For most guys, you can usually trace their firearm enthusiasm back to their first shotgun. Keeping with tradition, it's still the most popular Christmas firearm gift.

Before you hop into this list, I'll go ahead and give you full disclosure... It may seem like there's only one brand in this short list, and that I'm some sort of Remington fan-boy, but they truly make some of the best American shotguns you can buy.

Yes, they do have issues with some finishes, and we'll go over that, completely un-biased below.

  • Best - Remington 1100 American Classic

    There is no better 'bang for your buck' in the world of fancy shotguns, than the Remington 1100. The list of wood choices, finishes, engraving, etc... is endless.

    Think a $2500 chunk of Turkish walnut would look better on your 1100? It's available... However, the American Classic is the perfected balance between pretty finish, and functional firearm. It's going to work, every time you pull that trigger, but not fancy enough to keep you from taking it out of the safe.

    Now before you go off on some Franchi/Benelli tantrum, there are better auto's out there... More modern, better technology, yada-yada... but they don't look near as good walking in the tall grass.

    Browning used to own this category, but as most do, has fallen behind the times.

    Remington 1100 American Classic - MSRP $1650

    Click Here For Details

    Remington.com
    Remington.com
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  • Best Value - Remington 870

    Every self respecting man either owns, or has owned a Remington 870 pump. Period.

    Sure, there's a mess of companies out there trying to earn your hard earned dollars, peddling their sorry excuse for firearms... Don't pay attention to them.

    The 870 is available in a few different gauges, with several different mild-to-wild finishes. Most of which are embarrassingly easy to rust.

    It's true, the factory finish Remington uses these days is almost as bad as having bare steel. These are the finishes you find on the lower priced models... but don't let that put you off this great firearm. It just takes a little care and oil to keep it pristine. If you order the glossy blue Wingmaster model, you won't have those cares.

    The Remington 870 American Classic - MSRP $1249

    (but the 870 base models can be found locally around $300)

    Click Here For Details

     

    Remington.com
    Remington.com
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  • Best Alternative - H&R Pardner

    Continuing the trend here is the revered H&R Pardner Pump. It is basically a stripped down, slightly modified Remington 870 base model.

    The lines are a little different to differentiate between brands, but the internals are all the same. That being said, parts and accessories for the 870 will not fit the Pardner without a little modification for fitment issues, but it can be done.

    While it is somewhat of a value/off brand, it's a really good deal for a 'first' shotgun.

    H&R Pardner Pump - MSRP $259... but it's common to find them behind your reputable local gun counters for around $200.

    Click Here For Details

    hr1871.com
    hr1871.com
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