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The 50 Best Shotguns Ever Made
The 50 Best Shotguns Ever Made
Purdey Side-by-Side Game Gun
The Platonic Ideal
Produced: 1880--present
Established in 1814, James Purdey and Sons of London builds one grade of double, "best," which costs as much as a small house. The Purdey doesn't earn the top spot because it's expensive; it's here because it epitomizes the British game gun, which represents the Platonic ideal of a shotgun. Start with wood and steel and cut away everything that's not a gun, and you're left with a game gun. Slim, light, ergonomically perfect and fitted to the owner, it comes as close as any firearm can to becoming part of the shooter. Given $100,000 to spend on a house or a gun, I'll take living indoors every time, but I'm glad that Purdeys exist to show us what a shotgun aspires to be.
Shown: A 1979 Extra Finish 12-gauge, No. 2 of a matched pair
Photo by Spencer Jones
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Photo Gallery Comments (69)
I grew up in a non-hunting family, but my best friend and next door neighbor grew up in a very hunting family. His father and grandfather had a great variety of guns between them. My first shotgun was a Mossberg, his was given to him by his grandfather a sweet little Twelvette and his grandfather shot a Model 12 I believe.
To this day, I've not owned either one, but I would dearly love to add both a Model 12 and especially a Twelvette to my closet.
Oh I wish I could own one of those classic doubles, but I can't so I will hunt with my Ruger which works just fine for grouse, pheasants, rabbits, ducks, and geese.
Back around 1995-96 Dave Parker the former owner of my local gunshop showed me a new in leather case Purdy 28 ga. he got from an estate sale. It was a sight to behold. Dave wanted $40K for it and it eventually sold. The gun came from a stockbroker that made a rich client a bundle. The story is the rich client said I want to do something for you so order any gun you want on me. He ordered the Purdy and never fired it.
i own a stoger side by side and it is one of my favorite all around guns
i personally have shot the Beretta Xtrema 2 and it is a very great gun, expessialy for a beginner because their is absolutely no recoil. very good field gun as well as trap or skeet shooting gun.
There are some nice shotguns. i have a benealy 12g.
# 49, the Remington SP10. It weighs a ton, shoots dynamite sticks, and will sever your fingar if you slam the action shut on it.
But the recoil is way moderate.
I think the best shotgun ever made is the one you learned to shoot with or your first one owned. I learned with a Fox double and my first purchased was a 16 ga. Model 12 Winchester. Still hunt with a 12 ga #12.
I would think the Winchester 101 would be at the lower end og the group. After all Herter's copyed it.
Hey, no fair, I happen to think my 870 is beautiful... as well as being a great "tool." It's never failed to get the job done, and you're right; if something does get bunged up it's quickly and easily fixed. Love that gun!
They is no....i mean no way the stevens 311 is 50th out of 50. Come on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
who created this list? Obama??
I agree with Bob. The one I started out on was a Stevens single shot 12 gauge...no second chances with that one! I now shoot a Browning Citori, but have great early memories with the old Stevens.
I would love to have one but the other half yes no.
Sorry guy she says NO.
Used an 870 for everything but skeet. Love em.
Bob I agree about Stevens! I have311's in 12&16, and one of the new 411 Sporters with Carlson Chokes.
Also have an 1100, shoot skeet with is all day!
I remember my Granpa's old stevens side by side - triggers fore and aft, and me 12 years old - pulled the forrard trigger and recoiled into the after trigger and ended up on my butt! Great Gun!
What about the Mossberg that broke the 3in/3.5in molds guys. I know that everybody likes to look at those "house" guns but who could ever afford them?
Great to see the photos of classic shotguns. I now own four shotguns, none of which made your Top 30. The oldest is a 12 ga. Savage pump. My newest is a "best buy" Stoeger Uplander 20 ga. side-by-side. I have had a lots of kicks with a little Italian .410.
But my most cherished was passed down by father-in-law. It previously belonged to his father. Gun writers, when talking about classics, sometimes mention it in the same paragraph as the other doubles that did make the list. The gun is a Lefever 16 ga. that was well taken care of. It came with an Iver Johnson pistol in .32 Colt.
