Texfire
Member
I did try a search of the 101 threads but couldn't find my answer so here goes.
My total experience with shotguns is the the Norinco '97 clone that I got for cowboy shooting. It's in 12ga. with a 20" barrel and is just fine for the large and short distance targets. I'm thinking about about picking up an inexpensive SxS with 20" barrels, but that's just for fun really. In other words, as far as shotgunning, no practical experience. Recently my brother asked me if I was interested in shooting skeet with him, and the boys at work hunt doves, so I'm thinking about trying that next year.
So enough background, I'm fairly sure that my Norinco is the wrong gun for both of these activities. Oh, and to throw in an possible wrinkle, I'm a southpaw. There is a used left-handed 870 Express at the my local gun shop. It has a 28" barrel with the screw-in choke, and the 18-1/2" home defense barrel. At $350 it looks like a good deal for the package, though I don't know if I care about the HD barrel. I'm also ambivalent about the left-handed model. I avoid right-handed bolt guns, but with a pump action or semi-auto I can use a right-hander just fine.
So here are my questions, the might even be the right ones:
1. Am I right in assuming that my Norinco with it's 20" barrel is inadequate for skeet and dove?
2. Is the 870 Express a good choice for skeet and dove?
3. Is there a better choice for an entry level gun?
4. What caliber is good for skeet and dove?
5. What barrel length is a minimum you suggest?
6. Advantages and disadvantages to a left-handed shotgun?
Thanks in advance for your assistance.
-ps Edited to clarify and add in question #6.
My total experience with shotguns is the the Norinco '97 clone that I got for cowboy shooting. It's in 12ga. with a 20" barrel and is just fine for the large and short distance targets. I'm thinking about about picking up an inexpensive SxS with 20" barrels, but that's just for fun really. In other words, as far as shotgunning, no practical experience. Recently my brother asked me if I was interested in shooting skeet with him, and the boys at work hunt doves, so I'm thinking about trying that next year.
So enough background, I'm fairly sure that my Norinco is the wrong gun for both of these activities. Oh, and to throw in an possible wrinkle, I'm a southpaw. There is a used left-handed 870 Express at the my local gun shop. It has a 28" barrel with the screw-in choke, and the 18-1/2" home defense barrel. At $350 it looks like a good deal for the package, though I don't know if I care about the HD barrel. I'm also ambivalent about the left-handed model. I avoid right-handed bolt guns, but with a pump action or semi-auto I can use a right-hander just fine.
So here are my questions, the might even be the right ones:
1. Am I right in assuming that my Norinco with it's 20" barrel is inadequate for skeet and dove?
2. Is the 870 Express a good choice for skeet and dove?
3. Is there a better choice for an entry level gun?
4. What caliber is good for skeet and dove?
5. What barrel length is a minimum you suggest?
6. Advantages and disadvantages to a left-handed shotgun?
Thanks in advance for your assistance.
-ps Edited to clarify and add in question #6.
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