That is exactly what I told my son when I gave him one of my spare 12 gauge pumps. He has been practicing quite a bit with the cheap bulk packs. He has even busted some hand thrown clays with the 20" barrel with ghost ring sights.
Best shotgun for newbie
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That is exactly what I told my son when I gave him one of my spare 12 gauge pumps. He has been practicing quite a bit with the cheap bulk packs. He has even busted some hand thrown clays with the 20" barrel with ghost ring sights.
George P
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What does he like to do? Other hobbies?
I know when folks ask me about going to a club to hopefully borrow someone's nice gun to try I tell them to bring nice ammo, like Remington Gold Nitros and give them a box for every box you shoot in their gun; and if they reload, give them those empties
I know when folks ask me about going to a club to hopefully borrow someone's nice gun to try I tell them to bring nice ammo, like Remington Gold Nitros and give them a box for every box you shoot in their gun; and if they reload, give them those empties
My rule for shooting with friends - 1st range trip / shooting get together with new shooters is on me.
2nd trip, I expect you to bring your own gun and ammo.
Shooting is like going to the Casino - every time you pull the trigger, you're sending at least $0.25 down range. 22LR is a little cheaper but maybe a nickel to 10 cents a pull.
12 gauge can get spendy fast with buckshot or slugs. Figure $1.00 per trigger pull.
You might offer to take him to lunch or dinner.
2nd trip, I expect you to bring your own gun and ammo.
Shooting is like going to the Casino - every time you pull the trigger, you're sending at least $0.25 down range. 22LR is a little cheaper but maybe a nickel to 10 cents a pull.
12 gauge can get spendy fast with buckshot or slugs. Figure $1.00 per trigger pull.
You might offer to take him to lunch or dinner.
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Buzznrose
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I never ask for money when I bring folks shooting, and flat refuse to take any for first time shooters, but that is just me.
subsequent trips, I appreciate what anyone offers, and I generally spend $20-40 per shooter...some much less if they just shoot .22’s.
A few guys who just like to shoot and keep asking, I charge them for all ammo at my replacement costs, generally $15/50 9MM or whatever. Or they bring their own.
John Joseph
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I'd avoid having both a 12 gauge and a 20 gauge, especially if you're new.
A 20 gauge mistakenly slipped into a 12 gauge will go down the barrel, essentially making it a bomb.
Pick one or the other.
Stay safe.
A 20 gauge mistakenly slipped into a 12 gauge will go down the barrel, essentially making it a bomb.
Pick one or the other.
Stay safe.
John Joseph
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For HD, I'd prefer a shotgun and a pistol over two shotguns as shotguns take up more space to "stage" and because of the longer barrels are more unwieldy to maneuver indoors although it's hard to miss with a shotgun and much harder to connect with a handgun(which you hold in one hand and call 9-1-1 with the other) They compliment each other.
Yes a .22 rifle can be used, and certainly a good idea for learning to shoot but it won't teach you about shotgunning
Yes a .22 rifle can be used, and certainly a good idea for learning to shoot but it won't teach you about shotgunning
Buzznrose
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Short of moving targets like clays or birds in flight, a .22 rifle teaches all the basics of long gun handling and safety.
totally agree that new gun owners buying a 12 and 20 gauge and keeping both in close proximity is a poor idea.
I am still unconvinced this situation would be best served by shotguns, based on the scenario as outlined by the OP. An AR/AR pistol or PCC in 9MM seems like a much better solution due to ease of use, capacity, and operating costs.
Thanks for the input regarding ammo. I’ll offer my buddy some $$$ and see what he says.
Can’t find any shotguns anywhere right now. I was looking at the moss berg maverick 88 or the 500/590.
I can get a Ruger 10/22 or 9mm rifle right now though. Once the shotguns come back in stock I’ll pick one up.
Looking at gun safes too now. I have two small kids and don’t want them getting ahold of the gun. Found a couple at tractor supply that look nice near me. Have a spot in the closet in our master bathroom right next to our bedroom it could go.
Can’t find any shotguns anywhere right now. I was looking at the moss berg maverick 88 or the 500/590.
I can get a Ruger 10/22 or 9mm rifle right now though. Once the shotguns come back in stock I’ll pick one up.
Looking at gun safes too now. I have two small kids and don’t want them getting ahold of the gun. Found a couple at tractor supply that look nice near me. Have a spot in the closet in our master bathroom right next to our bedroom it could go.