I have a Stevens side-by-side that my dad gave to me. He didn't hunt much, but my uncles did. In fact, the only time I can remember him going hunting was when he took me or my brother. I have since purchased a Remington 1100. The Remington is a nice shotgun, however, I find a lot more meaning in my time in the field when I carry that double. My dad now goes pheasant hunting again, but now he drives the truck from field to field with my son at his side until he is old enough to join me in the field. Someday the Stevens will be his.
The cool thing is that there is no "best shotgun" as some people say, a Good shotgun is relieable and fits you well for both size and needs.
mosseberg 500 defently goes below ithaca 37
i really think that the ruger red label is a pretty solid over and under it should be on this list of shotguns
Purdey S/S/ is probably the most expensive, and is Endorsed By thr Mouteen Windsors, buy they don't need to sell their house to buy one. I would accept gifts though!
i have rem1100 and moss500, love them and will untill the end
I shot a 19lb 120z turkey this morning with a Remington 870, 20 gauge. It's so awesome, shoots really tight, even with a cheap $20 choke tube. It's great!
870- the go anywhere, kill anything, most reliable and functional gun for the price
I honestly do not believe that you can beat a Model 37 Ithaca pump. They are good for both righties and lefties as they are a bottom ejecting gun. I had one, which I gave to my son, to start him out shooting, and I am now looking for the right one to replace it in my collection.
I honestly do not believe that you can beat a Model 37 Ithaca pump. They are good for both righties and lefties as they are a bottom ejecting gun. I had one, which I gave to my son, to start him out shooting, and I am now looking for the right one to replace it in my collection.
I love my 870 ithas never let me down and gets the job done .
I love the 870 but the one I have used jambs more frequently than I would like
Sirs,as Would you please see if you can, get David E Petzel to return this email, or better yet have him call me #886-363-4272 on my cell or 903-887-5102 @ my home number. I have tried every way that I know, but I am unable to reach Mr. Petzel. Thank you and I hope this works, and I can reach David as I REALLY NEED TO TALK TO HIM.5kbarl@embarqmail.com
I use an 870 all the time. Is a very wonderful gun!
I have a few old friends but my favorite is my Mossberg 195(mfg 1954)bolt action 12 guage with the c-lect choke and i think its overlooked as a great gun that everyone wants its 5 times stronger than a pump and has a fully adjustable choke and a monte-carlo stock that feels like a rifle its sweet the way it handles with its 26" ported barrel,and detachable 2 shot magazine(3 total)and it weighs about 7 1/2 pounds most people have never seen one but i absolutely love mine..
The A5 Browning , handsdown it's got to be the best of all time.It's the first I shot,(my grandfathers). I own a Belgium 12,and a Remington 11,both in 12 gauge.they always go bang when I pull the trigger,and served me well for more years than I care to admit to. David Powers
I agree with bob devaney on his post. I also grew up with an old savage fox side by side 20 gauge and learned how to shoot with it.However, i retired it and got a remington 870 which has never failed me to this day during dove, duck, and turkey season so its got to be up there. But personally, i think either the browning a5 or the winchester model 12 would be the best
My dad bought a L.C. Smith field grade shotgun in 1948. He paid $100. He died in 1993 and I have the gun today. It holds great memories and meaning for me.
Model 97 Winchester has over 100 parts, all machined, inside of reciever is smooth as glass, Model 12 is crude by comparison. [have 3 of each, 2 of the model 12 high grade] also 682 and 686 Beretta, Al 48 Franchi,A H Fox, benelli Montefeltro, A 5 Brownings are gone, so is the 870 Remington, Ithica 37 and #2 Flues and a bunch of others. They all work.
