Need advice on buying my first shotgun

DanScarps

DanScarps

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near Barrie, Ontario
Hello, any advice would be appreciated. There are so many gauges, barrel lengths, chokes, and styles of shotguns available on the market... I have no idea where to start!

I want to buy a shotgun. I've been to a few "come try shooting" events at a local range, and have put about 80x 12gauge, reduced recoil rounds down a variety of full cylinder bore, pump actions. Apparently, I am very natural with the shotgun. The kick doesn't really bother me or my shoulder, but then again that is a reduced recoil round on cylinder bore.

So, what should I start with? I want to target shoot at an outdoor range. They have skeet shooting, and static targets at a variety of distances. I'm a heavy set guy at 6 feet tall, 26 years old. I eventually want to hunt, as I already have my big game rifle.

Somebody at the range made fun of another guy for shooting a "puny 20 gauge". Apparently real men shoot 12 or 10 gauge? :HR:

Anyways, please point me in the right direction. Maybe even recommend some models for the purpose. And if you're selling one used that would work for me, lets talk =)

Dan
 
Welcome to the forums Dan! There is a plethora of knowledge to be found on here and just as many opinions too!

I would imagine that you will get varying responses on shotgun models but one thing that most people would agree on is that the shotgun both fits you, and you feel comfortable shooting it. It's been said many times before that the best way to figure out which gun is for you is to go out and try them. Shoulder them, operate them and fire them if you can.

As far as 12 vs. 20 gauge goes, I would choose what you are more comfortable with. Personally, I shoot a 12 and my best friend shoots a 20. I will say that after a day of shooting a 12, the 20 is a nice break :p. If you are more comfortable with a 20, then by all means get a 20. Don't painfully shoot a 12 because "that's what real men do."

My first shotgun was a Benelli Supernova 12 gauge, but the majority of my friends started out with 870s. Many people will recommend the Remington 870, and there are plenty of used ones to be had at reasonable prices.

Good luck with choosing your new shotgun!
 
You most likely won't notice a significant difference in recoil between 20 and those 12 gauge low recoil rounds you fired. Most 20 gauge light target loads will come in at 7/8 oz., heavy target loads at 1 oz. For twelve gauge it's between 7/8 oz and 1-1/8 oz. In either case, you're accelerating the same, or pretty close to the same amount of lead down the barrel to roughly the same velocity. Oftentimes, the recoil reduction gained by shooting lighter 20 gauge loads is offset by the lighter weight of the gun anyways. Combine this with the average price of a flat of ammo, and you'll soon seen why a lot of guys shoot 12 gauge. It's not a manly thing; it's just cheaper.

If you want to shoot the various clay target sports, you probably want an over-under. They just work. There's a few reason that include everything from a single sight plane to easier handling of empty shells (it sounds stupid, but after you get used to having your empties just pop into your hand, you'll never approach picking spent hulls up off the ground the same way again) to visible safe handling to quick follow up shots, but suffice it to say that most serious clay shooters own an o/u. If you hunt around, you can get a decent used 12-gauge over under for around $800.

But that's just my 2 cents, and I know there are other, far more knowledge, members here that will chime in.
 
Welcome Dan
I would say to buy a used Beretta or Browning o/u in 12 gauge. If you are going to be shooting at the skeet range then you need to spend a little more money on a shotgun designed for the job for two reasons. 1-reliability and 2- simplicity The trend now is 30' barrels for clays but there is nothing wrong with 28" as long as you are not shooting trap. For trap I would shoot 32"
Good luck and enjoy
 
The gauge answer is easy. For an all around shotgun get a 12. As you already know you can acquire lighter loads for the 12 and the 20 isn't always a lighter kicking gun as the guns themselves are often lighter. Felt recoil is affected by a variety of factors including shot weight, velocity, gun weight, gun fit, stance and action type.

The type of gun is up to you however for a gun that will do everything I'd recommend a semi-automatic. Easier to operate than a pump although a little more expensive. As much as I like my over/unders and side-by-sides if I were limited to one just shotgun it would be my Beretta 391.

Make and model are strictly dependent on your available funds. I like the Berettas but they aren't cheap but if you can swing it this is the gun I'd suggest over all others. In the lower price ranges the one gun that has impressed me is the Baikal semi-auto. Like most Baikals it is heavy but quite sturdy. I'm not as enthused about the lower-priced Stoeger as it is a recoil-operated action and will have more felt recoil. I don't think they are as well made as the Baikal.

