Yup. Got a 500 and a 88. I almost prefer the 88, but the 500 is lighter and has double action bars.
That being said, the little extra weight cuts down on the shoulder bruising.
This right here ^
I have a Maverick 88, probably 4500 rounds through it shooting clays and waterfowl. Never had any problems and shoots true. Ugly and unrefined, but reliable as hell.
Mossberg mav88/500/590 or a used Remington 870 can do the same for better. Knowing that Taurus cheaps out on their parts, don’t expect the furniture to be comfortable when shooting (worst case scenario it can break).
Not advisable. This gun will present challenges in hitting birds on the wing. Also, many in the wing shooting community will see hunting birds with this firearm as crass.
"tactical" pattern shotguns don't make good duck guns. It could work as a slug gun for deer at 0-70 yards or so but basically any shotgun can do that. For birdshot you want a long (26-28") barrel and a cylinder choke
There is no velocity loss with shorter barrels in shotguns, the shot column is basically up to speed within the first 14" of barrel and usually there's less than 100fps of additional velocity in barrels longer than 14".
Oh, for sure. I just like having options for the occasional time I need them. I have a 28 inch barrel on mine and as far as hunting is concerned I have zero regrets.
I would advise against it for a few reasons. Pistol grip is awkward, you'll need to install a plug in the tube to be legal but the muzzle end is what concerns me most.
I can't tell if that's a brake or a flash hider - I would steer very clear of anyone with a muzzle brake on their gun while duck hunting. Have you ever been "rung" by someone else in a blind or layout? This is when someone over swings and is pointing vaguely in your direction when they fire. Not direct enough to actually shoot you but it fucks up your ears and is very unpleasant even with ear pro. I've never been next to a braked shotgun but with rifles I've had the same issue when they're pointed away from me, the brake directs the muzzle blast to the person beside the shooter.
I would also guess that the brake means it doesn't have interchangeable chokes. If it's cylinder bore you'll have massive holes in your pattern after probably 25 yards.
I don't have brake on my shotgun.
I do have a brake on my hunting rifle. When I'm hunting with other folks they're informed beforehand. DON'T stand behind me to the left or right, only directly behind me.
Rifled shotgun barrels are meant for slugs. Putting shot through it will, I think, give you a terrible pattern. You might get away with it with some shells depending on the wad they use.
I guess I'm more wondering why you'd want to shoot ducks with a tactical shotgun? Can it be done, sure... Is it the right tool for the job? No. It's like using a framing hammer for finish work.
I just liked the design and was wondering about you guys opinion. In my hunting class they don’t teach often about shotgun so I just choose a model that looked cool and seemed reliable
Just like others are saying, with a pistol grip and duck hunting is awkward and shitty. My buddy tried it one day, and I shot a few times for it, and following up would SEEM like it would be easier with a pistol grip but I find it getting in the way and turning is tricky.
That thing is ugly as fuck, unnecessary optic mount, can’t swap chokes, etc. It definitely isn’t a bird gun and you’ll end up wanting something else the first time you take it out hunting. Get a mossberg 500 or a Remington 870 to start bird hunting.
Don’t do it, friends don’t let friends buy Taurus.
If you want a gun to use for both HD and hunting, get a mossberg500/590/88 or Remington 870 and a 18 inch barrel and a 28 inch.
18 for home 28 for the birds.
Even if you ignore everything else I say , don’t try to hunt birds or squirrels with a pistol gripped shotgun. It’s a big hinderance
My FIL insisted on bringing his home defense shotgun duck hunting with me last year. He asked to switch to my backup 12 gauge after one pass. He realized he wasn’t even touching them hardly.
This is good advice. Considering it’s gonna be my first hunting gun, I might want to get something reliable first and then get something good for home defense after
Buy a Mossberg 500, Maverick, or any other pump that you can change barrels on. Buy a second barrel and with a plug to reduce the capacity to three you are good to go. Personally I'd stay with well known brands such as Winchester, CZ, Weatherby, Benelli, and some Remington.
If you like being made fun of while also struggling to swing on targets, yes. I’ve shot the most ducks with an 870 but I currently use a rem 1100 and French affinity 3.
I went skeet shooting and a guy was there with a pistol grip assault shotgun. Smoked nearly every clay. So if you can bring home the meat, go for it.
You gotta own it though, when flushing the birds you gotta yell NYPD! Hands Up!
