Best long-term (reliable) hunting shotgun?

[tnsportshooter]

I'm interested in getting into bird hunting (turkey mostly to start).  Browsing in-store there doesn't seem to be much to choose from.  Should I pick something semi-recognizable and go with it for now or hold out for a more heritage brand?   I was hoping for the "remington 870" of shotguns with a choke capability... but may have to settle or else wait?

What's the "glock" - reliable, affordable, easy to find parts - of 12g hunting shotguns?

Thanks,

[DO-TN]

Why not just go with a 870? Plenty of them have screw-in chokes. The other option is a Mossberg 500 variant. Also has plenty of screw-in chokes. Both have vast aftermarket support in parts, accesories, stocks, and also a plethora of choke tubes to pick from. You can accesorize to go from ducks, to turkeys, to deer, to tactical all with the same reciever. It's just a matter of swapping out bits.

[Whisper]

You can find Remington 870s that accept choke inserts.  And the 870 is a candidate worth considering for any purpose for which a shotgun is suitable.  

[DJTC45]

I've used a Remington 870 for years for Turkey hunting and killed plenty of them. I've also had 11-87's Auto's also. You can't go wrong with an 870.

[A516]

The Remington 870 Wingmaster is a very reliable shotgun.  Express not so much.

[10-Ring]

I'll just say this.  I got an 870 12 gauge when I was 12 years old.  It has been my go to shotgun up until I came across a nice Browning a few months ago.  I've beat the crap out of it, run slugs, buckshot, and quite a few 3" turkey loads.  The gun has been great.  It does get difficult to cycle when it goes a few years between cleanings.  I turn 39 this year.  All of that said, I was gifted a Mossberg Shockwave and I believe I prefer the location of everything on the Mossbergs over the layout of the Remington.  I would gladly own either, and do. 

[Quavodus]

There's nothing at all wrong with Rem. 870 or Mossberg 500. Or others either. I've had a Mossberg 500 for about 18 years and no problems at all. Shot a lot of turkey loads through it too. 

[tn hp]

If you can't find an 870, as others have suggested, a Mossberg 500 series is a good choice.  In the event that is not satisfactory, I would also suggest a Browning BPS or a Benelli  Nova.

Good luck, good shooting and good hunting!

Edited March 26, 2021 by tn hp

[Grayfox54]

Long term? I've still got my Daddy's Remington 11-48 that he bought used back in the early 1950s. He used it quite a bit and it was my hunting shotgun for many years until I finally quit hunting. I still shoot it now and then and it works just fine. 

Most any quality shotgun will outlast your lifetime will decent care.  If I were you, I'd wait until a good Remington or Mossberg is available. 

[Quavodus]

Another that I'm familiar with is Winchester 1300, if you can find one.

[Eddie Southgate]

A model 12 Winchester or an 870 . I have two Model 12's , a 12g and a 16g . The 16 is my favorite . I actually prefer and mostly shoot doubles but the pumps are easier to maintain . 

[chances R]

I've shot enough to wear out a Rem 1100 and a Benelli SBE, as well having to replace a locking bolt on a Browning O/U.  The pumps mentioned are good guns and will last a long time.  For my money I would go with the Benelli SBE II.  It will be versatile and with a 26" barrel be suitable for all the clays games as well as birds, to include turkeys.  

[300winmag]

Benelli montefeltro autoloaders seem to hold up well to high volume dove shooting in South America.  Beretta semi autos are pretty popular in clay target shooting.

 

[Snaveba]

I’m partial to my Ithica model 37. Mid-60’s vintage. It doesn’t as easily have the option to change the choke, but it is quite easy to swap barrels. 

[Thursty]

I would also go 870 or Mossberg. Personally I like the tang safety on the Mossberg, but I know a lot of people don’t, so that’s a personal preference thing. 

[Frog4aday]

I'm with you @Thursty the tang safety is a plus in my book.

[Choppers454]

870 Super Mag, or Versamax. Neither will let you down.