First gun?..

[JAshley73]

Ok ladies and gents, It's time to poll The High Road on yours truly's first shotgun purchase. Before we delve into the options, this will be a clays/fun/"my game of golf after a rough day at work" gun. In other words, just for fun...

On the agenda today is the age old debate of new vs. old, pump vs. semi-auto, Browning or Beretta... More specifically, order a new Beretta Semi (A300, 3901, 391...) from the LGS, or pick up the used, but very nice condition Browning BPS (12ga, 28", 3 chokes) they have on the rack. Upside to the new Beretta - I get to spec it out how I want, Semi-Auto, 4+1 capacity. Downside - it's 3x the cost, needs a shell catcher on the trap range, (More?)

Upside to the used BPS - $400, very nice condition, tang safety, take it home tomorrow and start shooting this weekend while the wife is working... Downside - I'm not sure how I feel about a pump gun. I'm not sure why or where this hesitation to get a pump comes from, and I hope I don't offend any one by saying that. I will say though, If I had to pick a pump gun to buy, the BPS would be it.

Buying used or new really doesn't matter to me, however finding a used Beretta nearby is tough. I am of the opinion of buying quality once, and keeping it forever, however, is it wise to spend $1,200 on a first gun? And any reason to sway one way or the other towards a pump or semi? I look forward to the response. I always get an education here on THR about something I've yet to even consider, and I'm always grateful for it. Thanks again fella's.

-J

 

[Nickelplate]

I prefer over-under so I can toss the empties easily. Also, I'm not a fan of a shell catcher for semi-autos. Seems like it would throw off my swing.

For range shooting you only ever need two in your clay buster. I vote over-under.

I use a Beretta Silver Pigeon II, but I like your selections too.

 

[DaleCooper51]

For a first gun, I would go with a semi-auto. Shoot it for a year or two and figure out what you like and don't like about it. From there you can decide what you want out of a shotgun. If you show up regularly at a clays range, you will have offers to try different guns. Take people up on their offers. While the cost of a gun may seem like a lot of money, the cost of ammo and range fees quickly outpace it.

 

[wolfe]

For shooting clays and games etc at the club go with the pump. Have it for the weekend....

 

[mosedav]

My first shotgun I decided to stay as inexpensive as possible in case the sport was not for me so bought a H&R single shot 3 1/2" magnum for 80$ new from Big 5 sporting. Never shot a shotgun before except one shot at the moon on a Nevada ranch when I was about 8 years old. so got 3 1/2" mag trap shot and went to my nearest gun range and aranged for 10 skit pigons and nailed 7 out of 10 this gun had no padding at all and I payed for it the next day but if I was not shooting that massive load I don't think my record would have been as good. Then went to the leves and shot slugs at a abounded sheetmetal building the holes were like three inches in diameter. what the main thing i want to say is I like fealing of the buck of the beast use less amino by making you a better aimer. you just get that over all fealing of respect for such a large load and feel more with the gun

 

[Indyhandgunner]

For what you're describing, I think some sort of semi would be best. Some flavor of Beretta (390, 3901, 391) seems like it would fit the bill for what you need it for. If you could find one for around 500, I would go with that. Otherwise, an 1100 would suit your purposes well and finding a nice, clean one for around 400 shouldn't be too hard. The steel receiver might be more beneficial for shooting in volume, and finding parts/barrels should be a breeze. If you end up with an 1100 there's a good chance you'll hold onto it for awhile, as they run like clockwork with lighter loads (if you maintain them), have nostalgia value and look nice to boot. An 11-87 would be fine too if you want 3 inch capacity, but I would find an older Premier, stay away from the Sportsmans (I had one and it didn't like light loads too much).

As for spending 1200 on a first shotgun, I wouldn't recommend it. Get a cheap(er) semi as it will be more forgiving to shoot and let you learn the ropes; when you get more experienced you can get a nicer over/under that fits you properly.

 

[Virginian]

I agree with the good used name brand gas operated semi auto approach. If you take decent care of it you won't lose any money if you decide to switch after you shoot for a while and form some of your own tastes.
Many years ago - almost a half century - I didn't hit the sweet spot until my 5th shotgun, a Remington 1100. I still have it, and that is my clays gun, when I don't shoot the 20 gauge. A boat load of other shotguns have come and gone over that time frame - and a few even stayed also. Beretta and Browning have also made some nice models. Whatever you like the feel of best will suit.

 

[oneounceload]

Also, I'm not a fan of a shell catcher for semi-autos. Seems like it would throw off my swing.

The shell catcher on a shotgun is NOT the same as those mesh bags on an AR - it clamps right at the ejection port and weighs about 1/4 ounce

For fun IF all you are doing is trap singles, and you'll never venture to the skeet, 5-stand, or sporting clays fields, then get the pump. On the other hand - IF you will be shooting those games as well, then get the Beretta semi or a used Browning or Beretta O/U - whichever one fits you best

 

[JAshley73]

I would like shoot some skeet and sporting clays too, for what it's worth.

