I did it, I bought my first SG!

[DJ E.]

After 'trying on' the 870 and 500, I decided they didn't fit. My original plan was to just buy a 500 anyway and change out the stocks, and maybe try to sell the originals, that way I'd also have the 28" accu-choke and the 18.5 barrels. Not a bad deal for $219.

The last two contenders were the Win 1300 Defender/Camp Defender and the Benelli Nova Tactical. Both of these guns fit pretty nice and equally, with the nod going to the 1300 for it's slim build and slightly lighter frame. The Defender had a 18.5" barrel and 8 shots, but could not switch barrels. Neither could the Camp Defender with it's 22" Win-choke, which I really liked, btw.

I ended up buying the Benelli Nova b/c it is a clean sheet design, has the mag disconnect, the recoil reducer(not included), pretty simple dis/assembly, ability for 2 3/4-3 1/2, and ghost ring sights. It was on sale also for $305 vs. $299 for the Defender. Grand total came out to $355.15.

Is it possible to change out the barrel of the Nova with a longer one and some chokes if I ever deem necessary?

Just wanted to say thanks to all of you here for spreading your knowledge around, us SG newbs appreciate it.

Side note before I end my useless babbling: They had Surefire batteries at $2.99 for a pack of 2. About a month and a half ago, I bought a pair of Energizer batteries for my G2 Nitrolon for $16!:banghead: I feel played...but I bought a dozen of the Surefire ones for $18.

 

[El Tejon]

First stop--the gun shoppe to buy different rounds and then the patterning board!!!

 

[DJ E.]

Yep, there's an indoor range about 25 minutes away that'll let me shoot slugs, buckshot, whatever as long as it's not steel. I pick the gun up on Dec 2 so I have plenty of time to acquire different loads.

I think I'm going to mainly concentrate on patterning 1-4 buck, since I think that's what I'd like in it for HD. Now am I supposed to shoot slugs and get the ghost rings zeroed in before I pattern, or am I not thinking straight on this? And can you reccomend some good brands of ammo, or what to stay away from? How about low-recoil buck? Thanks...

DJ

 

[Bruce626]

Here's what all SG newbies hate to hear (apologies if you already know all of this):
1. Read ALL of Dave McC's threads here and on TFL.
2. Bird, Buck, and Slugs will each pattern differently in most guns, each is a study unto itself. Size A vs. Brand B sv Type C... lots of combo's.
3. I lucked out, the cheapest Remington reduced recoil 00 buck works better in my SG than Federal $$ 00 Buck.
4. Federal Personal Defense (#4 Bird if I recall) is the best Birdshot in my SG, but cost triple $$$. aaarrrgh. No cheap Bird for my gun.
5. I love shooting slugs, slugs, and more slugs... why? Two reasons: 1- a good shoulder-mounted recoil pad (not needed for other loads). 2- Remington reduced recoil slugs... great at ranges beyond what buck can handle, and good for my gun up to 100 yds, but easier on the shoulder.
6. Most folks on this board will not be very supportive of you adding weather vanes, lasers, drum mags, forked bayonets, and ESP devices... until after you know your SG to the point you almost sleep with it... then you can pick some add-ons.

P.S. I think my last purchase of Surefire 123's averaged about a buck apiece or so. Surefire has taken battery price out of the "which flashlight?" equation.

enjoy it.. i.e., shoot it a lot!

 

[sm]

Congrats.
El Tejon nailed it first with his post.

I will add use light loads when getting the basics down. I also recommend after getting the basics to use and unloaded gun and mount and dryfire daily. Its the muscle memory and stamina dealie. BA/UU/R

In using EL T 's advice about pattern boards... remember what a bbl or choke is marked ain't always what is throws...

 

[Sven]

Read this post with excitement because I pick up my first shotgun in a few days! It's a new Wingmaster 12 gauge in 26" - comes with a few chokes. I'm suddenly reading all those great threads again, ready to go into the unknown - a whole new branch on the tree of my enthusiasm for shooting sports.

Congrats, and enjoy! Be sure to share how it works out for you.

 

[sm]

Sven
1) congrats on a GREAT shotgun, you are in for a REAL treat.

2) Piece of Junk send it to me...I don't normally do this, but I'll make an exception...(mumble more false comments about 870 WM ...what lies can I use to get that WM)...OH...I know...Betty has one and she is a girl you don't want a girls gun. ( Sorry Betty, and the rest of you guys be quiet...I'm working here can't you see?)

Yep I think you should go with #2....

 

[Dave McCracken]

Congrats and Mazeltov on the Nova. A couple things...

First, no reproaches from me for not getting the 870. You've a good,reliable and durable shotgun there.That's what counts, not whether it came from Ilion or Brescia.

Next, walk before running. PLEASE get the lightest loads you can find and use them first. Trust me on this. And, your testosterone levels will not suffer from using light but not wimpy loads.

Let the extra barrel and chokes go for now. Concentrate on learning this as it is, until you can load and unload it, make safe, and fire as needed in total darkness. Then expand the hardware and explore other roads in Shotgunland.

Sven, glad to hear it, you have my numbers and can reach me if there's any questions you have.

Both of you, BA/UU/R.

 

[DJ E.]

Sven
Congrats on the purchase! Maybe we can get together sometime and shoot. It'd be great to go through the learning experience with someone. I'm in the east bay in Fremont.

Alright, light loads until I'm accustomed to the gun and work my way up. Pattern, pattern, pattern. Dry fire and practice mounting/swinging daily. Rinse, lather, repeat...

Thanks for info. I'll be sure to let you guys know how I'm doing every now and then.

 

[Sven]

Maybe you'd like to try my home club, Sunnyvale Rod and Gun. Always old timers shooting trap willing to help new 'recruits'.