Probably nobody can answer this question here because most users are from the US but I wonder what qualifies a shotgun to be non-restricted or prohibited.

Example: Mossberg 500 could be obtained with a shorter barrel and/or higher capacity magazines etc. Why would a magazines capacity be limited to 3 shells for hunting instead of 5 for example (if you take the plug out)?

In general, what qualifies a shotgun to be illegal? And why?

In the U.S. there is some federal regulations involved when hunting water fowl. They require a plug put in the magazine to limit the total capacity of the gun to 3 shells. There are other regulations as well and variances of them depending on what state you are hunting in.

 

In the U.S. there is some federal regulations involved when hunting water fowl. They require a plug put in the magazine to limit the total capacity of the gun to 3 shells. There are other regulations as well and variances of them depending on what state you are hunting in.

I see. So it actually limits the quantity you can shoot with one full magazine, because by the time you refill, they are all gone.
So essentially they only slow you down, it doesn't prevent you from shooting as many as you want, if you have the time. ;-)

 

if your practised, you can slip a shell or to into an auto loader real quick.

 

There is actually a limit to how many ducks or geese you can harvest in one day, it varies by the species. Just like any other wild game, some are more restricting than others. I personally have never hunted water fowl, I just didn't care too much just sitting in one place waiting. I enjoyed hunting upland game bird like pheasant, quail, grouse. I have always done it without a dog too. Just walking around in the fields was enjoyment enough for me. I was okay with it even if I didn't get anything.

 

There is actually a limit to how many ducks or geese you can harvest in one day, it varies by the species. Just like any other wild game, some are more restricting than others. I personally have never hunted water fowl, I just didn't care too much just sitting in one place waiting. I enjoyed hunting upland game bird like pheasant, quail, grouse. I have always done it without a dog too. Just walking around in the fields was enjoyment enough for me. I was okay with it even if I didn't get anything.

We used to wait in the marsh for ducks, but I abandoned that tactic 30 years ago. What we do is make sure we're out in the area at sunbreak. The later in the year the better, and the worse weather the better. We'll spot birds heading out to feed, then try and get under thier flight path for some excellent shooting. Snow geese here in Alberta have a daily limit of 30 birds and possession of 60. They're not the best eating, but it's a tradeoff for the shoot.

We've had long term draught conditions here, combined with drainage, has really damaged the duck populations. Back in the 70's we'd get a barley shoot every other mile. Today one needs to drive 10 miles to find the next flock, and gauranteed they'll be in an open pea field.

 

By the way... Nice collection you have there strantor. Is the KelTec a PF9?

 

Thanks, yes, PF9

 

What are the differences between a $2000 and a $200 shotgun (e.g. both 12gauge)? Does the one that costs 200 dollars fall apart after a few rounds?

 

Well some model numbers would get you a definite answer. Offhand the only 12ga shotgun I can think of that comes in under 200$ is a mossberg/maverick 88. I've never shot one one, but I hear that it jams sometimes.

Guns are a lot like cars; you can get one that's just functional, for a low price, or one that's decked out in gizmos and/or bling, for a high price. Gun owners can get very deep into the gadget/bling craving. Some shotguns that are 2000$ are 2000$ because they have hand carved murals in the stock and gold plated landscape scenes. Totally ridiculous IMO; these are just for hunters with too much money. Then you have your tactical types who favor guns that are covered in rails with all manner of lights and lasers and crap on it.

I've never shot one, but the general consensus I've gathered from reading around on the net is that the remington 870 is about the best 12 gauge for the money.

 

What are the differences between a $2000 and a $200 shotgun (e.g. both 12gauge)? Does the one that costs 200 dollars fall apart after a few rounds?

My pair of 12-guage Winchester Model 1200 pump guns cost under $200 each, are over a quarter-century old, and still perform flawlessly, having filled my freezer with venisson and partridge often over the years.

I converted one into a slug gun with an after-market rifled barrel, and the other I use as a standard scatter-gun, fitted with an extra-full choke to assure clean kills or clean misses.