Great list! I do agree with most of the gunds on this list. There are a lot of strong feelings from other fellow sportsman on what is the best shotgun. I do agree with a few that it is the gun your dad or grandfather happened to teach you to shoot with. Heck, today almost any shotgun you buy is very very reliable although I don't think they will be held in such high regard as the classics. I have owned or still own most of the guns on this list except for the extreem priced ones. If I had to pick overall best gun FOR THE MONEY it would be the Browning Citori. Of course the the Remington 870 is a fantastic gun at about 1/5 the price but when you consider the overall quality of the Citoi and the "hand me down" quality it is hard to beat.
Unfortunately, You have picture of an Ithaca Flues, not an Ithaca NID
I sure everyone has their favorite. Mine is an old Ted Williams Model 300. Before you laugh too hard, these were really a Winchester 1400 (which I also own) but the fit and finish seemed upgraded when compared with the Winchester. Anyway, I really like that old shotgun
I dunno.
Reckon if somebody gave me $100,000, I'd get the Purdey and continue living in my Airstream travel trailer.
I lover the very last comment about the old guys and their $78 311. Well, with inflation that $78 is now $562.09.
Yup. So much cheaper then than now.
Good list, did not see to many I disagreed with but a few could have been swapped out. I think the H&R single shot should have been mentioned. Been around more than a hundred years building solid reliable and well priced guns.
The Stoeger 2000 needs a mention also.
I liked the fact they mentioned the 835. I have one, my second 835, and it has been a very solid gun.
You boyz-n-girlz forgot the Winchester model 1200. I bought my first one as a "high-school graduation" gift to ME in 1964 at the same time two buddies bought Remington 1100s. I still have mine. It looks & works like it did when removed from the box and assembled for the first time. Can't say the same for the two 1100s. I've even added a couple more since. Absolutely love 'em. My kids will "inherit" these shooters one of these years....
The British Devonshire regiment used Martini Henry rifles when they attacked Myanmar in 1885. I read it in Myanmar history.
I agree it's a fine fine shotgun, but for that price I could buy a closet full of fine guns
Awesome gun! invincible
I own a Belgium Browning a-5 and it still shoots straight and great
Browning "SWEET SIXTEEN" WOULD HAVE TO BE ON MY LIST OF THE TOP 50 OF ALL SHOTGUNS. It is still one of the most desired collectibles.
for the one gun hunter remington 870 is the for me. but I own one gun for upland birds browning citiro one for deer remington 870 ducks geese remington 887 or browning bps
For most of my long life I have owned two Browning Superposed and a A-5, and quite a few of the other guns mentioned. I agree with everything that you say. I would rather sell my first-born than any of the Brownings. I always loved my Win. 21, but never shot it quite as well as any O/U.
All of us have a favorite shotgun , mine are a cotori and a winchester 101 diamond . I learned to hunt with my grandfather's Ivers & Johnson gun & cyclery 20 gague . There wasn't a quail or a tin can safe around the farm. Still have the gun , mis him .
It was a pleasure to see some of the ol' historic beauties. I have shot many of them, hunting, and shooting trap & skeet. There are so many fine shotguns but, to me, nothing feels, handles, and shoots like my browning Citoris..... not the most expensive, but real workhorses. What can you say about shotguns that have fired hundreds of thousands of rounds without even a flinch. Long live the Citori!!!
I am one of the many 311 fans. My first was a .410, a 12th birthday gift from my grandpop. As I outgrew it, I bought a used 16 ga. which is still my favorite grouse gun to this day. An A5 humpback fills the bill when heavier artillery is required.
Calling the JAPANESE Citori the "No. 1" shotgun over a Belgium A-5 or Superposed is simply an insult to the FN name.
And calling the Beretta 680 "the other Citori"??? Come one F&S, lets get real for a minute here...
While I normally don't totally agree with these lists, this one was pretty great.
My local gun store 'tout' told me about a Winchester 24 shotgun in the backroom, traded-in for a new gun, and waiting to be checked out before being put on the used shelf. What's the deal on this model gun?
I'm really really surprised the Krieghoff K-80 didn't make the list. Yes it's a competition shotgun but they hold there value for a reason. My father owned one. He used it in at least 12 trap events a year for 5 years then sold it for more than he paid. He never had a malfunction. Never.
