My first time

Status
Not open for further replies.

Frostbite

Member
Joined
Nov 18, 2013
Messages
865
Location
Québec
Good evening gentlemen,

This afternoon, I did not work. So, having taken possession of the latest addition to my gun safe two awfully long weeks ago, I ceased the opportunity to hit the road and went to the store to buy some ammo on my way to the range. 65$ later, I was all set. I had already purchased a case of target load on my previous stop at the shop, when I went to buy a twelve gauge brush for the first cleaning of my new gun. No, I did not have one for that size before, because I did not have a twelve gauge before!

Having been a rifle shooter for some time, I got interested in the twelve gauge shotgun for its versatility (hunting is something I enjoy very much). My modest income pushed me towards that option when I looked for something new where to spend that hard earned money. Sure, a new barrel in .270 for my Encore would have been cool, but it is another tool for another use, which is already well covered by a .270 BAR and a .30-06 Gamemaster.

So I began to read about shotguns. A whole new world unveiled to me. Some are beautiful works of art (did you look at the 725 Citori grade V?), some are quite ugly, some shoot better than others, gauge choice, choke choice, ammo choice; lots of new stuff to learn. I like to learn.

I also like new stuff. And I know I will someday inherit some legendary guns (Superposed and other nice and good older guns) my father owns, not too soon if at all possible.

From all I have read here, with regards to my intended uses, I should have bought a used 870 Wingmaster with a modified choke and call it a day. But why listen to old wise men when I can still say I am young and live my own experiences (I already hear some of you whispering mistakes... TSS!).

So, I read, and read, and read some more about shotguns. Reviews, forums, magazines. With a certain budget in mind.

I bought a twelve gauge shotgun without ever having fired one before. I know, not recommended. Please keep in mind that the gun culture up here is rather an anti-gun culture. You can easily borrow a car, but not a gun. And do not mention my Dad's guns. He is a nice and decent man, but he cherishes his guns enough for not to let them in my possession when he is not around.

But I digress. I went to the range and shot the gun and I had fun doing it. At the store on the way there, I bought some slugs and buckshot to compliment the target shot I already had on hand.

I first fired twenty 2 3/4 slugs with it. I was impressed by its consistency doing so. It grouped pretty well. The first three shots at thirty yards touched each other. Well centered, approximately three inches high. The first five shots at 50 yards touched each other. All of them horizontally centered, approximately six inches high. This shooting was done with only the front bead for a sight. There is a shallow depression in the centre of the receiver which I used as a rear sight, kind of.

Having read all sorts of horrors about inherent inaccuracy of shotguns with smooth bore such as mine when firing slugs, I am very pleasantly surprised. I will go forward with my idea of scoping the said gun.

I then continued shooting slugs. Twenty rounds. Did I develop a flinch or did the gun heat to the point where it became less accurate? I would say both, maybe fatigue was the most important factor. These slugs do kick.

But they kick nothing like the other stuff I then tried. One box of 2 3/4" twelve pellets magnum 00 buck, one box of 3" fifteen pellets 00 buck and one box of 3" 000 buck. Those all hurt.

Then, to finish the function test of the shotgun, I shot 25 rounds of 2 3/4" 7 1/2 target load (low brass, as opposed to all of the above, which were high brass). At that point, even that hurt, but a lot less than the buckshot. I shall stick to that and the slugs from now on, or until I find something else, with way less kick in the buckshot department.

I am pleased with my new shotgun. I think I will have a lot of fun with it. I believe it will make a great hunting weapon.

My shoulder hurts:)
 
Last edited:
Try shooting something other than buckshot or slugs. (Your shoulder and wallet will thank you).
Toronto just had a large international shotgun competition earlier this month.
 
I will. I am going to buy a thrower to bust clays. It looks like fun and good practice. When the 28" barrel arrives (it was ordered in December), I will also be allowed to go to the skeet club, where I will be able to try different clay games. I can not go right now because the 18" barrel is not allowed there (26" minimum for skeet and 28" minimum for trap). I will also have to find number 8 or 9 birdshot (which do you suggest? I will have skeet, modified and turkey choke to choose from) by the case since the 7 1/2 I bought is not allowed there either.
 
I see that you said you should have bought a used 870 wingmaster, but I don't see what you actually bought - did I miss it?
 
You did not miss it, I did not mention it because it hurts some sensibilities about manufacturing location. Because you are asking, I will tell you that I bought a Winchester SXP, the Defender to be precise. I think I did mention it in another thread anyway. Furthermore, I will admit that the gun is a low cost one and that it is not a problem, but a good thing with regards to it's foreseen duty. I shall have no regret to use it in rain, snow, mud, or to occasionally bang it on a tree. I will add that even if it is marketed as an HD shotgun, I have no use for such a thing right now. The short barrel appealed to me because it is easier to carry in the woods and because it is said to shoot slugs accurately by the manufacturer, which has also been verified on my first outing, as accounted. I will also add that I like its looks!
 
I think the SXP will serve you well. I have a 1300, which is the older version of the gun. Many like to deride them as cheaply built, but mine has at least 50,000 rounds through it without a breakage. It was the first new gun I purchased, and it was the same price as an 870 at the time. 870's are good guns, but do not fit me at all, and I don't like the safety and action release positions on them.
The 1200/1300/SXP are a solid design, but were a major departure from the classic model 12 that they replaced. The SXP model is also made in Turkey, that a lot of shooters equate with trash guns, which just isn't the case anymore. The actions are the slickest to operate of any pump I have owned, and I have owned many including Ithacas, model 12's, Brownings, Mossbergs, and even a Wingmaster.
 
