I use a Semi Auto, though if i had some more money or could do it over again id buy a O/U. I like the Class of the O/U s well it would be nice on the Trap range.
I found that the semi aloud me to stay on sight for a second bird. The third Shell in the Semi i have rarely used but if you are a good decoy guy i bet it might get used a bit more.
Interesting dialogue, the big killer for me was the switch to steel from lead. I had no problem shooting 2 3/4 in 1 3/8 #4 back in the lead days and as there were not that many geese then except waveys it was not a problem. The switch to steel created quite a conundrum as the early steel shells were not that good and to at least get close to the lead performance you had to go to 3". That being said the loads NOW are quite superior to the early steel loads with the increased velocity which is the key to steel.Now would I buy a 2 3/4 " 12 gauge probably not. The versatility of the 3" imho outways the price differance. In the early days of steel (dating myself here) the Ithaca 10 gauge was the choice of many ,the 3.5" was developed to answer that ,now I believe standard 3" loads are as good as anything.The second point is 2 3/4 are still a great load for ducks yes they are I shoot a 20 g. at ducks but for a one gun hunter the 3" is the best choice .my .02
Anyone have any experience with these guns
Maverick 88
Mossberg 500
Mossberg 930 semi
rem has the 870
weatherby sa08 semi
weatherby pa08
I have Mossberg 535 waterfowl.
I like Mossberg's safety because I'm a lefty.
Once concern I've heard is aluminum receiver wears out over the long haul.
870 is on old reliable.
If you can swing it, go for the semi.
1. Human over population
2. Government burden and overreach
My wife has an SA08 20 ga, I shoot it for ducks as well, great gun cycles flawlessly, handles well, nothing but good to say about it. I have also had a few 870s the older Wing Master are great guns the Express are hit and miss on quality.
Last edited by Foxton Gundogs; 01-07-2014 at 11:16 PM.
"BORN TO HUNT"
Foxton's Cuervo Gold "KEELA" Oct. 2004-June 2017. Always in my blind and my heart.
Mossberg 835, BPS, 870 are the pumps i have hunted.
835 was too heavy and it is similar to the 500 as i remember, with Mossberg watch the weight. The 88 is a lighter Gun amd 303Brit seems to do well woth it!
870 Ran 2-3/4" beautifully but the Hulls sometimes hung up on 3" loads
BPS was the best of them all, have a look at it. I know its not on your list but it should be looked at. It was also easier to police your empties they landed at your feet and not in the grass off to the side.
Cant speak on the rest.
just so you know as well... i hunted them all extensivly for Upland birds.... untill i got my 20Ga.