I still have my model 37 that my dad got me for my birthday when I was 13. It had the Deer Slayer barrel. I bought a longer barrel for bird hunting and a short barrel to make it more compact. Great shotgun.
I was born n and raised in Ithaca. Many of my friend's father worked at the gun shop, as it was called by the locals....we were raised to believe that Ithaca shotguns were the best. It is very nice to see that many people agree
My Dad got me a Ithaca 37 in 20 GA when I was 14, my first deer season. I've used it every deer season since for the last 47 years, taken a couple dozen deer with it not to mention small game and birds and it has never failed. Still smooth as silk and locks up like a bank vault.
That's incredible! The Ithaca 37 in 20 GA sounds like it’s been the perfect hunting partner. Amazing to see a gun still performing flawlessly after nearly five decades!
@@bestgunsreview Never replaced a thing on it except the firing pin. Since it's a Winchester design it can be slam-fired, which is pretty cool when you're 16. Unfortunately that sometimes leads to a broken firing pin, which the gunsmith urged me not to do anymore; with a wink....
Inherited a 870 12 gauge from my dad. He used it for bird hunting. I don’t hunt anymore. Keep it around for nostalgia and self defense. I have never shot it! Has a 3 inch chamber. Magazine plugged off at three rounds for hunting.
I've had my 12 gauge Remington 870 wing master for 50+ years. I've harvested many ducks, deer, squirrels, rabbits etc with this gun. It has never let me down and it still looks great. I was glad to see it on the list. My dad has an old Winchester model 12, he has taken thousands of ducks and geese with that gun. It's still in great shape.
I got a Model 37 for Christmas when I was 12. Just turned 80 and my Model 37 in 16 gauge. My Dad had a 16 gauge and he wanted us to use same shells. It’s as perfect now as it was all those years ago.
That's amazing that you still have your Dad's Model 12 from 1959! Classic firearms like that are known for their durability and smooth action, especially when well-maintained. Truly a valuable legacy!
I bought my 1100 12ga in 1963 my mother had to sigh for me as I was to young. 28 inch barrel with a Cutts. Still have it, hunt birds&deer with it every year in Maine&Mass. 78years young.
Agree. Easy to work and clean. Parts everywhere if needed. Lot of accessories too if you like changing components. Mine has 2 barrels and only takes a minute to o swap barrels.
I inherited my grandfather's Ithaca model 37, own a Remington 870 Wingmaster that my dad gave me in 1966, and a Remington model 1100. I love all three. A friend had a Winchester model 12 that I used to borrow, and that was a great shooting gun. My father had a Browning Auto 5, another terrific shotgun, but felt heavy. My favorite pump is the Remington 870 Wingmaster, and for a semi-auto, the Remington 1100. I like the Mossberg 500's and 590's and are a decent choice these days and reasonably priced. Never shot the Beretta.
I have two 870's I bought in 1976. One's a .12 ga. and the other's a .20 ga. The .12 ga. came with rifle sights and an 18 1/2 inch barrel (later on I bought a 28 inch modified barrel for it) and the .20 ga. has a 28 inch full choke barrel. Thousands of rounds through both without a malfunction. About 8 yrs. ago, I bought another one in the .12 ga. magnum and put an extra full choke tube in it for coyote hunting. The two older ones seem to be much smoother operating (perhaps due to more usage) and they both seem to be better built.
That’s some serious mileage on your 870s, and it's amazing they still operate so smoothly! I can totally see why you’d feel the older models have a little extra quality - they seem to have been built for a lifetime!
870 Remington: 12 Guage Wingmaster 2 3/4" from early 50s and 20 Guage Magnum Express 3" from 80s I believe. Both have had many thousands of rounds put through them. Bent ejection spring on the Wingmaster replaced after 30 plus years of use for geese, pheasant, fox and deer hunting. Dad brought down 190 6/8 Boone and Crockett non typical buck with the Wingmaster in 1968 half mile from home. Between Dad and I we put that Wingmaster through some really tough shooting situation over the decades and seasons. Ive been hard on the 20 Guage as well with zero problems so far.
My dad had a 1100. Worked fine, until it froze up during a cold drizzle. I gave it back, and bought a Remington 870 the next week. Never had a problem in 30 years.
First gun I ever bought was an 870 express magnum when I was 18 am now 51 and it has never failed me out in the field. Also own an 1100 and an 1187 both are dependable.
I inherited a Winchester Model 12 twelve gauge that my Dad bought new in 1959. He only used it a couple times but being a two war veteran he was a stickler about cleaning and upkeep. It looks mint condition. I'm not a hunter butI keep it as part of my collection.