For what it's worth, I'm left handed, and don't plan on buying any left handed hardware. I, like many other southpaws, have become accustomed to living in a right handed world. I do have a question about Remington 1100's though. I've heard some say that lefties can get faces full of gas - any truth in this, or internet here-say? Otherwise, I'll consider one of those too, as they do seem like nice guns.

And one more question about empty hulls. When shooting or hunting, any worry of leaving shells on the ground, or rather constantly picking them up? I can imagine it's good etiquette on the trap and skeet ranges to pick them up, but how about in the field, or on a sporting clays course? I know about shell catchers for trap single, but not sure about the other scenarios. If it is a big deal to leave empties behind, I'll shop for O/I's...

Once again, thanks fellows.

Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk 2

 

[rcmodel]

but how about in the field, or on a sporting clays course?

Plastic hulls are litter that won't biodegrade in our lifetime.

Some of the large pay to hunt places are switching to "paper hulls only" rules because of the constantly growing plastic hull litter ruining an otherwise pristine hunting experience.

rc

 

[JC98]

I generally just clean up the empties at the end of the round or pick them up in the field. Just takes a second and the plastic will be around forever if you leave it there.

I would go with what fit's you best. How do they feel when you shoulder them? Do they point naturally?

If your just shooting clays either would be fine....actually either would be fine for whatever you decide to use it for. Pumps are just a lot cheaper especially if your just getting into it.

I started with pumps- Ithaca 12ga, Winchester 1200, Benelli Super Nova. Just moved to Semi-Auto's after hunting with a friends.

 

[Indyhandgunner]

I do have a question about Remington 1100's though. I've heard some say that lefties can get faces full of gas - any truth in this, or internet here-say?

I'm a lefty and shoot an 1100, never had a problem with vented gas. For what it's worth I don't think I've ever had any problems shooting a right handed shotgun lefty (unless it has a palm swell or something like that). At a range, operating the safety doesn't need to be done quickly, so the safety on a Remington is a moot point. One thing to keep in mind if you decide to go with an 1100 (or SX1, which I'm surprised no one has brought up) is that these older guns have fixed chokes. You're probably already aware, but if you're going to do skeet and sporting clays, you might want to be switching chokes (from skeet/IC to Mod. or something of the sort). You'll have to find a gun with a barrel that takes removable chokes, or buy one (or just buy multiple fixed choke barrels). Or just get used to shooting with less than ideal chokes.

As for dropping shells, it depends on the range you're shooting at (and who you're shooting with). The course I shoot at no one picks up their shells. I wouldn't take this into consideration picking out a gun (unless you plan to reload).

 

[oneounceload]

For what it's worth, I'm left handed, and don't plan on buying any left handed hardware. I, like many other southpaws, have become accustomed to living in a right handed world. I do have a question about Remington 1100's though. I've heard some say that lefties can get faces full of gas - any truth in this, or internet here-say? Otherwise, I'll consider one of those too, as they do seem like nice guns.

I am also LH and owned a 28 gauge 1100. Your issue was never experienced by me, and I used a T&S shell catcher when I shot skeet to recapture some of my empties (those 28s will cause a melee if left on the ground too long! )

 

[Dave McCracken]

Don't buy a gun yet. At most ranges, a well spoken and polite newcomer wil get handed many shotguns to try for a few shots. Go to your local range, ask questions and shoot a bit.

Also, the BPS requires no shell catcher even for trap. It ejects down.

 

[JAshley73]

I like Dave's advice, but I don't exactly feel comfortable asking folks at the range to shoot their guns. Sort of like showing up at a car show and asking for they keys I suppose. Perhaps I'm too timid, I don't know.

And to complicate matters, an opportunity to pick up a used Beretta 686e has popped up as well. I'm gonna say 98% condition, 12ga, 3" chambers, 30" bbls, ejectors, 5 chokes, hard and soft cases for $1,200. That's less than the New 391 would be before tax... It has a little factory right hand cast, but it seemed to be hardly noticible when mounted. I'm sure steady practice would solve any issues. (As with any new gun purchase.) And given all the comments above about leaving empties lying around, the O/U sounds like the responsible choice - Yeah, responsibility, that's why I should buy it.

Uggh, decisions, decisions...

 

[Indyhandgunner]

I like Dave's advice, but I don't exactly feel comfortable asking folks at the range to shoot their guns.

I would still take Dave's advice. Even if you aren't that outgoing, most places will have some rental/loaner guns that they will let you shoot. Call where you shoot ahead and check what they have. This gives you the added bonus of having someone with experience help you out with gun fit.