I have a Winchester model 12, 16ga which
I shot since I was a young man but now in my 80's can no longer hunt. I also have all the reloading tools for shells.
If someone is interested I would sell. This is one sweet gun. squiresjoh@aol.com
I purchased an 1100, my first shotgun, in 1981. I've used it afield for small & large game as well as extensive competitve trap, skeet and clays shooting: literally thousands of rounds with zero malfunctions...
Have several of the shotguns mentioned...my fav's are a 4 way tie...an early Win Model 21 (SN 104X), 1959 Browning Superposed, a 1969 Browning Lightening and a early 60's Browning Auto 5...all great guns!
You save face by including the most excellent Stevens 311.
Mine is in 16 G. It was my father's and it is the 1st weapon I ever fired.
I have a few more of those on your list, but only the Stevens and the Beretta will make the cut for the trip to ND this year.
I grew up shooting a Remington 1100 16 Gauge about the time they came out. And I have purchased much more expensive shotguns since, but I still like my trusty 1100 when I’m headed out for a day on the water.
I’m glad a Merkel made the list, but what about all the other german guns? I expected to see a couple more guns representing german quality. I have several JP. Sauers and they are pretty much indestructible. I’ve been shooting my 1930’s Sauer for years and can’t find a better SxS. Its amazing to see what gunsmiths could do 80+ years ago. Picked my last one up from importer 757arms.com, reasonable prices and good selection.
I like the Xtreme's and the Urika's by Beretta and I have a Benelli Super Black Eagle II which I love but I would say I would take one of those as a shotgun thats worth the price tag because they are very well rounded. I haven't tried the Vinci's by Benelli yet to pass judgement. The 870's especially the older ones stand up to the test of time for sure.
I like the Xtreme's and the Urika's by Beretta and I have a Benelli Super Black Eagle II which I love but I would say I would take one of those as a shotgun thats worth the price tag because they are very well rounded. I haven't tried the Vinci's by Benelli yet to pass judgement. The 870's especially the older ones stand up to the test of time for sure.
50 best Shotguns and no mention of the K80??? You included dogs such as the Rem SP 10 ga and the Ruger "Phantom" that they cannot even produce and left out the Krieghoff!!!
Check out any Skeet/Trap money shoot and look at the gun racks. Those folks know what is reliable and which guns are junk. Live pigeon shoots too, or maybe you have qualms about the oldest shotgun sport.
You guys been sniffing Federal paper hulls again!
Post a Comment
I grew up in a non-hunting family, but my best friend and next door neighbor grew up in a very hunting family. His father and grandfather had a great variety of guns between them. My first shotgun was a Mossberg, his was given to him by his grandfather a sweet little Twelvette and his grandfather shot a Model 12 I believe.
To this day, I've not owned either one, but I would dearly love to add both a Model 12 and especially a Twelvette to my closet.
Hey, no fair, I happen to think my 870 is beautiful... as well as being a great "tool." It's never failed to get the job done, and you're right; if something does get bunged up it's quickly and easily fixed. Love that gun!
Back around 1995-96 Dave Parker the former owner of my local gunshop showed me a new in leather case Purdy 28 ga. he got from an estate sale. It was a sight to behold. Dave wanted $40K for it and it eventually sold. The gun came from a stockbroker that made a rich client a bundle. The story is the rich client said I want to do something for you so order any gun you want on me. He ordered the Purdy and never fired it.
870- the go anywhere, kill anything, most reliable and functional gun for the price
Oh I wish I could own one of those classic doubles, but I can't so I will hunt with my Ruger which works just fine for grouse, pheasants, rabbits, ducks, and geese.
The cool thing is that there is no "best shotgun" as some people say, a Good shotgun is relieable and fits you well for both size and needs.
I shot a 19lb 120z turkey this morning with a Remington 870, 20 gauge. It's so awesome, shoots really tight, even with a cheap $20 choke tube. It's great!
I love my 870 ithas never let me down and gets the job done .
