Hunting & Fishing hunting Waterfowl

[Wading]

I'm new to waterfowl hunting. I know most guys use a semi-auto but it seems that almost nobody uses a Remington 11-87 or a Mossberg 935. Is there some reason why these two guns don't seem to be used much for waterfowl? I'm considering buying one or the other so any advice would be appreciated, thanks.

 

[Hobo Hilton]

Steel Shot is not your friend.... Do some research on how those barrels hold up / pattern. Are you shooting over decoys, pass shooting or walking the marsh and jump shooting?

Hobo

 

[Habituallinestepper]

I shot an 11-87 for a number of years. No issues, although the action did seem to get a bit sluggish in the extreme cold unless you ran it pretty dry. But never had a problem. Shot ducks, pheasants, quail, a coyote or 2... Not to talk you out of a semi (I shoot a Beretta 3901 still), but if you're hunting way up north or where it gets nasty, I still wouldn't hesitate taking an 870.

 

[RedDogN8]

Most guys shoot sporting clays with a 30 inch over under... but i shoot with several guys that also shoot pump guns. (No idea how... but they are great shots - lol). And they definitely shoot those same pump guns while waterfowl hunting.

My recommendation is that you buy something with a synthetic stock. Waterfowl guns spend a lot of time being wet. Makes maintenance and clean up much easier.

 

[jb0311]

I wouldn't say no one. I also used an 11-87 for many years, and still do at times. It was an older one passed down from my dad and has served me very well. Are there better semi-autos out there? Of course but I have been looking to upgrade for a few years now and have held off because my 11-87 does the job. I currently hunt up in potholes of western minnesota and occasionally will take my trusty 870 out with me because of the conditons. I hunt either on foot or in a sneak boat so i end up wading through mud and cattails quite a bit, and the 870 will shoot after busting my ass in the dark at 4am.

If you are new to waterfowl and are on a budget, I would try out a 870 first. When you decide to upgrade you can always just slap a different barrel on it for turkey or deer. If you are dead set on a semi-auto you shouldn't have any regrets from an 11-87.

I can't give much advice on the Mossberg. I've stuck to remington for shotguns and have not had a reason to switch.

With bird guns I would heavily encourage you to pick one up and see how it tracks while in your shoulder (you may have very well already done this).

 

[jb0311]

My recommendation is that you buy something with a synthetic stock. Waterfowl guns spend a lot of time being wet. Makes maintenance and clean up much easier.
[/QUOTE]

Agreed, and though I have had no problems maintaining or cleaning my 11-87 that has the walnut stock, it just hurts that much more when the stock gets scratched or dinged, and it will get scratched or dinged up.

It seems you are in the $700-800 price range with the 11-87 if you are buying new. I would take a look at an SX4 as well and see if you like it. Should be able to find one under $800.

 

[Habituallinestepper]

Would also recommend looking for one with adjustable shims for cast on/off. Doesn't seem like much, but really helped me get a repeatable mount.

 

[NannySlayer]

Nothing really wrong with an 11-87 but there are a lot "better" guns out there. Granted they cost more but you can get a lighter, softer shooting, and more modern gun more suited for "ducky" conditions. Having said that, I am back to shooting 2 Jap A-5's. They have interchangeable choke tubes so I can pattern them for what I want. I like the fit and feel of the old clunky guns and with the modern chokes and bismuth, they are show nuffs killers. Whatever you choose, go pattern your shot and chokes at 20, 30, and 40 yds. Know your distances. And practice all you can. Good luck