Ernie Bass
member
Simple, reliable, formidable if you know what you are doing. I have a Mossberg 500 20ga for home defense. I also have a 18" single shot that weighs 4 lbs.
Re the Ruger 10/22 & 9mm carbine - if you can afford to do so, get both. If not, start with the 9mm as it is a better caliber for home defense. Current events (riots, covid-19) in my mind, dictate making self defense a priority.
Note on the Ruger PC carbine - get one that has iron sights. Make sure it's in 9mm. Ruger sells one in 40 Smith & Wesson. 9mm ammo is less expensive allowing you to practice more for less $. Ruger makes a couple versions without sights included. Those require either a red dot or the addition of flip up aftermarket sights. A red dot can be added to all versions of the PC 9. Best to get one with iron sights.
You might look for a handgun that uses compatible magazines with the Ruger PC 9mm Carbine. Handguns that are compatible are the Ruger SR9, SR9 Compact / Security 9, Security 9 Compact or the Glock 26, 19, 19X, 17, 34, 45. To generalize all double stack Glock 9mm pistol mags will work the Ruger PC 9 with the Glock magazine module installed.
Either way, if you buy a Ruger 9mm carbine you will need to buy spare magazines. I would recommend at least 4 spare mags (more is always better). Glock sells magazines in the following capacities for 9mm: 10rds, 12rds, 15rds, 17rd, and 33rds. I'd recommend you get whatever is available. Stick with Glock factory mags or Magpul Glock mags.
I sent my Sister a mixture of Magpul Glock 26 - 12rd mags, Glock 19 - 15rd mags, Glock 17 - 17rd mags, and Glock 18 - 33rd mags. I also sent 600rds of ammo to include a mixture of cheap target ammo - 115gr Full Metal Jacket and "expensive" 124gr Jacket Hollow Points.
The smaller capacity mags are for 3 - Polymer 80 Glock 26 kits I sent for my 2 Nephews and Niece. All of these mags will work in the PC 9 carbine.
In regards to gun safety:
The Hunter Safety Program offered in all 50 states is a good way to learn gun safety.
https://www.hunter-ed.com/wisconsin/?campaignid=172759819&adgroupid=15544601899&keyword=wisconsin hunter safety&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_ez2BRCyARIsAJfg-kvq45qQXjswHBYKVRq4YWwbIDLq36ytZvGrjePobtVi2o_BY6n_dRUaAu6vEALw_wcB
I grew up in Illinois and wasn't required to take hunter safety to hunt in Illinois. A good family friend taught me gun safety and how to hunt when I was 12.
Since moving to Missouri 11 years ago, Hunter Safety isn't required to hunt on my own land. However, if I want to hunt off my land it's required. I took the online course and hands on practical class 3 years ago at age 42. I wasn't the oldest person in the hands on class. While you may never hunt, the basics of gun safety and safe gun handling are all included in the course and it's worth taking. Wisconsin uses the same Hunter Safety course that I took in Missouri.
Down the line, you really should get handgun, take a Wisconsin CCW class, and obtain a Wisconsin CCW License.
Then... get an AR15.
You are on the right path. Watching videos, planning range trips, finding friends that will let you shoot their guns....BTW, when you go to your friends place, take a box each of 12 ga and 20 ga shells. You mention what you have learned racing and you are right, practice is essential. I know I can load all of my guns in the dark just by feel. My wife has to be shown how to load the gun (pistols), again, after numerous trips to the range. She's good shooter, but her interest stops there. So if the interest is there you will both do fine with practice.
Shanghai McCoy
Member
The 870 Express model also comes with a short barrel and screw in chokes. I have one that I re-stocked to my LOP and mounted a flashlight to. It is the closet gun for varmint control.
Buzznrose
Member
Went shooting today at my buddy’s house. My wife came along too. Man did we have fun!!!
We shot a couple 22 rifles, 9mm rifle, AR15, 12 gauge shotgun, 20 gauge shotgun, 22 handgun, and 9mm handgun.
The 22 with the scope was fun, I was hitting stuff easy with that one. My wife really enjoyed that one as well. We shot that one first.
My buddy gave me the 12 gauge shotgun next. Holy crap! That gun has some serious power! Felt like a cannon to me haha! Fired some 2 3/4 buck shot, then some 3” magnums. I would not want to be on the other end of that gun! Fun to shoot but definitely some recoil haha! My shoulder was a little sore after some rounds with that one haha! My wife passed on that one.