 

[Esoxchaser]

Have a Beretta AL390 and 391, both in 20 ga. Fantastic guns. Remington 1100 is a great gun for the trap and skeet fields, very soft shooters, but absolute tanks for all day carry through the brush.

 

[oneounceload]

It has a little factory right hand cast, but it seemed to be hardly noticible when mounted. I'm sure steady practice would solve any issues.

That cast will cause you some grief on crossing targets - you'll find yourself a little behind going one way and a little in front going the other. Do yourself a favor and make the gun fit you instead of fitting you to the gun - if that means getting the stock bent, or having an adjustable butt plate installed so you can correct the cast/pitch/drop, etc., then do it and you'll have a gun that will be fun to shoot for your entire life

 

[luv2safari]

^^

What he said! You can have the cast oil-bent by a good gunsmith if it is walnut, and he can fit it to you.

 

[IdahoSkies]

shotguns are a lot like handguns. the one that fits you will be the one you enjoy the most. I bought (and kept) three guns before I found "mine." I picked it up at a gun show, put it to my shoulder and it pointed exactly where I wanted it to. Its like an extension of my arm. Its awesome.

Look for the same in yours. (which is the reason I have not said what mine was).

That said, if what you want is a clay buster, fun "golf with guns" gun. Get the Berreta if you must be limited to your two choices. It will do what ever you want it to. Pumps are great and can be as good as a semi-auto, if you are a pump kind of guy, and can rack that slide like butter. If you want to shoot a relaxing set of clays, get the semi-auto.

Though overall for golf with guns, I would go with a over under, but that was not what you asked about.

 

[mr16ga]

Get a used Browning A-5 16 ga lot of gun for a cheap price these days.

 

[snooperman]

I also like Dave's advice . Go to the range more than once and handle different guns. You will be surprised how much you will get from that experience; and the people there will be more than happy to work with a new shooter. I like the Beretta 390 for clays , but you may not.The gun has to fit. Have fun and enjoy.

 

[drsfmd]

And one more question about empty hulls. When shooting or hunting, any worry of leaving shells on the ground, or rather constantly picking them up? I can imagine it's good etiquette on the trap and skeet ranges to pick them up, but how about in the field, or on a sporting clays course? I know about shell catchers for trap single, but not sure about the other scenarios. If it is a big deal to leave empties behind, I'll shop for O/I's...

Depends on the club. Some clubs have a if-it-hits-the-ground-it-belongs-to-the-club rule, others require you to pick up every single one of your hulls, others don't care.

Regarding shell catchers, they are a 100% must if you are shooting trap. If you put a ding in someones K-80 (or whatever other high end gun) you are obligated to pay for the repair, and that repair may cost more than your gun costs...

 

[JAshley73]

Well, the search continues...

After further examination, I'm having to scale back the budget. Without boring everyone reading this, my wife and I started adding up a list of very probable expenses coming in the near future, so now I'm imposing an $800 or less cap on myself. So that 686e is out, and so is the new 391.

I did find some older Beretta O/U's today, a BL1 and BL3 I believe, in the $500-$600 range. Fixed chokes, decent fit, but I let them sit as I don't know much about them. One had double triggers though, so I thought that was probably a good thing?

I'll also keep my eyes open for an 1100 or Beretta gas gun, or perhaps a vintage O.U. And there's always that nice BPS, or any other pump gun at the LGS. I'm not going to get too worked up over it though. Something will come along...

Tomorrow (Sunday) is public trap shoot day at the local range. I may go buy some shells, show up and try to make friends. Who knows, making kicking the bushes there might turn up a deal? Anyway, I'll keep you all posted. Thanks again guys - It's always a pleasure.

 

[JAshley73]

Update: So a nearly a month has gone by, and I stumble into a local store on the way home from work to check out what they had. After a spotting a gem on the back, wall, I phoned the wife, and wound up getting a Beretta a303, Ducks Unlimited edition. 12ga, 3" "magnum" chamber, 28" vent rib barrel with 1 modified screw in choke. I don't care much about the D/U, or the 3" chamber, but the gun is in great shape, has beautiful wood, and I feel like I got a fair price on it. $545 after tax - I don't think that was too bad?

Anyway, I got a chance tonight to give it a good cleaning and spend a little time getting to know it's insides. According to Shotgun World, it was made in '86, which is cool because I was too.

Anyway, I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone here in the Shotgun section. Although I may've been a little stubborn by buying this gun first, I really appreciate everyone taking the time to read through my questions and offer your thoughts/opinions/advice - it means a lot to a beginner like myself.

Now, I need to track down an instructor, start doing some of those "101" exercises, and of course, BA/UU/R... Thanks again guys!

Oh, I almost forgot - a picture of my new toy.