help me pick a new gun :)

[noelekal]

I'm voting for the Marlin Model 39 A first and foremost. Don't know just how old you'd have to go to get a decent trigger and smooth action. A friend has one he bought new around 1970 thats a wonderful and gratifying rifle to shoot. That's the one out of the list I'd be most likely to spend an afternoon with. The Winchester 94/22s seem nice and I've shot one on occasion but don't remember anything about it. More fun may be had with the .22 LR than anything else on the list.

Second choice would be the Browning BPS 12 gauge. Every household needs a 12 gauge on hand. I know nothing about the Browning BPS design. Since you seem to be a Winchester fan, why not go for a nice clean Winchester Model 12 pump. I've had great service in the dove fields and duck blinds for years with a couple of Model 12s and the design has held up to concentrated shooting on informal skeet leagues. The pump is out of style for skeet these days but isn't much of a hindrance to a mediocre shooter like me who is familiar with it. The mention of the Ithaca Model 37 in the previous post is spot on. That's a great John Browning design.

Third would be the Winchester Model 70 and yes, controlled feed is recommended. They are smooth and slick. I have 3 pre-64 Model 70s and all give perfect satisfaction. I have one push-feed Model 70 from the 1980s that's fine but is distinctly less positive in feeding and functioning. If you can swing a good shooting example of an actual pre-64 Model 70 Standardweight .270 then you couldn't go wrong with it.

I would love to acquire a .35 Remington for handloading fun and for something else to take hunting but can't say a thing bad about the .30-30 for use on deer. It's worked very well for me.

Would love to have a .35 Remington in a Remington Model 8 like Turtle mentions.

[huntingdan]

I love the Browning BPS shotgun, mines in Super Mag and the Mossy Oak Duck Blind. The best feature about this pump, is the bottom ejection of the shell. If you ever go out with friends or are shooting in a cubby hole at a range the shell will never come back an hit you in the head or your neighbor if you are hunting. I only use pumps though, but my guns are mostly for hunting purposes even though I will light up some clay with them here and there. I always laugh at the guy every year who never learns when his $2000 Benelli Super Black Eagle 2 freezes atleast 2-3 trips a year.

Like many have said if you don't have a .22, that would be my next purchase. Easy to shoot, you can teach yourself great gun basics without the thump and expense, and its good for around the house clean up of rats, snakes and other small animals.

Becareful if you are going to use guns for heavy duty shooting, I would stay away from stamped metal guns. Never heard a whole lot of bad things about them but the make me shutter. Spend a few extra dollars and get the machined actions. Perfect example, the 870's are now expresses which are stamped metal, so people buying of the history of the name are getting the shaft IMHO. The 870 Wingmaster is what they think they are getting if they haven't done the research beforehand.

Go with a .22 if you don't have one already is my vote!

[stobes21]

Ithaca shotguns are great by reputation (although I don't know if they are the same gun as the Original Model 37)...but I highly doubt they're a value at $860 and an 8 week waiting period. I have both a Remington 870 Super Magnum and a BPS. Fit and finish on the BPS gets the nod but the 870 is what I will crack out for the desert island or zombie attacks. BTW the BPS has a bottom ejection port and tang mounted safety. Big plus if you're left-handed

Yeah, I have heard the new production Ithacas are pretty pricey. But then again the BPS is too. I've seen plenty of good used 37s though for $300-400 various places. The safety is another difference between the ithaca and the BPS. As you said, the BPS has the safety mounted on the tang while the 37 has a button behind the trigger. I assume the safety is reversible but I've never tried it (I'm a righty).

Besides the obvious advantage for lefties the bottom eject has a few other benefits. On the trap field you won't ever pop the guy next to you with your empty, and the hulls are generally easier to pick up after you're done shooting. That's also a plus when hunting if you pick up your hulls. You know they are always going to be right around where you were standing. Side eject models can be anywhere 3-15 feet off to your right, and if you shot while swinging you've got a big arc to search. This is especially annoying in heavy cover. And theoretically at least if you're shooting in the rain or in a particularly dusty area there are fewer holes in the receiver for stuff to get into your action. Not sure how much difference that one actually makes though.

[CrotalusHH]

I'm in the market for a new shotgun. I have a Remington 1100 2 3/4" in 12 ga. that I've had forever.

