Best gun to use waterfowling?

[Go Big Red!]

So what do you use?  What would you want to use if you could afford it?


I shoot a Benelli SBEII, black, 3 1/2, 26" barrel.  Back up is a Benelli Nova, black, 3 1/2, 28" barrel.

[kingfisher1]

I like to stay simple.  Although I have multiple shotguns, I prefer to use only one for all purposes.  I've had it for years, and when I pick it up, it becomes an extension of me.  I use a remington 1100 Special Field in 12 gauge.  It's a shorter gun, but it's a great gun.  It only holds 4 shells, has a 24 inch barrel, and an old english stock.  I don't do too much waterfowl hunting, but when and where I do go after waterfowl, it's usually in tight quarters, so the shorter barrel comes in handy.  Plus, it make a great back up gun when going after bears or anything else that bites back.  And better yet, I can grouse hunt on the way back to the cabin after hunting ducks and geese!  Sorry about rambling and getting  but I love that gun!

[Go Big Red!]

I will admit, I use both of those guns for everything else except deer. If I could shoot a slug out of it, I would.

[JCAMERON]

Keeping it simple with my winchester 1300. Basic 12 gauge, 3" chamber. Every animal I have hunted has fallen to this gun. If I could I would probably shoot a nova. Then again I would probably keep reaching back for the 1300 because we have so much history together..... 

[kingfisher1]

I used my Special Field deer hunting once just to say I could shoot a deer with it.  I filled a doe tag with it and pulled out the .30-06 for the buck tag.

Keeping it simple with my winchester 1300. Basic 12 gauge, 3" chamber. Every animal I have hunted has fallen to this gun. If I could I would probably shoot a nova. Then again I would probably keep reaching back for the 1300 because we have so much history together..... 

I agree.  My Special Field is almost 15 years old and still going strong.  So many years and memories together.........  ANother bonus for me is they quit making the 100 special field in 1999, so there's no way I'm splitting with it.

[fubar]

i use the old 870 express super mag..nexer let me down like the 1187,charles daily and sbe did

[beeker]

I like my BPS been shooting it for years and years. but someday I would like to pick up a browning citori 525 field. I should only need 2 shots right?

[Cody Gruchow]

i shoot a stoeger M2000, bought it just before the 08 duck season and i love that gun..back up is stoeger 300(the pump version) so its basically a nova.

[joker31888]

870 Exress Super Mag.  Love easy cleaning after a wet hunt.  Love it all around!!!  Don't think I'll ever buy a different gun!!!
 

[kenhuntin]

I am not claiming what I use to be the best for any one else but me because even something like the difference in width of a foreend can turn a good shooter into a flabbergasted fool. I never cared for autoloaders because I have seen too many jam up especially the good ole heavy 1100. When I am out Waterfowling I have two shotguns with. My main tool is a 12 ga. 835 ultimag for ducks and A 10 bore bps for the geese. Any shotgun with a nice deep shiny bluing is a mistake in my book. They glimmer like a mirror on a bright day.

[The General]

Browning Gold 12ga 3 1/2 best gun I ever owned.  When I want to be fancy I shoot my Remington OU. 

[wesky197]

I gotta go with old reliable 870... although it would be nice to work with a super nova

[Faceman]

I dont duck hunt much anymore but when I do I like my Mossberg 835 pump, 3 1/2 mag, with synthetic stock. Everything else I hunt with shotgun I use a Ruger Red Label and as back up I use my old beat up but never fail Mossberg 500 pump.

[letgofishing]

I like 10ga. 3 half mag. Mossberg with camflo. for duck n geese n wildlife.

[ChrisWallace]

Beretta Extrema II with KO, aquatech.

[MnDeerStalker]

Rem sp 10 that way I can reach out and touch them better when they are just a little skiddish of the decoys after being blitzed off the lake all morning       

[snow]

Not sure what you're getting at but sounds like you're shooting "top shelf",what else is there if your a serious hunter that cannot tolerate "gun mal-function" in the blind in any weather condition,well the xtrema2 is also very good afield in all conditions.These days with the manufactures producing quality ammo,one really does'nt need 3.5" ammo,exception being pass shooting,then its nice to have that extra horsepower when needed.Premium,copper coated ammo with shot buffer and moisture sealed will save you alot of time chasing cripples,along with a quality choke.Better yet,3" hevi shot is the mack daddy on waterfowl,but thats another thread for later.

