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Best New Shotguns (and Shells) for 2009

Best New Shotguns (and Shells) for 2009

bestshotguns_01

Photo Gallery Comments (48)

Top Rated
All Comments
from herbie57_57 wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

Does anyone know if they will be releasing the 887 in a left handed model?

+6 Good Comment? | | Report
from Golfing Sportsman wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

Perhaps someone can help me out, what is the advantage of the polymer encased barrel on the 877?

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from philbourjaily wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

The 887 will not be released in a left-handed model anytime soon that I'm aware of. And, like the 870, you can't just reverse the safety as you can on some guns, you have to buy a new part. As a left-hander myself, I have already complained about this to Remington.
The polymer protects the barrel from the elements so it won't rust.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from bomberpride wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

woud this be a better gun than an 870?

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from peter wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

i love the Ithaca 37 28 gauge. i have always loved the style and feel of ithacas.

+5 Good Comment? | | Report
from GGNYC wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

Nice Gallery Phil! I own 2 Model 37s (12ga and 16ga) but of course they don't look anything like that beautiful 28.

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from streack wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

Excellent galley, the Hevi Metal shells sound very interesting and will be worth the expense to pattern and see how they shoot out of my benelli.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from marceaton wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

I'm with golfing sportsman, remington seema to be going a little heavy on the polymer.

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from ShowMe2 wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

Phil,
I totally agree with your assessment of the new Winchester 101. I purchased one of these about 6 months ago and the craftmanship is excellent. They have to be one of the most under-appreciated O/U's out there. I'm waiting for a 20 gauge.

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from herbie57_57 wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

The polymer is suppossed to protect it and make it a better field gun. Its on an 870 action so as long as the polymer doesn't mess anything up it should be a good gun for righties.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from vtbluegrass wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

The polymer wrapped SuperNova seriously makes an old Mossberg 935 seem svelt and I suspect the same from the 887. Its like swinging a 4x4 in the blind. Besides I have a camo dipped 870 thats been thru hell without thinking about rusting. Besides who doesn't have 30secs, rem oil, and a rag to wipe down when you get out of the field.
I just am waiting for this new Benelli. My 870 was forsaken mid-season, I finally turned to the dark side and went Italian. Hopefully the Vinci won't be so cool that I have to trade the SBE after only 5 months.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from olsonseth wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

The 870 slug gun is a nice gun but it is very expensive.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from JohnR wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

While I can't argue about the beauty, quality and craftsmanship of most of the high end shotguns, my expensive shotgun buying days are over. Not so much because of my age (I still carry and use my Browning 10 GA. pump stalker) but the economy has thrown some of us a curve. As nice as the new shotguns are I'll have to stick with my Browning and Mossberg pumps.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from CRAWLIFE wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

JohnR, I have a mossberg 500A with a cracked forend and cannot find one that matches anywhere.I have seen other guys who have the same size that are a little different in appearence but not for sale.And on top of that mossberg has changed the forend size,shape and the way it mounts quite a few times.I would love to find a replacement forend and sell it so I can get my moneys worth out of it.Also, it does not cycle 3" shells very well and occasionally they get stuck in the barrel.This will ruin your day every time.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from hunt_fish_sleep wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

To me, the Remington 887 is very impractical. It is a polymer coated 870, which means it is an 870 that you can now scratch very easily. The polymer will eventually stiffen and crack off of the metal parts, and then they will rust. Moisture could also permeate the space between polymer and metal, which would be tragic. The polymer only coats the outer parts of the gun, which are the parts that will not affect the performance if they rust. The parts that will affect performance if they rust are the internals, and they cannot be polymer coated, nor can the bore. Just as the snack industry coats everything in chocolate, the gun industry is starting to coat everything in polymer.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Beekeeper wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

The 28 gauge model 37 is on my wish list!

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from kvlazer22 wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

Very cool guns!

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from deltahalo102 wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

gotta say, im likin the new guns, and i love the camo EoTech. never seen that before. anybody know if thats a new option from them?

