I’m a newb hunter and am going to try to shoot some ducks this fall. What are some recommendations for a 12 ga pump duck gun? I’m not in the market for pretty and expensive. I’m thinking more along the lines of durable and reliable.
Remington 870 
Take a look at the beneli nova i have shot one for several years for ducks. never had a problem with it, and its comparably priced to the remongton 870.
A used in good condition remington 870 WINGMASTER. The new 870 expresses are far from reliable. And this is coming from a life long remington guy (not that long of a life but I’m a rem guy none the less). I started with an 870 and the second year moved to an 1187. Shot that for a few years and now have an 1187 super mag.
If you really want a pump then go for it, but some time down the line you will wish you had a semi-auto. Most likely when a group of 5-6 teal buzz the decoys and your buddies all got off 2-3 shots and you couldn’t get another in the gun before they were out of range. One time that really sticks out in my head is when I dropped 4 teal in 3 shots all within 2 seconds. My buddy was about 50 yards away and said all 3 shots sounded like one they were so quick. I dropped 4 before they got turned around to get out of the decoys, when they were still bunched up. I was using a remington 1187.
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A used in good condition remington 870 WINGMASTER. The new 870 expresses are far from reliable. And this is coming from a life long remington guy (not that long of a life but I’m a rem guy none the less). I started with an 870 and the second year moved to an 1187. Shot that for a few years and now have an 1187 super mag.
If you really want a pump then go for it, but some time down the line you will wish you had a semi-auto. Most likely when a group of 5-6 teal buzz the decoys and your buddies all got off 2-3 shots and you couldn’t get another in the gun before they were out of range. One time that really sticks out in my head is when I dropped 4 teal in 3 shots all within 2 seconds. My buddy was about 50 yards away and said all 3 shots sounded like one they were so quick. I dropped 4 before they got turned around to get out of the decoys, when they were still bunched up. I was using a remington 1187.
… I guess I’m not dead set on a pump either. I would consider a semi auto. Thanks for the input.
If you are considering a semi- also, there are dozens of good solid semi-autos that will make great duck guns. All the way from $300 used up to $1500+. Best way to pick one is to pick your budget and then ask questions and do research on the guns in your price range. There are several good sites like duckhuntingchat.com that are full of good gun info when pertaining to waterfowl.
Take a look at the mossberg line, they put out some good guns at pretty cheap prices.
If I were to buy a pump right now, I’d look hard at the Benelli Nova. Very durable and reliable gun.
ET
Just had a thought, if reliability is something you want… take a look at what most law enforcement agencies use. Either an 870, or mossberg 500 usually. Some use benellis now, and some use old ithacas still but by far the most are the 870 and 500. When it comes to a life and death situation, law enforcement wants the most reliable and proven guns they can get. They don’t care what they look like or if the gun is new and improved. They want to make sure when their officer pulls the trigger the round will fire, and then another round will be easily chambered.
Find something that feels comfortable to you when you shoulder mount it. Some guns just don’t feel right, find the one for you. Any 12 gauge should drop some ducks. Good luck hunting
Mosserg 500
I’ve been using mine for over 20 years without any problems. I use it for turkey, deer, waterfowl, and targets. When I lived in Oklahoma and North Carolina it was used for dove. Thousands of rounds have been put through it. For just a little over $300, you can get a new gun with a smooth and rifled barrel.
The two best “bang around” pump shotguns for “cheap” would be the Remington 870 and the Benilli Nova. I have both and they each have their use. You cannot go wrong with either.
Go and get a feel for one you like is best. As far as pumps go the super nova stands up to a beating. If you can find a older 870 non express. Wingmaster is good not sure if they made a synthetic. But a synthetic and dipped gun is nice for duck hunting. Protects the gun more. I like my cynergy it fit me best and I burn less shells.
An 870 hands down is your best bet. I have never used one but my hunting partner has had one since he was 12. We are now 29. He never cleans his gun, It looks like rust and beat up old wood on the gun. If you were to have him go hunting with you and you saw his gun you would laugh until you saw him shoot it. I stay away from the pumps and I use a semi auto.l I have always been a semi auto guy and I go with a SX3 Winchester. Great gun. the trigger pulls every time. I haven’t had a jam yet in two years.
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If I were to buy a pump right now, I’d look hard at the Benelli Nova. Very durable and reliable gun.
ET
X2, I’m not very religious about keeping my gun spotless all the time so a semi auto was out of the question. Remember while waterfowl hunting, your gun will endure some NASTY conditions. Banging around in the boat, stock sitting in the muck, entire gun laying in a muddy field while waiting for those geese on your back, rain, sleet, snow. You get the picture. A semi auto can be temperamental in these conditions. My nova has never failed in 12+ years of these conditions!
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If I were to buy a pump right now, I’d look hard at the Benelli Nova. Very durable and reliable gun.
