You can find mossberg 500s at pawn shops and even remington 870s for 300 or less

 

You can probably find a used Mossberg 500 with a walnut stock for that price if you look around. 👍

 

Just buy another barrel for the 88.

 

There are a lot of 12 gauge Winchester model 12 field guns with plain barrels around your price point.

 

I just bought black Win SXP 12ga pump from Basspro for $199 for Father's day. Shot 5 rounds of skeet, works well no issues.

 

If i needed another pump, I’d give a real hard look at the SXP. I’m not a fan of most Turkish built shotguns, but the SXP is an improved Winchester 1300, and uses Invector plus choke tubes. Even though it’s Turkish, it’s backed by Browning/Winchester. I’ve shot a few and they really are a nice gun for the money. Much nicer than a mossberg.

 

Another Maverick 88. But Mr. Jeems advice is better unless you really want a second gun.

Pardon Our Interruption...

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1105720510

 

Yes, there are many excellent pump guns on the used market. Demand is soft because new generation wants those star wars looking guns ( tactical ). Tons of good M12s and Ithaca 37s that can be had in $300 range. There are other excellent pumps but you have to be careful on parts situation. The W12 and Ith 37 are common enough parts are still fairly easy to get. These models are known for quality & durability anyway. Many of these guns although hunted for years haven’t the shell count of 1st year newbie on trap range.

 

The Winchester SXP frequently goes on sale for $300 or less. Should last just fine for a hunting shot gun .

 

Winchester 1300

 

You may be able to find a nice old (pre-owned) Ithaca Model 37 in your price range.

 

Mossberg 88 12ga is well within your budget.

 

What is it going to be used for? Hunting? Shooting clays? I vote Mossberg 88 all purpose 20g. I don't like the short forend on the 12's and the 20 will actually be fun to shoot. Either that or wait for a used 870 or Mossberg 500 to show up. Maybe an SXP on a rebate?

Maverick 88 – All-Purpose

Maverick 88: the utility player of pump-action shotguns. Affordable and reliable, these diverse models are equally up to task, from combing through the woods to handling home security duty.

www.mossberg.com

 

A stolen Wingmaster.


((JUST KIDDING - NOT CONDONING THAT SORT OF THING!!!))

 

I picked up 2 of my old Ithaca M37's for $300 or less. A 12ga and 16ga. Both had polychokes which seems to depress the price, but they are both very nice.
I sold the 12ga to a friend since i prefer the m37's in 20ga and 16ga

 

None

 

To the OP: New? Used? either?

 

One possible sleeper out there is a parkerized wood stocked 870 Special Purpose magnum from the 90s. Because of the parkerizing and matte walnut stock some sellers and shops think the SP is an Express and price accordingly. That’s how I scored mine for $175 ten years ago. What they don’t realize is the SP is really a matte finished Wingmaster.

 

I'd stick to used Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 (or decent clones like Norinco/Hawks 982) for the aftermarket support

 

I’ll go the other way, not arguing used 870 or 500, as I own both, but I picked up one of the new Savage/Stevens 320’s which they offer in both tactical and hunting, it’s basically a Winchester 1200 to the T, and shot great for about 2 years until I sold it to a buddy of mine. I want to say they go on sale places for about 199 for the base model and 299 for the tactical.

I also picked up during Covid a Weatherby pump and a Churchill pump, both were rock solid as well. I sold the Weatherby but still have the Churchill, and it was 200 brand new at the time.

Although practically nothing beats an old 870 for modularity.

 

I would recommend a used 870. As mentioned, lots of upgrades if you so desire. A proven gun. If that is not your style, an Ithaca 37 will follow a close second. Good luck. R

 

Thanks everyone for all the help, I looked at all my local shops and no used 870 in my price range as they must think they are collector items cause all the used one's were over $400. They weren't that many to choose from in the used area where I live on much any brand and i don't like to buy online as I want to feel the gun before buying. I finally went to Rural KIng about 45 minutes away, They had a Hatsun, Citadel, G-Force, R.I.A. and Mossberg 88 in my price range for a security and rabbit huntin shotgun. I went with another Mossberg as it felt better made and worked much better. It was with a 20" barrel and just over $220 out the door. all the other would have been slightly under $200 out the door but I thought after handling that the Mossberg was worth the few dollars more. Thanks again.

 

20" cylinder barrel will not make a good rabbit gun.

 

Those Remingtons WILL be collectors soon, Remington/Remarms/Remlin/Marlin/ is toast. 870 Express's used to be 269 on sale and now they are 400 to 500 used when I see them. The Maverick 88 is a really good shotgun for the money, it may be the best for dollar to quality. You can get barrels fairly cheap on Ebay if you want a longer one for hunting with chokes.