That’s a beautiful piece of history to inherit! The Remington Model 11 is a classic, especially with a poly choke. You must have some great memories with it.
I have a Remington 1100 Skeet B 20 Ga. I got it for my 10th Birthday. That was in 1967 and it was built on a 12 Ga frame so it weighed the same. I broke 96/100 when I was 10 and there is a picture of me in the South Carolina Skeet Shooting Hall of Fame in Ridgeville, SC. The HOF is located at Partridge Creek Skeet Club which was started in the early sixties at my Grandparents Farm.
My best shotgun has been the Remington 870 Wingmaster (12 gauge 2 3/4") since 1978 but I now use my new (2021) Winchester SXP (12 gauge 3 1/2") for skeet and waterfowl hunting. Great summary of shotguns ... thank you.
Right off the bat, Remington 1100? Known as the Jamamatic! Bought one and first time out it jammed! Took it back to the store and trading it for a Weatherby Orion, O/U!
Shot my beaver tail fore end Model 12 for trap for years before changing over to my Remington 3200...Still shoots smooth as silk! I've collected all the versions from 12/12 thru 12/.410 and love them all!
I own 3 model 37's the oldest being an early 50's 16 gauge that was my fathers plus two in 12 gauge. these guns have been hunted hard and I don't remember a single jam or problem with any of them. Beautiful lightweight guns that perfom flawlessly.
The Mossber 500 also has an easily removable barrel. They use to make a slug barrel for it called Trophy Slugster. Pull standard barrel off, put Trophy Slugster on.
I have an Auto 5, and it's been great over the 30 years that I have owned it. My uncle was a gunsmith and owned a gun store. I remember him saying that the Auto 5 was the best shotgun ever made. He was also a big fan of the Ithaca Model 37 as well.
Wow, 30 years with an Auto 5! That’s a testament to its legendary reliability. And your uncle sounds like he really knew his stuff-both the Auto 5 and the Ithaca 37 are icons in the shotgun world.
I still have and use my dad's Remington 1100. 12ga. I believe he bought it in 63. Think it was around $139.00. It has never failed. Although he said he would never try reloads again. A friend of his was reloading shells.
My father and I both used 1100s for over 40 years with reloads. Reloads have to be very poorly done for an 1100 to choke on them. Very reliable shotgun.
Before I watch, I'm gonna nominate 3: A5 Browning, 870 Remington and Ithaca 37. One of my honorable mentions, just because it's about all I've shot over the past 40 years is the 1400 Winchester. Between Dad and I, we've shot 1400's for at least 85 years total with good results, although I'm sure it didn't make the list.
I am very lucky to have the Remington 870 with both a bird and slug barrel and it is a very good gun. I also have the Browning A5 which in my opinion is equal to the Winchester 1100. I have shot the 1100 for quail and dove and it was flawless as is the Browning. But I have two other shotguns that I am especially fond of. The first is my old Fox 16 gage double barrel which to my understanding is the last model made under the Fox name, but unlike my grandfather’s old Fox that my cousin has, this one was manufactured by Savage in the year of my birth, 1948. Which makes it special to me. The last one is a much newer manufacture, the Browning Citori over under with a carrying case that contains both a 12 barrel pair and 20 gauge barrel pair with a full set of chokes and some basic tools and snap caps for all barrels. The craftsmanship is second to none on the beautiful metal work and the checkering of the walnut stock and forearm. Without going back to the original Fox and similar guns from the late 19th century and early 20th century including LeFever, all of the guns in this video were quality guns and in general I only need to decide who to leave them to in my will. But the toughest gun that I have to pass on is my Marlin Model 39 A with the pistol grip stock, and did I mention that it is a octagon barrel lever action that my grandfather gave me when I was 10 years old? It is in top grade condition and is the same gun that Annie Oakley shot. It’s in the top 4 22 caliber rifles ever made. These are great problems to have.
Many of these are very good shotguns, I know we’re not talking about self-defense, but my overall choice for shotgun is my very old in pristine condition Remington model 11, 12 gauge with interchangeable barrels, , one long barrel and one riot barrel !
One of my favorites is the predecessor to the Remington 870, the model 31 Remington. It’s action is smoother than the 870, but had more moving parts and was more expensive to produce. I believe the final year production was 1949 with 870 following in 1950.
I’m fortunate to have a full set of model 12s that are in the original shipping box. They are priceless. I have one that I hunt with that is still as the first time I picked it up 50 years ago.
Double side by side “LC SMITH”. This is better than any over and under, pump or auto loader. You can carry it all day simple to handle and smooth breach operation.
I’ll go along with the Model 12 , the A-5 and the Remington 1100 an 870 . But the other three slots I’d fill with the Browning Superposed O/U , the Remington/Krieghoff R-32K-32K-80K-20 and finally the Parker Brothers SxS’s . Everything I mention I’ve shot quite a bit in my 50+ years of shotgun sports and bird hunting . But that’s not to say I haven’t shot the others mentioned and many many others . Everyone’s entitled to their opinion and that’s mine .
I've got my grampa's M12 in 12ga made in 1924. Recall him saying that the M12 was touted as jam-proof and I believe it. He was a market hunter in the 1920s and 1930s so it got lots of use. I ran several thousand shells thru it and it was super slick and fast firing. In the late 70s I had an experienced gunsmith look it over and he said he'd never a M12 so worn out. Fast forward to 2015 when I learned the "tab" on the end of the op rod lifts up the bolt rear into the locking notch of the receiver. Almost nobody lubed that area so the "tab" would wear slowly (very hard steel). That's the only moving part that wears and it wouldn't if grease was applied to that "tab" and the bolt.
When I was 15, we lived on a farm in pheasant country. I'd been shooting a Remington 20-gauge with modified choke since I began hunting. My dad got invited on a big hunt in a target-rich preserve and someone wanted to use my 20-gauge, so I was left at home with just a big Winchester 97 12-gauge with full choke and 30-inch barrel. I went down in our farm fields on opening day and other hunters had chased many birds onto our property. In 15 minutes I had my limit of 3 cocks. I took them to the house and gave them to my mother. Since it was our property she could have hunted and gotten a limit without a license. I took the 97 back out and in 15 more minutes had gotten 3 more birds. When my dad got home from his hunt, the 4 of them had only 2 birds between them. I kept using that big 97 for the rest of my hunting days. I came to like the external hammer, except for one time on a goose hunt, it was so cold that my fingers were too numb to cock it and when the geese flew over, they went unharmed by me.
Inherited Pa's Winchester Model 12 (manufactured in 1929).... What he taught me how to shoot trap and skeet back in the 70s (passing it along to family) .... Am 79, so far.... ;o)
I have several shotguns, including a Mossberg 500 and a Remington 870. But when I leave the house to hunt, 9 times out of 10, I am carrying an old Mossberg 20 ga. bolt action with a polychoke. It does not have a serial number. Bought it off a buck sergeant in 1982 for $15.
I have a mossberg model 500 I have two different barrels for two different purposes. One is a Longer ribbed barrel for hunting. The other barrel is shorter for self defense and law enforcement
Great lineup! The B25’s craftsmanship, the Ithaca 37’s reliability, and the unique design of the A5 make each of these shotguns a legend in its own right. Truly, classics that any shotgun enthusiast can appreciate!
Well I’ve got 2 of them. Rem 870 Wingmaster and Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon. Use both of them several times a week for decades from September (doves) through December (pheasants, grouse, woodcock, waterfowl). Thinking about a new Browning A5 Wicked Wing Sweet 16. Have never had a 16 gauge.
Thanks for sharing! Ithaca shotguns have amazing history and durability, but I agree-Benelli’s modern tech and performance make it hard to beat. Both are great choices depending on what you need, but Benelli is definitely compelling!
Sometimes you have to re-think Benelli's. I have one that I had to fix to bring it down to shoot only 9" high. Before I fixed it I shot at a duck and the one above it dropped. I don't really think that Benelli's are worth $2000.
My grampa market hunted on Lake Michigan with his Auto-5, which wieghs a ton. I've hunted many, many places over the last 50 years with my second hand 870 that was old when I bought it on a guys couch in his livingroomin 1974. My brother did the same with his Ithaca Model 37 Featherlite. We still shoot them regularly.
I’m good with the choice of the Remington 1100 , Browning A-5 and Winchester Model 12 . Possibly even the Remington 870 . Bit as to an O/U the Browning Superposed and the Remington Model 32 that evolved into the Krieghoff K-32 then evolved into the Krieghoff K-80 are far better choices for an O/U . That makes two semi auto’s , two pumps and two O/U’s so you need one more a SxS and that’s gotta be a Parker Brothers gun . My choices some may agree a lot will disagree that’s your prerogative . But I surely think my choices are a bit better than the seven in the video .
My father owned one of the last 97s made. I think the mid 50s. I still own it along with my own older 97. A better shotgun was never made. Crude, yep, old yep. Reliable without a doubt. Also historical. 4 effn wars. None, none better.
