11/87 used, or Stoeger/Verona new?

[BoneDigger]

I'm looking for a good gun that can be used for bird hunting (low brass), duck hunting, and deer hunting with buck shot (3").  The local shop has a used Remington 11-87 for $450, or I can get a new Stoeger or Verona for under $400.  The Verona 405 is $325 and the Stoeger 2000 is $385.  What would you guys do?

The Verona is gas operated and the Stoeger is Inertia based like the Binelli.

Todd

[Dave H20 Fowl]

Todd,  I'd buy the 11-87, or if I wanted a new gun for less money, I would consider one of the many fine pump actions on the market.  Pumps don't struggle with going from high to low brass and back like some semi's do.  Although, that problem has subsided a great deal with more modern guns.  How "used" is the 11-87?  I haven't any experience with the other guns you mentioned, but I did try out a single shot Stoeger with a bent barrel, it came from the factory that way.  It has been my experience that you can get away with inexpensive pump, and break open shotguns.  But cheap semi's can be a nightmare.
Best of luck.

[Mattkc]

If you are looking for one do it all shotgun go with the pump.  I'm not a fan of autos in the field.  I like something simple like a pump or double.  In your price range there are several options Rem. , Browning or the Nova.  You can't beat a 870 for a all around gun.  since you will be duck hunting the Wingmaster would be a better choice.  Some people say the express version rusts easily.

[Ramrod]

BoneDigger, you can't go wrong with a Remington. Their reliability has been proven over many years, and their $ value holds up very well on the used gun market. Not true with the other guns you mentioned.

[buffalobob]

The remington 11-87 in 20 gauge is a good gun that will work well with skeet to 3" loads. It is a reasonably quick gun that points well i.e. it kills a lot of doves and crows.  It absorbs recoil well.

It likes to be cleaned.

It has a little O ring in the gas mechanism up near the end of the magazine tube and you have to be careful when taking the gun down for cleaning and putting it back together that you don't tear it up.  They cost $2.50 apiece and all you have to say to your gunsmith is that you need a round rubber dowhacky for a 11-87 and he will know what you mean.  

It has a little peculiarity that if you do not firmly push the shell into the magazine until it catches then the shell can come back under the bolt and then you have to field strip the gun right then and there.

I really like the gun and I assume the 12 guage would be similar

[raynor]

I have 2 Verona's, SX-401 and SX-405.  Fit and finish on both is outstanding.:grin:
 
Excellent guns for the money, like them so well that I sold my 1100 and 11/87.

If you shop around, the 405 can be had for around $250.  So far I've never had a single hic-up in the Verona's, that's with a mixed bag of handloads and some factory stuff. ~~ raynor

[Jeff Vicars]

I have a Stoeger 2000, the action is slick and it takes target loads to turkey loads without a single problem.