Buying my first shotgun

[Wolfy]

I just came back from shooting trap for the first time and I am hooked. I need help picking out a shotgun it will be strictly a trap/skeet gun. I have never owned a shotgun. But I am interested in either an O/U or semi for less than a thousand. So far the Browning looks like a good choice I can pick it up for $770 new.

http://browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?value=010B&cat_id=011&type_id=103

Please help me make a more informed decision.

 

[Smoke]

That would be a good choice....if it "feels right" (Right Dave?)

Shoot it alot. Then shoot it some more. Then re-evaluate after a year or two.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Either the Browning or its Winchester sibling will make a good target gun for many. It's not clear yet if it's a great shotgun for you.

The criteria for a target gun are:

Durability. Any shotgun can last long enough as a field gun, but most target guns get shot more in a year than most field guns do ever.

Reliability. Finicky, sensitive, tempermental guns are too frustrating to keep.

Effectiveness. For reasons including balance, fit, comfort, weight et al, it has to be capable of performing the mission. Some dedicated trap guns are nigh useless for most everything else.

Comfort. Self explanatory. This covers fit again and recoil.

After an idea from Bruce Buck, the Technoid...

I suggest geting a good semi like this Browning, the 1100 Remington or the Beretta 390-391, getting it to fit, putting a good trigger on it and shooting the heck out of it. After at least one year of obsessive use, you'll know what works for you and what just sucks money from your wallet.

Use Modified or Full for Trap, Skeet or Cylinder for Skeet, and whatever works for SC and 5 stand. Try all the games, they're as much fun as can be had fully dressed...

HTH....

 

[Wolfy]

Thanks for the help. I was looking on the net at the 391 after I posted and I need to go look and see how it feels. I checked out the Browning yesterday and it felt perfect came up nice and quick and targets very nice.