Finally got my Shotgun next steps?

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mjgav

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Good morning, looking for a little information, finally got my shot gun a Mossberg 500 18.5 barrel.
Now I want to take to the range. I do have some questions when I call the different ranges near me all I get are recordings. I realize these are different times with so many new gun owners so I thought maybe I could get some advice answered here.
The ranges I called all offer shotgun shooting.
For few hours practice what would be a good estimate for rounds fired
I'm thinking 25-50?
It does not appear that I need reservations so thinking just show up?
I assume bring my own Ammo?
Whats best Ammo for practice that might be available for me to get some familiarity with shotgun?
I am familiar with gun safety though its been awhile since I handled a firearm (last time early 70's military service)
Planning on going slow but sure, even hoping I can find someone available for one on one instruction
when I get to talk to someone face to face.
Thanks in advance for any assistance.
 
It sounds like a good plan to me. When I take my shotgun (firearm) to the range I usually take a box or two of ammo with me. I try to take some light loaded 7.5 birdshot and some oo buck defense loads. Lots of times there are someone that wants to "try it out".I have a Mossberg 500 Tactical Cruiser and invariably there is a person that wants to take it for a ride !!! Be sure to pick up your empties, my range has a rule about them although very few people do actually do it. Have fun & be safe. IMG_20181109_145621447.jpg
 
mjgav said:
Good morning, looking for a little information, finally got my shot gun a Mossberg 500 18.5 barrel.
Now I want to take to the range. I do have some questions when I call the different ranges near me all I get are recordings. I realize these are different times with so many new gun owners so I thought maybe I could get some advice answered here.
The ranges I called all offer shotgun shooting.
1)For few hours practice what would be a good estimate for rounds fired
I'm thinking 25-50?
2)It does not appear that I need reservations so thinking just show up?
3)I assume bring my own Ammo?
4)Whats best Ammo for practice that might be available for me to get some familiarity with shotgun?
I am familiar with gun safety though its been awhile since I handled a firearm (last time early 70's military service)
5)Planning on going slow but sure, even hoping I can find someone available for one on one instruction
when I get to talk to someone face to face.
Thanks in advance for any assistance.
Click to expand...

1)How much depends on ammo type and target..SG birdshot type stuff is kinda one and done vs a paper target. PLUS recoil for normal loads(Buck shot) can kinda wear ya out.

2)Yup, just go. If it's busy and controlled, you may have to wait a bit.

3)Yes, bring your own ammo..some ranges sell it also but it can be pricey.

4)Low recoil(less than 1000 FPS), bird shot type stuff..also the least expensive. Or just some pretty standard bird shot(7.5 or 8 shot..lotsa small bbs). You canshoot some buckshot and compare recoil(big difference, IMHO)

5)generally speaking, gun people are very forthcoming, helpful, easy to talk to. The range people or even the guy next to ya. Ask awy..no dumb questions.
 
One box of birdshot for familiarization with the shotgun. Bring a friend who knows them, or ask for assistance at the range. As FFGCOLORADO says, gun people are glad to help. One box (25 rd.) of 00 Buck for familiarization with the round you'll be using to defend yourself. Don't shoot all of that box. Buckshot has a lot more recoil, just shoot enough so you are familiar with what kind of patterns you'll get at the ranges you'll encounter in your home. Save the rest for loading the gun at home. Every couple of years, replace the magazine spring if the gun is kept loaded. Cheap insurance.
 
These ranges, are they shotgun only as in trap, skeet, sporting clays? If so you might find that many do not allow short barrel shotguns on their fields. If you're talking about an all purpose facility where the shotgun is used more for 3-gun and HD/SD type stuff, you shouldn't have any issues
 
First before you go to the range sit down, read you owners manual, clean your gun and familiarize yourself with the gun. Where the safety is, how it works. How to load and unload. That goes for any gun. I tell my kids they should be able to load, unload, find and operate any button, latch or anything on the gun with their eyes closed before they even think about shooting. One thing I can't stand. Being next to someone at the range fumbling around with a gun they don't even know how to load much less handle safely.
 
Outside Chicago here: indoor ranges near me are buck or slug only. This raises the cost of going a lot. There are a couple outdoor ranges where you would probably shoot on a rifle range and may restrict birdshot.

If you go to a trap/skeet/ 5 stand range, these will be birdshot only. Some are steel only.

All sell ammunition, but it may not be the cheapest price. When I started shotgun sports, I brought one box. Silly me! Now, if only shoot 50, I feel deprived.
 
George P said:
These ranges, are they shotgun only as in trap, skeet, sporting clays? If so you might find that many do not allow short barrel shotguns on their fields. If you're talking about an all purpose facility where the shotgun is used more for 3-gun and HD/SD type stuff, you shouldn't have any issues
Click to expand...
This this and double this.

Too many variables in the original post. If I’m shooting skeet a couple of boxes of shotshells isn’t enough. Under the assumption though that this is a HD shotgun(18.5” barrel), many if not most ranges dedicated to skeet, trap and sporting clays won’t allow a shotgun with a 18.5” barrel and also ban buckshot and slugs. I also know some rifle ranges that do not allow shotguns period. So theoretically you could be SOL and have to find some private property to shoot on.

I’d bring light loads and the HD load you plan to use and make sure the POA and POI are close at the distances you think you’ll shoot in an actual HD situation.
 