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from duckslayerz71 wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

You've got to give remington some credit for stepping up their game

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from rtmoody wrote 3 years 15 weeks ago

the 887 sounds like alot of gun for the money

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from philbourjaily wrote 3 years 15 weeks ago

Deltahalo102 Eotech-inc.com shows sights in both Mossy Oak and Realtree camo.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from waterdrinker9 wrote 3 years 15 weeks ago

That 870 slug gun is hot. I would put a good slug gun scope on that.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from pgary680 wrote 3 years 15 weeks ago

Phil tested 870sps-t in Feb issue,he stated shurshot stock was best he'd seen. I think it's hideous looking, but would like to hear comments on it's shooting comfort in field.I just had surgery on left shoulder & after turkey season will be getting right shoulder fixed.Remington sells the stock for both 870&1100 around $70, limbsaver recoil pad costs over half that,so it's a good deal. Got to get over the ugly looks.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from westjoe wrote 3 years 15 weeks ago

The 887 may be the predecessor to the 870 which is a classic. If 887 is half as successful as the 870 its sure to be a great gun. Can't wait to see, hold, and shoot one. I hope the 887 has the greats of the 870 just with a modern look.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from wally wrote 3 years 15 weeks ago

Yeah, I wish I had $1200 for that shotgun.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from CPT BRAD wrote 3 years 15 weeks ago

Does anyone know anything about the Browning? I've always wanted a slick A-5 or Gold, is this new gun as good as one one of those classics?

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from kolbster wrote 3 years 15 weeks ago

i wish i had about $5000 to spend on those shotguns.

-1 Good Comment? | | Report
from philbourjaily wrote 3 years 15 weeks ago

To pgary680 -- I do love the Shur Shot stock but if you really want to reduce recoil in a turkey gun, shoot lighter loads. I like Hevi 13, which is loaded to 1090 fps and thus has much less recoil than other turkey ammo. Also, there's no reason you can't call your turkey a little closer and kill it with an 1 1/4 ounce field load of 6s.
Cpt Brad -- I shot the Maxus for three days last fall at pheasants and sporting clays. It's light and it points very well. We had no trouble with any of 10 or 12 Maxuses (Maxi?) in camp but we'll have to see how they hold up over the long haul.
Kolbster -- I wish I had $5000 to spend on shotguns, too.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Bigbuck14 wrote 3 years 13 weeks ago

I want this gun it sounds like a real good turkey gun

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Johnny wrote 3 years 13 weeks ago

the 870's are the best shotguns i ever tried.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from johkli wrote 3 years 13 weeks ago

i think that the 887 is a great shotgun for the price it i got one for my birthday and it works nicely and feels great

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from KMB33 wrote 3 years 12 weeks ago

Ahhh, you just can't go wrong with the trusty old 870!

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from hjohn429 wrote 3 years 11 weeks ago

The apex looks great. You should also see Remington's new model 11-87 for a great turkey gun.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from markpangler@aol.com wrote 3 years 11 weeks ago

How about the heavyweight coyote $6.00 per shot, wow anyone know anything about these shells, are the worth it?

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Ye ole Coaste wrote 3 years 11 weeks ago

Hi, it seems Uall got a lot more $$budget than I do w/6g/kids, wife and 2cats and an ole hunt'N dog!!Still using my ithica mod37 had for a teething ring and a g/kid present of a russian Bakail 12Ga. Don't have clue what they paid4it?? not much fm what I hear and also suposed to be kin or close cousin to the new Rem. auto fm turkey?? anyway that s/gun walks and talks hun'T-N big time.Chrome barrel,23/4-31/2inch sheels and doesn't miss a beat when firing.That gun will be the g/kids -g/kids someday. so don't always rely on price$$ to make a gun good sometimes there arte some sleepers out there .Try it u'll like it. Carry ON! YOC id luv to jhave a slug barrel but cost over $100.+shipping guess gotta hope Santa brings one by??? haha!!

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from ishawooa wrote 3 years 9 weeks ago

I can't wait to check out the 28 ga M-37 or the Vinci as I have had extraoridinarily good luck with both Ithaca and Benelli. Two problems have always existed in this area regarding 28s, difficult to locate shells with any size of shot but very small and an unusually high cost per shell.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from AlaskanPride wrote 3 years 9 weeks ago

Omg....ty ty ty Hevi-Shot. I HAVE to check out those rounds. Being only $17-20 a box, holy cow that's a steal (pun intended). Would be interesting with the mix of steel and tungsten pellets.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from hang_boi_lover wrote 3 years 5 weeks ago

that is a pretty nice gun right there.... and i like it alot....

