from hunting to skeet and trap to home protection, it never fails.

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from kolbster wrote 50 weeks 1 day ago

my Mossberg 590.

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from Clay Cooper wrote 50 weeks 1 day ago

Dads old Winchester Model 12!

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from 35wailin wrote 50 weeks 1 hour ago

Remington 870 12 gauge, 3 inch.

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from PlainsHunter wrote 49 weeks 4 days ago

Remington 870, If they ever break (THEY DON'T) They're easy to get apart and fix/clean. I do everything from trap, dove, rabbits, and rattlesnakes with my trusty old 870.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from KJ wrote 48 weeks 5 days ago

One more vote for the 870 12 gauge, 3.5" chamber. It is the most versatile firearm out there. Fortunately, I don't have to have only one shotgun.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from rrmont wrote 48 weeks 1 day ago

My dadd's Beretta O/U

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Tony DV wrote 48 weeks 1 day ago

For a hunter this is a mind boggling question Most hunters have a fav. for diff game. I dont think a true hunter has only one shot gun . BUT my fav all around is Browning Gold 20 ga with 3" shells. pick the right ammo.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from s-kfry wrote 45 weeks 5 days ago

Mossberg 500, works great.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from The Armchair Ou... wrote 44 weeks 6 days ago

If I could only have one shotgun, it would be Hell. That being said, a Browning Auto-5 in 3" 12 gauge would be the gun I'd take there if I ever had to go.

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from 16gapheasantphiend wrote 44 weeks 5 days ago

A Mossberg 500 12ga 3in. I have one I got when I was 13 I am 27 now and I have honestly lost count of how many rounds have gone through it but it just keeps going not the prettiest but sure is functional.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from wyates wrote 38 weeks 7 hours ago

Remington 11-87 - I am tempted to go with the 870, but having a semi-auto is nice for clay target shooting events and faster follow-up shots in the field. Take away the fun shooting element and just focus on the hunting and defense side, and the 870 is probably a better bet just on the simplicity and reliability side, though my 11-87 has been a very reliable gun.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from alabamaoutlaw wrote 22 weeks 1 day ago

I'm in agreement with Clay Cooper on the Model 12 in a twelve with a three" chamber.Had already been hunting when i took my granfathers gun squirrel hunting one day instead of the rats falling of the limb the full choke was knocking them of the limbs.The gun is rough and tough and will hold a pocket full of shells if needed.I'm shooting a Franchi that i have had for thirty years no problems.Just doesn't shoot shot smaller than fours very well.
Alabamaoutlaw

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from jtboles wrote 21 weeks 6 days ago

My Grandfathers 20ga browning auto-5

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from ggmack wrote 21 weeks 4 days ago

mossberg 500.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Swagger501 wrote 21 weeks 13 hours ago

either the 870 express or the mossberg 500.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from t_holinka wrote 20 weeks 7 hours ago

I Remington 870 Supermag with a Hastings rifeled barrel.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from stuartwp wrote 20 weeks 4 hours ago

My perfect shotgun is a Beretta 686 12 guage with 3 inch chambers fitted with a pachmeyer decelorator recoil pad. Its perfect because it fits. If I ever find a shotgun that fits better than this one, that one will get premoted to "the perfect" shotgun.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from JHawes wrote 20 weeks 1 hour ago

My 870 Remington is the first gun I owned and I'll use it until the day I die.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from streack wrote 19 weeks 6 days ago

It would be a close race between the Beretta Extrema 2 or the Benelli Super Black Eagle 2; both are awesome shotguns. For the sake of the question I would probably end up choosing the SBE 2.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from brw7979 wrote 17 weeks 6 days ago

I've got to go with a Remington 870. Very reliable and if needed is easy to get parts for.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from WA Mtnhunter wrote 17 weeks 5 days ago

870.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from sgaredneck wrote 17 weeks 5 days ago

My old A.H. Fox 16.....

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from vtbluegrass wrote 17 weeks 1 day ago

Benelli M2
Reason one, I had an 870 defective from the factory(faulty magazine retention spring wouldn't hold shells in the magazine under recoil) and it soured me on Remington for several years. Second reason, this is America and I can't be bother with the inconvenience of pumping a shotgun.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from gunnutgus wrote 16 weeks 1 day ago

i would have to go with my Remington 870 because it never quits and it always cycles and i dont have to think about it which is nice.
Also seeing as how it is the 2nd most produced gun in the world they make every accessory imaginable for it so you can add on what ever you want so i would go with that

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from silvrtung wrote 12 weeks 4 days ago

My 870 wingmaster from like the 70s that my grandpa gave me. it was before the ventilated ribs and i am a HUGE fan of the straight-up bead.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from steve182 wrote 12 weeks 4 days ago

A nice O/U double that i can't afford

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from jonathco wrote 10 weeks 6 days ago

My Mossberg 500 12 gauge or my old Springfield break action 20 gauge.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from bighunter wrote 7 weeks 6 days ago

the good ol 870

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Millerman58 wrote 7 weeks 6 days ago

My Winchester 1300. They are very durable. I've put this gun through everything and its still kickin'.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Winchester 92 wrote 7 weeks 1 day ago

Remington 870. dont really care which as long as its 12 guage

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from wlewisiii wrote 6 weeks 3 days ago

My Ithaca 37 in 12 gauge.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from bberg7794 wrote 2 weeks 6 days ago

A5 sweet sixteen.

