So in the off season I find myself without a shotgun. My mossberg 12 guage was a very nice gun but I never got out to hunt pheasant anymore so I sold it a few years ago. Last year I used my grandfather's 12 guage. I cant tell you what it is, (I dont know), but its very old and extremely nice.

But I'm all pumped up now about this year's rabbit season and I need a shotgun. I was thinking about a nice little remington 20 ga. but it has been so long since I bought one so I dont really remember much about what is good, and what isnt. So if anyone has any ideas on a good, moderately priced shotgun that would be good for rabbit and other small game please chime in and share your thoughts. Thanks.

 

Get a Remington 870. The basic model 12 guage in 3 inch mag is only around $250 and you can get one at Wall Mart.

 

if you live in Michigan, I would maybe opt for a smaller gun than a 20 ga. Maybe something along the lines of a light 28 ga. that can also double as an awesome grouse gun. Sure the 28's aren't as popular and will cost more, but those walks in the woods can get even longer when you have to carry more gun than what is necessary.

 

Or use a 410 for rabbits. It is lighter, and is a good gun.

 

hell, how about we go use a nice .177 cal bb gun!

a remington 870 is a very nice gun, i got a 20 gauge, has all the power i need so far.

 

If your getting this just for small game why not go Semi-Auto, you can buy a 12 gauge Semi Auto for almost the same price as a pump. You can pick up a Charles Daly 3" Semi Auto for under $300 at Walmart. I just picked up a Mossberg 3 1/2 inch Semi-Auto for $399 28" barrel for duck.

 

I've bagged literaly hundreds of rabbits using a Savage 410/22 over and under. Leave it on 410 so you can quickly get on any rabbit you kick up. If you see a rabbit sitting, you have time to switch to 22 and plink him. This gun works particularly well if you are hunting with beagles. The little hounds will circle the rabbit to you. As it goes by, it will stop frequently and look back toward hounds. That usually gives you a good chance to draw a bead with the 22. If you miss and he takes off running, switch to 410 and blast him. You really don't want to use a 12 gauge magnum on a rabbit. I don't think you'd be left with much but the ears and a couple of paws.

 

I am another believer in the Remington 870 as the best all around shotgun value on the market.

 

I just take the .22 out.