Barrel length will be a compromise. Clay target shooting and waterfowl hunting tend toward longer barrels while upland and slug hunting favour shorter. I'd suggest 26" to 28" for a semi-auto that will do everything.

But the important thing is how the gun feels to you. Go to stores, put a few to your shoulder and compare the differences in how they feel. Eventually you'll find one that feels right.

Good luck in your search and let us know what you decide.
 
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Lots of good advice already, not much to add. It is also evident that you are a thoughtful, thorough, and intelligent person - you've already done many of the right things in looking for a new gun (and didn't just ask "What's the best shotgun to buy?"). And because you are learning how to shoot targets at a proper trap/skeet field - also very smart - you don't necessarily have to worry about a gun which shoots 3" magnums of steel shot. You can select a nice gun for target purposes to learn how to wingshoot, and then worry about getting a hunting gun once you are more familiar with the sport.

And real men don't need a 12 gauge to hit targets. A 20 gauge (or any of the smaller gauges) are a joy to shoot and can demolish targets well. If you get serious about trap, consider a 12 gauge trap gun, but until then either a 12 or 20 will do fine.
 
Wow! You all are an amazing bunch of people! I can't believe how much educated and friendly advice was just given to me. Thank you all.

So it seems like I need two shotguns. One for hunting, with an interchangeable short slug barrel, and long shot barrel. And an O/U or semi for target/skeet shooting. I've always been partial to O/U shotguns as they look so elegant, and imho make more sense than a side by side. But I'm sure that comes down to preference. A semi would have more recoil, so I think I'll look for a o/u, on the cheaper side. A new beretta or browning seem a little pricy at this point. And yeah, 12 gauge is definitely cheaper, so you've made me realize that it just comes down to preference again.

Are there any reservations against screw in chokes vs fixed chokes? I know the screw ins are more versatile, but is it cheating? Half-assed effect? Please enlighten me.

Thanks again everyone, this info is excellent!!
 
You dont require two shotguns.

Where do you live? What do you hunt. If you can rifle hunt for deer, then really a slug barrel isnt needed. Buy an O/U with changeable chokes and be happy with that. Despite what some tell you, a 3.5" chamber is not needed. They have the added problems of usually not cycling light target loads well either.

Screw in chokes are in no way cheating. In fact you will be unable to shoot steel shot out of a full choke. So buying a fixed full choke will greatly restrict what you cant hunt (no waterfowl).

What is your budget?

As for 12 vs 20, both my wife and I use the 12 for waterfowl and the 20s for upland. Grouse arent particularly hard to kill, but a duck which has flown cross Canada in its migration can seem like a tank some days.
 
DanScarps said:
Wow! You all are an amazing bunch of people! I can't believe how much educated and friendly advice was just given to me. Thank you all.

So it seems like I need two shotguns. One for hunting, with an interchangeable short slug barrel, and long shot barrel. And an O/U or semi for target/skeet shooting. I've always been partial to O/U shotguns as they look so elegant, and imho make more sense than a side by side. But I'm sure that comes down to preference. A semi would have more recoil, so I think I'll look for a o/u, on the cheaper side. A new beretta or browning seem a little pricy at this point. And yeah, 12 gauge is definitely cheaper, so you've made me realize that it just comes down to preference again.

Are there any reservations against screw in chokes vs fixed chokes? I know the screw ins are more versatile, but is it cheating? Half-assed effect? Please enlighten me.

Thanks again everyone, this info is excellent!!
Click to expand...
Semis dont have more kick than an o/u. A gas gun like a Beretta, Remington 1100 etc. have less felt recoil because the impulse is spread out as the action works.

Choke tubes have supporters and opponents. Personally I like them because they make a gun more flexible than fixed chokes.

For a hunting combo the Remington 870 Express is a good choice.
 
Hey Dan,

I recently went through the exact same dilemma with what kind of shotgun to buy.

In the end I went new, but a little off the beaten path with a not so popular brand (Fabarm). So far so good, no complaints about my choice. Now not saying you should follow in my footsteps at all but there are some alternatives to the mainstream. Keep in mind though that the folks here are correct in that resale of a Beretta/Browning will always be very good, a worthwhile investment if trading up is in your plans.