Now take that 22” barrel out to the duck blind, and try to hit 30-40 yd shots. Or further for geese. I will keep the 30-32” barrel. Sure the little barrel swings better, but the pattern is whack because the wad came off sooner
Dear OP, trust me on this. Get a mav 88, they got a combo that comes with both hunting and home defense barrels. It's cheap and extremely reliable and extremely customizable. You can always upgrade in the future.
Wouldnt be bad for ducks/geese under 30yrds, anything more than that you WILL want a better barrel, interchangeable chokes. And I didnt see anybody else post, but if you hunt ANY migratory bird you had better have the gun blocked to only hold 3 rounds total, tube & chamber. Thats Federal, and VERY Expensive if your version of D.N.R. Catch you, all hunting guns come with a rod already in the tube, can say about tactical guns have never bought one
Personally I own a pistol grip and conventional grip shotguns , the pistol grip is a good truck gun for up close things like grouse , the conventional is my first gun, so I've put much more time into it , and I can hit even the furthest pigeon with it . At the end of the day it's whatever works best for you, everyone shoots a bit different
When I was getting back into shotguns, my uncle, an avid duck hunter, said always go with the 3 B’s. Beretta, Benelli, Browning. I couldn’t agree more. You definitely pay more, but my shotguns have held up very well with hunting and sporting clays. I’ve seen lots of guys have issues with other brands. Keep them clean and your shotgun will treat you well.
If you hunt with buddies, they will not appreciate the muzzle brake lol
For duck hunting get something simple with 28-30" barrel. Forward weight balance is what you want
Just buy an 890 man, as long as you clean it and store it correctly you’ll most likely never have to buy another shotgun for the rest of your life. A Taurus might last you 5 years.
I got a great deal on a CZ 1012 shotgun. I also have a home defense shotgun. You’re definitely going to want a longer barrel. It’s achievable but it’ll be harder to hit them. I advise against it for hunting.
I have no experience with Taurus, but if I was starting out today I’d consider a mossberg 500 or a browning bps. (If I was buying a brand new gun. If I remember correctly mossbergs used to use a single rail on their pumps that was known to twist, but that’s a VERY old problem)
If I was buying used guns, I’d look for an older Remington 870 or Winchester 1300 or browning bps. They are reliable, easy to clean and (for the price) have easy actions you can be a little rough on in the excitement of heat of the moment. An 870 can fall in the river and with some oil and action cleaner can be putting out rounds again in 20 minutes. (I’m talking a drop in, not 3 days in the river here)
If you want to buy new and buy once cry once, probably an A400 or SBE3. While I understand the price on these can be prohibitive, it’s nice to have dreams.
Ideally I would look for a vent rib barrel, front bead (mid barrel bead also if I could, though this really only matters until you’ve dialed in your shooting) and a standard stock with a good recoil pad on the butt.
If you’re looking for something that’s also tactical, for something like home defence(not legal where I am) the Remingtons and mossbergs sell endless versions of stocks, sights, mlok attachments and barrel modifications. Most of these are very very simple things you can do at home with maybe 3 tools, and you can switch a complete rig in under an hour from hunting to hd.
I would absolutely advise against it for duck hunting
Short barrel, likely non threaded so stick with an open/cylinder bore, pistol grip is no good for your swing
Instead of making fun of you, I'll just tell you. No, it will not. Self-defense guns have a shorter barrel and are designed for short-range. And most of them won't allow a choke. You need a long barrel with the ability to change out the choke to duck hunt. Also, a lot of duck hunting guns have a camo or Matt black finish. This is so the barrel doesn't glare in the sun. You would be better off buy a mossberg 88 not the security one or a remington 870. Both very cheap and reliable. I myself shoot a benelli nova. Bought it 20 years ago used and have shot thousands of birds with it
I'm not saying I'm gonna judge you if you duck hunt with that, but everyone else is gonna judge you.
He will only use it for duck hunting once, won’t hit anything, then realize self defense shotguns don’t pattern like hunting shotguns
He would have to understand what “pattern” means first.
Like, Plaid?
Thats only the Scottish ones.
Ok, that got me
That's tartan
Aye.
Why don't you explain it to him then instead of making sly comments? Everyone starts somewhere.
Can you please explain more?
Sure they can, with the right barrel, and choke, and ammo.
All it would REALLY need is a choke.
And a longer barrel, and a smooth action, and a longer action to take over 2 3/4
I would judge
It’s me, I’m everyone else
Unless you’re in a close-quarters situation with a duck, and need self-defense!
