BPS or A-5 for your one shotgun.

[Magnanova1]

OK, heres a question. I want to buy a shotgun sometime down the road, and I am left handed. I am thinking that I will try for a used BPS with the 2 3/4" - 3 1/2" chamber in 12 gauge, because of it's reliability, versatility, simple design and general usefullness. I know it costs more than the Rem 870 Super Magnum express but it has the bottom ejection which helps the left handed thing. I am not a big fan of Mossberg, the 20 ga Model 500  I had kicked more than the 870 Super Magnum I used to own.  I have been thinking, however, that it might be a good idea to go get an A-5 before their price and availability put them beyond my pocketbook. I know it means I'll have to shoot right handed, and it doesn't have the 3 1/2" inch chambering, but it's a classic, and I really like classic guns. But I know parts would be hard to get. So what would y'all recommend? By the way, that would be my one shotgun. College does not do nice things to a persons budget, until after one graduates. It's not really a need to know immediately thing, it's more of a hypothetical thing.

[Ramrod]

Why not a double? They are still the best all around gun, and no problem for lefties.

[dukkillr]

BPS, hands down... for lots of reasons.  The BPS is cheaper to buy, easier to clean, more reliable, and comes with an top mounted safety.  I shoot left handed and I two guns make up the majority of my shooting.  One is a 26" BPS in synthetic camo, and a 28" Model 12 with a left handed safety installed.  

I would never consider giving up my third shot.  I don't care what others say, i've killed lots of critters on the third shot, and for finishing cripples that shot in indespensible.  

The other thing you'll hear people say is that their autos never hang up.  No matter what someone says, your BPS will cycle correctly with mud, ice, and anything else you can stick in it.  Even the highly touted Benelli won't do that.  I've shot the benelli and 16 and 12 ga A5s, so I have some idea of what I'm talking about.  The BPS is the best workhorse gun on the market today.

[Doc T]

How about a left handed auto?  My brother-in-law shoots a left handed Remington 1100 with a 3" chamber.  They currently make the 11-87 in a leftie version.  If you want a pump, don't forget to look at Ithacas.  They make a waterfowl version with a 3" chamber.  If you shoot left handed now, don't change to right handed.  Find something you are comfortable with shooting left handed.