I suspect if/when I get to the point I'm ready to buy a better piece of kit it will be something like a Beretta 682, or a Caesar Guerini, etc, etc. For now (as Chuck Hawks put it in a review of a Stoeger O/U) "At this stage of my clay shooting career, I’m handicapped far more by a lack of talent, than by my equipment".

That all said you might want to have a look at this Browning on Firearms Canada.
http://www.firearmscanada.com/ads/browning-325-sporting/

Good luck in what ever way you decide to go! :)
:cheers:
 
DanScarps said:
A semi would have more recoil, so I think I'll look for a o/u, on the cheaper side.
Click to expand...

A semi-automatic shotgun will have less recoil than a pump or O/U. Claybuster was saying that an inertia driven system used in benelli and stoeger shotguns has more recoil than a gas operated system, but still has less recoil than an O/U.

If you can comfortably handle the recoil from a pump action then a O/U may be fine for you. Personally I don't mind the recoil of a 12 gauge target load in a O/U, but it does kick enough to disrupt a second shot. That is why I prefer a semi-auto.

For hunting purposes, semi-autos can be purchased more easily with synthetic stocks. I am not an advocate or synthetic stocks in my hunting rifles, but when hunting waterfowl in a marsh I believe a synthetic stock is a practical idea. However a wood stock that is taken care of and properly sealed will work, it just requires a little more care and attention.

Screw in chokes are a great idea, a must for me. they allow you to greatly expand the capabilities of one gun. Like others have already mentioned, a 3.5" chamber is not needed. I would get a gun that has a 3" chamber. If you are skeet shooting you won't use 3" shells, but it is nice to have the option when goose hunting.

You are absolutely correct when you say that an O/U looks very elegant. And if you want to look classy at the range then a nice O/U will give you respect from the more refined crowd. If you are planning on reloading your hulls, or keeping them to sell the hulls to reloaders then you should check your club regulations. Some clubs do not allow you to pick up your hulls once they touch the ground. For this reason many people prefer an O/U with extractors only, or they get a shell catcher installed on their semi.

So you can't really go wrong with either a semi or an O/U. Myself I prefer the semi for reduced recoil, 3rd shot available while hunting, and versatility of barrels. I believe that most gas operated systems that are on the market right now are pretty good and with proper care you shouldn't have any problems. I would say whatever choice you make, spend the extra cash the first time and get what you want.
 
Hrm okay, so this is all starting to make sense. Thanks again for all of the lengthy explanations, it speaks levels of the people around here.

From what I have read, I'm actually leaning away from owning any semi-auto firearms. I don't like the idea of something malfunctioning and going full auto on me. Or the idea of having that much more to service. I currently own a bolt action rifle, and it's perfect for me.

I like the point made about not needing to shoot slugs, as I own a 300win mag rifle. However, slug shooting is something I've never done... Maybe I'll just buy a cheapo used pump for that.

My budget isnt really set, but I'm hoping to pick something up for around $1000. That link to the browning looks great... I know there is an 1960s Beretta O/U floating around in my family, maybe I can get my hands on it.

I'll do some searching and see what you guys think about what I find.
 
I don't know what's more reliable; a break or a semi-auto. I do know that semi-autos seem to be WAY easier to fix. When an over-under starts doubling on you or not shooting at all, it always seems to be a you-know-what-and-and-half to fix it.

As for the fears of a semi-auto malfunctioning in the full-auto way, I've never seen it happen with a shotgun. It will never happen on the grounds of a trap club either, as you should never have more than one or two shells in a gun at a time. It's far more common to see an over/under double (accidentally shoot twice with a single pull). It's not a concern like it is with rifles as the cycle times are quite a bit slower and thus less ferocious, and the triggers are generally quite a big heaver/more robust since it's not as big a factor. Service levels are, for all intents and purposes, about the same. If anything I'd say an over under is more complex in its mechanics, and requires a little bit more care and maintenance than a semi. But that might just be because everyone I know seems to treat their double guns with a bit more respect (doing things like cleaning and greasing every time to avoid particles of dirt scratching the jewelled barrel flats and whatnot. It's the difference between service to maintain its condition vs service to maintain its function. Semis you just hose out, lube, and put back together. Buuuuuttttt over unders are so dang nice.

