[yhtomit]

I like guns, and enjoy shooting the few I have, but I've fired a shotgun on only one occasion, last summer, and exactly two times. This was an elderly side-by-side of uncertain cleaning history and mechanical soundness, owned by a friend's parents ... long story :) However, it was a fun thing to shoot ("aim at that branch yonder!"), and I even sorta-hit where I sorta-aimed.

And a few weeks ago, while intending to prowl the used counter at Gander Mountain, I was distracted by the shotgun -- new, not used -- that I've been looking for. Neither effete burlwood engraving with gold trim blessed by Belgian wafflemakers, nor *too* tacticool looking (but I'm sure it is that in some eyes), it's an 870 Magnum Express, 18" barrel, 2-round extension, parkerized. My knowledge of shotguns is limited to what I've read, heard from random folks, spotted in a magazine or book, etc, and picking them up at gun shows and stores; I liked the 870 because it seems to have an unbeatable (at the price, or perhaps overall) reputation for reliability and dummy-proofness, as well as a good supply of accessories so I can defile it further with a sling and perhaps a stock that incorporates a pistol grip.

So -- now that I own this fine thing, I'd like to know more about ... what I should know. Is there a "870forum.com" (note, not a real website) where I could lurk most effectively, read FAQs, etc? (General shotgun resources appreciated as well, of course.)

Find a place to get comfortable with it is a bit of a pain. There are state game ranges here in PA where I can shoot it, but (according to the clerk at Gander Mountain) only when shooting slugs. Actual shot, he said, is only for private land or actual shotgun hunting. (Understandable, of course! Some jerks with shotguns shot up the target stands at the nearest handgun range, getting the range shut down as a result.) I am not (at least not now) interested in hunting, and see this primarily as a "because I can and because it's fun" gun, with the obvious home defense application down the line. (After exiting grad school housing :)).

I realize this post is a bit of a ramble, but I'm hoping someone can point me to a good newbie resource; I don't plan to fire this gun until I feel nice and comfortable with it.

Thanks for any insight --

timothy

[Fred Fuller]

Timothy,

At the top of the list of threads on the shotgun forum you will see one entitled 'Lending Library.' Or just click on this link: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=207361 .

Request whatever materials there seem of interest to you by posting a message to the thread and sending your address by email or private maessage to whoever has the item. Your only obligation is to mail the stuff on to the next person who asks for it when you're done with it.

Now start strengthening your shotgun- fu,

lpl/nc

[Dave McCracken]

And so it begins, Timothy.

Next thing you know, there's a couple more 870s in your domicile, your bit of discretionary income goes to places like Able Ammo and Gamaliel, and your family wants you to get professional help.

So you sign up for lessons at your favorite range and get help.....

A coupla things...

First, get the lightest loads you can find. 7/8 oz loads are fine.

Second, get on The Lending Library's list for a copy of Brister's book. There's no other book I know of that has as much real info.

Third, in the Archives there's some threads that comprise Shotgun 101.

Hit the Search button, then go to Advaced Search. Put 101 in for subject, my name for author.

You'll find not only my ramblings and theories, but input from folks with accumulated centuries of shotgunning experience.

HTH....

[yhtomit]

Before I check into the lending library, I'll definitely check out the "101" posts -- thanks to both of you for the pointers.

timothy

[remfield]

its a remington pump. push the saftey to the side, pull the trigger and pump the action. There is not alot to it, but its a fine gun. i have two, one is spray painted, since i droped it in a lake and the other is show quality. Both of these guns shoot as well as any 1000 dollar gun. Just shoot it, it doesnt kick, and it isnt hard to work.

[Matt King]

Remember BA/UU/R!! The more you shoot your 870, the more comfortable you will feel with it. That and the fact that Shotgun Sports (Trap, Skeet) are just plain fun!!

Edit: For anyone that doesn't know, BA/UU/R means: Buy Ammo/ Use Up/ Repeat.