I inherited a Model 12 16 ga.and an Ithaca Model 37 12 ga. The Winchester is older may have been used more but the firing pin spring is bad so it’s not shooting consistently now I hate to say it but the Ithaca is probably a little better gun it could be me but the Model 12 used to jam occasionally then the firing pin problem occurred the Ithaca has been perfect .
I got a Marlin model 28 pump shotgun when I was a kid (yes, it was old even back then) Not claiming it's one of the best but my older brother won a lot of shooting matches with it. He'd leave his shotguns behind and borrow mine. I still have it, it's retired like me.
My dad had a Winchester model 1400 automatic got one when got out of service in WW2 then we had a fire at home and he found one to replace it just as good he enjoyed hunting for pheasants and would let everyone shoot if bird still up he would bring it down 8:35
I have my Ithica model 37. My dad bought it for me when I was 11 years old. Best gift that I ever got from anyone.
I still have my model 37 that my dad got me for my birthday when I was 13. It had the Deer Slayer barrel. I bought a longer barrel for bird hunting and a short barrel to make it more compact. Great shotgun.
I have one too my dad bought it for me in 1970
Got mine at 14 in 1977. Great gun.
My parents bought me my Remington 1100 when i was 14. Still have that gun today at age 62 and looking beautiful...
I was born n and raised in Ithaca. Many of my friend's father worked at the gun shop, as it was called by the locals....we were raised to believe that Ithaca shotguns were the best. It is very nice to see that many people agree
Agreed 💯
Best overall pump ever.
@@skigdividerx4991 Very smooth shotgun. Model 37 love it.
I like my 37 featherlite
Remington 1100, 870 and Mossberg 500. Not overly priced. Functional and reliable. Those 3 have taken a lot of game birds and game.
Couldn't agree more! Those are true workhorses-durable, effective, and reasonably priced. Perfect choices for game hunting!
Talking home defense in suburban Southern California.
@ #4 buck
870 and a 1187 rem. Love em both.
Got an 870 some 40 years ago for my first college graduation. Still have it. Best gun I have ever owned!
My Dad got me a Ithaca 37 in 20 GA when I was 14, my first deer season. I've used it every deer season since for the last 47 years, taken a couple dozen deer with it not to mention small game and birds and it has never failed. Still smooth as silk and locks up like a bank vault.
That's incredible! The Ithaca 37 in 20 GA sounds like it’s been the perfect hunting partner. Amazing to see a gun still performing flawlessly after nearly five decades!
@@MrZipperhead16 a relative of mine has been hunting with one since ha was a teen. He’s 62 now
@@bestgunsreview Never replaced a thing on it except the firing pin. Since it's a Winchester design it can be slam-fired, which is pretty cool when you're 16. Unfortunately that sometimes leads to a broken firing pin, which the gunsmith urged me not to do anymore; with a wink....
I have my dad's Ithaca 37 16 gauge that he bought in 1951. Still the best gun I've ever had.
I got a featherlight in 1972 when I was 12. Absolutely love it.
Inherited a 870 12 gauge from my dad. He used it for bird hunting. I don’t hunt anymore. Keep it around for nostalgia and self defense. I have never shot it! Has a 3 inch chamber. Magazine plugged off at three rounds for hunting.
My dad bought a Remington 1100 semiautomatic 16 gauge with his first paycheck in 1975. He still has it to this day.
I've had my 12 gauge Remington 870 wing master for 50+ years. I've harvested many ducks, deer, squirrels, rabbits etc with this gun. It has never let me down and it still looks great. I was glad to see it on the list. My dad has an old Winchester model 12, he has taken thousands of ducks and geese with that gun. It's still in great shape.
I was 13 years old in 1955- and my Birthday and Christmas present was a Remington 1148-20 gauge automatic shotgun- I still own it!
i got a 1148- 12 ga . My father bought new in the early 50s , also have a model 58 12 gauge
Got my 11-48, 20 ga in 1957. Great performance, very appealing design. Wonderful gun!
My Dad gave me an Ithaca Model 37 when I was 16, I ‘m 64 and still have it. Great shotgun,!
I love my old 870 wing master. Very versatile gun.
My dad’s 37 and mine are still working flawlessly. 1949&1972
Have my dad's mdl 12 .Made in 1945. Still is a great gun.
My A-5 (60’s model) and my even older Remington model 11 still rock to this day!
Yes sir! My model 11 is over 100 years old !
Bought my Remington 1100 in 1970. Never let me down.
I got a Model 37 for Christmas when I was 12. Just turned 80 and my Model 37 in 16 gauge. My Dad had a 16 gauge and he wanted us to use same shells. It’s as perfect now as it was all those years ago.
I have my Dad’s Model 12 purchased in59. Still as smooth as it was new.
That's amazing that you still have your Dad's Model 12 from 1959! Classic firearms like that are known for their durability and smooth action, especially when well-maintained. Truly a valuable legacy!
I have a small collection of Model-12’s . Finest shotgun ever made
I have my grandfather’s Winchester model 12 in 16 ga. He had it in the early 50’s at least. I have Dad’s A-5 in Sweet 16 too.
@@williamcade5795I agree. I have a plain old field grade made in 1953 and its my favorite 12ga.
My Dad's 1927 Model 12 2 3/4" 12 ga in 95% condition. He bought it 1931.
Sweet.
I bought my 1100 12ga in 1963 my mother had to sigh for me as I was to young. 28 inch barrel with a Cutts. Still have it, hunt birds&deer with it every year in Maine&Mass. 78years young.
The Winchester Model 12 designed by John Browning is the best pump acting along with the Ithaca model 37.
Thomas Crosley Johnson designed the Model 12, however it does incorporate some of JMB's designs and patents sold to Winchester for the Model 97.
My dad gave me one for my 12th birthday love that gun
Is it Christmas yet? Love all these selections. My favorite being the Remington 1100 followed by the 590.
My dad’s Ithaca model 37, 16ga., solid rib was flawless, and it didn’t wear you down carrying it around all day.
I have 4 M37 shotguns but have never seen it in 16 gauge. That's pretty cool.
I have 2 16guage model 37 ithaca full choke 1modified with a deer slayer barrel was my go to gun on pheasants
Bought my Remington 1100 12 gauge in 1984 when I was 17. I’m 58, and it’s still my only shotgun.
870 wingmaster plain barrel. Sweet shouldering and swinging shotgun. One of the best!!!!
Love my moss berg 500 12 gage
Solid pick! The Mossberg 500 in 12 gauge is an absolute beast. It's built tough and always gets the job done!
Agree. Easy to work and clean. Parts everywhere if needed. Lot of accessories too if you like changing components. Mine has 2 barrels and only takes a minute to o swap barrels.
I inherited my grandfather's Ithaca model 37, own a Remington 870 Wingmaster that my dad gave me in 1966, and a Remington model 1100. I love all three. A friend had a Winchester model 12 that I used to borrow, and that was a great shooting gun. My father had a Browning Auto 5, another terrific shotgun, but felt heavy. My favorite pump is the Remington 870 Wingmaster, and for a semi-auto, the Remington 1100. I like the Mossberg 500's and 590's and are a decent choice these days and reasonably priced. Never shot the Beretta.
I have two 870's I bought in 1976. One's a .12 ga. and the other's a .20 ga. The .12 ga. came with rifle sights and an 18 1/2 inch barrel (later on I bought a 28 inch modified barrel for it) and the .20 ga. has a 28 inch full choke barrel. Thousands of rounds through both without a malfunction. About 8 yrs. ago, I bought another one in the .12 ga. magnum and put an extra full choke tube in it for coyote hunting. The two older ones seem to be much smoother operating (perhaps due to more usage) and they both seem to be better built.
That’s some serious mileage on your 870s, and it's amazing they still operate so smoothly! I can totally see why you’d feel the older models have a little extra quality - they seem to have been built for a lifetime!
Earlier Remington shotguns in general seem to be of better quality than later ones from my observation.
870 Remington: 12 Guage Wingmaster 2 3/4" from early 50s and 20 Guage Magnum Express 3" from 80s I believe. Both have had many thousands of rounds put through them. Bent ejection spring on the Wingmaster replaced after 30 plus years of use for geese, pheasant, fox and deer hunting. Dad brought down 190 6/8 Boone and Crockett non typical buck with the Wingmaster in 1968 half mile from home. Between Dad and I we put that Wingmaster through some really tough shooting situation over the decades and seasons. Ive been hard on the 20 Guage as well with zero problems so far.
My dad had a 1100. Worked fine, until it froze up during a cold drizzle. I gave it back, and bought a Remington 870 the next week. Never had a problem in 30 years.
First gun I ever bought was an 870 express magnum when I was 18 am now 51 and it has never failed me out in the field. Also own an 1100 and an 1187 both are dependable.
I inherited a Winchester Model 12 twelve gauge that my Dad bought new in 1959. He only used it a couple times but being a two war veteran he was a stickler about cleaning and upkeep. It looks mint condition. I'm not a hunter butI keep it as part of my collection.
57 years ago I inherited my grandfather's Remington model 11. 28 inch barrel with a poly choke. Looks like a Browning Auto 5.
That’s a beautiful piece of history to inherit! The Remington Model 11 is a classic, especially with a poly choke. You must have some great memories with it.