I want something in my collection that will also shoot 3 1/2" I'm seriously considering a Beretta A400.

[gaseousclay]

I'm voting for the Marlin Model 39 A first and foremost. Don't know just how old you'd have to go to get a decent trigger and smooth action. A friend has one he bought new around 1970 thats a wonderful and gratifying rifle to shoot. That's the one out of the list I'd be most likely to spend an afternoon with. The Winchester 94/22s seem nice and I've shot one on occasion but don't remember anything about it. More fun may be had with the .22 LR than anything else on the list.

the 39A is a takedown model, correct? I think the only thing that makes me apprehensive about the Marlin 39A is that I don't know enough about it to make an informed purchase. I wouldn't even know where to begin which is why I want an older model. I just know that a lot of reviews i've come across regarding Marlin quality control (for current models) hasn't been very good. Winchester, on the other hand, is a no brainer for me. But, the 9422's cost an arm and a leg. So, it's either save my pennies and get the 9422 or pay a little less and try to find a decent 39A.

[Topgumby]

I've got a 9422, purchased back in the early 1970's. Great rifle. OTOH, a decent 39A is also a great rifle. Don't forget the BLR.

[oakeshott]

I've had an old Ithaca 37 12 gauge for over 20 years and all it does is kill what I point it at...most of the time. She ain't pretty or fancy but she always shoots and is easy to carry. That said, if I could only have one shotgun, it wouldn't be the 37. It would be a double barrel that could handle modern loads as well as the non-toxic shots. You can pick up used Beretta O/U's and Browning O/U's for under a grand and these are guns that you'll happily carry in the field (well, maybe not as happily as the featherlight 37), in the duck blind and on the range. With luck, you'll find one with removeable chokes and these are invaluable. I shot with old sxs's for years (still do) and many's the time I wished I could modify the chokes. Unfortunately, the sxs's that handle modern loads are quite expensive compared to the O/U's.

If your budget won't allow for the O/U, then you can't go wrong with any of the pumps endorsed above. My own preference would be for the classic Winchester 12 pump, but they're hard to find in good condition under 500. And there's nothing, nothing made by man, that quite freezes the blood of an intruder like the sound of the slide on a pump shotgun. "shook shuck"

[gaseousclay]

If your budget won't allow for the O/U, then you can't go wrong with any of the pumps endorsed above. My own preference would be for the classic Winchester 12 pump, but they're hard to find in good condition under 500. And there's nothing, nothing made by man, that quite freezes the blood of an intruder like the sound of the slide on a pump shotgun. "shook shuck"

unfortunately, an O/U isn't in my budget :( the only reason why I mentioned the Browning BPS is that I've read it holds up well in freezing weather. I don't know if this is an old wive's tale and if some pumps are more prone than others to freezing up but i'd like something that can take a good beating. the BPS is also moderately priced and I always see them used at gunshops, so it won't break the bank.

[gaseousclay]

I've got a 9422, purchased back in the early 1970's. Great rifle. OTOH, a decent 39A is also a great rifle. Don't forget the BLR.

how would you rate it as a shooter compared to the 39A? or would this be splitting hairs?

[kmev]

I've got the Ithaca version of the Henry lever 22. Great little gun, and everyone needs a .22.

[turtle]

how would you rate it as a shooter compared to the 39A? or would this be splitting hairs?

The 39a is a cult classic and if you get an early one the plum pudding case colors will blow your mind. Most 39a levers are going to be worn out as they were "boys rifles" and with a 19 round magazine most will have been shot A LOT.

You will find that the Winchester will cost you a lot less than a vintage 39a in decent condition.

Don't count out the 22 pumps either. They are wonderful "plinkers". Model 1890 (octagon barrel) and later model 1906 (round barrel) Winchester pumps were made in the millions but again, many were shot out because of the large capacity magazines (and the century of young boys that have enjoyed them). The early ones will also have brilliant case colors (but a model 1890 might cost you want a decent car would if it is in as new condition with brilliant case colors and exhibition grade furniture)

[CrotalusHH]

I bought a 10/22, modified the stock myself so I could put a bull barrel on it. Added a Volquartsen trigger. Stuck a Bushnell scope on it and have a real tack driver for about $400. It was a fun project and anyone could do it.

[jkingrph]

is there an advantage to using a 35 remington? Is ammo cheaper? Is it more scarce? is there more recoil than a 30-30?