Our shotgun range is strictly skeet, trap, and sporting clays with 7.5 size birdshot being the maximum size allowed. I don't believe we ever had a barrel length regulation. I recall seeing a few short barrels.
 
George P said:
These ranges, are they shotgun only as in trap, skeet, sporting clays? If so you might find that many do not allow short barrel shotguns on their fields. If you're talking about an all purpose facility where the shotgun is used more for 3-gun and HD/SD type stuff, you shouldn't have any issues
Click to expand...
Excellent point I know one does offer Trap sporting clays so I will check into Thanks!
 
cdb1 said:
This this and double this.

Too many variables in the original post. If I’m shooting skeet a couple of boxes of shotshells isn’t enough. Under the assumption though that this is a HD shotgun(18.5” barrel), many if not most ranges dedicated to skeet, trap and sporting clays won’t allow a shotgun with a 18.5” barrel and also ban buckshot and slugs. I also know some rifle ranges that do not allow shotguns period. So theoretically you could be SOL and have to find some private property to shoot on.

I’d bring light loads and the HD load you plan to use and make sure the POA and POI are close at the distances you think you’ll shoot in an actual HD situation.
Click to expand...
Great points thanks you
 
tws3b2 said:
First before you go to the range sit down, read you owners manual, clean your gun and familiarize yourself with the gun. Where the safety is, how it works. How to load and unload. That goes for any gun. I tell my kids they should be able to load, unload, find and operate any button, latch or anything on the gun with their eyes closed before they even think about shooting. One thing I can't stand. Being next to someone at the range fumbling around with a gun they don't even know how to load much less handle safely.
Click to expand...
Don't want to be that guy fumbling around thanks
 
If indoor range check and see what type of ammo is allowed , one range here allows buckshot another slugs only. Doubt you will shoot much shooting unless you are familiar and experienced with shotgun recoil. I've only been able to shoot mine a few times with 2.75 slugs and couple boxes of mini slugs with Opsol clip.
0427191411.jpg
 
mjgav said:
Good morning, looking for a little information, finally got my shot gun a Mossberg 500 18.5 barrel.
Now I want to take to the range. I do have some questions when I call the different ranges near me all I get are recordings. I realize these are different times with so many new gun owners so I thought maybe I could get some advice answered here.
The ranges I called all offer shotgun shooting.
For few hours practice what would be a good estimate for rounds fired
I'm thinking 25-50?
It does not appear that I need reservations so thinking just show up?
I assume bring my own Ammo?
Whats best Ammo for practice that might be available for me to get some familiarity with shotgun?
I am familiar with gun safety though its been awhile since I handled a firearm (last time early 70's military service)
Planning on going slow but sure, even hoping I can find someone available for one on one instruction
when I get to talk to someone face to face.
Thanks in advance for any assistance.
Click to expand...
Take a class.

https://firearmtraining.nra.org/
 
In your situation, I call first and talk to the RSO about how you can best utilize the range and your ammo questions.
25 twelve gauge shells is a lot of shooting if you've been out of the game for much time.
 
romulus said:
Reason numero uno I don't go to open ranges anymore
Click to expand...
And why I LOVE my outdoor range because I can get my own private bermed shooting lane (like I had today) so no worries; unlike the indoor range where folks sweep everyone (mostly accidentally and there is is a plexiglas partition but still)
I set up my chrono and checked 16 different 38 reloads going back and forth; nice covered seating and parking right there, a fan blowing on the picnic table they use in lieu of "benches"; very nice.
 
Good it works for you George...I think you touched on the reason a bit: In the outdoor range ppl feel free and open and often forget where their firearms are pointing...
 
romulus said:
Good it works for you George...I think you touched on the reason a bit: In the outdoor range ppl feel free and open and often forget where their firearms are pointing...
Click to expand...
When it is a wide open outdoor range with no separation, I completely agree with you. There was a city shooting park out West with no RSOs; anyone could show up and shoot anything. You ALWAYS had one eye out for the idiots
 
Every indoor range I have been to prohibited bird shot. Too much spread. They don't want pellets damaging the ceiling. I suggest buying "low recoil" buck shot or slugs to start if you can find it. It still packs a wallop but definitely easier to shoot than standard power. I can only shoot about 25 standard buckshot before it becomes painful.
 
Check with the range as it depends. Here, I’ve found only one range that allows buckshot. The indoor ranges are slug only. The outdoor ranges only allow birdshot when shooting skeet, trap or clays and slugs only on the rifle range. I’ve found one outdoor range where you can rent a bay and shoot whatever you want.
 
First clean your new gun inside and out. My Moss 835 had a ton of brown gunk (rust inhibitor) when new. Read the owners manual and physically duplicate each step, safety, bolt release, barrel removal, choke tube install.
Decide on its intended use: skeet, sporting clays, upland game, slugs for medium game, home defense.
If your range has a patterning board use it! How does your gun pattern with each choke at 15,20,30 and 40 yards with each shot you may use: 7 1/2, 6, 8, buckshot, turkey loads. If shooting slugs at what range can you put 5 slugs into a 9" paper plate (your max hunting range)?
Put in a full day at the range, $50 worth of shells, and you will be able to use your new gun to it's it's full potential.
 
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