First of all,I would suggest that you buy a 12ga that will handle 3" ammo and has choke tubes. There are alot of guns in that catagory out there. You will probably find that a clyinder or improved clyinder choke tube will give you the best results. In my opinion,a double bead or a fixed open sight will work best. However,gun fit is the most important factor. Some guns that may fit your bill are:

Mossberg 500

Browning BPS

Benelli Nova

Any older Remington M870 Wingmaster,M1100,M837 or M11-87. Stay clear of new Remington products.

Of course,any good used Browning A5 will do.

 

I noticed that all the guns you recommended were pumps (at least I think they all are). I take it you have a preference to pumps for deer hunting? OR is that due to my price range?

 

bipr8,

I would suggest the Rem 11-87 and 1100; Beretta 390 and 3901; Franchi 612 and 712; Browning Gold; Win SX-2.

Some of these may be over $500, especially if new, but all should make good deer guns for 00 Buck at 50 yards.

I would probably select IC or Lt Mod choke. Barrel length should be about 22" to 24". Almost any type sights would do..... including just a front bead.

 

i hunted with an auto 5 3"magnum with a 32" full choke barrel for years. it was deadly at 50 yards. it shot a great pattern with both 000 buck and 00 buck. using it for a small game gun using 6,7 1/2, 8 shot i was wasting shells wouldn't pattern at all
it scattered shot everyware.

 

The last post just goes to show you... you have to pattern each gun with buckshot to find out which choke patterns best IN THAT PARTICULAR GUN!

Buckshot doesn't seem to have any hard, fast rules. And I, for one, have no idea why!!

The reason for pumps mainly being recommended is the cost you have specified.

BobK

 

For the money I would go with the Benelli Nova. Especially if you have't owned a shotgun before.

 

The point that Bob brought up is very valid. You must pattern any gun before use. This goes double for guns that shoot buck shot through. RSR1950 has good luck with his A5 Mag and full choke. My A5 with the original 32" full choked barrel(Belgium) won't shoot buck shot worth a hoot. Go figure?

Most of the guns that I mentioned are pumps except for the Browning A5 and the Remington 1100,11-87. These three autos would have to be purchased used to meet your $500 budget.

I like the Nova and the BPS,myself.

 

The point that Bob brought up is very valid. You must pattern any gun before use. This goes double for guns that shoot buck shot through. RSR1950 has good luck with his A5 Mag and full choke. My A5 with the original 32" full choked barrel(Belgium) won't shoot buck shot worth a hoot. Go figure?

Most of the guns that I mentioned are pumps except for the Browning A5 and the Remington 1100,11-87. These three autos would have to be purchased used to meet your $500 budget.

I like the Nova and the BPS,myself.

If you watch for sales, you can find new 1100's for under $500.

 

9200, You are correct. If fact,our local Dick's has a M11-87 with a rifled/cantilever barrel for $395 this week.