Best bird gun with utility?

[Randell]

There are many choices out there and I have had a few different ones but my stand by is the 870.

[LiftAndShoot]

Really appreciate all the feedback, guys - I'm taking notes.

And Blake - I didn't specifically mean no Berettas. I just meant that I wasn't interested in something that's like...$8,000 from some small town gunshop that specializes in 'the only shotgun you'll ever need.' I have nothing against any kind of brand (...to my knowledge..)

[Tarleton Jake]

I don't know if I'd ever truly enjoy having one gun for all...personally I would get more enjoyment out of 2. My thinking is one for skeet shooting/upland game (doves,quail) and another for ducks,geese,turkey ect.

[LiftAndShoot]

Jake - that's not a bad point. I mean, it's something to consider. If you were running a 2 shotgun setup, what would it be?

[ElGatoBandito]

Jake - that's not a bad point. I mean, it's something to consider. If you were running a 2 shotgun setup, what would it be?

My Beretta AL2-20, and a benelli waterfowl gun

The reason for a 20ga for a skeet/upland game gun is I can shoot it all day long.

[Tarleton Jake]

I'd go for an over and under of some flavor (Browning, Beretta, or CZ), and an auto (Beretta or Benelli)

Just my opinion

[Cbb1722]

Remington 1187 12 gauge. They can fit 3 and 2 3/4 inch shells. Which is all you'd need for those birds. Jmo

[dac6933]

Find you a used Beretta 390. Best shotgun I have ever had. Will cycle anything you reed it.

[Texasgamehunter]

Mossberg 835. It will shoot anything you put in it and it will play with the big boys. I have a pattern master extended choke in mine and I use it from dove to geese to deer. No need for that high dollar flashy stuff that you would hate to ruin the finish.

[Texasgamehunter]

Oh and it shoots 2 3/4 to 3 1/2 shells

[gatorgrizz27]

I'm with you on simplifying firearms, specifically with shotguns. You are shooting instinctively so using the same gun every time will make you a better shot. If you are the type of person that cares about quality and beauty, a nicely crafted wood stocked gun is much more enjoyable to grab than a plastic clunker.

I've settled on two similar rifles and two similar shotguns, and I like Weatherby. I've got Vanguards in .223 and .30-06 and picked up an SA-08 in 28 gauge, and will get the SA-08 Waterfowler in 12 gauge to replace my 835. Their shotguns are made in Turkey which is a turn-off for some, but everything I've found about them speaks of excellent quality control.

I went with a 28 over a 20 because I felt it does everything a 20 can do with more of the "small gun" advantages. Less recoil, noise, weight, etc. Dove, quail, snipe, squirrel, rabbit, and skeet there is no need for anything more. I don't have pheasant where I live but it can work for them as well. I also intend to hunt wood ducks with it this year with hevi-shot in the timber, and 28's have taken turkeys. What I'm left with is little hurry to pick up the 12 gauge as I already have one when needed.

I'm a big fan of this gun, give them a look in whatever gauges you choose:

http://www.cdnnsports.com/sa-08-28-28-2-75-bl-wlnt-v-r.html#.VAxTqtq9KSM

[pkee]

I believe in having a back up gun in the truck . No matter how good the gun is it can still breakdown .
I run a bennile M2. 12g Sweet gun (it was my 3-gun shotgun )
The back up gun Mossebarg 535 .

[bigdaddy590]

Browning maxus

[bm22]

If I were you I wouldn't simplify to one gun. I would go to two guns. If you could only have one gun the 870 is the answer. I have killed plenty of dove, duck and quail with my 870 supermag. But it is a heavy gun to carry around. It is perfect for deer, duck and goose hunting but is lacking for quail and dove at least for me.
I would buy a supermag for large birds and deer and get a over/under for quail and dove. To me they swing better, an 870 is great for pointing and shooting. That's just me.

[dclifton]

It would have beretta or benelli on it no questions asked. And the only difference between the 2 is personal preference you really need to go shoot the A400 and then the benelli SBe2 or M2 and even a Vinci and figure out which one u prefer and go with it and never look back