rookie sterio type question be gentle

[sir_springer]

Unless I missed it, nobody has mentioned FIT.

It doesn't matter if you spend two hundred bucks or two thousand, the shotgun must fit you, for two highly important reasons:

1. accuracy

2. perceived recoil

So I suggest you go to a local gun shop, at a time when the staff have a few minutes in their pockets (NOT a weekend, probably......) and try out the guns they have on offer.

If you want a new gun, then I suggest you spend your bucks with the shop that spends time with you. For used guns, it is pretty hard to beat the EE here on Gun Nutz.

Free advice, worth what you paid for it.

Doug

What he said!

Another suggestion might be to wander out to your local trap club on an evening or weekend when they're having one of their scheduled weekly shoots. Some of the most helpful advice, served up with genuine enthusiasm and consideration, among the good ol' boys that hang out there. Indeed, you may find yourself out on station with a shotgun, a box of shells and a coach along side you giving some very useful instruction.

Experienced this myself some years back at the Lloydminster club. Great bunch of guys! Learned a lot in very short order!

 

[Ford+guns]

ya very true totally agree with you guys with fit thats why i was asking if any one could suggest some gun shops in the central ontario area hoping best case scenerio, great rewiew and great fit. but not always the case im going for fit more then best bang for the buck 100 dollar diffrence is well worth a perfect fit. I also have heard from friends that don't fret about not being able to get a 3 1/2'' i swear next few years there may be a 4'' hahaha i have shot many shotguns with friends doing skeet and with i cought some of the models there were a few i would be happy with and i am now looking toword a semi. just hope good reviews im average size gun on the heavyer side 5'8 200lbs so hope to have lots of options i really appreciate all this advice guys and gals

 

[RickR1100]

Yes, visit a Trap and Skeet club during one of their shoot days! The first time I'd even SEEN this sport, 20 minutes later I was busting a few clays, with a shotgun someone loaned me on the spot! I think my score was 13 out of 25, but keep in mind that was my first try, knew nothing about it, totally unfamiliar shotgun, and was having more fun than I thought possible at a range!

Even if you don't end up liking Trap/skeet as a sport, it is very good practice/test for your skills and equipment confirmation before going hunting. Every now and then, someone will let me try out their shotgun too, so I get to try all sorts of different ones.