All told, a $200 shotgun can and will stand the test of time.

 

A $200 shotgun will be basically functional, and usually reliable. It won't be fancy. Rather than a nice deep bluing over engravings, the $200 gun might be Parkerized over a rather rough finish. The wood or synthetic stock won't be anything special; checkering , if any, will be machine-rolled on rather than hand cut. Tolerances may be quite large to ensure that pieces can be used on any other of the same model. The stock, if wooden, will have received minimal sanding/preparation for the finish coat. While the gun will function, it may require an extended break-in time before the action feels smooth.

An expensive gun can be a work of art.

I have an old Remington Wingmaster 870 that was probably made in the mid-1960's. The fit and finish on it is very nice, although there is no "bling" or engravings on the metal, and minimal cut checkering, the bluing is deep, and the walnut stock's finish looks like it's very thick - it took a lot of effort and skill to make it like that. Perhaps a decade ago, Remington came out with an "Express 870" model to compete with the low-end shotguns; the basic design is the same, but the metal is Parkerized instead of polished & blued, and the stock is synthetic or of a hardwood like oak that is far less expensive than walnut; the wood is completely carved and sanded by machine.

 

Never having owned one, I've always speculated that there must be something inherently superior about the design of a Remington 870, seeing as it is probably the most widely used shotgun, by police departments accross the US, in addition to being a favourite of many a hunter.

 

Never having owned one, I've always speculated that there must be something inherently superior about the design of a Remington 870, seeing as it is probably the most widely used shotgun, by police departments accross the US, in addition to being a favourite of many a hunter.

I wouldn't know. I've only heard good things. I'm happy with my mossberg though, even after hearing it compared to a Yugo.

 

I wouldn't know. I've only heard good things. I'm happy with my mossberg though, even after hearing it compared to a Yugo.

Mossbergs used by LEO as much as remington. They even make a special police issue one. I love mossberg hands down. Great guns for the money.

 

@Strantor

1.Are pistol grip / shoulder stock of this Mossberg model interchangeable?

2.As I imagine it to be more difficult to aim with the pistol grip what other purpose than low range self defense does the pistol grip model have?

3. How bad is recoil with the pistol grip?

 

@Strantor

1.Are pistol grip / shoulder stock of this Mossberg model interchangeable?

yes. Actually, this is the first shotgun I've shot that didn't have a stock. I shot it in the Navy, but only to qualify. I forgot what it was like, and honestly now that I own it, I don't like not having a stock. I like the fact that it's more portable than a traditional shotgun, but shooting it with no stock isn't something that I want to do all day.
I've found a compromise; a fold-over collapsible stock. I'll be ordering one on payday.

2.As I imagine it to be more difficult to aim with the pistol grip what other purpose than low range self defense does the pistol grip model have?

I've only shot it @ 20 yards and I was very surprised how easy it was to aim it with no stock. I was much more accurate than I anticipated. But yes, it's not something that's intended for marksmanship practice. I would say it's intended purpose is probably law enforcement, and home defense.

3. How bad is recoil with the pistol grip?

Quite bad, if you're not used to shooting. It's not something you would let frail old lady or a young kid shoot; might come back and knock their teeth out.

 

It's not something you would let frail old lady or a young kid shoot; might come back and knock their teeth out.

LOL..........

 

1.Are pistol grip / shoulder stock of this Mossberg model interchangeable?

Yes.

2.As I imagine it to be more difficult to aim with the pistol grip what other purpose than low range self defense does the pistol grip model have?

It's easier to conceal under his trenchcoat when he enters the movie theater.

3. How bad is recoil with the pistol grip?

Bad. Best left for hollywood actors using blanks with reduced charge.

 

It's easier to conceal under his trenchcoat when he enters the movie theater.

ah, man! I didn't realize the compulsory waiting period for insensitive jokes was over, or I would have beat you to the punch.

 

I was watching a VHS with my grandfather last year, of some folks shooting geese off at Lossiemouth.

I swear some of those things were so long, they could knock them out of the sky.