We shot the 20 gauge next. Still a powerful gun, but not as much recoil as the 12 gauge. That was a fun gun. My wife shot that one, she said it was cool but still a bit much for her.
We tried the AR15 after that. That’s a nice gun! Easy to shoot, real accurate, fun to shoot off multiple rounds really fast. My wife liked that gun too.
We shot the handguns after that. Those were fun too, but I have to say I like the long guns better. My wife liked the 9mm handgun.
Overall it was a really fun day! My buddy showed me how to hold the guns, how to stand, aim, safety location and operation, etc. I offered some $$$ after to cover ammo expense but he refused. He said no way, I’m glad to show you guys, it was fun having you over, don’t worry about it. We all talked for a while after and then hit the road.
It was a great experience. Very different shooting guns in real life vs reading stuff online or watching videos. It was a really fun day!
We shot a couple 22 rifles, 9mm rifle, AR15, 12 gauge shotgun, 20 gauge shotgun, 22 handgun, and 9mm handgun.
The 22 with the scope was fun, I was hitting stuff easy with that one. My wife really enjoyed that one as well. We shot that one first.
My buddy gave me the 12 gauge shotgun next. Holy crap! That gun has some serious power! Felt like a cannon to me haha! Fired some 2 3/4 buck shot, then some 3” magnums. I would not want to be on the other end of that gun! Fun to shoot but definitely some recoil haha! My shoulder was a little sore after some rounds with that one haha! My wife passed on that one.
We shot the 20 gauge next. Still a powerful gun, but not as much recoil as the 12 gauge. That was a fun gun. My wife shot that one, she said it was cool but still a bit much for her.
We tried the AR15 after that. That’s a nice gun! Easy to shoot, real accurate, fun to shoot off multiple rounds really fast. My wife liked that gun too.
We shot the handguns after that. Those were fun too, but I have to say I like the long guns better. My wife liked the 9mm handgun.
Overall it was a really fun day! My buddy showed me how to hold the guns, how to stand, aim, safety location and operation, etc. I offered some $$$ after to cover ammo expense but he refused. He said no way, I’m glad to show you guys, it was fun having you over, don’t worry about it. We all talked for a while after and then hit the road.
It was a great experience. Very different shooting guns in real life vs reading stuff online or watching videos. It was a really fun day!
Hands on experience is always the best in my book. And I would say that you answered your own question, a shotgun for you and a pistol for your wife. Going by your experiences today, I would go with a 20 gauge incase your wife needs to use it. As far as recommendations for a 9mm, get one that fits her the best if she is going to be the primary user. If you both will use it equally, then get something that you both are comfortable with.
luzyfuerza
Member
You are blessed to have such a great friend!
My wife really liked the 22 rifle the best. I think we might get one of those first so we can hit the range nearby and get used to shooting more. Ammo is cheap and it’s easy to use and fun. Then I’d like to get a 20 gauge shotgun as we could both shoot that one too. Down the road maybe a 9mm handgun.
Definitely! He’s a really nice guy! We met a few years ago at the dragstrip while racing our cars. He had the same car as me and same color haha! We hit it off talking about cars and went from there. I told him we were interested in learning more about guns and I knew he was big into guns, figured he’d be a good source. He was glad to show us the ropes.
luzyfuerza
Member
In your description of the range day, there was no mention of safety. I would be surprised if a good shooter like your friend didn't start there. You mention the need for a safe, so I know that safety is on your minds.
However, just to be sure, I'll mention that practicing muzzle and trigger finger discipline, knowing your target and what's beyond it, when to load, etc., and use of appropriate safety gear is fundamental, even more important than learning to hit your target.
https://gunsafetyrules.nra.org/
However, just to be sure, I'll mention that practicing muzzle and trigger finger discipline, knowing your target and what's beyond it, when to load, etc., and use of appropriate safety gear is fundamental, even more important than learning to hit your target.
https://gunsafetyrules.nra.org/
Yeah he told me to always keep my trigger finger straight out along the gun, never near the trigger, until you’re ready to fire and aiming at your target.
I’m going to see what kind of gun safety courses there are nearby so my wife and I can learn more about safety.
FFGColorado
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Ruger 10/22 and Mossberg Maverick 88 in 20g?
Yes that’s kind of what I was thinking. I ordered a Ruger 10/22 the other night. Figured we could start with that. Easy to shoot for both of us, cheaper ammo, etc.
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