ET
X2, I’m not very religious about keeping my gun spotless all the time so a semi auto was out of the question. Remember while waterfowl hunting, your gun will endure some NASTY conditions. Banging around in the boat, stock sitting in the muck, entire gun laying in a muddy field while waiting for those geese on your back, rain, sleet, snow. You get the picture. A semi auto can be temperamental in these conditions. My nova has never failed in 12+ years of these conditions!
Which is why I thought beater pump. I have a semi auto which would do the job if I got a different barrel/choke. Just not that excited about running a really nice gun thru most the places I plan on hunting.
Thanks again to all for the input.
Get the beneli super nova in either synthetic or camo now. And when you fall in love with duck hunting, which you will, then trade it in for a beneli super black eagle. I’ve had mine for 17 or so years and wouldn’t trade it for anything. But seriously if you can shoot before you buy that is the best way, if a gun don’t fit you you will struggle to hit anything.
Or you could go with one of these???
If I wanted a reliable gun that I could use as a push pole, oar or to shoot ducks, it would be the Remington 870. I would get the super magnum so you can shoot 3.5 shells should you ever get into goose hunting.
If you go with a semi-auto and plan to drag it through the marshes and really use it, get a case to carry it in. Semi’s don’t like dirt no matter what anyone tells you. Plan to clean it after every use. I love shooting the semi’s and for me they make me a better shot. However, there is more maintenance.
I was in the same position as you last year. I had traditionally used my father’s Moss500, but last year moved further away with a landlord that allows guns on the property and decided I needed a work-horse gun so I didn’t have to go pick my dad’s up every time I wanted to shoot or hunt. I find the 500’s stock to be too think for my comfort, so I ended up getting an 870 Wingmaster. The Wingmaster is a solid gun, my father still uses his exclusively after 30+ years of abuse. The Wingmaster will last you, it has a sturdy build, and proven reliability. I’ve since gotten a new 870 Express, D!cks had the Express mismarked for $190, couldn’t pass that up with an extra $30 rebate from Remington. I use the Express when I know I’ll be shooting in rain, working pheasants without a dog through buckbrush, or know the gun will be getting really abused. I had a problem with the Express’s barrel consistently coming lose after 5-6 shots, took it to a buddy gunsmith who was able to fix the issue. My express shoots amazingly well; I call it the guillotine because it shot 100% headshots during its first duck and pheasant seasons (2012-2013). I’d recomend the Wingmaster, since it is a higher quality gun than the Express.
I like using pumps over semis because, I feel, the extra split second it takes me to reload allows/forces me to concentrate on keeping my bead on the second or third bird. I’ve shot both doubles and a triple using a pump gun.
Has benelli fixed the supernova recoil issue? I shot one once, with a 3.5″ 1 1/2 #BB goose load and about broke my shoulder. Thing recoiled like nothing I have ever seen. I’m very used to 3.5″ loads, I shoot them all the time.. but something about that supernova just sucked, kicked like a mule and the barrel jump was huge. I would never suggest someone use one for duck/goose hunting, it would take way too much time to rack another in and then get back on target. If they have fixed that issue, they seem like a nice gun. New remington super mags come with a supercell recoil pad which makes shooting 3.5’s like shooting trap loads.
For pump guns, Benelli, Remington, and Mossberg all make reasonable entry level guns.
For a modestly priced autoloader, take a look at Stoeger. I’ve had a M2000 for about 5 years now. I use it for coyotes and as a bad weather gun when I don’t want to take doubles or better autoloaders out and get them wet. Stoeger uses the same Inertia action design as the more expensive Benelli autoloaders and are commonly available at half the price. You can even get a spiffy camo version.
I’ve run hundreds of rounds through my Stoeger with not a single ejection failure. They aren’t pretty, but they get the job done.
As a note, you will see on the internet some amount of complaining about new Stoegers failing to eject. Some buyers of Stoegers who evidently are either morons or can’t read, have failed to note that there is a specific order to which the washer and spring retainer have to be assembled on the fore-end in the correct order. This is made perfectly clear in the owner’s manual. After this is pointed out, these complainers are never heard from again, so to me this indicates that the problem wasn’t with the shotgun.
I should also say that there is nothing wrong with a Remington 1100 or 11-87. With the 1100, you can’t shoot 3 inch and 2.75 interchangeably, but the 11-87 solved that problem.
I think these two models are somewhat under-appreciated. Much fuss was made about the 1100 needing periodic replacement of the o-ring seal, but that takes only minutes to accomplish and costs $5 so is really nothing to be concerned about.
I see both guns on used gun racks often and to be honest it’s kind of sad because they were both great designs that withstood the test of time. I have an uncle that shot tens or hundreds of thousands of rounds on the trap range with an 1100 and he never did anything more than clean it a couple of times a year and replace the o-ring every 2-3 years.
Grouse
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For pump guns, Benelli, Remington, and Mossberg all make reasonable entry level guns.
