I don't even know the right question to ask I'm so new to shotguns...

[Texfire]

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.

 

[bratch]

1. Can't comment.
2. Yes
3. Not really; some are close but not superior
4. As long as you don't mind the recoil I'd say 12 ga. Shells are easier to find and cheaper. 20s would be the next pick,
5. Personal preference on how you want it to feel. 28" is fine if you like the feel.

Now there will be alot more knowledgable folks along to tell you where I was wrong and point you in the right direction.

 

[esheato]

1. Am I right in assuming that my Norinco is totally inadquate for skeet and dove?

Totally inadequate? No. Would you do much better with a gun more suited to your endeaver? Of course! As with any other gun related adventure, having the correct tool will help immensely.

2. Is the 870 Express a good choice for skeet and dove?

Excellent choice. Nearly indestrucible and a great starter gun. You can always move up to a SxS (side by side) or O/U (over/under) at a later date if you so choose. Some features that I would look for: screw-in chokes, comfortable recoil pad and a nice rib and bead.

3. Is there a better choice for an entry level gun?

Remington and Mossberg are the standard beginner pump guns.

4. What caliber is good for skeet and dove?

Twelve gauge is the typical beginner caliber. Easy to hit what you're aiming at and cheap on the pocketbook. Everyone sells 12 gauge ammunition and if they don't, they're not worth your money. Both skeet and dove can be shot with any shotgun, but as the shells get smaller the shooting gets more difficult. I would start with a 12 gauge and if shotgun is something you enjoy move down in caliber from there. Worst case scenario, you end up with a great gun for a decent price.

5. What barrel length is a minimum you suggest?

While 26" is adequate, 28" is more typical. You can go longer if you wish. A longer barrel will make your swing smoother, but it will be slower to get going on fast moving birds. The trend these days is towards the longer barrels, but I prefer a 28".


A couple things to point out. More than anything, gun fit should be your primary concern. Go shopping and put everything up to your shoulder. You'll figure out what feels good and what doesn't. Also, talk to the boys at work and get them to take you skeet shooting a few times to get an idea of your preferences. Start reading and listening and you'll be shooting perfect 25s in no time.

Ed

 

[killermarmot]

1)Am I right in assuming that my Norinco is totally inadquate for skeet and dove?

-Not necessarily I shot my old winchester 97 for almost a year shooting trap, pheasant, and so on. Is it optimal no not really, do people look at you kinda funny at the trap range, sometimes but it works

2)Is the 870 Express a good choice for skeet and dove?

-Yup nice solid guns easy to find parts for, almost everyone has owned one at some point so you can get help if you need it

3)Is there a better choice for an entry level gun?

-Consider the Benelli Nova. That's what I picked up in lieu of an 870 for a couple reasons. 1)standard 3.5" shells (geese, etc.) 2)synthetic stock 3) mid rib bead and fibre optic end bead 4) it fit my hands better (long fingers) 5) the take down is unbelieveably simple and quick with very few parts (6-7) almost everything i listed there is extra money on an 870. if you don't need any of it skip it But I strongly suggest taking a peek at em. 6)mecury recoil reducer if you need it

4) again 12ga or 20ga is great. as mentioned 12 is cheaper and i think slightly more versatile as you can use low base shells for smaller birds (chuckar, dove) or high base 3.5" for big stuff like turkey and geese.

5)26" or 28" is usually the standard some trap people shoot 30" but from what i understand you've burned pretty much all your powder and it isn't gunna help your grouping going much past 26" so it's pretty much all about what swings best for you, what balances well. if it's 26 great 28 great.

as for SxS or O/U I took a stoeger out for a spin and it was alright but I wasn't conviced and went with a CZ O/U great option for starting out into double guns. But a nice pump with interchangeable chokes will be more then fine for now. Hope that was helpfull. Good luck happy shooting