New to shotguns, Need some help...

[jcalys]

I am brand new to firearms in general, but am looking to purchase a shotgun. I have recently fell in love with skeet shooting and am looking to really get into it. I only plan to shoot skeet or clays with it, maybe eventually ducks or pheasant. My price range maxes out at around $600. I would prefer an o/u, but I know that $600 really limits my choices. I have been looking at Spartan o/u's and the Mossberg Silver Reserve. Looks of the guns is not an issue, I really just want reliability for now. If I end up going with pump as my first gun I was looking at Mossberg 500's or Remington 870's. If I went auto maybe an 1100. Any suggestions or info on these guns or other suggestions would be apriciated. Also suggestions on "intro to shotgun" books or websites would be great.

Thanks in advance,

Jimmy, a future shotgunner

 

[Dave McCracken]

Jimmy, welcome aboard. Don't pick out a shotgun yet. Hie thyself to the range and talk to folks about their shotguns. Many shotgunners will let a well mannered tyro try out their pet for a few shots or even a round. Go with what feels good.

I do not usually recommend a double for a first shotgun. Good ones are rarely cheap, cheap ones rarely good. Repeaters are more versatile, and oft less tempermental. Any of the ones mentioned by you will suffice.

There's a series of threads in the Archives that comprise a primer on shotgunning called the 101 threads, as in Shotgun 101. There's much of value therein. Enjoy.....

 

[PJR]

If you are talking about formal skeet shooting at a club then I'd suggest you go with an auto loader. In your price range, a good used 1100 would be the best choice. The pump guns are great but there is a lot to learn in clay shooting without having to remember to pump the gun on the doubles.

I've seen a couple of the Spartan o/us which are rebadged Baikals from Russia and I wouldnt bother. Dave is right on the mark with his comments about cheap o/us.

Welcome to the clay sports.

Paul

 

[kudu]

Welcome Jimmy,

If formal skeet is what you are mainly interested in, go try out several guns at your nearest facility that caters to that venue. If blasting clays from a hand or portable thrower for plain old fun, just about any quality gun will do fine.

If you are going for a gun that you plan to shoot alot, remember that will be the cheapest part of the sport, so do try out different guns and choose one that fits you without to much scrunching around to get a sight picture.

Find someone that may be willing to coach you as a novice shooter as well. There are many here from all over the US that would be willing to help new shotgunners.

Bristers' book " Shotgunning, the Art and Science" is a must read for new shooters. Fred Missildine is another author to look up.

Have fun, look over the archives, ask your questions, and good shooting.

 

[sm]

Welcome to THR!

Well the folks above gave the best advice - best to pay attention to them.

Tip # 47 : Shoot a 28 ga, O/U with real nice wood.

Yeah yeah I know...back to my corner I go...sometimes they take my leash off and leave the gate open and I sneak out...

 

[Otherguy Overby]

Nothing to it.

Just go buy an auto-loader.

Go practice.

In a month or two, when you can shoot like this:

http://www.sportshooter.com/movies/tknapp_9targets.mpg

Please do give us a report.

Thanks!

 

[Brian Dale]

Welcome to The High Road, Jimmy. Good post.

 

[Ford]

Interesting,
I am also in the same situation. First let me say I am not trying to steal jcalys thread so I will keep it short.
I live very close to a trap/skeet range and have been wanting to give it a try. I used to quail hunt a TON with my father when I was younger but he is on heart attack 4 now and can't handle all the walking. Anyway I have not shot in a long time. I need a LH shotgun and am thinking about the Remington 11-87. It seems to be the best priced of the LH semi-auto shotguns.

 

[sm]

< ear lobe being pulled>

Try before you buy. Gun fit IS that important. Makes no nevermind what the barrel or choke is marked - only the Pattern board knows for sure. Well - only YOU can tell what YOU shoot best by shooting a variety before you buy. Ain't nothing wrong with buying used either. First shot makes a new gun a used one anyway.

< will you let go of my ear lobe now kudu...oh great...here comes Dave>

 

[jcalys]

Thanks a lot guys, especially Dave... I've only been into shotguns and this Forum for a couple of days but Dave's "101 threads" are great. Not only are they informative, but easy to read and oft entertaining too. Even as a newcomer I can tell that you have a wealth of information that I have enjoyed tapping into.

 

[jcalys]

I changed my mind.... Actually, damn you Dave. I've found around 30 of these 101's and they are just so good that I know I'm going to be up all night reading them. I gotta get some sleep for work in the morning. Oh well... You really should clean these up, put them together and put out a book.
Thanks again.

 

[sm]

* ahem*

There is a book in works.

We also have 'pop quizzes' around this forum.

[ Oh goody - I get to give a pop quiz ]

Pop Quiz #1

1) " What does BA/UU/R stand for?"

2) " What is the damn book that sm character - and others- are always recommending to new shooters?"

Bonus Question.

3) "Name the favorite shotgun used by Moderator Al Thompson. "


You get this one right - you win the bragging rights and a pat on the back. This shows you have used the search function and paid attention.


Hey...gimmee a break ....I've been taking tests...nice to give one for a change.

 

[jcalys]

Ok
1. Buy ammo use up repeat
2. Can't remember his first name but, Bristers Art of Shotgunning (something along those lines)

Bonus-- You win. Haven't gone that deep yet. I'm sure I'll find it eventally though.

 

[sm]

I'm impressed!! Great Job!!

Kinda obvious I'm the Rebel of this here forum...
I hope it was obvious I was just having some fun and all - we do that here...well I do anyways...

I "betcha" some folks hold them Ithaca 37s in 20 ga in high regard for a shotgun...I read that "somewhere once"...

 

[Dave McCracken]

You're welcome, Jimmy. Take your time and read the 101s a couple times, there's so much info there it takes a while to soak in.

jc, the book is coming, but good things take time. Patience...

Couple of things for the new folks....

Any shotgun is a good one if it's reliable, hits where you're looking and doesn't punish you with kick. Brands are not important if it's a US made repeater in current production or one of the classics. That's not just chauvinism. These are the stalwarts that last generations, have aftermarket goodies, and build family legends.

However, the shotgun is not what hits the target. Ammo is at least as critical, and I'd rather have top grade ammo for live targets. It's our obligation to take only low risk shots for clean humane kills,and using good ammo with hard, round shot helps. Any old ammo works for training.

LIke anything else worthwhile in life, getting to be a shotgunner takes work and committment. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Shotgunland. After some period of time, you'll note that you KNOW the target's hit as you press the trigger. Congrats, you're a Shotgunner....