Ammo is not as common, and is generally more expensive. Advantage is a bigger heavier bullet. It does not have quite the range of the 30-30 (30 WCF) but has a fantastic reputation in the game fields as a good woods cartridge.

[lr11]

3) Winchester Model 70 (.270 win). I’d prefer to have the newer CRF models made by FN. I know nothing of the older post 64 models so if anyone has an opinion on build quality I’d like to hear it.

I would not get to tied up in having to have a FN model win. In fact I would go with a model 70 in anything other than the FN man. They changed the trigger when FN took over. There is and never was anything wrong with the original Win trigger. New is not better.

The BPS is a well built shot gun. I found the stock to be big and pushed my hand away from its natural resting place. Something you might want to take into consideration is the safety location. Many people can not adjust to the safety being on the top of the receiver.
Also you will want to stay with a modern shot gun if you are gong to shoot steel.

[gaseousclay]

3)

I would not get to tied up in having to have a FN model win. In fact I would go with a model 70 in anything other than the FN man. They changed the trigger when FN took over. There is and never was anything wrong with the original Win trigger. New is not better.

since I don't own a Model 70 and have no point of reference the trigger isn't an issue with me. what don't you like about it? I've hardly heard anything negative about the new FN Winchesters, so the trigger isn't going to persuade me not to buy one.

[Nanker/Phelge]

A .22 will be helpful if you're shooting squirrels...I'd go with the 30-30 Winchester

[Lynchmeister]

I haven't officially gone hunting yet, but I hope to in the near future. I bought my Browning A-Bolt 2 yrs ago and haven't used it yet. In hindsight I should've bought a .22 first but I was so excited to have my first gun I didn't do the research first. the cost of ammo is definitely a consideration. After I bought my rifle I realized how expensive .270 winchester ammo cost, versus a brick of .22 ammo. I still want a 30-30 and/or a .22 rifle next though, as well as a shotgun

I've been following this thread with interest and, after a quick re-read, the light bulb went off.

Get a lever action .22! You know you want it!

[stoutreader]

All the firearms you mention are excellent choices but let me mention a few others in the same vein.

If you are looking at a .22 and want something new, you may want to also consider a Ruger Mark III or 22/45 pistol. Very accurate out of the box, these can easily be upgraded to true target capability rather inexpensively. For a bolt action rifle, the Savage Mark II series are excellent as is the CZ lineup. All of these are in the 400-600 range.

If you can find a Marlin 7000 (used) in decent condition these semi-auto rifles are outstanding. Basically, a beefier 795 with a bull barrel.

The vintage Marlin 39A (mine is 1950's) is a wonderful and fun rifle and I will never part with mine. They are also easy to work on and Brownells has every part you could possibly need.

I have heard nothing but good things about Henry rifles and will eventually add one.

If you want to go with a shotgun the Browning is a nice one indeed. However, for trap you may want to look towards Remington's offerings in an 1187 or as previously mentioned 1100. Both are semi-auto and do well at trap. The Wingmaster is their upper end pump and is very nice as well.

Winchesters are excellent firearms and don't let the price of the .270 scare you away. Think of it as an opportunity to add on the reloading hobby. Not difficult and not too expensive if you go with a single stage press.

[petr]

I don't like the BPS. It swings like a 2x6. Chunky. Heavy. Reliable, yes, but so are others that balance well. Make mine a wing-master if it's a pump.

9422's I've bought two and both were stinkers in accuracy. I sold them both. I think you are on track with finding a fun accurate .22 that you'll love shooting. I love the old pumps and 39A. Don't forget about the Remington model 121 pump - fun and easier to find a good deal on one. I don't quite understand the cult status of the 39A. If I can't shoot rabbits easily offhand with a .22 then what is the point? Make mine an intensely accurate .22 bolt gun. Cooper or Anshutz.

My favorite rifle maker is Cooper. Look for a good used one at a good price.

[gaseousclay]

9422's I've bought two and both were stinkers in accuracy. I sold them both. I think you are on track with finding a fun accurate .22 that you'll love shooting.

how do you judge accuracy? I'm left-eye dominant but right handed, but I shoot righty no matter what. when I did my firearms safety field day test through the DNR we got to shoot a bolt-action .22 and I did ok, but we were only shooting at about 25 yards out. is there a test you can do to judge barrel accuracy?