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from gmez wrote 3 years 3 weeks ago

that there gun is a pretty piece of work, and the price is a steal!

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Jere Smith wrote 2 years 47 weeks ago

http://www.gunblast.com/Stevens411.htm

Article here says Stevens 411 (Baikal) Sells for $395.00, I have one and enjoy it very much.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from rudyglove27 wrote 2 years 45 weeks ago

This is some nice beautiful guns and I love to have some of it if I may!!!!!!!

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Cabohusky wrote 2 years 38 weeks ago

I say stick with the cheap rounds, specially those coyote shells. Geez I mean $25 for 5. Those better guarantee a kill. Unless you just have useless money laying around and can afford to buy them, cheaper better for me cause not a lot of money. Plus it shouldnt matter what you get shot with i mean if I got shot with a reg shell I would die if i got shot with a coyote shell I would die just the same.. but other than that good gallary

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from spartan235 wrote 2 years 37 weeks ago

Also the 887's trigger assembly is all one piece. I was told through a rem rep if there is a problem with that assembly they just send you a new one...there is little to no gun smithing

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from spartan235 wrote 2 years 37 weeks ago

Yes I have to agree 5 for $25 are you kidding me! There is nothing in that bullet that makes it cost that much.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from rippja wrote 2 years 23 weeks ago

Got an 887 about 3/4 of the way through the waterfowl season and i will say it performed magnificently.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from 5150huntergatherer wrote 2 years 4 weeks ago

Boo to expensive shotgun shells! Tungsten iron works, but at thirty bucks a box of TEN, the gentrification of the sport is complete. Boo to Gentry. I wonder when we will get a season for them....eat the rich.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from woodsmanj35 wrote 1 year 51 weeks ago

I love the Ithaca m37!!!!!

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Cameron5 wrote 1 year 44 weeks ago

good looking guns.

0 Good Comment? | | Report

Post a Comment

from herbie57_57 wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

Does anyone know if they will be releasing the 887 in a left handed model?

+6 Good Comment? | | Report
from peter wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

i love the Ithaca 37 28 gauge. i have always loved the style and feel of ithacas.

+5 Good Comment? | | Report
from Golfing Sportsman wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

Perhaps someone can help me out, what is the advantage of the polymer encased barrel on the 877?

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from GGNYC wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

Nice Gallery Phil! I own 2 Model 37s (12ga and 16ga) but of course they don't look anything like that beautiful 28.

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from marceaton wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

I'm with golfing sportsman, remington seema to be going a little heavy on the polymer.

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from ShowMe2 wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

Phil,
I totally agree with your assessment of the new Winchester 101. I purchased one of these about 6 months ago and the craftmanship is excellent. They have to be one of the most under-appreciated O/U's out there. I'm waiting for a 20 gauge.

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from philbourjaily wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

The 887 will not be released in a left-handed model anytime soon that I'm aware of. And, like the 870, you can't just reverse the safety as you can on some guns, you have to buy a new part. As a left-hander myself, I have already complained about this to Remington.
The polymer protects the barrel from the elements so it won't rust.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from vtbluegrass wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

The polymer wrapped SuperNova seriously makes an old Mossberg 935 seem svelt and I suspect the same from the 887. Its like swinging a 4x4 in the blind. Besides I have a camo dipped 870 thats been thru hell without thinking about rusting. Besides who doesn't have 30secs, rem oil, and a rag to wipe down when you get out of the field.
I just am waiting for this new Benelli. My 870 was forsaken mid-season, I finally turned to the dark side and went Italian. Hopefully the Vinci won't be so cool that I have to trade the SBE after only 5 months.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from olsonseth wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

The 870 slug gun is a nice gun but it is very expensive.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from hunt_fish_sleep wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

To me, the Remington 887 is very impractical. It is a polymer coated 870, which means it is an 870 that you can now scratch very easily. The polymer will eventually stiffen and crack off of the metal parts, and then they will rust. Moisture could also permeate the space between polymer and metal, which would be tragic. The polymer only coats the outer parts of the gun, which are the parts that will not affect the performance if they rust. The parts that will affect performance if they rust are the internals, and they cannot be polymer coated, nor can the bore. Just as the snack industry coats everything in chocolate, the gun industry is starting to coat everything in polymer.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from KMB33 wrote 3 years 12 weeks ago

Ahhh, you just can't go wrong with the trusty old 870!