I use an 870 all the time. Is a very wonderful gun!
i own a stoger side by side and it is one of my favorite all around guns
i personally have shot the Beretta Xtrema 2 and it is a very great gun, expessialy for a beginner because their is absolutely no recoil. very good field gun as well as trap or skeet shooting gun.
I agree with Bob. The one I started out on was a Stevens single shot 12 gauge...no second chances with that one! I now shoot a Browning Citori, but have great early memories with the old Stevens.
Used an 870 for everything but skeet. Love em.
What about the Mossberg that broke the 3in/3.5in molds guys. I know that everybody likes to look at those "house" guns but who could ever afford them?
i have rem1100 and moss500, love them and will untill the end
I agree with bob devaney on his post. I also grew up with an old savage fox side by side 20 gauge and learned how to shoot with it.However, i retired it and got a remington 870 which has never failed me to this day during dove, duck, and turkey season so its got to be up there. But personally, i think either the browning a5 or the winchester model 12 would be the best
I agree it's a fine fine shotgun, but for that price I could buy a closet full of fine guns
for the one gun hunter remington 870 is the for me. but I own one gun for upland birds browning citiro one for deer remington 870 ducks geese remington 887 or browning bps
# 49, the Remington SP10. It weighs a ton, shoots dynamite sticks, and will sever your fingar if you slam the action shut on it.
But the recoil is way moderate.
I think the best shotgun ever made is the one you learned to shoot with or your first one owned. I learned with a Fox double and my first purchased was a 16 ga. Model 12 Winchester. Still hunt with a 12 ga #12.
I would love to have one but the other half yes no.
mosseberg 500 defently goes below ithaca 37
i really think that the ruger red label is a pretty solid over and under it should be on this list of shotguns
Purdey S/S/ is probably the most expensive, and is Endorsed By thr Mouteen Windsors, buy they don't need to sell their house to buy one. I would accept gifts though!
I honestly do not believe that you can beat a Model 37 Ithaca pump. They are good for both righties and lefties as they are a bottom ejecting gun. I had one, which I gave to my son, to start him out shooting, and I am now looking for the right one to replace it in my collection.
I honestly do not believe that you can beat a Model 37 Ithaca pump. They are good for both righties and lefties as they are a bottom ejecting gun. I had one, which I gave to my son, to start him out shooting, and I am now looking for the right one to replace it in my collection.
I have a few old friends but my favorite is my Mossberg 195(mfg 1954)bolt action 12 guage with the c-lect choke and i think its overlooked as a great gun that everyone wants its 5 times stronger than a pump and has a fully adjustable choke and a monte-carlo stock that feels like a rifle its sweet the way it handles with its 26" ported barrel,and detachable 2 shot magazine(3 total)and it weighs about 7 1/2 pounds most people have never seen one but i absolutely love mine..
The A5 Browning , handsdown it's got to be the best of all time.It's the first I shot,(my grandfathers). I own a Belgium 12,and a Remington 11,both in 12 gauge.they always go bang when I pull the trigger,and served me well for more years than I care to admit to. David Powers
My dad bought a L.C. Smith field grade shotgun in 1948. He paid $100. He died in 1993 and I have the gun today. It holds great memories and meaning for me.
Model 97 Winchester has over 100 parts, all machined, inside of reciever is smooth as glass, Model 12 is crude by comparison. [have 3 of each, 2 of the model 12 high grade] also 682 and 686 Beretta, Al 48 Franchi,A H Fox, benelli Montefeltro, A 5 Brownings are gone, so is the 870 Remington, Ithica 37 and #2 Flues and a bunch of others. They all work.
Great list! I do agree with most of the gunds on this list. There are a lot of strong feelings from other fellow sportsman on what is the best shotgun. I do agree with a few that it is the gun your dad or grandfather happened to teach you to shoot with. Heck, today almost any shotgun you buy is very very reliable although I don't think they will be held in such high regard as the classics. I have owned or still own most of the guns on this list except for the extreem priced ones. If I had to pick overall best gun FOR THE MONEY it would be the Browning Citori. Of course the the Remington 870 is a fantastic gun at about 1/5 the price but when you consider the overall quality of the Citoi and the "hand me down" quality it is hard to beat.