[PJ Maguire]

Currently I shoot a Berretta 390 'silver mallard' and I have shot a ton of birds with it. However, If I get any gun it would be a SBE II so I could get a mag extension for spring snows. Currently I am looking for a good used SBE. FYI

[snow]

PJ~

There is something to be said about loading up the benelli with (9) rounds and having a wave of Snows decend down on your spread,in some states I'll have both benelli's loaded when the shooting gets really HOT when its legal,just a "WHACKEN and STACKEN" 

[Go Big Red!]

Not sure what you're getting at but sounds like you're shooting "top shelf",what else is there if your a serious hunter that cannot tolerate "gun mal-function" in the blind in any weather condition,well the xtrema2 is also very good afield in all conditions.These days with the manufactures producing quality ammo,one really does'nt need 3.5" ammo,exception being pass shooting,then its nice to have that extra horsepower when needed.Premium,copper coated ammo with shot buffer and moisture sealed will save you alot of time chasing cripples,along with a quality choke.Better yet,3" hevi shot is the mack daddy on waterfowl,but thats another thread for later.

You're right, a SBE2 is top shelf, but it's something I saved and worked towards.  Spending that kind of $$$ on a gun is a huge investment.  However, I wouldn't trade it for anything and some day, I hope to pass it onto my kids or my grandchildren.  On the flip side, new ammo does make a difference in any gun, but I am also very selective/particular in what goes into my gun.

Too bad this isn't a beer discussion, I'll drink anything as long as it's COLD and domestic.

[ChrisWallace]

Currently I shoot a Berretta 390 'silver mallard' and I have shot a ton of birds with it. However, If I get any gun it would be a SBE II so I could get a mag extension for spring snows. Currently I am looking for a good used SBE. FYI

You can get em for your berettas, I used one for early season last fall. Amazing how heavy a gun gets when you get half a box in the barrel.

[Bufflehead]

 I could go on and on about Beretta & Benelli. I'm not bragging in any way. I just have had a lot of guns and have hunted every fall...every day. I have been lucky enough to have taken off every fall since 1988. I'm sorry, but I have had atleast 5 Benelli SBE's. All I'm going to say is, each of them disappointed me.

 The Beretta Xtrema was a super gun...WAY better gun IMO then any of the Benellies I had. More reliable, shot a wider assortment of ammo, fit better.

 I still have my SP10 Remington..it has shot a train car load of waterfowl over the 10-15 years I have had it. It has yet to fail me.

 You will find me carrying my Browning Camo 3.5" Cynergy 99% of the time now. 2.5 years on this new horse and she has yet to fail. Heading to South Dakota to our place in a couple weeks to put the hurt on some Snows & Blues. I have put a ton of ammo through this gun, from clays to goose loads...no more automatic falures...what a great thing to leave behind

   

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[Go Big Red!]

I could go on and on about Beretta & Benelli. I'm not bragging in any way. I just have had a lot of guns and have hunted every fall...every day. I have been lucky enough to have taken off every fall since 1988. I'm sorry, but I have had atleast 5 Benelli SBE's. All I'm going to say is, each of them disappointed me.

 The Beretta Xtrema was a super gun...WAY better gun IMO then any of the Benellies I had. More reliable, shot a wider assortment of ammo, fit better.

 I still have my SP10 Remington..it has shot a train car load of waterfowl over the 10-15 years I have had it. It has yet to fail me.

 You will find me carrying my Browning Camo 3.5" Cynergy 99% of the time now. 2.5 years on this new horse and she has yet to fail. Heading to South Dakota to our place in a couple weeks to put the hurt on some Snows & Blues. I have put a ton of ammo through this gun, from clays to goose loads...no more automatic falures...what a great thing to leave behind

   

How did they disappoint?  Mechanical failure?  Jamming?  If there is something I can do to head off future issues, let me know.

