I just got my first shotgun...

[Banjo29]

I just got my first shotgun... (updated with pics)

I just purchased my first gun a couple weeks back. After much research for a HD weapon, I picked up a Remington 870 express and installed a Knoxx Spec Ops stock on it. I absolutely love it so far.

I have put around 300 rounds through it at the range, have an extremely sore shoulder (from pre-Knoxx stock), and have never had more fun. I have never shot a gun before, so starting with a 12 gauge was interesting. My friend who owns many guns went along with me to show me the ropes. He also brought his 357 magnum which we shot off a few times, I don't think I hit the target once.

Here's to my first post and my first gun. Funny thing is, I'm already looking for a pistol now. I think I'm addicted.

 

[Regolith]

A 12 gauge probably wasn't the best choice to start with, but if you're happy with it then it doesn't matter.

You should look into getting a .22LR, though. They're cheap to feed, and a LOT easier on your shoulder. A good rifle or pistol in .22LR can help you build your shooting fundamentals without breaking the bank or the risk of developing a recoil-induced flinch, which can throw off your aim. They're also a blast to shoot.

The 870 Express is a good gun. It was the first one I bought for myself after I turned 18. It should last longer than you, if you take care of it, and they're damn near as reliable a gun as you can buy.

 

[jakemccoy]

An 870 was first gun. My second gun was a Glock 27. These are two guns that few shooters would recommend for beginners. I became competent with both guns without a problem. I guess I didn't know I was supposed to have trouble.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Welcome aboard, Banjo. A couple things...

For new and old shooters, the 7/8 oz loads are better than the 1 1/8 oz birdshot loads of yore. They hit as hard and kick much less.

Take care of your Express. It will last generations given half a chance.

And shoot some clays, if you haven't done so yet. All of the games are fun, and great practice.

 

[possum]

welcome to thr, and congrats that is an excellent choice, i have one as well minus the knoxx stock, they are solid reliable performers. now you need to attend a shotgun training course, so you can get the most out of that defensive shotgun.

 

[Banjo29]

Thank you all for the welcome.

Dave, I've already shot around 200 clays. Really, really fun. I purchased some cheap Wal-Mart special clay thrower that gets the job done if I'm alone. Or my friend and I take turns throwing.

Thanks for the tip on the ammo loads.

Out of curiosity, I keep seeing things about the "break-in" period of the gun. How long is the break-in period?

 

[Dave McCracken]

Dunno about the length of the breakin, Banjo. Still working on mine since 1959...

 

[chas08]

Congrats on your first scattergun, and welcome. Be sure to keep that 870 in isolation.They tend to multiply and/or evolve into O/U's or SxS or semi-autos.

 

[1KPerDay]

Congrats. Starting with a 12 gauge is a bit like getting a dragracer for your first car... tends to skew your perspective a bit.

I agree with the suggestions about .22 rifle or pistol next... work on your technique.

 

[MaterDei]

No, you KNOW you're addicted. Welcome to the club and congrats on the fine, new shotgun, twas a nice choice indeed.

Michael

p.s. - it's time to research and join your preference of RKBA advocacy groups. We need you to assist them to help secure our rights. I'd suggest you start by looking into the NRA, the Gun Owners of America, and the Second Ammendment Foundation. You should also eventually join your state version of these groups.

 

[Geno]

Wow! First gun and you've already stepped into a Remington 870?! Impressive. Thank your friend for the sage advice.

For a handgun, there are dozens of options. Try a few to see what feels right.

Congrats and welcome to THR!

Doc2005

 

[Banjo29]

MaterDei, I'm already looking into joining the NRA, going to fill out the application sometime this week.

Yeah, I wasn't expecting the amount of recoil my first few shots, but I did manage to hit the first 3 clays that I ever shot at.

 

[mbt2001]

Banjo29

WELCOME TO THR!

JOIN THE NRA!



I am glad to hear that you had a good experience. You are going to love the knoxx stock...

A 12 gauge probably wasn't the best choice to start with, but if you're happy with it then it doesn't matter.

funny... I constantly hear people give the advice of "get a shotgun for your first home defense gun." I constantly hear the oppisite when someone actually follows the advice... Start where and when you can is my advice. Just start.

 

[Banjo29]

I have only shot around 20-30 rounds through the Knoxx stock, but I love it so far. It barely has any recoil anymore.

 

[Gord]

Banjo,

You're doing it all wrong. First things you should do with your first shotgun are install a vertical foregrip, heatshield and a laser, then double-check that you haven't smudged the factory packing grease and post some pictures. Sheesh.

After that, load her up with Winchester promo birdshot (which is the best HD load in existence because it will penetrate 12" of bad guy, but not 2" of drywall) and stick it in your closet. Et voila: you are now a tactical offensive shotgun master operator.

Feel free to take it out, look at it and fondle it every now and then, but remember not to shoot it. It might get scratched!

 

[Geno]

I agree Re: recoil with the Knoxx. I bought the Rem 870 Tactical last year. It came with a Knoxx. You will likely notice that birdshot, and buckshot have less recoil than slugs. That Express finish must look so cool with the Knoxx! You have to post some pics.

Careful that 870! I hear tell that Remington's don't breed, but they sure do multiply.

Doc2005

 

[Banjo29]

Doc2005, I think the shotgun is absolutely gorgeous. Yeah I also fired 10 or so slugs through it and definitely felt the recoil difference. For clays I'm just using cheap #7 1/2 birdshot and for my HD load I picked up a few boxes of Hornady TAP 00 Buck.

I snapped a few pictures:

 

[jakemccoy]

Nice 870!!!

Is it just me, or is that forend huge for a pump?

 

[mbt2001]

#4 buck has always been my personal fav HD round for a 12 gauge... 27 pellets vs 9 - 12 pellets.

 

[Regolith]

funny... I constantly hear people give the advice of "get a shotgun for your first home defense gun." I constantly hear the oppisite when someone actually follows the advice... Start where and when you can is my advice. Just start.

Funny, everyone who's called me on that didn't seem read the last part of my sentence...

The reason new shooters are recommended to start on soft recoiling platforms is for the simple reason that recoil has probably turned more potential shooters off to the sport then just about any other factor, often thanks to some jerk who gives his girlfriend or offspring a shoulder cannon their first time up to the firing line as a joke.

Now, not EVERYONE is going to be turned off by recoil, as was in this case. Since the recoil didn't bother him, it didn't matter that he started with a shoulder thumper rather than going with a softer-recoiling gun like a .22LR. However, he's probably an exception rather than the rule. Most people don't want to feel pain during their first introduction to a new hobby.

As for the advice to get a .22LR for practice, I'd say most would say that's a good idea. It allows you to put rounds downrange for not a lot of money (~$12 for 550 rounds), and allows you to focus on technique due to the absence of a great amount of recoil. This is a good idea for any shooter, including those who revel recoil, not just newbies.