I sure everyone has their favorite. Mine is an old Ted Williams Model 300. Before you laugh too hard, these were really a Winchester 1400 (which I also own) but the fit and finish seemed upgraded when compared with the Winchester. Anyway, I really like that old shotgun
I dunno.
Reckon if somebody gave me $100,000, I'd get the Purdey and continue living in my Airstream travel trailer.
You boyz-n-girlz forgot the Winchester model 1200. I bought my first one as a "high-school graduation" gift to ME in 1964 at the same time two buddies bought Remington 1100s. I still have mine. It looks & works like it did when removed from the box and assembled for the first time. Can't say the same for the two 1100s. I've even added a couple more since. Absolutely love 'em. My kids will "inherit" these shooters one of these years....
The British Devonshire regiment used Martini Henry rifles when they attacked Myanmar in 1885. I read it in Myanmar history.
Awesome gun! invincible
I own a Belgium Browning a-5 and it still shoots straight and great
Browning "SWEET SIXTEEN" WOULD HAVE TO BE ON MY LIST OF THE TOP 50 OF ALL SHOTGUNS. It is still one of the most desired collectibles.
For most of my long life I have owned two Browning Superposed and a A-5, and quite a few of the other guns mentioned. I agree with everything that you say. I would rather sell my first-born than any of the Brownings. I always loved my Win. 21, but never shot it quite as well as any O/U.
All of us have a favorite shotgun , mine are a cotori and a winchester 101 diamond . I learned to hunt with my grandfather's Ivers & Johnson gun & cyclery 20 gague . There wasn't a quail or a tin can safe around the farm. Still have the gun , mis him .
There are some nice shotguns. i have a benealy 12g.
They is no....i mean no way the stevens 311 is 50th out of 50. Come on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
who created this list? Obama??
Sorry guy she says NO.
Bob I agree about Stevens! I have311's in 12&16, and one of the new 411 Sporters with Carlson Chokes.
Also have an 1100, shoot skeet with is all day!
I remember my Granpa's old stevens side by side - triggers fore and aft, and me 12 years old - pulled the forrard trigger and recoiled into the after trigger and ended up on my butt! Great Gun!
Great to see the photos of classic shotguns. I now own four shotguns, none of which made your Top 30. The oldest is a 12 ga. Savage pump. My newest is a "best buy" Stoeger Uplander 20 ga. side-by-side. I have had a lots of kicks with a little Italian .410.
But my most cherished was passed down by father-in-law. It previously belonged to his father. Gun writers, when talking about classics, sometimes mention it in the same paragraph as the other doubles that did make the list. The gun is a Lefever 16 ga. that was well taken care of. It came with an Iver Johnson pistol in .32 Colt.
I have a Stevens side-by-side that my dad gave to me. He didn't hunt much, but my uncles did. In fact, the only time I can remember him going hunting was when he took me or my brother. I have since purchased a Remington 1100. The Remington is a nice shotgun, however, I find a lot more meaning in my time in the field when I carry that double. My dad now goes pheasant hunting again, but now he drives the truck from field to field with my son at his side until he is old enough to join me in the field. Someday the Stevens will be his.
Sirs,as Would you please see if you can, get David E Petzel to return this email, or better yet have him call me #886-363-4272 on my cell or 903-887-5102 @ my home number. I have tried every way that I know, but I am unable to reach Mr. Petzel. Thank you and I hope this works, and I can reach David as I REALLY NEED TO TALK TO HIM.5kbarl@embarqmail.com
Unfortunately, You have picture of an Ithaca Flues, not an Ithaca NID
I lover the very last comment about the old guys and their $78 311. Well, with inflation that $78 is now $562.09.
Yup. So much cheaper then than now.
Good list, did not see to many I disagreed with but a few could have been swapped out. I think the H&R single shot should have been mentioned. Been around more than a hundred years building solid reliable and well priced guns.