0 Good Comment? | | Report

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from herbie57_57 wrote 51 weeks 6 days ago

Being left handed I've come to love my Browning BPS, its not as flashy as some guns and not as popular as some other pumps but it is very functional. If only mine were chambered for 3 1/2" instead of just 3" it would be the be the perfect gun.

+4 Good Comment? | | Report
from Carney wrote 51 weeks 4 days ago

If I could have only one shotgun, it would be loaded!

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from The Armchair Ou... wrote 44 weeks 6 days ago

If I could only have one shotgun, it would be Hell. That being said, a Browning Auto-5 in 3" 12 gauge would be the gun I'd take there if I ever had to go.

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from bigbryce86 wrote 51 weeks 6 days ago

I would say a remingtion 870. Its reputation should be enough. I like it for the fact I can go duck hunting then take it home and use it for a defense shotgun. There's so many aftermarket products outr there for it you could have 4 or 5 shotguns from the one. I just wish it had a tang saftey like the mossberg.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Elmer Fry III wrote 51 weeks 4 days ago

I would have to say my Ithica modle 37 16 gauge. Its older and you know that it was made with good quality. I can hunt small game and all birds. I take it deer hunting even though i havent gotton any thing with it. But when i shot my slugs i have range and good power. Thats my choice.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from olsonseth wrote 51 weeks 4 days ago

If I could have one shotgun it would be a remington 870 chamber for 3 1/2 in.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from kolbster wrote 50 weeks 1 day ago

my Mossberg 590.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from PlainsHunter wrote 49 weeks 4 days ago

Remington 870, If they ever break (THEY DON'T) They're easy to get apart and fix/clean. I do everything from trap, dove, rabbits, and rattlesnakes with my trusty old 870.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from jtboles wrote 21 weeks 6 days ago

My Grandfathers 20ga browning auto-5

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from gunnutgus wrote 16 weeks 1 day ago

i would have to go with my Remington 870 because it never quits and it always cycles and i dont have to think about it which is nice.
Also seeing as how it is the 2nd most produced gun in the world they make every accessory imaginable for it so you can add on what ever you want so i would go with that

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from infantry08 wrote 51 weeks 3 days ago

I'd have to agree...the 870 with a 3.5" chamber and 26in barrel would be able to handle anything in the shotgun world.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Charley wrote 51 weeks 3 days ago

There is an 870 to cover every shotgun need, and you can find one that will cover most of your needs. And, it needs to be loaded.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from mnmarlin wrote 51 weeks 3 days ago

An 870 - allows goes bang, never breaks, shoots the crappiest shells.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from AlaskanPride wrote 51 weeks 8 hours ago

Yes the 870. But although I have to contradict myself, I recently bought a Benelli Nova. I love it so far, but I do strictly waterfowl hunting. It still has yet to prove itself in the long run, with the 870 I have no doubts that I would still have it in 20 years.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from AlaskanPride wrote 51 weeks 8 hours ago

Yes the 870. But although I have to contradict myself, I recently bought a Benelli Nova. I love it so far, but I do strictly waterfowl hunting. It still has yet to prove itself in the long run, with the 870 I have no doubts that I would still have it in 20 years.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from RevLouM wrote 51 weeks 7 hours ago

I just love my Winchester 1300 "Ranger" model. It still uses the older Win-Choke (r0 tubes, but it's ACCURATE with the new 3" Rackmaster(r)slugs! Even though it is strictly a smoothbore, I'm getting 2-1/2 groups at 100 yds. With the full choke tube, it patterns amazingly well with 3" turkey rounds,and my defensive rounds pattern out equally well. Granted, it IS a bit long, but the balance is right there in my hand.

Of all of the shotgund on the rack, it seems that I pick up "old Bessie" more often than the rest.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Golfing Sportsman wrote 51 weeks 4 hours ago

I recently shot a Ruger Gold Label and it was awesome, the classic lines of old with the screw in chokes and 3 inch chambers of a modern arm. It is beautiful and functional, for the hunting I do most it would be perfect.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from alabamahunter wrote 51 weeks 4 hours ago

An 870 Wingmaster with a 28" barrel. It will handle anything from deer to ducks to dove.

