newbie shotgun question

[IrvJr]

Hi Folks,

I enjoy shooting pistols and rifles, but I haven't done much shooting with a shotgun (just plinking with a .410 in the past).

I'm interested in purchasing my first shotgun. I would primarily be using the gun for shooting clay targets (trap and skeet), but maybe in the future I might want to do some hunting (turkey and maybe something like pheasant). I would primarily be doing clay shooting. Some ranges near my house have trap and skeet facilities.

I've done a minimal amount of research and right now I'm leaning towards an entry level, 28" barrel, 12 gauge over/under type of gun. I've considered a semi-auto (Remington 1100) or a pump action (Remington 870), but I like the simplicity of the O/U and I've found some brands (Tristar, Stoeger, and EAA/Baikil) that seem to offer well made guns at relatively good prices. Weight is not much of a concern, since I won't be hunting with it (initially) and I think I would prefer a slightly heavier gun to help with the recoil.

Would a decent 28" barrel O/U 12 gauge be a good first shotgun for my purposes? I won't be doing hyper-competitive clay shooting, so I thought a 28" barrel would be adequate for both.

Any comments and information are greatly appreciated.

IrvJr

 

[PJR]

Would a decent 28" barrel O/U 12 gauge be a good first shotgun for my purposes? I won't be doing hyper-competitive clay shooting, so I thought a 28" barrel would be adequate for both.

Absolutely. Although the trend in competitive sporting clays and trap is toward longer barrels there is no reason 28" barrels won't do. When my trap gun needed a winter away at a gunsmith's I campaigned a 28" o/u in our winter trap league and my scores didn't suffer.

This trend toward longer barrels can work in your favor. It means that good, 28" guns are circulating on the used market often at very good prices and I would suggest you look in that direction before buying any of the brands you listed. Check the bulleltin boards at the various clubs and you will probably see something worth looking at. Usually, club members with guns to sell will let you try before you buy.

The pump gun sets the standard for reliability but shucking shells on doubles is an added complication a beginning shooter doesn't need. Semi autos reduce recoil but I don't like them for new shotgunners because they require a greater degree of diligence than an o/u when it comes to muzzle control and proving safe.

Paul

 

[Dave McCracken]

Good doubles of either sort are not often cheap, cheap ones are rarely good.

The O/Us you list are made elsewhere, and while they may prove acceptable, they have little resale value if you decide to move on.

For a first shotgun, I recommend a repeater, either a Big Four pump or a name brand semi auto.Cost is reasonable, versatility and durability exceptional.

A used 1100, or a Beretta can be bought for about what those O/Us can be new.

$300 will put you into a Big Four pump, with change for ammo.

HTH...

 

[IrvJr]

Thanks

Thanks for the advice and opinions. I'm leaning towards a 28" O/U, but may end up buying a Remington 870 or 1100 instead.

 

[Dave McCracken]

You're very welcome, IrvJr. Remember, you do not have to stick to one style or make.