My first Shotgun Experience

[CptCripple]

Just thought I would relay a lil story.

Went to the range last weekend with a buddy (Pitchwest on this site) and he instructed me on usage of his remington 11 full choke shotgun, as I had never shot one before.

Anyway I am 5"3, 110 lbs and in a wheelchair that weighs 11 lbs with no breaks or anti tip bars.

I went to the sighting range, sighted in and boom shot my first shot. ass over head I went backwards. Everything in my pockets went flying, was just a mess but man for a first time it was exhilarating. I got back in my chair no worse for wear and had a good laugh at myself, my buddy was in shock and didnt know whether to laugh or ask if I was ok.

After that I went to the trap shoot area and had 2 rounds of 25 shots and started with 9/25 and then 11/25 not great but was told it was a good first and second trap round of ever shooting a shotgun.

Moral of the story:

When your a small guy in a wheelchair that has no impact control always turn it sideways for bracing and make sure shotgun is snug to the shoulder

 

[Innercity]

Good on Ya!

How are the Bruises

 

[CptCripple]

Good on Ya!

How are the Bruises

Ha no bruises but was a wee bit sore the next day. If it had of been filmed it could have been a contender on america's funniest videos

 

[Innercity]

I'll bet.

My Mother was of the same size and situation as you, I could only imagine.

when you going again?

 

[destructo_d]

Thanks for sharing your story and being able to laugh at yourself. Thanks for the chuckle too. I know you went trap shooting after, but in general, I hope this doesn't turn you off of shooting...

I am sure there are lots of people in your situation who shoot on a regular basis... Google for some tips...

Glad your weren't seriously hurt and glad your ego is still intact.

 

[CptCripple]

I'll bet.

My Mother was of the same size and situation as you, I could only imagine.

when you going again?

Going out this weekend again. Looking forward to it.

 

[CptCripple]

Thanks for sharing your story and being able to laugh at yourself. Thanks for the chuckle too. I know you went trap shooting after, but in general, I hope this doesn't turn you off of shooting...

I am sure there are lots of people in your situation who shoot on a regular basis... Google for some tips...

Glad your weren't seriously hurt and glad your ego is still intact.

Live and learn and boy did I learn how not to position my chair lol. Definitely didnt turn me off from shooting, it added to the day in a positive way.

The hard part now is find a shotgun that fits me. My buddies was a full choke I have since tried out a remington 1100 modified choke enjoyed it.

I have been trying to do my due diligence in researching but dont really have the knowledge of what shotguns are generally thought of as good all around shooters, while being fairly easy to use in my situation and newbness or what to look out for etc etc.

Only pre reqs so far id prefer modified choke as well I did not particularly like pump action.

 

[stoop14]

Mossy 930

 

[sendmorebrains]

Mossy 930

Great affordable semi ...

However my concern is the fit on a 930.

You have pointed out that you have a smaller frame and Im going to assume that your LOP(length of pull) is around 12"

The 930 has an LOP of 14"
I own one and need to mod the stock down to 12" since I always wear a tac vest.

What I suggest is an adjustable stock on whatever shotgun you decide on. This has the added benefit that ur buddies can adjust it to their LOP when they want to try the shotgun as well.

For your shooting comfort, the fit will be there for you weather you have a t-shirt on to a heavy winter jacket. Besides this will help your trap scores if the firearm fits you properly.

As you can see, mine are all adjustable except for the 930 for the time being:

 

[.22LRGUY]

First and foremost~you sound like a very well-adjusted guy with his head screwed-on straight. Takes allot of courage to go through that, laugh it off, and keep shooting...then tell the story on a busy/open web forum. Keep at it, shoot often, and feel free to message me if there is any input I can offer.

Reading your posts, 2 things came to mind. First, use a 20gauge (less recoil, ammo cost almost the same as 12ga.) and second, get a gun that fits your overall size. Pumps are generally not great target guns, but over-under and semis are. (I shoot a 20ga. Wingmaster pump, but I do things the hard way ) Over-unders~personally not a fan myself, but I do like semis and shot trap with one for more than 10 years. Being a smaller guy (referring to arm length, not your height in a wheelchair) you might want to consider a gun geared towards younger shooters. One model came to mind, and I'm actually considering one myself, is a Mossberg SA-20 "Bantam". 20ga. semi, interchangeable chokes. I have a hunch you'd shoot this lighter gun/lighter-recoiling gun better, and you could easily throw the modified choke tube in there to open-up your patterns a little=probably higher hit ratio.

http://www.mossberg.com/images/Mossberg_Guns/930/New/75770.jpg

They're good-looking guns, not too expensive, and might be just what you're looking for.

Good luck, and keep at it!

 

[CptCripple]

Thank you all for your input it was greatly appreciated. I will be doing more due diligence in my search before a final decision but your help has given me alot of useful information to consider.