Going to give it a try

J

jckstrthmghty

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S Ont
Getting older, eyesight getting worse, so hey why not give clays a try. New to shotguns in general so a few questions.

Clearly Turkish shotguns are not the way to go but the Franchi Affinity 3 is reviewed so well from what I have researched so far. Is the Affinity not a Turkish shotgun? Should I just stick to something like a 870? Obviously I would love to buy a nice OU but I didn't think that would be a good idea at this stage. I wanted to avoid used until I knew what I was talking about.

The club only operates on Sundays but allows me to setup a thrower on all other days on the clays field. Being a bit of an introvert I thought I would buy one of those eletronic throwers like the Champion Workhorse and get some practice by myself before embaressing myself infront of the regulars. Is this worthwhile?

I do plan on taking lessons at some point.
 
I’m not familiar with the Affinity but I don't believe that’s it’s a Turkish made gun.

I get it that you’d like to shoot the first few times when there isn’t anyone else around but most of those cheap clay target throwers don’t last very long and you will soon tire of shooting by yourself. If there is a part of the day when the skeet field is quiet then I’d get an experienced shooter to pull for you and give you enough pointers to get started. The skeet field is a great place to start as the targets are always in the same place and you get a variety of angles to practice.
 
Franchi Affinity 3 is Italian made. Just bought the Catalyst version of this one for my wife in 20 gauge. They do review well and I almost bought one for myself but decided on the Winchester SX4.
 
You don't say whether you're shooting trap, skeet or sporting clays. Either way, I don't think the trap thrower is that much of an advantage. Just show up and shoot what you have. Don't worry about being old and blind. You'll fit right in.
 
Skip buying a machine, put that money towards a gun. Show up on a sunday, even without a gun, tell people you want to get into it and ask for advice. I bet you get to try some guns and get some free instruction. Trying before you buy is better anyway, see what shotguns work for you.
 
bdft said:
You don't say whether you're shooting trap, skeet or sporting clays. Either way, I don't think the trap thrower is that much of an advantage. Just show up and shoot what you have. Don't worry about being old and blind. You'll fit right in.
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I will have to try all the disciplines but I'm leaning towards skeet.

I don't mind spending, just not wasting. I appreciate the feedback. Looks like I'll be joining the boys on Sundays.
 
I haven't been to an actual trap range in many years (where I live for the last 9 years trap night conflicts with my schedule), but when I used to attend a trap range in the West Kootenays the guys there were super supportive. Show up, be friendly, be humble, and there will be many people who I'm sure would give you some tips/tricks/pointers
 
I decided against a semi and bought a Browing Citori CX. New from my range who gave me a nice discount. Quite pleased with it. As suggested I attended a trap session and it was great. The regulars I shot with were very nice and helped me throughout the whole process. Can't wait to go again Sunday.

Thanks everyone for helping me make good choices.
 
Go to a shotgun range.

Take a look at the members.

They may look at you as if why in the hell are you at my club, You might own one of those "other" guns that should be banned.

If you are looked at like a POS get in your car and get the hell out of there.

Some shotgun ranges exhibit what is known as "elitist contempt". A class issue.
 
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jckstrthmghty said:
I decided against a semi and bought a Browing Citori CX. New from my range who gave me a nice discount. Quite pleased with it. As suggested I attended a trap session and it was great. The regulars I shot with were very nice and helped me throughout the whole process. Can't wait to go again Sunday.

Thanks everyone for helping me make good choices.
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Most shotgunners are pretty easy to get along with. Contrary to some opinions. f:P: :rolleyes:
 
If you are safe, and don't hold up the squad, most clubs are very welcoming of new people. The people that have issues are the ones that don't obey the range safety rules, or the ones that take forever to shoot, because they can't operate their shotgun, or they have to take five or six practise swings before calling for every target. It's not a big deal if you forget the auto safety a few times starting out, but if you are constantly calling for targets and not shooting because of the safety, or if you bring handloads that are constantly failing, or if it takes you forever to get ready to shoot, you will wear out your welcome. And most ranges will even remind you of the safety rules a few times, but it takes truly unsafe behaviour to be asked to leave the field.
 
bluelynx said:
Go to a shotgun range.

Take a look at the members.

They may look at you as if why in the hell are you at my club, You might own one of those "other" guns that should be banned.

If you are looked at like a POS get in your car and get the hell out of there.

Some shotgun ranges exhibit what is known as "elitist contempt". A class issue.
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I can’t say I’ve ever seen this, most clubs I’ve gone to for the first time have been more than accommodating.
 
bluelynx said:
Go to a shotgun range.

Take a look at the members.

They may look at you as if why in the hell are you at my club, You might own one of those "other" guns that should be banned.

If you are looked at like a POS get in your car and get the hell out of there.

Some shotgun ranges exhibit what is known as "elitist contempt". A class issue.
Click to expand...

Most of those "issues" I find come from the kind of mentality displayed in your post where there is a pre-conceived notion that avid shooters display contempt towards those who are casual or new shooters to the sport. Nothing could be further from the truth. I've shot at alot of clubs in several provinces and states and most do not know anything about me when I arrive. I'm a newbie at any facility for the first time but if you arrive with a chip on your shoulder or some conceived idea you're being looked down upon then I'd say look in the mirror to see the common denominator if you are having these issues. The image staring back at you will show you where the problem arises...
 
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the spank said:
Most of those "issues" I find come from the kind of mentality displayed in your post where there is a pre-conceived notion that avid shooters display contempt towards those who are casual or new shooters to the sport. Nothing could be further from the truth. I've shot at alot of clubs in several provinces and states and most do not know anything about me when I arrive. I'm a newbie at any facility for the first time but if you arrive with a chip on your shoulder or some conceived idea you're being looked down upon then I'd say look in the mirror to see the common denominator if you are having these issues. The image staring back at you will show you where the problem arises...
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Well said, I have shot at several clubs, and have never not been made to feel welcome.
 
Agreed have not seen it in my years but it is probably not unheard of.Was visiting my daughter when she lived in Ontario and she said practice night at the local club ,so I said don't have a gun except your backup 870 express .Lets go for fun,young guys were more than accomodating few older guys there with B guns and a K models.I get up to the 16 and break a 24 with the 870 piece of lumber, amazing how everyone takes notice .Soon we were all playing hit and move and it was a grand night.One of the younger guys asked if I had ever shot trap before as I was not bad and if I got a better gun,, I smiled said yup shot my first round in 1973 and a few in between ...Daughter sold me out and told on me so fun was over
 
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