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from markpangler@aol.com wrote 3 years 11 weeks ago

How about the heavyweight coyote $6.00 per shot, wow anyone know anything about these shells, are the worth it?

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from hang_boi_lover wrote 3 years 5 weeks ago

that is a pretty nice gun right there.... and i like it alot....

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from gmez wrote 3 years 3 weeks ago

that there gun is a pretty piece of work, and the price is a steal!

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from spartan235 wrote 2 years 37 weeks ago

Also the 887's trigger assembly is all one piece. I was told through a rem rep if there is a problem with that assembly they just send you a new one...there is little to no gun smithing

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from bomberpride wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

woud this be a better gun than an 870?

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from streack wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

Excellent galley, the Hevi Metal shells sound very interesting and will be worth the expense to pattern and see how they shoot out of my benelli.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from herbie57_57 wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

The polymer is suppossed to protect it and make it a better field gun. Its on an 870 action so as long as the polymer doesn't mess anything up it should be a good gun for righties.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from JohnR wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

While I can't argue about the beauty, quality and craftsmanship of most of the high end shotguns, my expensive shotgun buying days are over. Not so much because of my age (I still carry and use my Browning 10 GA. pump stalker) but the economy has thrown some of us a curve. As nice as the new shotguns are I'll have to stick with my Browning and Mossberg pumps.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from CRAWLIFE wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

JohnR, I have a mossberg 500A with a cracked forend and cannot find one that matches anywhere.I have seen other guys who have the same size that are a little different in appearence but not for sale.And on top of that mossberg has changed the forend size,shape and the way it mounts quite a few times.I would love to find a replacement forend and sell it so I can get my moneys worth out of it.Also, it does not cycle 3" shells very well and occasionally they get stuck in the barrel.This will ruin your day every time.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Beekeeper wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

The 28 gauge model 37 is on my wish list!

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from kvlazer22 wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

Very cool guns!

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from deltahalo102 wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

gotta say, im likin the new guns, and i love the camo EoTech. never seen that before. anybody know if thats a new option from them?

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from duckslayerz71 wrote 3 years 16 weeks ago

You've got to give remington some credit for stepping up their game

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from rtmoody wrote 3 years 15 weeks ago

the 887 sounds like alot of gun for the money

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from philbourjaily wrote 3 years 15 weeks ago

Deltahalo102 Eotech-inc.com shows sights in both Mossy Oak and Realtree camo.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from waterdrinker9 wrote 3 years 15 weeks ago

That 870 slug gun is hot. I would put a good slug gun scope on that.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from pgary680 wrote 3 years 15 weeks ago

Phil tested 870sps-t in Feb issue,he stated shurshot stock was best he'd seen. I think it's hideous looking, but would like to hear comments on it's shooting comfort in field.I just had surgery on left shoulder & after turkey season will be getting right shoulder fixed.Remington sells the stock for both 870&1100 around $70, limbsaver recoil pad costs over half that,so it's a good deal. Got to get over the ugly looks.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from westjoe wrote 3 years 15 weeks ago

The 887 may be the predecessor to the 870 which is a classic. If 887 is half as successful as the 870 its sure to be a great gun. Can't wait to see, hold, and shoot one. I hope the 887 has the greats of the 870 just with a modern look.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from wally wrote 3 years 15 weeks ago

Yeah, I wish I had $1200 for that shotgun.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from CPT BRAD wrote 3 years 15 weeks ago

Does anyone know anything about the Browning? I've always wanted a slick A-5 or Gold, is this new gun as good as one one of those classics?

