Newbie asking questions

[rauchman]

Greetings,

I am mostly into pistol shooting and to a lesser extent rifle shooting. I've shot a shotgun maybe 2 or 3 times in my life. Basically, I know nothing of the shotgun stuff. Over Easter, a friend of the family and myself were talking about sport shooting with shotgun, ie, trap, skeet, etc. The more I listened the more I found I was really interested in attempting this. I love pistol shooting, but shooting at paper all day, becomes a little.... ahem... boring. Besides, the wife has expressed an interest in this sport!!!!!

My original impression of shotgun has always been that they beat you up pretty badly. After thinking about it though, I really don't have enough experience to say one way or another. Anyway, I want to give this whole sport shotgunning thing a try. Also, being the gun nut that I am, I am looking to you folks to give me the low down on the preferred shotguns and ammo choices for this sport. Of course, now I'm thinking of getting a shotgun. I'm not too concerned with the HD aspect of a shotgun. I get the feeling whether you have a pump or auto, it will still make a mess of an intruder in one's home.

So, basically what I need to know is the following:

Recommended web sites related to the sport
Recommendations on various shotguns (just from glancing around on this site, the Remington 1100 and 1187's seem to be recommended... of course the wife is looking at over unders .....expensive over unders!!!)...cost is a factor here though.
Approximation of costs: weapon, ammo, range fees, other gear, etc.
Anything else you folks would recommend.

Thanks so much for your time.
Ken

 

[ysr_racer]

Hi Ken,

Welcome aboard. Here's a good website for info : http://www.shotgunsports.com/talkgrou.htm

Rem 1100's or 1187 are good guns. They're easy to shoot and don't beat you up. Over / Under and pumps recoil more. I'd stay away from an O/U for your first gun.

Cost:

Box of 25 shells $4 - $5, I buy mine at WalMart for $14.88 per 100.

Trap & skeet in So. Cal. is $5 a round (25 birds)

Sporting clays is $35 - $40 for 100 birds.

 

[ysr_racer]

Here's another good websight: http://www.claytargetsonline.com/aboutthegames.php

 

[Steve Smith]

Well, I'm no "shotgunner" like some here are, but handling a shottie is something that just takes some time, understanding, and a little common sense. Some folks try to prove something by shooting the most powerful rounds they can stuff into the gun. Well, you can do that if you like, but if you go to the other end of that spectrum and use loads that apply to trap and skeet they you'll find they are not painful to shoot at all. Also gun fit and understanding how to address the gun will make a huge difference.

I'd urge you and your wife to hold off on buying guns untill you shoot the sport some with some rentals or loaners. Many clubs have shotguns you can borrow, too. Doing this will tell you two things: #1 do you like the sport enough to invest a couple of thousand in it? #2 what kind of gun appeals to each of you the most? She may find she likes a 20 ga auto-loader instead of a over-under, or vice-versa. Try a LOT of different things before you buy. I'm sure other shooters will let you both try your hand with their gun for a round as well.

 

[Dave McCracken]

The Archives here have a plethora of info for new shotgunners. There's a series of threads started by Yr Humble Scrivener and contributed to by a "Think Tank" of folks that comprise centuries of experience. These will help you. they're the 101 threads.

Your local range may have shotguns for rent and or purchase, and many trapshooters will lend you theirs for a shot or two. You and your spouse can try out different shotguns and find something that works for both of you.

ysr favors the autos. Good choices if not off brands, but the pumps offer lots of versatility at a price most of us can afford and longevity measured in decades or generations. O/Us are either cheap or good, and I do not recommend them for a first shotgun.

Something I consider essential for beginners(and good choices for the rest) are light or superlight loads. The heavy stuff is for later if at all.

 

[rauchman]

Thanks everyone for the info. I've been checking the links that have been provided and I have much to educate myself on. As Steve Smith had mentioned, I think I will rent a few shotguns first to see what I like/don't like about different styles/models.

Thanks again,
Ken