how to choose a shotgun for newbie

[philhut]

I found the difference in more expensive shotguns at the end of the day is 2 things
1 fit and finish (some say quality)
2 recoil absorption
I have a lovely single shot full choke that will be great as occasional bird gum but I used it 1x for trap and good lord I was sure the next day. I used either a Browning A5 (approx 500-700) and a Churchill Akkar Over Under (925) they both have average recoil and let me play 4 to 6 games of trap without shaking my arm. On the high end some of the high even firearms recoil and can be shot all day long. Just like the difference in cheap and expensive rifles. Also remember a shorter barrel will recoil much harder than a longer barrel if you have ever shot a M38 Mosin in a tshirt you know what I mean.

Personally if brand new I would go with like others suggested the Winchester SXP or Mossberg 500 with multiple barrels or chokes . Of the mossberg or Winchester I'd take the Winchester as the mossbergs all have a slight rattle which would make me nuts to hunt with. I bought a muddy girl camp SXP for my daughter and wow was really impressed with the little gun. I think it was $339 with chokes.

EE also has many affordable shotguns.

 

[SuperCub]

Short barrel shotguns, as you describe, are only useful in dark alleys and combat theme games. Short barrel shotguns for bear defense are much better with rifle sights.
You have had good advice about handling the prospective shotguns you are considering prior to buying.
You are pretty much shopping at the bottom of the heap with a Maverick 88, though I can think of lesser guns, which you should stay far, far away from.
If you are set on Mossberg, you will get more for your money with the 500 series, or alternately you could better consider a Remington 870 for quality and resale value.
Shotguns are primarily for shooting flying objects, animate or inanimate, and good fit is of primary importance.

Fudd. You could say Fudd. The type of narrow minded shooter who, if something falls out of his own personal experience, it should be banned. My inclination to be polite to these narrow minded sh!tw!ts is zero. And I'm confident that by saying this, they'll very helpfully identify themselves by attacking this comment.

I didn't read the word "banned" in the post your reference. You added it to go with the F word you interjected as well as other name calling.

Nice try though.

 

[grelmar]

I didn't read the word "banned" in the post your reference. You added it to go with the F word you interjected as well as other name calling.

Nice try though.

You're reliably predictable, if nothing else.

 

[SuperCub]

Deleted

 

[winruger]

shotguns are NOT allowed at our RIFLE Range. Tactical shotguns are not allowed on our sporting clays/skeet/trap ranges...What is your 'newbie' wanting to do with the shotgun. Shoot bad guys at night or clay targets or ducks/geese ? decide on the 'job' before you choose the tool. At our club we get interested newbies who can try different shotguns so they have an idea of what their first shotgun might be. Indoor range with a shotgun? not at our indoor range. Sounds to me like you don't need a shotgun and won't really learn much about how to use one. Save you money and spend it on something you will use.

 

[Butcherbill]

shotguns are NOT allowed at our RIFLE Range. Tactical shotguns are not allowed on our sporting clays/skeet/trap ranges...What is your 'newbie' wanting to do with the shotgun. Shoot bad guys at night or clay targets or ducks/geese ? decide on the 'job' before you choose the tool. At our club we get interested newbies who can try different shotguns so they have an idea of what their first shotgun might be. Indoor range with a shotgun? not at our indoor range. Sounds to me like you don't need a shotgun and won't really learn much about how to use one. Save you money and spend it on something you will use.

So you’re an expert on what the op needs or doesn’t need a shotgun for, or where he should or shouldn’t be able to use a shotgun? Get real, you sound like everyone crying that th public doesn’t need access to handguns or semi autos.

 

[a j cave]

Check if you have access to a range. As far as s short barrel gun, have at it. They are fun, just ask the fuds why they think you are a threat because of the tool you want to play with.

 

[roblack]

If you have access to a sporting clays club,just go over and introduce yourself. Many shooters won't mind you trying their guns and you will soon figure out a little more what you want. Shooting at flying clays is a lot of fun!

 

[SHELL SHUCKER]

Short barrel shotguns, as you describe, are only useful in dark alleys and combat theme games. Short barrel shotguns for bear defense are much better with rifle sights.
You have had good advice about handling the prospective shotguns you are considering prior to buying.
You are pretty much shopping at the bottom of the heap with a Maverick 88, though I can think of lesser guns, which you should stay far, far away from.
If you are set on Mossberg, you will get more for your money with the 500 series, or alternately you could better consider a Remington 870 for quality and resale value.
Shotguns are primarily for shooting flying objects, animate or inanimate, and good fit is of primary importance.

I've done 25 straight at Trap shoots with dis one as set up.


Fer big critters inside 80 yds I fit the 870 with a Hastings rifled tube fer tossing 825 gr bombs.

 

[Butcherbill]

I've done 25 straight at Trap shoots with dis one as set up.
View attachment 207275

Fer big critters inside 80 yds I fit the 870 with a Hastings rifled tube fer tossing 825 gr bombs.

Nice, here’s my mag fed Grizzly with the 14” upland game barrel. It’s been renamed the Dominion Arms Ground Swatter, works like a charm. Literally almost takes their head off, bang and flop with no pellets in the meat. Patterns evenly with a full choke out to 25-30y, nice and tight to 15y.