Advice for a prospective gun owner

[22-rimfire]

A shotgun is a good choice for a general catch all gun for home defense and hunting. You can buy different barrels for the shotgun that will allow you to perhaps have a better hunting experience (longer barrel) versus the shorter barreled shotgun that many buy for home defense purposes. Rifled slug barrels are also available if you wanted to use it for deer verus a smooth bore.

I would stick to a well established pump shotgun like your choices so that it allows you options in the future if you choose to make some changes for different purposes. You could take a hunter safety class (very inexpensive) and pretty much learn what you need to know about safety but not necessarily shooting.

If you start getting into the shooting sports, I would suggest you invest in a 22 rifle.

A safe is optional.

 

[doc2rn]

For the first 11 yrs of my life I was convinced all you ever needed was a Marlin Model 60 and a NEF single shot shotgun. I have since learned that these two platforms, while not superior, are inexpensive and allow a lot of training. So I was surprised when my dad went halves with me on a Ruger Standard for my 11th birthday. I still have that little Ruger and to be honest it is by far the most used weapon I own. While not ideal for concealed carry it will do everything you need it to in a pinch, and there are so many different models of it now as to even amaze me. Buckmark makes a fine .22lr also which others agree are the top 2 choices (Ruger Mark II and Buckmark). Both are ideal beginner platforms.

I prefer older shotguns in the side by side configuration over the Moss 500 and Rem 870, but that is just personal preference. Those old flat tops are similar to the NEF I learned on, and that may have made me biased.

One thing we all agree on is let your wife make her own decission on what she wants to shoot, and go to www.corneredcat.com for information written by women for women. It is very educational.

Welcome to the Highroad!

 

[Remllez]

I grew up on a farm and was hunting pheasants on my own by age 12. Everyone in my family including the girls were trained how to be safe and shoot .22 rifles/pistols and shotguns by my father who was a Korean war vet.

Times have changed but the need for proper firearms training never will. My advice is buy your shotgun and take at least a basic firearms training class.check with your state DNR for hunter safety classes, usually very low cost or free plus you receive a certificate which aids in future gun purchases and concealed carry requirements.

 

[bikerdoc]

Welcome!
Best advice I can give,
Read, learn, study, take classes, search THR and please join VCDL.

 

[Queen_of_Thunder]

I dont know if its been said or not but the wife and kids should also recieve instruction. This should be a family event. All members of the family should be able to safely use the firearms you own.

 

[WNC Seabee]

The only thing I have to add is to choose your trainer wisely.

It is an unfortunate fact that the firearms community is filled with guys who have a particular image of themselves. We all know "that guy" who knows everything about everything and is all decked out in the latest tactical fashions. I've found these "trainers" to be over-the-top sorts that can quickly turn a new shooter into an anti-shooter by their Rambo style approach to firearms.

Talk to your trainer before registering for the class, get references and find somebody whose mannerisms and technique match your goals.

 

[leadcounsel]

Welcome to the gun world. It will truly open your eyes once you seriously start taking home defense and your own and family security in mind.

Mossy vs. Remy is truly like Ford vs. Chevy. Practically the same only divided by personal preference and brand loyalty. Mossy is a little lighter with an aluminum receiver and they have different actions. Both work remarkably well.

I think the most important difference is the location of the safety. The Mossy has the safety on the top and back of the receiver which is preferable if you have a standard stock IMO. However, the Remy has it on the trigger guard, which works better if you are using a pistol grip/stock.

Avoid those mini-shells. I've read they don't feed well in shotguns. Good luck.