The Stoeger 2000 needs a mention also.
I liked the fact they mentioned the 835. I have one, my second 835, and it has been a very solid gun.
It was a pleasure to see some of the ol' historic beauties. I have shot many of them, hunting, and shooting trap & skeet. There are so many fine shotguns but, to me, nothing feels, handles, and shoots like my browning Citoris..... not the most expensive, but real workhorses. What can you say about shotguns that have fired hundreds of thousands of rounds without even a flinch. Long live the Citori!!!
I am one of the many 311 fans. My first was a .410, a 12th birthday gift from my grandpop. As I outgrew it, I bought a used 16 ga. which is still my favorite grouse gun to this day. An A5 humpback fills the bill when heavier artillery is required.
Calling the JAPANESE Citori the "No. 1" shotgun over a Belgium A-5 or Superposed is simply an insult to the FN name.
And calling the Beretta 680 "the other Citori"??? Come one F&S, lets get real for a minute here...
While I normally don't totally agree with these lists, this one was pretty great.
My local gun store 'tout' told me about a Winchester 24 shotgun in the backroom, traded-in for a new gun, and waiting to be checked out before being put on the used shelf. What's the deal on this model gun?
I'm really really surprised the Krieghoff K-80 didn't make the list. Yes it's a competition shotgun but they hold there value for a reason. My father owned one. He used it in at least 12 trap events a year for 5 years then sold it for more than he paid. He never had a malfunction. Never.
I have a Winchester model 12, 16ga which
I shot since I was a young man but now in my 80's can no longer hunt. I also have all the reloading tools for shells.
If someone is interested I would sell. This is one sweet gun. squiresjoh@aol.com
I purchased an 1100, my first shotgun, in 1981. I've used it afield for small & large game as well as extensive competitve trap, skeet and clays shooting: literally thousands of rounds with zero malfunctions...
Have several of the shotguns mentioned...my fav's are a 4 way tie...an early Win Model 21 (SN 104X), 1959 Browning Superposed, a 1969 Browning Lightening and a early 60's Browning Auto 5...all great guns!
You save face by including the most excellent Stevens 311.
Mine is in 16 G. It was my father's and it is the 1st weapon I ever fired.
I have a few more of those on your list, but only the Stevens and the Beretta will make the cut for the trip to ND this year.
I grew up shooting a Remington 1100 16 Gauge about the time they came out. And I have purchased much more expensive shotguns since, but I still like my trusty 1100 when I’m headed out for a day on the water.
I’m glad a Merkel made the list, but what about all the other german guns? I expected to see a couple more guns representing german quality. I have several JP. Sauers and they are pretty much indestructible. I’ve been shooting my 1930’s Sauer for years and can’t find a better SxS. Its amazing to see what gunsmiths could do 80+ years ago. Picked my last one up from importer 757arms.com, reasonable prices and good selection.
I like the Xtreme's and the Urika's by Beretta and I have a Benelli Super Black Eagle II which I love but I would say I would take one of those as a shotgun thats worth the price tag because they are very well rounded. I haven't tried the Vinci's by Benelli yet to pass judgement. The 870's especially the older ones stand up to the test of time for sure.
I like the Xtreme's and the Urika's by Beretta and I have a Benelli Super Black Eagle II which I love but I would say I would take one of those as a shotgun thats worth the price tag because they are very well rounded. I haven't tried the Vinci's by Benelli yet to pass judgement. The 870's especially the older ones stand up to the test of time for sure.
50 best Shotguns and no mention of the K80??? You included dogs such as the Rem SP 10 ga and the Ruger "Phantom" that they cannot even produce and left out the Krieghoff!!!
Check out any Skeet/Trap money shoot and look at the gun racks. Those folks know what is reliable and which guns are junk. Live pigeon shoots too, or maybe you have qualms about the oldest shotgun sport.
You guys been sniffing Federal paper hulls again!
I would think the Winchester 101 would be at the lower end og the group. After all Herter's copyed it.
I love the 870 but the one I have used jambs more frequently than I would like
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