I think the SXP will serve you well. I have a 1300, which is the older version of the gun. Many like to deride them as cheaply built, but mine has at least 50,000 rounds through it without a breakage. It was the first new gun I purchased, and it was the same price as an 870 at the time. 870's are good guns, but do not fit me at all, and I don't like the safety and action release positions on them.
The 1200/1300/SXP are a solid design, but were a major departure from the classic model 12 that they replaced. The SXP model is also made in Turkey, that a lot of shooters equate with trash guns, which just isn't the case anymore. The actions are the slickest to operate of any pump I have owned, and I have owned many including Ithacas, model 12's, Brownings, Mossbergs, and even a Wingmaster.
The action and the controls, in my humble opinion, are in every way superior to those of my 760 Gamemaster, which I understand to be very similar to the 870's. No rattle, better location, and the release is a lot easier to activate. The action is also smoother, which is surprising on a brand new gun. It functioned flawlessly during that first range session. It is also very simple to disassemble and to reassemble (which is also the case for the Gamemaster) for cleaning purposes. I wish I knew how to do the same with my BAR.
 
Last edited:
Opinions are only that. Mine is that the SXP is the fourth generation attempt at replacing the venerable Model 12 with a reliable design. The 1200, 1300, and Speed Pump all did not make the grade. Time will tell how well the latest Turkish made iteration will fill the bill.
The Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 are both good solid proven designs to put it mildly. Over 20 MILLION sold.
 
The Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 are both good solid proven designs to put it mildly.

I would never question that.

McDonald's sold 300 billions hamburgers. I can eat those hamburgers, but also know other hamburgers are good even if they have not been sold in as great a number or for as long.

This is like stating one should buy a Winchester Model 94 in .30-30 because so many were sold. Do not get me wrong, that rifle is both efficient and a pleasure to handle, but there are also other choices available in the newer offerings which could be just as good... Even if none looks that great!
 
I would never question that.

McDonald's sold 300 billions hamburgers. I can eat those hamburgers, but also know other hamburgers are good even if they have not been sold in as great a number or for as long.

This is like stating one should buy a Winchester Model 94 in .30-30 because so many were sold. Do not get me wrong, that rifle is both efficient and a pleasure to handle, but there are also other choices available in the newer offerings which could be just as good... Even if none looks that great!

Very wise summation! I hope you enjoy SXP as well as I enjoy my 1300. Be careful! You may find that shotguns multiply! My current stable has 14. I like and use them all for one thing or another. :)
 
As mentioned, whether guns or hamburgers,just because a lot of an item had been sold, does not mean they were goof, just cheap and affordable at the time.
 
You may find that shotguns multiply!

Yes, I both fear and enjoy that part of the equation!

Once a basic need is covered, refinement is often pursued, and I think I will like the clay games, so refinement pursuit is probable in an undefined and hopefully distant future.

For the near foreseeable future though, I will concentrate my budgetary efforts on ammo and range fee.

Since I am new to the shotgun world, I think I have some time ahead of me before I outgrow that gun in ability and interest, if I ever do.

For now, I see clay busting as a training activity to familiarize myself to the shotgun handling and shooting prior to hunting with it. I like clean animal kills and prudent behavior. The brief shooting afternoon I enjoyed last Thursday proved instructive: as a well known member wrote it not so long ago on that forum, shotguns and rifles are two different animals.

So much to learn... :)
 
If you ever get a chance, look into the old Browning A-5 shotguns made in Belgium. Those things are awesome! And then, look into the Sweet 16.
 
Were the old ones better than the new ones are? If so, in what way? I'm curious because my father has one of those older nice guns too. It has not seen the sunlight in years.
 
The old, Belgian Brownings are kind of like a pre-64 Winchester 94; very solid and built to last. I never shot a non-Belgian Browning shotgun, but I could tell just by looking at them up close that they're nothing like the older ones. When I was growing up I would sometimes hunt with a Belgian Browning and sometimes with a Remington 1100. There was no comparison between the 2 -- give me the old Browning any day of the week. The Sweet 16 was a special make of the 16 gauge that was especially light -- a fine shotgun. If you ever get a chance, even if it's just to handle one, notice how solid they are (and a bit heavy too).
 
The Japanese Brownings have better steel than the older Belgium guns.
I had an Auto 5 and didn't like it at all. Still have the 1100 I got in 1963. Everyone is different.
 
I bought a 1956 Model 12 12GA. in 1964 for $85.26 inch modified barrel.Just out of the Navy with little money.I used it for squirrel,rabbit,woodcock,grouse,pheasant,duck,goose,turkey.It was not the ideal gun for all of them but I harvested some of each.
 
Exactly what this gun is about, versatility and a low price. It will probably not be the best at anything, but it will be a do it all gun: deer (as a backup, for bad weather or when walking for hunting), rabbits and birds. Pump shotguns are also renowned for their reliability and simple maintenance.
Is squirrel a tasty food? I never tried it as it is not hunted here.
 
I liked squirrel.You need to skin them soon after the shot(there are instructions out there) or they get stiff and hard to skin.Its actually better to shoot them with a small caliber rifle so you don't have to pick pellets out of the meat when eating.The ones I hunted ate corn and acorns and presented running shots when crossing a farm lane to the woods.
 
Frostbite said:
McDonald's sold 300 billions hamburgers. I can eat those hamburgers, but also know other hamburgers are good even if they have not been sold in as great a number or for as long.

That is a great analogy. I merely asked what you ended up going with out of curiosity. Myself, I ended up buying my first pump shotgun, an 870, simply based on it's popularity and reputation. Had I to do it over again, I would have went with a Mossberg 500/590, which I much prefer the location of it's controls over the Remington.

Shoot often, and enjoy your gun.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top