If you're looking around $1K, there's an excellent Franchi 712 Raptor for sale (wink wink) on the EE for $900 if you're interested in a semi-auto, or there's also a Remington 3200 Competition for $1200 if you want an over under. Both are great guns! Then again, there's hundreds of other great guns on there too...
 
I find 20 gauge ammo as cheap as 12 around here,they are the two most popular gauges. . I bought a used Browning Citori 20 gauge to get into the clay sports with ,its a real nice shotgun. I missed shooting 12 gauge though and bought a Franchi Renassaince thats really light(6.5 lb's) and feels great to point. I also shoot a semi and a SxS,so it all comes down to what you like. You can buy some good guns for 1000 dollars,and I think it would be best to stick to an O/U for the clay sports,they just look safer,opened up when you carry. Your new freinds at the club will be interested to see if you safely handel your gun first off.
 
Okay, so it looks like I'm just going to take things slow. My family has a 1970s .410 bolt for me to start with, and I will buy a cheap rifled slug pump.

I'll likely be saving for and searching for the perfect shotgun, no rush. I'll likely shoot some friend's shotguns first, and then base my opinions on O/U or Semi, on that. But I am definitely buying something with screw in chokes, 28"+ in length barrel for my skeet shooting and later hunting needs.

Thanks again for all of your insight, you all are much appreciated!
 
Okay Dan, you're going off track here. A bolt action .410 isn't really a wingshooter's gun. That's usually at the farmer's back door when there are gophers or racoons in the garden. They may be fun little blasters, but learning wingshooting with it will be an experience in frustration.

Semis are reliable, and none will go 'full auto'. If there is a trap/skeet club nearby, that is your absolute best way to try various guns and get some help. Remember, if you buy a used shotgun and shoot with it for a couple of years, you can pretty much recoup your money if you feel it doesn't meet your needs. A used 12 or 20 ga pump or semi can be had very reasonably. So you could spend $500 or so on say a used 1100 20 ga. semi, and continue saving money while you learn and then trade up to that nice O/U in a few years time. Remember, you are in learning mode. Saving money to buy a perfect O/U won't help you learn how to shoot now, and nor will a .410 bolt. The best way you can find that 'perfect' O/U or whatever, is to go out and do a lot of shooting. Only then will you be able to identify the differences which make a quality gun. So that when you pick one up, you'll know what you like and dislike. Stock fit, cast-off, wrist size, weight, balance, trigger feel, etc. New shooters can't discern any of those because they have no reference. It's like trying to pick out the perfect sports car for yourself without ever having driven a car before.

You can also put a call out to any CGN Scarborough shooters to go trap/skeet shooting.
 
Hey everyone, I just purchased my first shotgun yesterday, and shot it today.

Picked up a Remington 870 Super Magnum pump with a 28" rib vented barrel. Came with an improved choke tube, choke tool, and a pin to reduce the magazine size to two shells.

All in all, came out to $365 with taxes at Le Baron in Markham, Ontario. A big box of No. 7 shells @ 2 3/4", and a very nice Beretta bag. I am a happy camper!

This thing shot fist sized holes into paper targets at 10 yards, and is super reliable. No jams, and she breaks down VERY easy.

Next weekend is trap shooting, and I cant wait!

Thanks again everyone :rockOn:
 
DanScarps said:
Hey everyone, I just purchased my first shotgun yesterday, and shot it today.

Picked up a Remington 870 Super Magnum pump with a 28" rib vented barrel. Came with an improved choke tube, choke tool, and a pin to reduce the magazine size to two shells.

All in all, came out to $365 with taxes at Le Baron in Markham, Ontario. A big box of No. 7 shells @ 2 3/4", and a very nice Beretta bag. I am a happy camper!

This thing shot fist sized holes into paper targets at 10 yards, and is super reliable. No jams, and she breaks down VERY easy.

Next weekend is trap shooting, and I cant wait!

Thanks again everyone :rockOn:
Click to expand...
Can't go wrong with an 870!
When you start trap shooting, make sure you lube up the choke tube with either oil or grease ( your choice) and use the full or modified choke tube.
Most people recommend the modified tube for starters, but the full will work just fine.
DON'T tighten the choke tube down like a wheel nut!!:eek:
When a tube is properly lubed up and gently tightened down, it will be fine if it was properly built.
Cat
 
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