Pump Shotgun for IDPA 3-gun

[JoeH]

Any serviceable pump or semi that holds 5+1 rounds will work just fine for IDPA. It can hold more rounds but can only be loaded to 5+1. You'll want a mag extension of at least one round.

Get a smooth bore with removable chokes. Home defense guns are popular in short lengths like 18". That will work but you usually see 22"-26" barrels for competition.

You can't go wrong with a 26" Rem 870 or Mossberg 500.

[Payne]

All of the pump shotguns shoot about the same. I find the Winchester and the Benelli Nova to be a bit more user friendly because the bolt will unlock when the trigger is pulled. (dry fire the shotgun while pulling back on the pump action, you will see what I mean). This is normally not a problem unless you are a newer shooter and trying to go fast.

The shotgun will normally be won by whoever loads the fastest. Here the Benelli Nova shines. The lift gate is moved out of the way with the first shell loaded, and stays out of the way until the action is cycled. It forms a ramp or funnel that aids in shoving the next shells in. If you load by turning the shotgun over you can even load two at a time by putting one in the loading port and shoving it in with the second shell.

Any of the brands will work. Go to the local pawn shop and pick up whatever feels good and practice reloading.

If the rules allow, add a mag extention that lets you put eight shells in the tube. That way you can shoot the normal 3-gun matches in the future if you find you like it. It also makes it easier to load five shells in the tube. The spring pressure is less (like loading 10 rounds in a 15 round handgun mag. vs loading 10 in a 10rd mag.). You can always make a "plug" for the longer tube if the rules require it.

[Payne]

I like the 24" barrel but anything from 18" on up will work. I would want one with choke tubes. you can shoot shot or slugs easily from this barrel, you will need to pattern a variety of slugs to see which shoots the best out of which choke. Example: Remington low recoil slugs shoot perfect out of the IC choke in my shotgun. Hits on man size targets at 100 yrds are easy. Just shoot the cheap rifled lead slugs or Federal Truball and you should be good to go.

I like the vent rib with the bead. Good enough for long slug targets and works better for flying birds.

[Keith]

It sounds like there are pleny of good opinions for the OP. I've been holding off because I don't know much about the IDPA 3-gun stuff. Are there going to be local matches on a regular basis or just side matches after pistol matches?

[westberg]

It sounds like there are pleny of good opinions for the OP. I've been holding off because I don't know much about the IDPA 3-gun stuff. Are there going to be local matches on a regular basis or just side matches after pistol matches?

TCIDPA has some dates planned, check with JoeH.

[Payne]

There should be some information coming up in the near future about upcoming 3-gun shoots on a regular basis for the state of MN as well. That is if there is any interest.

[JoeH]

It sounds like there are pleny of good opinions for the OP. I've been holding off because I don't know much about the IDPA 3-gun stuff. Are there going to be local matches on a regular basis or just side matches after pistol matches?

Keith- We are still finalizing our schedule for IDPA defensive multi-gun (DMG). We should have a couple of stand alone matches in addition to side matches after pistol matches. Details soon...

[Spike]

Thanks for all your help, everyone. I appreciate it.

[Rem700]

I guess I should clarify what I'm looking for. I just want something that I can use for IDPA Multi-Gun SSG or ESG. It says "Pump only in 12 or 20 gauge, with iron sights only. No more than 5 rounds may be loaded in the magazine at any time, 6 rounds max in gun." I don't hunt so I don't need it for that. I don't need to be a tactical operator and I'm not going to be competing in the Nationals.

The idea is to try something new, gain some skills, and have fun.

- Spike

Ahh, the shotgun bug bit...

I can't speak specifically to IDPA as I'm starting to read up on it now. But, if that's all you're going to use it for (hopefully not as I think you might enjoy skeet/trap as well if we get out for a session or two), I'd recommend a smooth barrel 20 gauge due to less recoil, and slightly lower costs. Smooth bore can be used for both shot and rifled slugs.

Isnt there more selection of 12ga rds vs 20?
Wouldnt the popularity of 12ga make it cheaper to shoot?
I thought a 12ga shotgun might weigh more then a 20 thus reduceing felt recoil.

[Rem700]

I have only ever did one 3gun match so I know nothing about whats better, The one time I tried this I used a Mossberg 500 just because thats what I had if I do this again I am going to try a Win 97 just for $hit and giggles.

[thompssj]

There should be some information coming up in the near future about upcoming 3-gun shoots on a regular basis for the state of MN as well. That is if there is any interest.

Anyone care to elaborate on this? Are there plans being made to resurrect mini 3 guns that we lost at Del-tone? I think there is a ton of interest.

[xxForceTenxx]

Isnt there more selection of 12ga rds vs 20?
Wouldnt the popularity of 12ga make it cheaper to shoot?
I thought a 12ga shotgun might weigh more then a 20 thus reduceing felt recoil.

When I picked up my 870, there seemed to be more 20 gauge available at the time. Also, more 20 gauge rounds and seem to recall being a little cheaper too.

Unsure of the weight difference as I was only interested in the 12 so didn't compare.

[Rem700]

I dont know which all rounds would be similiar but a quick search at Midway showed atleast twice as much selection of 12ga rds as compared to 20ga.

[Payne]

thompssj

Hang on for another week. Some things are in the works and details getting worked out as we speak. The shoots may not be at Del-Tone, but other area ranges are being looked at.

Sorry for the thread drift.

[Spike]

thompssj

Sorry for the thread drift.

No worries. If I get a shotgun I'll want to know about the matches as well.