Conference vmsnet::hunting$note:hunting

    Goeff,
         Mossberg has a new model 835 12ga. wich will fire 2 3/4", 3" and
    3 1/2". The gun looks really nice and might be exactly what you are
    looking for. It can't hurt to look.
    
    Fred
    
    

    Thanks Fred.  I'll check out the Mossberg.
    
    Geoff

    What about an Ithica Model 37 pump, with a couple different barrels?
    Works for me.

    If you get anything with choke tubes and chambered for 3" shells, it
    should fill the bill.  There are plenty of options around brands and
    styles that are mainly personal preference.
    
    Personally, I use an old 870 that matches the description above for
    everything from woodcock to canada geese.
    
    The only minor complaint I have is using a pump action with different
    lenght shells.  After doing alot of pheasant hunting with 2 3/4"
    shells, I will sometimes not pump it quite far enough to eject the 3"
    steel shells when waterfowl hunting.  This hasn't been a big problem
    for me, but it might be worst if I went to the 3 1/2" shells.
    
    Mark,
    

My brother has the 3 1/2" Mossberg - it is a great duck/goose gun to
use in a blind, but it is not an all-around gun.

I would not even consider lugging it around for upland game.  If you are
6' 8" and weigh 245, you might not mind carrying it. I prefer to carry
a 20 guage for woodcock, grouse, and pheasant.  

A matched pair of O/U in 20 and 12 guage would cover the range of
woodcock to goose that you mentioned, but price is beyond your 
spec.  A realtively light 12 guage pump with 3" chambers and a not 
too long barrel and changeable choke tubes is probably the best 
compromise.

    Yes, I was concerned about weight.  I've got to check out a number of
    pumps including the Remington 870 LC.  The LC (light contour) with an
    appropriate length barrel, might be an acceptable compromise. I've 
    also heard good things about Browning, Ithaca, and (if you're looking
    for reliability rather than frills), Mossberg.
    
    Geoff

    
    I own a few different shotguns and each one was purchased with a
    certain type of hunting in mind. I purchased an Mossberg 835 strictly
    for waterfowl and if need be turkey. There is only a minor difference
    bewteen 2 3/4" and 3" when it come to steel shot, but 3 1/2" makes all
    the difference. Browning is now chambering the Citori O/U in 3 1/2" but
    as a previous note states there are drawbacks with the added weight to
    offset the recoil. A real nice combo that was discontinued but still
    available in private sales is the Winchester 101 O/U hunting set. The gun
    came with both 12 gauge, 28" barrel, chambered 3", screw-in chokes, and
    a 20 gauge, 26" barrel, also chambered 3", with screw-in chokes. This
    firearm commands $1,900.00 to $3,500.00 (U.S. Currency), but I wouldn't
    pay over $2,500.00 tops. Another manufacturer that is still currently
    still producing the same configuration in 3 levels of grading based on 
    engraving and the grain of the wood. SKB has models listed under 585,685, 
    and 885 in field sets that range in price from $1,400.00 to $2,500.00 
    (U.S.) currency.
    
                                               Good Luck,
    
                                                  Guy  

    Benelli!!  I was shopping for a new shotgun two months ago and finally
    decided to purchase a Benelli.  It is chambered for both 2.75 and 3
    inch shells, automatic and comes with the full 5 screw in chokes.  I
    bought mine with the 28 in barrel so I could use it both for upland
    game and duck/geese.  I have put approx 400-500 rounds through it with
    out a hitch.  It is light weight (7.4lbs) and I am very pleased with
    it.  I am leaving Friday for opening weekend pheasant season in Eastern
    Oregon and can hardly wait.
    
    Another plus...  It is not gas operated but inertia recoiled. Which
    means it is so easy to tear down and clean.   It retails for around
    $850.00 but i found a local dealer and paid $680.00.  GREAT GUN!
    
    Chris 

    Another Thought.....   Before I decided on the Benelli I to thought I
    wanted a O/U.  What someone told me was... Why would you want to only
    have two shots when you could have three?  The more I thought about
    this the more it made sense, especially for duck/geese.
    
    Just another .02 worth.
    
    Chris

    I have hunted Duck and Geese for many years,  I have used many
    shotguns, I own 8 now. I sugest that you consider the environment where
    you will hunt.  How many shots have I missed due to mud, sand and other
    natural problems with pump and autos, Look for a good used gun and find
    out if you like it. for duck and geese I use a 12 gage bolt action
    winchester. cost $150.00, for everything else I use a mosberg auto. If
    you practice any gun will work. I say save your money, $1500.00 will buy
    a lot of decoys. (100 is better than 12).  I shoot skeet with guy who
    spend million on guns (ok so only thousands) I shoot just as well as
    them and they mention this (I think they really want a cheap reliable
    gun) 
    
    What ever you decide, I hope you enjoy, and remember to Practice,
    practice, practice....
    
    Joe Melendez
    Good hunting

    
    	Made in New England, Mossberg 12G auto, 28" vented barrel, 3 screw
    in chokes, brand spanking new at the Springfield gun show.  $199 tax      
    included. Of course I had to ask for the tax! You can buy different    
    barrels for about $100 mail order. I occasionally pound the heck out it 
    shooting skeet and trap, or go out for birds, small game or deer. For
    the novice it does it all well. I pumped over $400 bucks in shells 
    through it so far and its just broken in nicely.
    	Some day I will have an extra $1500 to throw at a nice O/U. At that
    time I'm sure the mossberg will still be in good enough shape to let my 
    kids bang around with.
    
    happy blasting,
    
    Rich