Yes fuck that Aflac guy
That duck had a knife, we all saw it
Just buy a Mossberg 500 or a used Winchester 1300. Both great pump guns and you can also find home defense barrels for them.
Remington 870 is my do-all shotgun and I am totally happy with it.
Or if you want a budget shotgun get a mossberg 88
Yup. Got a 500 and a 88. I almost prefer the 88, but the 500 is lighter and has double action bars. That being said, the little extra weight cuts down on the shoulder bruising.
This right here ^ I have a Maverick 88, probably 4500 rounds through it shooting clays and waterfowl. Never had any problems and shoots true. Ugly and unrefined, but reliable as hell.
+1 for used Winchester 1300 (not sx3)
I have an sx4 and I love it.
I have one that I've use for skeet, rabbit, ducks, etc. It sure as shit can fuck up some pumpkins and I've probably shot 1000 rounds through it.
Maverick 88 is cheaper and you can get the field/security combo for a 28” and 18.5” barrels.
The pistol grip makes for extremely awkward wingshooting
Mossberg mav88/500/590 or a used Remington 870 can do the same for better. Knowing that Taurus cheaps out on their parts, don’t expect the furniture to be comfortable when shooting (worst case scenario it can break).
Not advisable. This gun will present challenges in hitting birds on the wing. Also, many in the wing shooting community will see hunting birds with this firearm as crass.
"tactical" pattern shotguns don't make good duck guns. It could work as a slug gun for deer at 0-70 yards or so but basically any shotgun can do that. For birdshot you want a long (26-28") barrel and a cylinder choke
Cylinder choke for ducks? Mod and improved (or somewhere in between) is what most people use.
Yeah never heard of using cylinder choke for anything besides clays.
*improved cylinder my bad
A lot of guns have interchangeable chokes and are still very affordable
Doesn’t make them good duck guns
True, but it's a feature I like to have on my duck guns
There's only so much a choke will do for keeping the load tight. Lot of velocity loss in 18.5 vs 26-28 inch barrels, too.
There is no velocity loss with shorter barrels in shotguns, the shot column is basically up to speed within the first 14" of barrel and usually there's less than 100fps of additional velocity in barrels longer than 14".
100 fps + is significant for shotguns, IMO
It's significant for rifles also
Oh, for sure. I just like having options for the occasional time I need them. I have a 28 inch barrel on mine and as far as hunting is concerned I have zero regrets.
Without a different choke you’re just wasting ammo
I would advise against it for a few reasons. Pistol grip is awkward, you'll need to install a plug in the tube to be legal but the muzzle end is what concerns me most. I can't tell if that's a brake or a flash hider - I would steer very clear of anyone with a muzzle brake on their gun while duck hunting. Have you ever been "rung" by someone else in a blind or layout? This is when someone over swings and is pointing vaguely in your direction when they fire. Not direct enough to actually shoot you but it fucks up your ears and is very unpleasant even with ear pro. I've never been next to a braked shotgun but with rifles I've had the same issue when they're pointed away from me, the brake directs the muzzle blast to the person beside the shooter. I would also guess that the brake means it doesn't have interchangeable chokes. If it's cylinder bore you'll have massive holes in your pattern after probably 25 yards.
I’ve been rung. Not fun
I don't have brake on my shotgun. I do have a brake on my hunting rifle. When I'm hunting with other folks they're informed beforehand. DON'T stand behind me to the left or right, only directly behind me.
Yes there is no interchangeable choke, also the barrel is rifled in a hélicoïdal pattern which apparently make up for the fact that it’s rifled
Rifled shotgun barrels are meant for slugs. Putting shot through it will, I think, give you a terrible pattern. You might get away with it with some shells depending on the wad they use.
Legislation here allow only for rifled barrel when using shotguns. That’s why people buy hélicoïdal pattern to I guess cheat on the regulation here
Oh interesting, what country are you in?
France
I guess I'm more wondering why you'd want to shoot ducks with a tactical shotgun? Can it be done, sure... Is it the right tool for the job? No. It's like using a framing hammer for finish work.
I just liked the design and was wondering about you guys opinion. In my hunting class they don’t teach often about shotgun so I just choose a model that looked cool and seemed reliable
Just like others are saying, with a pistol grip and duck hunting is awkward and shitty. My buddy tried it one day, and I shot a few times for it, and following up would SEEM like it would be easier with a pistol grip but I find it getting in the way and turning is tricky.