[PJ Maguire]

Currently I shoot a Berretta 390 'silver mallard' and I have shot a ton of birds with it. However, If I get any gun it would be a SBE II so I could get a mag extension for spring snows. Currently I am looking for a good used SBE. FYI

You can get em for your berettas, I used one for early season last fall. Amazing how heavy a gun gets when you get half a box in the barrel.

Unfortunately not the one I have. It is too old, I got the gun new 10 years ago.

[snow]

Red,

I would'nt worry,for waterfowl you can't beat either gun (benelli or beretta) as far as fit outof the box,"non-issue" ALL guns can't be fitted and if you're serious about your shotgunning,have your baby fitted for you,not by any gunsmith either,make sure he's a shooter,makes all the difference in the world,remember "you aim a rifle and point a shotgun" meaning once the gun is fitted correctly it shoots where you look/point once shouldered.

Keep your auto loader clean,don't over lube (which alotof folks do) and if you hunt alot with the  resting muzzel up inbetween shots whether in a pit or open blind you'll need to pull the stock spring every season,rain water or melting snow will drain down the barrel and into the stock which would weaken the spring,cause rust to develope over time causing cycling issues down the road(easy fix to place the spring,again few people do this r&r every so often),not such a big deal with the SBE2 because now the spring is not only more heavy duty but is stainless as well.

We shoot our O/U's primarly at the range and game farms,I feel the browning gives you the most bang for your buck for targets and such and is the most affordable,but for me in the field its nice to have the extra rounds when needed.

Can't wait to get after them SOB's down south~sure wish they would hurry up

Oh,and if you're interested in having your gun fitted and near the cities,drop me a PM I have some info for ya,one guy is currently following the shoots down south and southwest but will be back here (Kenyon,MN) in april,does custom stock work and the other is a "master shooter" in the international sporting clays field,located in St.Paul.

Tim

[Go Big Red!]

Thanks for the info.

I clean my SBE2 literally after every use.  Complete tear down and spotless clean.  Most parts I won't oil due the the adhesive ability to hold sand, grit, etc.  In fact, a couple of guys I hunted with in West Texas would clean the firing pin, springs, and such in boiling water.


As far as fitting, I know Benelli sends shims with the kit and I have yet to adjust anything in that regard.  Primarily with wearing different gear and layers to combat the weather.  It fits well now and with more layers, it can be a "stretch" in terms of feel and comfort.

[snow]

Yep,I'd say you got "her dialed in",goodluck this spring if you get after them "SOB's 

Tim

[Bufflehead]

 My SBE's gave as many malfunctions as any of the old 1100 Remingtons I shot & owned

Fact is, if you shoot a lot. The gun has a ware problem. One of mine wore the thin area next to the hammer spring and plunger. The hammer spring and plunger would slip out past the hammer and the gun was done. You could put it back. you might shoot as few as one to ten rounds and it was out again. It was wore paper thin and no longer could support the strain of the spring pressure. Non of them would ever shoot low base shells reliably

 I know none of you will believe this. I wouldn't have either. I have always been a firm believer that you need to spend a fair amount of money to get a quality auto loader. I have had them all.

 I will tell you this, my wife bought me a gun as a gift for my birthday 2 years ago. Laugh all you want, she bought me a 935 Mossberg 3.5" auto loader. I have been truly amazed at this gun. It has been dunked, dragged through the mud, dust, leafs, sticks, cattails, you name it. I do a lot of sneeking and crawling. the gun is dragged though whatever I'm crawling though . It has yet to fail, shooting everything from low base trap loads to 3.5" magnum goose loads.

 I just adapted my mag extension from the 870 I use to have, to make it fit the 935. It holds 10 rounds of 2.75" 12ga. I might use this on my sneaks on Snows in a couple of weeks in South dakota. My wife shot it for 10 days of ducks and geese in SD last fall.

 This is me with my 935 3.5' with 10 rounds of Remington low base 2.75" trap loads

   

[ChrisWallace]

What was the point of showing you shoot 10 lowbasers?

Any gun should be able to do that...

[ChrisWallace]

Those werent even low base shells....like you said.