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from philbourjaily wrote 3 years 15 weeks ago

To pgary680 -- I do love the Shur Shot stock but if you really want to reduce recoil in a turkey gun, shoot lighter loads. I like Hevi 13, which is loaded to 1090 fps and thus has much less recoil than other turkey ammo. Also, there's no reason you can't call your turkey a little closer and kill it with an 1 1/4 ounce field load of 6s.
Cpt Brad -- I shot the Maxus for three days last fall at pheasants and sporting clays. It's light and it points very well. We had no trouble with any of 10 or 12 Maxuses (Maxi?) in camp but we'll have to see how they hold up over the long haul.
Kolbster -- I wish I had $5000 to spend on shotguns, too.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Bigbuck14 wrote 3 years 13 weeks ago

I want this gun it sounds like a real good turkey gun

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Johnny wrote 3 years 13 weeks ago

the 870's are the best shotguns i ever tried.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from johkli wrote 3 years 13 weeks ago

i think that the 887 is a great shotgun for the price it i got one for my birthday and it works nicely and feels great

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from hjohn429 wrote 3 years 11 weeks ago

The apex looks great. You should also see Remington's new model 11-87 for a great turkey gun.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Ye ole Coaste wrote 3 years 11 weeks ago

Hi, it seems Uall got a lot more $$budget than I do w/6g/kids, wife and 2cats and an ole hunt'N dog!!Still using my ithica mod37 had for a teething ring and a g/kid present of a russian Bakail 12Ga. Don't have clue what they paid4it?? not much fm what I hear and also suposed to be kin or close cousin to the new Rem. auto fm turkey?? anyway that s/gun walks and talks hun'T-N big time.Chrome barrel,23/4-31/2inch sheels and doesn't miss a beat when firing.That gun will be the g/kids -g/kids someday. so don't always rely on price$$ to make a gun good sometimes there arte some sleepers out there .Try it u'll like it. Carry ON! YOC id luv to jhave a slug barrel but cost over $100.+shipping guess gotta hope Santa brings one by??? haha!!

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from ishawooa wrote 3 years 9 weeks ago

I can't wait to check out the 28 ga M-37 or the Vinci as I have had extraoridinarily good luck with both Ithaca and Benelli. Two problems have always existed in this area regarding 28s, difficult to locate shells with any size of shot but very small and an unusually high cost per shell.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from AlaskanPride wrote 3 years 9 weeks ago

Omg....ty ty ty Hevi-Shot. I HAVE to check out those rounds. Being only $17-20 a box, holy cow that's a steal (pun intended). Would be interesting with the mix of steel and tungsten pellets.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from rudyglove27 wrote 2 years 45 weeks ago

This is some nice beautiful guns and I love to have some of it if I may!!!!!!!

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Cabohusky wrote 2 years 38 weeks ago

I say stick with the cheap rounds, specially those coyote shells. Geez I mean $25 for 5. Those better guarantee a kill. Unless you just have useless money laying around and can afford to buy them, cheaper better for me cause not a lot of money. Plus it shouldnt matter what you get shot with i mean if I got shot with a reg shell I would die if i got shot with a coyote shell I would die just the same.. but other than that good gallary

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from spartan235 wrote 2 years 37 weeks ago

Yes I have to agree 5 for $25 are you kidding me! There is nothing in that bullet that makes it cost that much.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from rippja wrote 2 years 23 weeks ago

Got an 887 about 3/4 of the way through the waterfowl season and i will say it performed magnificently.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from Jere Smith wrote 2 years 47 weeks ago

http://www.gunblast.com/Stevens411.htm

Article here says Stevens 411 (Baikal) Sells for $395.00, I have one and enjoy it very much.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from 5150huntergatherer wrote 2 years 4 weeks ago

Boo to expensive shotgun shells! Tungsten iron works, but at thirty bucks a box of TEN, the gentrification of the sport is complete. Boo to Gentry. I wonder when we will get a season for them....eat the rich.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from woodsmanj35 wrote 1 year 51 weeks ago

I love the Ithaca m37!!!!!

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from Cameron5 wrote 1 year 44 weeks ago

good looking guns.

0 Good Comment? | | Report
from kolbster wrote 3 years 15 weeks ago

i wish i had about $5000 to spend on those shotguns.

-1 Good Comment? | | Report

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Additional Info

Shotgun expert Phil Bourjaily reports his picks for the best new shotguns and loads he found at the 2009 SHOT Show.