By the way, 3" chamber; I'm not a big fan of 3 1/2" shells.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from ishawooa wrote 50 weeks 5 days ago

Hands down Benelli SBE, preferably the older style as I don't much like the esthetics of the new ergonomic ones. I can shoot any shell at anything and hit it.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from jay wrote 50 weeks 5 days ago

My Beretta Xtrema II is hands down the best autoloader I have ever shot but I would have to go with my pre-64 Winchester Model 12 as the one I would keep if all others had to go away.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from bigajvigs wrote 50 weeks 4 days ago

My tried and true Remington 870 Supermag, I do everything with it from hunting to skeet and trap to home protection, it never fails.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Clay Cooper wrote 50 weeks 1 day ago

Dads old Winchester Model 12!

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from 35wailin wrote 50 weeks 1 hour ago

Remington 870 12 gauge, 3 inch.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from KJ wrote 48 weeks 5 days ago

One more vote for the 870 12 gauge, 3.5" chamber. It is the most versatile firearm out there. Fortunately, I don't have to have only one shotgun.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from rrmont wrote 48 weeks 1 day ago

My dadd's Beretta O/U

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Tony DV wrote 48 weeks 1 day ago

For a hunter this is a mind boggling question Most hunters have a fav. for diff game. I dont think a true hunter has only one shot gun . BUT my fav all around is Browning Gold 20 ga with 3" shells. pick the right ammo.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from s-kfry wrote 45 weeks 5 days ago

Mossberg 500, works great.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from 16gapheasantphiend wrote 44 weeks 5 days ago

A Mossberg 500 12ga 3in. I have one I got when I was 13 I am 27 now and I have honestly lost count of how many rounds have gone through it but it just keeps going not the prettiest but sure is functional.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from wyates wrote 38 weeks 7 hours ago

Remington 11-87 - I am tempted to go with the 870, but having a semi-auto is nice for clay target shooting events and faster follow-up shots in the field. Take away the fun shooting element and just focus on the hunting and defense side, and the 870 is probably a better bet just on the simplicity and reliability side, though my 11-87 has been a very reliable gun.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from alabamaoutlaw wrote 22 weeks 1 day ago

I'm in agreement with Clay Cooper on the Model 12 in a twelve with a three" chamber.Had already been hunting when i took my granfathers gun squirrel hunting one day instead of the rats falling of the limb the full choke was knocking them of the limbs.The gun is rough and tough and will hold a pocket full of shells if needed.I'm shooting a Franchi that i have had for thirty years no problems.Just doesn't shoot shot smaller than fours very well.
Alabamaoutlaw

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from ggmack wrote 21 weeks 4 days ago

mossberg 500.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Swagger501 wrote 21 weeks 13 hours ago

either the 870 express or the mossberg 500.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from t_holinka wrote 20 weeks 7 hours ago

I Remington 870 Supermag with a Hastings rifeled barrel.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from stuartwp wrote 20 weeks 4 hours ago

My perfect shotgun is a Beretta 686 12 guage with 3 inch chambers fitted with a pachmeyer decelorator recoil pad. Its perfect because it fits. If I ever find a shotgun that fits better than this one, that one will get premoted to "the perfect" shotgun.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from JHawes wrote 20 weeks 1 hour ago

My 870 Remington is the first gun I owned and I'll use it until the day I die.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from streack wrote 19 weeks 6 days ago

It would be a close race between the Beretta Extrema 2 or the Benelli Super Black Eagle 2; both are awesome shotguns. For the sake of the question I would probably end up choosing the SBE 2.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from brw7979 wrote 17 weeks 6 days ago

I've got to go with a Remington 870. Very reliable and if needed is easy to get parts for.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from WA Mtnhunter wrote 17 weeks 5 days ago

870.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from sgaredneck wrote 17 weeks 5 days ago

My old A.H. Fox 16.....

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from vtbluegrass wrote 17 weeks 1 day ago

Benelli M2
Reason one, I had an 870 defective from the factory(faulty magazine retention spring wouldn't hold shells in the magazine under recoil) and it soured me on Remington for several years. Second reason, this is America and I can't be bother with the inconvenience of pumping a shotgun.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from silvrtung wrote 12 weeks 4 days ago

My 870 wingmaster from like the 70s that my grandpa gave me. it was before the ventilated ribs and i am a HUGE fan of the straight-up bead.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from steve182 wrote 12 weeks 4 days ago

A nice O/U double that i can't afford

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from jonathco wrote 10 weeks 6 days ago

My Mossberg 500 12 gauge or my old Springfield break action 20 gauge.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from bighunter wrote 7 weeks 6 days ago

the good ol 870

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Millerman58 wrote 7 weeks 6 days ago

My Winchester 1300. They are very durable. I've put this gun through everything and its still kickin'.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Winchester 92 wrote 7 weeks 1 day ago

Remington 870. dont really care which as long as its 12 guage

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from wlewisiii wrote 6 weeks 3 days ago

My Ithaca 37 in 12 gauge.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from bberg7794 wrote 2 weeks 6 days ago

A5 sweet sixteen.

0 Good Comment? | | Report

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