The model 11 was made on the Browning Pattent.
I have a Remington 1100 Skeet B 20 Ga. I got it for my 10th Birthday. That was in 1967 and it was built on a 12 Ga frame so it weighed the same. I broke 96/100 when I was 10 and there is a picture of me in the South Carolina Skeet Shooting Hall of Fame in Ridgeville, SC. The HOF is located at Partridge Creek Skeet Club which was started in the early sixties at my Grandparents Farm.
My best shotgun has been the Remington 870 Wingmaster (12 gauge 2 3/4") since 1978 but I now use my new (2021) Winchester SXP (12 gauge 3 1/2") for skeet and waterfowl hunting. Great summary of shotguns ... thank you.
I got a Remington 870 for my 16th birthday I just turned 50 last month and never had an issue with the gun.
Right off the bat, Remington 1100? Known as the Jamamatic! Bought one and first time out it jammed! Took it back to the store and trading it for a Weatherby Orion, O/U!
Love my Remington 1100 purchased at JC Penny in 1977 still looks brand new cost $199
I have a Remington 11-87. It’s a great gun as well.
Remington 1187 love it 😍
The 1187 deserves all the love! It’s such a classic with solid performance. Enjoy every shot!
One of my favorites....!!!
Shot my beaver tail fore end Model 12 for trap for years before changing over to my Remington 3200...Still shoots smooth as silk! I've collected all the versions from 12/12 thru 12/.410 and love them all!
I got my 1100 from my grandad don't use it like I should but I love it!
I own 3 model 37's the oldest being an early 50's 16 gauge that was my fathers plus two in 12 gauge. these guns have been hunted hard and I don't remember a single jam or problem with any of them. Beautiful lightweight guns that perfom flawlessly.
The Mossber 500 also has an easily removable barrel. They use to make a slug barrel for it called Trophy Slugster. Pull standard barrel off, put Trophy Slugster on.
Wonderful shot guns.
Ithaca 37 is my favorite had one for over forty three years
I have an Auto 5, and it's been great over the 30 years that I have owned it. My uncle was a gunsmith and owned a gun store. I remember him saying that the Auto 5 was the best shotgun ever made. He was also a big fan of the Ithaca Model 37 as well.
Wow, 30 years with an Auto 5! That’s a testament to its legendary reliability. And your uncle sounds like he really knew his stuff-both the Auto 5 and the Ithaca 37 are icons in the shotgun world.
I still have and use my dad's Remington 1100. 12ga. I believe he bought it in 63. Think it was around $139.00. It has never failed. Although he said he would never try reloads again. A friend of his was reloading shells.
My father and I both used 1100s for over 40 years with reloads. Reloads have to be very poorly done for an 1100 to choke on them. Very reliable shotgun.
Model 12 is my all time favorite, but no argument on the other selections.
How about the Browning BPS ??
I had a model 12 that my grandfather gave my dad in 1930 . Sadly it was lost in a house fire. Was a awesome gun.
Remington 870,all day,every time...........
Before I watch, I'm gonna nominate 3: A5 Browning, 870 Remington and Ithaca 37. One of my honorable mentions, just because it's about all I've shot over the past 40 years is the 1400 Winchester. Between Dad and I, we've shot 1400's for at least 85 years total with good results, although I'm sure it didn't make the list.
I am very lucky to have the Remington 870 with both a bird and slug barrel and it is a very good gun. I also have the Browning A5 which in my opinion is equal to the Winchester 1100. I have shot the 1100 for quail and dove and it was flawless as is the Browning.
But I have two other shotguns that I am especially fond of. The first is my old Fox 16 gage double barrel which to my understanding is the last model made under the Fox name, but unlike my grandfather’s old Fox that my cousin has, this one was manufactured by Savage in the year of my birth, 1948. Which makes it special to me. The last one is a much newer manufacture, the Browning Citori over under with a carrying case that contains both a 12 barrel pair and 20 gauge barrel pair with a full set of chokes and some basic tools and snap caps for all barrels. The craftsmanship is second to none on the beautiful metal work and the checkering of the walnut stock and forearm. Without going back to the original Fox and similar guns from the late 19th century and early 20th century including LeFever, all of the guns in this video were quality guns and in general I only need to decide who to leave them to in my will. But the toughest gun that I have to pass on is my Marlin Model 39 A with the pistol grip stock, and did I mention that it is a octagon barrel lever action that my grandfather gave me when I was 10 years old? It is in top grade condition and is the same gun that Annie Oakley shot. It’s in the top 4 22 caliber rifles ever made.
These are great problems to have.
