New shotgunner and related questions

[NateG]

Okay, so I'd shot trap a few times, and, this weekend, my wife and I decided to head out and give it a go. We went to Bull Run in Manassas where my wife wasn't able to shoot (If you've never shot trap/skeet before you have to take a class first, and the last class of the day had already started), so I shot a few rounds (poorly) and we went back today to take the class. My wife had a heck of a time. We didn't shoot much, but she shot well (was the only female who hit her pair) and is now suggesting that we get a shotgun or two. This never happens, my wife often goes along with gun purchases, but doesn't instigate them.

So, here's my question: what shotgun (or shotguns) would y'all recommend for a couple of beginners? Both of us liked the idea of wobble trap or other two-shot games, for what it's worth. Also, she's quite small; she thought the 28 gauge she shot was enough recoil. She could probably go up to a 20 gauge, but a 12 would definitely take some of the fun out of it for her.

Also, she thinks revolvers are "cute" and has similar feelings for break action shotguns. Are there any inexpensive O/U or S/S shotguns out there? Or, what else would y'all recommend for a couple of shotguns for a couple of newbies?

Thanks in advance,
Nate

 

[Oldnamvet]

Inexpensive and S/S or O/U shotguns are almost mutually exclusive. However, there are a few low end ones starting with the Stoeger at about $300 and the Remington Spartan at about $500. I have a Stoeger O/U in 20 gauge and like it. So far I have put around 1000 rounds through it with no problems. However, they usually don't come in 28 gauge. If you have the $$ and want to get into it long term, think about the Browning or Beretta class of shotgun. As far as worksmanship and reliability, you usually get what you pay for.
There will be a lot of additional suggestions as to other models as well. I think it would be cool to have my wife actually shop for a shotgun rather than rolling her eyes when I mention getting another one.

 

[NateG]

Yeah, I'm quite pleasantly suprised by it. She's (only somewhat jokingly) suggesting we get them for each other for Valentine's. (Her birthday is at the beginning of February, mine's at the end of February)

Stoeger, huh? I'll have to look up that one. There's a gun show in VA around the middle of February, so we might go browse and see what we find. Anything else we should be on the lookout for?

Thanks again,
Nate

 

[BozemanMT]

I'm a SxS man, but I too would recomend the O/U plan too, with some stuff below.
what do you mean inexpensive?
I think a "good" O/U is going to be about $700 or so
used Browning/Beretta, maybe a new CZ or other Europeon makes.
I woudl suggest starting cheaper than you will know what you like and within a year you'll be thinking that $3000 is normal for one shotgun. (just ask me how i know this. )

Suggestions:

• longer barrels are better for clay games, generally
• Stocks are generally made for the average man, which means they are almost always too long for smaller people (women, small men, etc). Plan on a gun fitting, at least cutting the stock down and installing REALLY GOOD recoil pads if not a full fitting.
• Learn how to mount the gun consistently and solidly, makes all the difference.
• 1oz loads shoot fine and recoil a lot less than 1.125oz loads.
• a heavier gun (most clays guns are heavier, most hunting guns are lighter) have less felt recoild, but are harder at first to keep up. (your weak hand shoulder will be worn out early)
• I HATE auto-safeties and most clay guns don't have them, your choice on this one, they can be diconnected by a gunsmith if you get a good deal.
• removable changable chokes are a big plus.

• Pattern your gun.
• Read Dave's shotgunning 101.
• read a lot actually.

Oh, my wife shoots a O/U, her length of pull is like 12.75 inches, they have to get cut down a lot. Oh, worse, she outshoots me already after only 7 months of her shooting.

Oh yeah, HAVE FUN!!!

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

Two words for you: 28 ga

Really. My wife would not shoot a shotgun since she shot my 12 ga about thirty years ago. I got her to shoot a 28 ga 870 last spring and then bought a Baikal sxs 28 that she has since claimed for herself. She will break (and smoke) targets with it, and have fun.

We both smoked a few this afternoon with the little 28's. Funny thing is, once I'm on the targets, it really doesn't matter which gun is in my hands, 12 ga Citori or 28 ga 870, targets just go *poof*.

Best part is, you can blame Steve, or lately maybe me, for your purchase.

 

[Rupestris]

A 28ga would be nice but a 20ga that fits her will be cheaper to buy and shoot if you don't roll your own.

A Stevens 311 in 20ga SxS can be had for about $400.

Stoegers aren't bad but consider a good used domestic first.

Best way to improve scores is to take Daves advise and BA/UU/R

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

A Stevens 311 in 20ga SxS can be had for about $400

I bought one of those about fifteen years ago for my son and for some reason never fired it until today.

What a sweetheart! Ask Justin. The little gun just smokes clays and is a blast to shoot.

20ga that fits her will be cheaper to buy and shoot if you don't roll your own

Agreed. 28 ga almost pre-supposes you reload, or are very wealthy (I reload ).

 

[sm]

Okay where is the big grin smilie I requested a l-o-n-g time ago incorporated with a Shotgun. Oh well...

 

[BT100]

Autoloader and O/U

Nate I'd have to recommend a Remington 11-87 Light Contour for your wife. Recoil even in a 12GA is minimal and she can hold it for longer. My wife started with one and never looked back. Buy a nice O/U for yourself. Both in 20GA would be nice but if you play the game and paly a lot you'll need cheap ammo and thats where a 12GA is nice to shoot. You can buy target ammo for around $3.00 a box.