New gun owner looking for 1st shot gun

My first shotgun was a 870 wingmaster 12 g 3" mag. It was mainly use for ducks & goose hunting, sitting in a blind.

If my main use was for grouse or rabbit I probably would have got a 20 g. A little lighter to hump around al day.
 
Fireguy0991 said:
My first shotgun was a 870 wingmaster 12 g 3" mag. It was mainly use for ducks & goose hunting, sitting in a blind.

If my main use was for grouse or rabbit I probably would have got a 20 g. A little lighter to hump around al day.
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To my mind, the advantage of a 12 bore is the wide availability of all grades and types of ammo, from cheap practice shells to strangely expensive waterfowl rounds to many types of slugs. Plus you get an extra big handful of shot working for you. Another way to control carry weight is via barrel length.
 
Big Bad said:
To my mind, the advantage of a 12 bore is the wide availability of all grades and types of ammo, from cheap practice shells to strangely expensive waterfowl rounds to many types of slugs. Plus you get an extra big handful of shot working for you. Another way to control carry weight is via barrel length.
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Big Bad, I agree with your comment re: the wide availability if ammo for a 12 gauge. My comment was for weight only 12 g over the 20 g. I know how tired my arms are at the end of the day carrying the 12g all day.

I guess I did not live up to my own advice as I now have a pump, a semi and a over under all 12 g no 20 in my safe.

This maybe his first shotgun, at the end of the day we both know this will not be last purchase. You can't go wrong with a 12 g.
 
RB360 said:
I am now looking to get a shot gun also for hunting. I am hoping to hunt Pheasants, Grouse and rabbit. Looking for some suggestions on what I should buy! thanks guys!
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I would normally recommend an 870 but recently had a Browning BPS and think it's a better choice with the bottom eject and tang safety.

Since you are looking for an upland gun, either a 20ga BPS with 26" bbl and screw in IC choke would be a very good place to start. The 26" bbl would keep it short enough for fast handling but not too short for a proper swing. A decent 20ga SxS would be (and is) my first choice. I personally like the SKB M100 20ga with 28" bbls for upland use.
 
Fireguy0991 said:
Big Bad, I agree with your comment re: the wide availability if ammo for a 12 gauge. My comment was for weight only 12 g over the 20 g. I know how tired my arms are at the end of the day carrying the 12g all day.

I guess I did not live up to my own advice as I now have a pump, a semi and a over under all 12 g no 20 in my safe.

This maybe his first shotgun, at the end of the day we both know this will not be last purchase. You can't go wrong with a 12 g.
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A 20ga is the obvious better choice for upland. It's lighter and handles better for faster service agin fast flying game.
 
It is not obvious to me that 20 gauge is "better" for upland.
Many 20 gauge are overweight and some 12 gauge guns are strikingly light. Some 16 gauge are just right.
What you shoot best is a better choice.
 
Shotgunning is about shooting where your looking. If the gun doesnt fit you will struggle. Try to handle as many guns as you can. Find a skeet range and just politely ask if you can handle various guns. There will likely be a variety to choose from. Some clubs have a more laid back approach than others. I find the further you get from toronto the better. Not to knock anyone but more rural areas offer less competition less attitude and more casualness
 
saskbooknut said:
It is not obvious to me that 20 gauge is "better" for upland.
Many 20 gauge are overweight and some 12 gauge guns are strikingly light. Some 16 gauge are just right.
What you shoot best is a better choice.
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Ahhh, the sweet heft of the Remington 1100 LW in 20 gauge ;)
28 inch vent rib barrel and a modified choke from the factory ...
Sweet.
Rob
 
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