I don't think you would be sorry if you went ahead and invested in either the Benelli or the Browning. If you decide you can't quite swing those, then get a Mossberg 535 waterfowler.

 

I currently use a synthetic Mossberg 500 for duck/geese; just started hunting last year so not the most veteran advice. However, I am upgrading to a Beretta Outlander for next year mainly because it fits much better and the recoil of even the 3 inch shell on a pump is a bit heavy for my taste.

I used to shoot a Winchester SxP and it is a great shotgun; I traded it in for my Mossberg 500 and regretted it ever since. I do not know your exact budget but you should look at the Mossberg 930 auto-loader which is a great gun. If you absolutely need a pump, you can't go wrong with the 870, SxP, or the BPS; I just wouldn't get a 3.5 pump shotgun. A friend I hunt with shoots 3.5 and the recoil is wayyy too strong thus causing flinching (poor guy doesn't hit a thing). Not to mention a longer action stroke, 2 different times he has short stroked the pump causing a jam.

Randy Wakeman did a great piece on affordable auto-loaders:

http://randywakeman.com/IDontWanttoPaya ... hotgun.htm

If you can save up for a 930, Franchi Affinity, or a Beretta Outlander, I think that would be your best bet in the long run. Otherwise, if I had to chose one of the pump shotguns above my vote would be for the SxP because of the price/quality of the firearm; very solid, fit me great, and affordable.

Hope this helps, good luck!

 

I'd get a used 870 Wingmaster. There are plenty of them out there, bound to be one near ya. A used one usually goes for $250-$350 in average condition, IMO they are the best value in shotguns! I'm a Rem fan but can't quite stomach the 887, but any of the others you've mentioned wouldn't be a bad choice... Lot of people don't like the 870 Express but I've had great luck with all 4 of mine. If you could try a few out in store it'd be a big help and would probably make your choice easier. To me fit is everything... If it doesn't fit it isn't worth sh*t! :lol:

 

I've known many Remington 870 shooters in my 30+ years of waterfowling. It appears to me it's the best gun for the money and according to my buddies' experiences they are very reliable.

 

870-Wingmaster, hands down.

 

I shot a 3" 870 Wingmaster at waterfowl for years, without a single hiccup. I switched to an auto about 10 years ago mostly to reduce the recoil a bit, and give me a 3.5" shell option, which I almost never use anyway. A good 870 is hard to beat as a duck gun.

 

Would have to agree the 870 Wingmaster is a great waterfowl shotgun. Easy to take down for cleaning, now the Mossberg 500 also is, The Browning BPS not as easy to reassemble. All three plus the Super Nova are good shotguns for waterfowl hunting.

 

Get an excellent used Wingmaster Magnum and never look back. If you can't find one with RemChokes, just get an extra barrel. That's what I did. I have $400 in it total and it looks new.

 

I've had an 870 Express for my waterfowling gun for years and it's never let me down. The BPS and several semi-autos have.

 

The best pump for waterfowl is one that floods a corn field.

 

When what's the best pump gun question is asked in about any context my usual response is Ithaca 37. Mainly because that's what I like and before lead shot was banned me a 16 gauge cleaned a lot of ducks. Since then I've bought three 870 Expresses and they do just fine.
I still shoot the older Ithacas but for duck and steel shot its the 870s.

 

The two I've seen used the most the last sixty years................early on a model 12 and since the 1960's....Wingmaster 870. :mrgreen:

 

+1 on the 870 recommendations. Wingmaster or Express.

 

The best pump for waterfowl is one that floods a corn field.

+1

Post of the Day front runner.

 

I have a Benelli Nova with the recoil system in the stock and a Limbsaver pad. It has been a great duck gun. Mark