What is a good affordable first shotgun for target/skeet shooting

That's like saying " I want a car ( or computer, or chair, boat), what should I buy?" Decide on what you will do, primary, secondary, with this shotgun, then start to narrow down your options. Hunt birds and small game? Hunt waterfowl? Shoot buckshot for recreational destroying of inanimate objects? Carry loaded with slugs for bear defence while fishing on salmon streams? Shoot clay targets on a range? Just to "have a shotgun"? Cool factor? If you can't decide, maybe just put on a blindfold and point.
 
Look for a Remington 870 2 barrel combo. They will pop up at Basspro/Cabelas a few times a year. Very versatile, and arguably the most dependable shotgun on the planet. I do however agree with Ashcroft - find the purpose, then decide.
 
You’re on the island, depending where, go to a skeet practice at your local range. Talk to the folks there, maybe some will let you try. Failing that, get an older 870 with 26” barrel with removable choke tubes. Good luck.
 
Blackcats said:
This should get interesting , you'll get almost as many opinions as there are members here ! Not a shot gunner so my opinion don;t count !
Click to expand...

C'mon now blackcat, your opinion matters as much as anyone else's here. You should know that by now.
 
Briguybc said:
Hello
Looking to buy my first shotgun and was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction as I dont know much about brands and quality
Click to expand...

You can use any type of shotgun for clays. But be warned, if you decide on an over/under, you will be going down a very deep rabbit hole. My only suggestions are 1, find one in 12 gauge because it is the most common, most re sellable and most flexible cartage. 2, go with a big name manufacturer like Browning, Beretta, Mossberg, Remington, etc. and avoid the Turkish and Chinese guns. Nothing agains the Turkish and Chinese but these bigger companies have a longer and better track record not that things don't ever go wrong with their guns but they are in general statistically more reliable, parts are easier to come by and they have better warranties. And 3, find one that fits you best and that you enjoy shooting the most. Even guns in the same category will fit you differently from one to another which will effect the shooting experience. For example, I thought the Winchester model 12 was the bee's knees until I bought one and found the fit to be fat and clunky compared to my Ithaca 37 with its corn cob slide guard. Let us know what you decide.
 
For an entry level gun for hunting a Mossberg 500 or 535 with a rifled barrell and a smooth bore. Your covered for a lot of wild game. I bought my 535 because I wanted to try reloading slugs and might have 6 shots on the smooth bore barrel. I prefer one of my double barrel 16's or 12's when I go after the smaller animals. Try some different shotguns and see how they fit. A poor fitting gun magnifies recoil.
Whats your primary use of the gun for ?
What gauge do you want ?
what type of action are you comfortable with ?
How much are you willing to spend?
Your question needs to be narrowed down.
Part of the problem is just too many to choose from. Eliminate what you don't want and reduce your choices.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom