My first shotgun

straightshooter said:
Any shotgun can be used for all of these pursuits. However, no individual model is best for all of them. Shooters who are serious about any one of them would have a specific shotgun optimized for the specific purpose.

Trap guns are typically low profile 12 ga U/Os with long barrels (30”+),

Grouse guns favour sub-gauge side-by-sides,

Turkey hunters are more flexible about the action type, but virtually always want a camo finish,

And, waterfowl hunting requires steel shot compatibility.

These are generalisations, of course. But, ancient relics such as I would likely have at least 4 shotguns for such divergent purposes, each with characteristics optimised for the purpose. Many of the suggestions and advice given above are good “all purpose” options but none are best for 2 or more purposes.

If I were you, I’d rank those purposes from that which you are most likely to do the most, down to that which you will likely do the least. Then, look at the first two pursuits in the ranking. If the gun you select is at least better than average suited to the pursuit, you are more likely to experience success and more likely to become enthusiastic about other shotgun sports.

As others have said, fit is important. If you get it wrong, don’t sweat - there’s an active used market at your disposal so you can almost always sell at little to no loss and buy something else.

If you enjoy the outdoors and shooting, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if you weren’t buying your second shotgun before you know it.
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Thank you for this amazing advice and for taking the time👌🙏
 
My first gun was a Cooey model 84, 12 guage that I got when I was about 10 years old. First rounds through it were Imperial "high brass." that gun killed from both ends so I haven't fired it for at least 40 years.
 
Odinson said:
I have no idea, all I can say is that old gun kicked like a mule. My then 10 year old shoulder took a beating.
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You were given an extremely light single shot to use with heavy load duck/geese shells. The resulting recoil is the result of using totally the wrong load for that gun.
 
straightshooter said:
You were given an extremely light single shot to use with heavy load duck/geese shells. The resulting recoil is the result of using totally the wrong load for that gun.
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Back then this 10 year old could go into a store and buy ammunition, just like any 10 year old at the time. It was what others used so I thought they were good for me. Now, 66 years later, I can sit back and laugh at the stupidity of my youth. Somehow I survived despite the absence of warning labels.
 
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