For a modestly priced autoloader, take a look at Stoeger. I’ve had a M2000 for about 5 years now. I use it for coyotes and as a bad weather gun when I don’t want to take doubles or better autoloaders out and get them wet. Stoeger uses the same Inertia action design as the more expensive Benelli autoloaders and are commonly available at half the price. You can even get a spiffy camo version.
I’ve run hundreds of rounds through my Stoeger with not a single ejection failure. They aren’t pretty, but they get the job done.
As a note, you will see on the internet some amount of complaining about new Stoegers failing to eject. Some buyers of Stoegers who evidently are either morons or can’t read, have failed to note that there is a specific order to which the washer and spring retainer have to be assembled on the fore-end in the correct order. This is made perfectly clear in the owner’s manual. After this is pointed out, these complainers are never heard from again, so to me this indicates that the problem wasn’t with the shotgun.
I should also say that there is nothing wrong with a Remington 1100 or 11-87. With the 1100, you can’t shoot 3 inch and 2.75 interchangeably, but the 11-87 solved that problem.
I think these two models are somewhat under-appreciated. Much fuss was made about the 1100 needing periodic replacement of the o-ring seal, but that takes only minutes to accomplish and costs $5 so is really nothing to be concerned about.
I see both guns on used gun racks often and to be honest it’s kind of sad because they were both great designs that withstood the test of time. I have an uncle that shot tens or hundreds of thousands of rounds on the trap range with an 1100 and he never did anything more than clean it a couple of times a year and replace the o-ring every 2-3 years.
Grouse
I have the Stoeger M2000 and couldn’t be happier with it. I paid < $500 for it in the fall of 2007 when I moved to North Dakota for college and started waterfowling.
I’ve killed hundreds of ducks and geese since and it’s never missed a beat. It’s really light and realiable, been through mud, rain, dust, etc. and always goes bang when I pull the trigger.
One rainy morning (rained from the time we set decoys until we packed up) laying in a flooded bean field (mud hole) I was hunting with 2 buddies who had a Benelli Nova and Mossberg pump. After about a half hour neither of their guns would fire anymore so I got to finish up our limit as my buddies got to lay there just calling and watching me haha it was awesome; made me really appreciate the Stoeger.
When I bought it, the salesman explained it to me as basically a cheaper version of the Benelli M1. I wanted a semi-auto and the price was right for a college kid, so I “pulled the trigger” on it and couldn’t be happier with my decision. I always planned to upgrade to a Benelli SBE II when I graduated but I see no need anymore.
Are you saying that you party hunted?
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Are you saying that you party hunted?
I was thinking the same thing when he posted it! Pretty dumb to admit to an illegal act (poaching) on the internet! 
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One rainy morning (rained from the time we set decoys until we packed up) laying in a flooded bean field (mud hole) I was hunting with 2 buddies who had a Benelli Nova and Mossberg pump. After about a half hour neither of their guns would fire anymore so I got to finish up our limit as my buddies got to lay there just calling and watching me haha it was awesome; made me really appreciate the Stoeger.
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Are you saying that you party hunted?
I was thinking the same thing when he posted it! Pretty dumb to admit to an illegal act (poaching) on the internet!
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One rainy morning (rained from the time we set decoys until we packed up) laying in a flooded bean field (mud hole) I was hunting with 2 buddies who had a Benelli Nova and Mossberg pump. After about a half hour neither of their guns would fire anymore so I got to finish up our limit as my buddies got to lay there just calling and watching me haha it was awesome; made me really appreciate the Stoeger.
Would be true if that was illegal but was it???? I see the location looks to be North Dakota. I left that state a long time ago but party hunting was legal for birds. As long as that’s true would be great way to end the day with envy in your buddies eyes 
My two cents on the original question: Rem 870 Mine was originaly my dad’s from the mid 70’s. Still runs great today and it has been well taken care of. Since it wasn’t too much money then and not a ton of resale now it’s very easy to just keep it around. It just always works.
Did see the earlier note about quality changing over time. Can’t speak to that one.
You must shoot your own limit in ND… no party hunting 
Party hunting is very illegal in NoDak… and they are VERY strict about it. Even on the way home each bag needs to be separated and not in one pile. They take party hunting very seriously and will not hesitate to write you up for it. Shooting more than 6 ducks in one day is considered poaching and anyone who does it is a POACHER. An ethical hunter would have passed the gun around so each guy could fill his limit.
phhhttt….
Problem with ND, and I lived there for 8 years, it’s the wild west. There’s no where near enough enforcement. Game infractions there are discussed openly as though a god given right.
I’m not condemning my fellow ND’ans, they have an abundance of wild game, but this guy probably thought he was doing something right by stopping at some type of arguable limit.
Again, doesn’t make anything right, just how it is………….
ET 
It’s pretty disappointing seeing the presumed guilty until proven innocent attitude. To me this is a classic example of why sportsman get run over constantly at the legislative levels. It’s also a reason so many great people refuse to ever talk on the internet. The good news is IDO has less of this than any other forum I’ve ever visited.
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It’s pretty disappointing seeing the presumed guilty until proven innocent attitude.
X2!
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