I have a remington 870 and a winchester model 12, both in 12 gauge. No way i would give them up. Great shotguns all around.
Many of these are very good shotguns,
I know we’re not talking about self-defense, but my overall choice for shotgun is my very old in pristine condition Remington model 11, 12 gauge with interchangeable barrels, , one long barrel and one riot barrel !
One of my favorites is the predecessor to the Remington 870, the model 31 Remington. It’s action is smoother than the 870, but had more moving parts and was more expensive to produce. I believe the final year production was 1949 with 870 following in 1950.
I’m fortunate to have a full set of model 12s that are in the original shipping box. They are priceless. I have one that I hunt with that is still as the first time I picked it up 50 years ago.
Double side by side “LC SMITH”. This is better than any over and under, pump or auto loader. You can carry it all day simple to handle and smooth breach operation.
I chose a Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol and no regrets. Owned many in the last 6+ decades and still...very glad to own this one.
I’ll go along with the Model 12 , the A-5 and the Remington 1100 an 870 . But the other three slots I’d fill with the Browning Superposed O/U , the Remington/Krieghoff R-32K-32K-80K-20 and finally the Parker Brothers SxS’s . Everything I mention I’ve shot quite a bit in my 50+ years of shotgun sports and bird hunting . But that’s not to say I haven’t shot the others mentioned and many many others . Everyone’s entitled to their opinion and that’s mine .
My $250 12 gauge pump has never jammed or failed to fire.
I’ve got a maverick 88 security model great firearm
@@shawnsmith5071mine’s a pos. Aim is way off. Action sucks. Worst gun I own
What brand and model?
I've got my grampa's M12 in 12ga made in 1924. Recall him saying that the M12 was touted as jam-proof and I believe it. He was a market hunter in the 1920s and 1930s so it got lots of use. I ran several thousand shells thru it and it was super slick and fast firing. In the late 70s I had an experienced gunsmith look it over and he said he'd never a M12 so worn out. Fast forward to 2015 when I learned the "tab" on the end of the op rod lifts up the bolt rear into the locking notch of the receiver. Almost nobody lubed that area so the "tab" would wear slowly (very hard steel). That's the only moving part that wears and it wouldn't if grease was applied to that "tab" and the bolt.
Haven't had much experience with rem. 1100 but 870 are very good and the mossberg 500 is my second choice
When I was 15, we lived on a farm in pheasant country. I'd been shooting a Remington 20-gauge with modified choke since I began hunting. My dad got invited on a big hunt in a target-rich preserve and someone wanted to use my 20-gauge, so I was left at home with just a big Winchester 97 12-gauge with full choke and 30-inch barrel. I went down in our farm fields on opening day and other hunters had chased many birds onto our property. In 15 minutes I had my limit of 3 cocks. I took them to the house and gave them to my mother. Since it was our property she could have hunted and gotten a limit without a license. I took the 97 back out and in 15 more minutes had gotten 3 more birds. When my dad got home from his hunt, the 4 of them had only 2 birds between them. I kept using that big 97 for the rest of my hunting days. I came to like the external hammer, except for one time on a goose hunt, it was so cold that my fingers were too numb to cock it and when the geese flew over, they went unharmed by me.
I love Remington 1100s there my favorite shotgun ever I’m bummed that they don’t make em anymore
Inherited Pa's Winchester Model 12 (manufactured in 1929).... What he taught me how to shoot trap and skeet back in the 70s (passing it along to family) .... Am 79, so far.... ;o)
Ithica model 37 I got at 81 and is still my favorite!
I have several shotguns, including a Mossberg 500 and a Remington 870. But when I leave the house to hunt, 9 times out of 10, I am carrying an old Mossberg 20 ga. bolt action with a polychoke. It does not have a serial number. Bought it off a buck sergeant in 1982 for $15.
I have a mossberg model 500
I have two different barrels for two different purposes. One is a Longer ribbed barrel for hunting.
The other barrel is shorter for self defense and law enforcement
I love my 870
Same here.
I've got a Model 37 in 12 guage. It's a fine shot gun indeed.
Browning B25, Ithaka 37, Browning A5
Great lineup! The B25’s craftsmanship, the Ithaca 37’s reliability, and the unique design of the A5 make each of these shotguns a legend in its own right. Truly, classics that any shotgun enthusiast can appreciate!
Well I’ve got 2 of them. Rem 870 Wingmaster and Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon. Use both of them several times a week for decades from September (doves) through December (pheasants, grouse, woodcock, waterfowl). Thinking about a new Browning A5 Wicked Wing Sweet 16. Have never had a 16 gauge.
Is the ITHICA model 37 still in production? I have two of them but they are very old and would like to purchase a new one if possible!!!
