re: Best 12 gauge

In my opinion which is not worth a ton, I would get a pump as your first gun. It takes time to develop the automatic sequence of fire, pump, fire. If you ever go hunting with a group and need to borrow a gun inevitably someone will have an 870 you can borrow. The pumps are relieable and trustworthy and very capable of taking game.


I have the Benelli Nova in Wetlands cammo and I am very happy with it. I know alot of people swear by a Remington 870 and I agree it is a good gun. I wanted composite and wrapped or coated as I wanted to cut down on rust as much as possible. The only regret I have about composite is the stock and foreend seem to stay colder in your hands longer than wood does.


Get 3.5" chamber in what every you decide to get and at least 26" barrel lenght for waterfoul hunting.

I also liked the position of the saftey on the right side of the tirgger gaurd on my benelli vs the left side on the 870. Also dont waste money on a nice sling jsut get one of the ones that is a simple nylon webbed strap with loops on each end that slide on and off easily. You will find that the sling gets in the way when you are shooting and gets wet on the floor of the boat/blind and is only needed for portage of your gun when walking in.