That thing is ugly as fuck, unnecessary optic mount, can’t swap chokes, etc. It definitely isn’t a bird gun and you’ll end up wanting something else the first time you take it out hunting. Get a mossberg 500 or a Remington 870 to start bird hunting.
Don’t do it, friends don’t let friends buy Taurus. If you want a gun to use for both HD and hunting, get a mossberg500/590/88 or Remington 870 and a 18 inch barrel and a 28 inch. 18 for home 28 for the birds. Even if you ignore everything else I say , don’t try to hunt birds or squirrels with a pistol gripped shotgun. It’s a big hinderance
100% everything said here is accurate!!!
turkeys are well suited for a pistol grip, otherwise agree
My FIL insisted on bringing his home defense shotgun duck hunting with me last year. He asked to switch to my backup 12 gauge after one pass. He realized he wasn’t even touching them hardly.
This is good advice. Considering it’s gonna be my first hunting gun, I might want to get something reliable first and then get something good for home defense after
Buy a Mossberg 500, Maverick, or any other pump that you can change barrels on. Buy a second barrel and with a plug to reduce the capacity to three you are good to go. Personally I'd stay with well known brands such as Winchester, CZ, Weatherby, Benelli, and some Remington.
Yes.
All wrong for duck hunting, right on for home defense. On the flip side you can defend your home just as well with a shotgun built for wing shooting.
You could probably find a worse choice but you'd have to really search...
If you like being made fun of while also struggling to swing on targets, yes. I’ve shot the most ducks with an 870 but I currently use a rem 1100 and French affinity 3.
I went skeet shooting and a guy was there with a pistol grip assault shotgun. Smoked nearly every clay. So if you can bring home the meat, go for it. You gotta own it though, when flushing the birds you gotta yell NYPD! Hands Up!
Ahah your joke cracked me up
this is more a clearing building shotgun then a shooting birds on the plain. look into less tacticool stuff like a 1100.
I can promise you, you wouldn’t get to hunt over my dog if you showed up with that.
Don't buy that firearm for any reason... there are much better options in the market at the same price point. So many better options.
Yes I would advise against it.
You would probably be better with a sling shot😂or the thing that the Indians use with the rocks and string.
Short barrel = too wide of a pattern at shooting distance.
Barrel length does not make a hoot of difference, the choke is what matters.
Now take that 22” barrel out to the duck blind, and try to hit 30-40 yd shots. Or further for geese. I will keep the 30-32” barrel. Sure the little barrel swings better, but the pattern is whack because the wad came off sooner
Cool story bro
https://gunmagwarehouse.com/blog/did-you-know-that-shotgun-barrel-length-doesnt-affect-pattern/#:~:text=Shotgun%20barrel%20length%20doesn't%20affect%20patterning.,which%20delivers%20a%20tighter%20pattern.
Wait until TFB does a burndown with one. James Reeves has been trashing cheap shotguns, mostly within 500 rounds...
Dude, no. If you value your money, time, and health, don't. Taurus not even once.
Get a Mossberg 500 12ga
Yes, absolutely. That is a combat shotgun. It would be extremely difficult to hunt birds well with it.
Yes, I would strongly advise against it. And totally judge you as a noob to both firearms and hunting.
If you don’t have the money for both. Buy a hunting shotgun and use it for home defense. Don’t buy a home defense shotgun and use it for hunting.
great advice man
It’s perfect If you are planning on breaching the entrance to the blind.
For the love of god, dont hunt with this
Rem 870 with Blackhawk knoxx will give you basically the same set-up but with a full length barrel and the ability to swap chokes
I would buy it only if you have an issue with Canadian Geese in your hood.
Those "Cobra Chickens".... Can't trust 'em
That thing hammering against your palm and wrist all day long? I mean.... Give it a try and report back.
1. I would never own a Taurus 2. I would never hunt waterfowl with a 19" barrel. 3. I would never own a taurus.
Dear OP, trust me on this. Get a mav 88, they got a combo that comes with both hunting and home defense barrels. It's cheap and extremely reliable and extremely customizable. You can always upgrade in the future.
And in some places you'll need to make sure there's a plug in there so it can only hold the requisite maximum number of shells.
Like the entirety of the US
How many shells can you guys hunt with inside ?
3
When hunting migratory waterfowl, it's federal law, 2+1 max
Wouldnt be bad for ducks/geese under 30yrds, anything more than that you WILL want a better barrel, interchangeable chokes. And I didnt see anybody else post, but if you hunt ANY migratory bird you had better have the gun blocked to only hold 3 rounds total, tube & chamber. Thats Federal, and VERY Expensive if your version of D.N.R. Catch you, all hunting guns come with a rod already in the tube, can say about tactical guns have never bought one
Those laws don’t apply to me because I don’t live in the us, however yeah it doesn’t seem to be the shotgun it tought it would be for duck hunting
Sorry man. You would be judged. Alot !!!!!!!!
Yeah this is not a problem I’m more focused on what can I do with the weapon or not than people judging me
Personally I own a pistol grip and conventional grip shotguns , the pistol grip is a good truck gun for up close things like grouse , the conventional is my first gun, so I've put much more time into it , and I can hit even the furthest pigeon with it . At the end of the day it's whatever works best for you, everyone shoots a bit different
I mean, a shotgun is a shotgun so it ought to do the trick.
Improve Cylinder choke
When I was getting back into shotguns, my uncle, an avid duck hunter, said always go with the 3 B’s. Beretta, Benelli, Browning. I couldn’t agree more. You definitely pay more, but my shotguns have held up very well with hunting and sporting clays. I’ve seen lots of guys have issues with other brands. Keep them clean and your shotgun will treat you well.
If you hunt with buddies, they will not appreciate the muzzle brake lol For duck hunting get something simple with 28-30" barrel. Forward weight balance is what you want
Just buy an 890 man, as long as you clean it and store it correctly you’ll most likely never have to buy another shotgun for the rest of your life. A Taurus might last you 5 years.
I got a great deal on a CZ 1012 shotgun. I also have a home defense shotgun. You’re definitely going to want a longer barrel. It’s achievable but it’ll be harder to hit them. I advise against it for hunting.
Wouldn’t work very well and in most places would be illegal for hunting waterfowl in it’s stock configuration anyway
I have no experience with Taurus, but if I was starting out today I’d consider a mossberg 500 or a browning bps. (If I was buying a brand new gun. If I remember correctly mossbergs used to use a single rail on their pumps that was known to twist, but that’s a VERY old problem) If I was buying used guns, I’d look for an older Remington 870 or Winchester 1300 or browning bps. They are reliable, easy to clean and (for the price) have easy actions you can be a little rough on in the excitement of heat of the moment. An 870 can fall in the river and with some oil and action cleaner can be putting out rounds again in 20 minutes. (I’m talking a drop in, not 3 days in the river here) If you want to buy new and buy once cry once, probably an A400 or SBE3. While I understand the price on these can be prohibitive, it’s nice to have dreams. Ideally I would look for a vent rib barrel, front bead (mid barrel bead also if I could, though this really only matters until you’ve dialed in your shooting) and a standard stock with a good recoil pad on the butt. If you’re looking for something that’s also tactical, for something like home defence(not legal where I am) the Remingtons and mossbergs sell endless versions of stocks, sights, mlok attachments and barrel modifications. Most of these are very very simple things you can do at home with maybe 3 tools, and you can switch a complete rig in under an hour from hunting to hd.
Lol. Wut?
I would absolutely advise against it for duck hunting Short barrel, likely non threaded so stick with an open/cylinder bore, pistol grip is no good for your swing
Is "duck hunting" code for something that requires breaching and clearing?
Ahah you cracked me up, it might be 🤭
I want you to old the pistol grip and then look up.
Instead of making fun of you, I'll just tell you. No, it will not. Self-defense guns have a shorter barrel and are designed for short-range. And most of them won't allow a choke. You need a long barrel with the ability to change out the choke to duck hunt. Also, a lot of duck hunting guns have a camo or Matt black finish. This is so the barrel doesn't glare in the sun. You would be better off buy a mossberg 88 not the security one or a remington 870. Both very cheap and reliable. I myself shoot a benelli nova. Bought it 20 years ago used and have shot thousands of birds with it
If you want a good pump gun for ducks a benelli supernova is a great choice
Literally anyone who's ever duck hunted would advise against that. Just grab a mossberg 88 with a field barrel
yes me
Yeah. Drop the grip. Get an 870 for cheap and nail them
I would advise against Taurus in general. Add on that it’s a tactical shotgun…
If it kills, it works. If that’s your preference, go for it!