I grew up with Ithaca shotguns.
Love them. But today, for the money, I’m buying Benelli 100% of the time.
Thanks for sharing! Ithaca shotguns have amazing history and durability, but I agree-Benelli’s modern tech and performance make it hard to beat. Both are great choices depending on what you need, but Benelli is definitely compelling!
@@michaelprue9024 The 37 was the finest Pump ever developed
Sometimes you have to re-think Benelli's. I have one that I had to fix to bring it down to shoot only 9" high. Before I fixed it I shot at a duck and the one above it dropped. I don't really think that Benelli's are worth $2000.
Mossburg 500 chambered in 410 not putty but flawless my childhood gun since the 7o's deer n small game we were poor but always had food
Mossy 500..yeah, once you quiet all the rattles...
My grampa market hunted on Lake Michigan with his Auto-5, which wieghs a ton. I've hunted many, many places over the last 50 years with my second hand 870 that was old when I bought it on a guys couch in his livingroomin 1974. My brother did the same with his Ithaca Model 37 Featherlite. We still shoot them regularly.
I’m good with the choice of the Remington 1100 , Browning A-5 and Winchester Model 12 . Possibly even the Remington 870 . Bit as to an O/U the Browning Superposed and the Remington Model 32 that evolved into the Krieghoff K-32 then evolved into the Krieghoff K-80 are far better choices for an O/U . That makes two semi auto’s , two pumps and two O/U’s so you need one more a SxS and that’s gotta be a Parker Brothers gun . My choices some may agree a lot will disagree that’s your prerogative . But I surely think my choices are a bit better than the seven in the video .
Ithaca model 37 is a great shot gun!
Got one...ejection problems in the field made it un reliable .sent it back for repair...never really trusted again.
@@tbh9524must have been one of the few
Fully updated Mossberg 930. Just as good if not better than the 940. Hands down.
Overlooked. Was is M 1897 Winchester.......lt is an ideal Bruce Willis /Lee Marvin special !!!!
They both knew to weild that piece
My father owned one of the last 97s made. I think the mid 50s. I still own it along with my own older 97. A better shotgun was never made. Crude, yep, old yep. Reliable without a doubt. Also historical. 4 effn wars. None, none better.
One of my favorites....!!!!!
@@rhett4060 So do I.
And the ability to slam fire. WOW. People's sphincter reduce in size when they hear that 12 gauges sound. Thank you, John Browning. Nuff said.
Missing is the Winchester 1897. Mine was made in 1931. Its the C grade with a 32" full choke. Action is tight and shoots very well.
You left the M-97 Winchester out. In the rain......It is a REAL Bruce willis / Lee Marvin shooting iron.......
I have browning sweet 16 manufactured 1939 it was my grandads.great pheasant gun.
have the Browning A5 20ga, and the Ithaca 37 deerslayer, also a Mossberg 500 20ga
I have 870 exspress 20 gauge it is a youth model but it fits me well.
I still have my model 37. I bought it 60 years ago from Sears and still have the receipt.
PS Have both barrels.
I inherited a Model 12 16 ga.and an Ithaca Model 37 12 ga. The Winchester is older may have been used more but the firing pin spring is bad so it’s not shooting consistently now I hate to say it but the Ithaca is probably a little better gun it could be me but the Model 12 used to jam occasionally then the firing pin problem occurred the Ithaca has been perfect .
Love my A 5, 69 model, I have my dad's 56 A 5
The Ithica 37 Feather weight IS the BEST Pump shotgun!
I got a Marlin model 28 pump shotgun when I was a kid (yes, it was old even back then) Not claiming it's one of the best but my older brother won a lot of shooting matches with it. He'd leave his shotguns behind and borrow mine. I still have it, it's retired like me.
I HAVE GRANDFATHER'S MODEL 12 ,IT'S A 28 GAGE FIELD MODEL,
HE BOUGHT NEW. STILL LOOKS GREAT.
Have a sweet 16 from Belgium. Sweet is the correct word for this beauty.
Browning works just fine for anything Ive ever shot at....
I had a mossberg 410
Own a model 12 12 gauge I am 75 years old my dad for me when I was 14 years old An amazing gun
Western field model 30 anyone? Designed by browning , its as reliable as they come and sturdy as hell.
Remington 1100!
I like the model 12
if a robot says its so, i guess its so lol AI SUCKS
"Point four one oh"?
My dad had a Winchester model 1400 automatic got one when got out of service in WW2 then we had a fire at home and he found one to replace it just as good he enjoyed hunting for pheasants and would let everyone shoot if bird still up he would bring it down 8:35