Finally Got My FOID
 

In Illinois, in order to legally posses a firearm and buy ammunition, one must register with the state and obtain a FOID (Firearm Owner ID) card.

I finally stopped procrastinating and got one. I get a large paycheck at the end of the month and have no Porsche-related needs currently, so I think it's time to exercise my second amendment rights.

As I've said previously, I want a shotgun. I want something that I can use for clay pigeons, deer hunting (should I ever actually go), and if absolutely need be, home defense. I'd like to start in the $200-$300 range, but will go higher if need be.

I'd like to get the groups recommendations on gauge, brand, and model. Is it even possible to get a shotgun that can be used for pigeons and deer hunting?

Is anyone familiar with Illinois gun laws (or can point me towards a good guide)? Specifically, what do I need to know about storage and transportation of both weapons and ammunition?

The Illinois State Rifle Association is one of the most active among the various state NRA affiliates. I'm sure they have people that can supply you with all the current legal information.

I don't know about the laws in your area, but a used Remington 1187 semi-automatic shotgun in 12 or 20 gauge would be a good all-around shotgun. I have a 12 ga and have used it for pheasant,duck,geese,grouse and it's been reliable and inexpensive. I bought mine 10 years ago at Gander Mtn. (local sporting goods store) for $375 (I believe). A 20 gauge is supposed to be more versatile and capable of shooting/hunting the same way the 12ga does, but with less kick and cheaper ammo. I had a Mossberg that was a piece of junk and I bought it brand-new. It failed to fire/cycle so many times I gave it away...

A Remington 870 pump in 12 gauge will do just fine. Get one with a 28" barrel, 3" chamber, and interchangeable chokes for your wingshooting needs. Get a second barrel, 22" long, 3" chamber, and rifled, with rifle sights, if Illinois allows slugs for deer hunting. This short barrel should also be on it for home defense. Load it up with a heavy duck/pheasant load of #6's or #4's for home use, ignoring the fact that is is rifled. Won't make any difference at conversational ranges. You should be able to get out the door with the gun and the extra barrel for around $400 or so if you look around.

Mossberg 500. Around $200, they are indestructable. Same as the 590, which is what the military uses, only has the shorter mag tube.

+1 on the Rem 870. Never been a fan of semi-auto shotguns.

BTW, remind me NOT to move to Illinois. FOID? WTF is up with that?

After I purchase a gun, I get the pleasure of registering it with the state...

Guns are DANGEROUS, and so are the people who own them. We have had so many problems with workers compensation claims in California, we are now asking citizens to register their skill saws. Hand tools are next.

Remind me to leave my bastard file at home next time I visit!!!

Hard to go wrong with any of the suggestions...but don't be afraid to buy used.

I have a number of shotguns (I love to shoot skeet) and have bought two guns used. Both have been perfect, and much cheaper than new.

Try this link:

http://www.gunsamerica.com/

Ever speak to someone from Skoakie?

I thought he meant "Ford," and was looking for a photo of a new Mustang GT.

Obviously you should join M.I.L.T.. You can't be too safe.

Damn, that's funny! I think I need the T-shirt.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1157502802.jpg

I have bought 2 New guns in the last 14 years, the rest are just new to me.

The Remington 870 is a true workhorse for the working mans budget. THe Ithica MDL 37 would be something else I would try and compare. OR a nice pre 64 Winchester MDL 12 in 12GA...they can be had in the low $400 range. I sold one last year that was practically BRAND NEW for $475. which for the quality of gun is a GIVE AWAY PRICE.

Generally the older guns were of better quality, Winchester before 1964, Colt and S&W before the 80s, Browning generally before they left FN & Belgium.

What do you think of Belgium FN guns? I bought a FN HP SFS last year. It could use a little trigger/accurizing work, but otherwise it seems to be a great 9mm.

Remington is a good, relatively low cost, high quality shotgun that will do what you want. Keep in mind that when hunting, you'll most likely have to install a magazine reducing spacer, called a magazine plug; that you would not want in the gun when it's doing duty as a home protection tool.

Think two shotguns for these extremely varied tasks. That way you can set up the home defense tool with an 8 round magazine, 18 inch barrel, and combat sling; and keep the hunting weapon set up for what you're hunting most often. If I had to choose which to buy first, I'd get the home defense taken care of right away.

I have a 12 gauge for home defense; my hunting gun is a very lightweight 20 gauge over/under. I can carry it all day since it weighs just over 6 pounds in the morning and never more than 15 pounds by the end of the day.:cool:

I agree, but I also wanted something that would actually get shot from time to time...

ISRA was one of our biggest clients at my last job. Too bad they fighting a losing battle in that state. My next gun will be a Mossberg Mariner. It's too bad we have to jump through so many hoops to own guns. VA is one of the gun-friendliest states in the Union and we still have a gun rationing law that allows you to buy only one hangun per month. So I try to buy at least one handgun per month;). Fortunately, CCW holders and criminals are exempt from this law.

Damned good advice. The sound of a shotgun pump action being worked will make a burglar run fast...as fast as he'll run from a Rotweiller...:)

Here in Arizona its called a "birth certificate" ...

All of you guys living in states who require BS like this will try to change into this: http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/302869-threat-burglars.html

Join the NRA and fight to keep our rights. Sooner is better than later...