Looking for my first Shotgun

[45R]

Guys I need help. I was shooting clays yesturday with a 12 gauge and had a blast. I've never shot clays before and I have been pondering about picking up a shotgun to do some hunting.

Which shotgun will work best at the range and out in the field? Remember I am a total newbie to shotguns...so list the information accordingly.

I am interested in reliability first, then accuracy and last but not least having a cool "tactical" looking shotgun.

Can I find something that I can have for "overall use"? Is such a shotgun made?


TIA

45R

 

[Dave McCracken]

In the floating threads at the top of this forum there's threads that'll help you greatly. Read about the Big Four for starters.

Also, hie yourself to your friendly local range and sign up for some lessons. It'll save you years of effort.

Try out different shotguns, and ask gun cognizant folks what they use.

And mine this BB. New as it is, there's lots of good info here. TFL Archives also...

 

[blades67]

A 26" barreled, Mossy Oak finished field gun has a different role than an 18" barreled, black polymer finished "tactical" home defense shotgun. Sounds like you want, er, need two shotguns.

 

[Marshall]

45R,

That's rather a tough question to answer precisely. Like Blades67 said, two different animals.

For an all around shotgun geared toward hunting and shooting clays, I would point you in the direction of a Semi-Auto 3" Mag capable of cycling 2 3/4" shells (which most do), in a 26" - 28" bbl with changable choke tubes, in whatever finish you prefer, ie. wood and blue, camo, synthetic, etc. (my suggestion would be 26"bbl)

I offer this because it's probable the most versatile configuration of shotgun on the market. You can hunt about anything respectfully, from quail to ducks to deer and about anything in between including clays while still having a formidable weapon to arm your home with.

Remington, Browning, Winchester, Beretta, Benelli are a few companies that make them. Go touch and feel and shoulder them all, shooting some would be nice but, not essential. Heck, find one you like and feels great to you and you'll learn to shoot the fire out it.

We didn't have ranges available growing up, you picked a gun bought some clay pigeons and practiced blowing them up while a buddy chunked em for you. You leared to hit whatever flew regardless of what gun you bought. hehehe

 

[Dave McCracken]

Sorry,guys, my opinion differs.....

The best all around, do everything shotgun is a short barrelled repeater. Something like the 870 Express Turkey model with 21" barrel, a handful of choke tubes, and a set of those Williams clamp to the rib sight sets will do just about anything.

Going a bit further, make it a 28" barreled, choke tubed repeater with a short second barrel like the divers combos offered by darn near every maker.

Or, pull a Dave McC and get lots of 870s set up every way. Nice thing about this approach is a safe full of 870s runs about what one decent target O/U does.

 

[45R]

I went over to the local sporting goods store over the weekend and played with several shotguns. The Remington 870 and I seem to really like each other. I just dont like the small bead in the front. Is it easy to modify or replace the old bead?

What are 3 1/2 inch shells usually used for. It will help me determine if I want a the regular or the magnum model.

Thanks for all the advice.

 

[Dave McCracken]

The 3 1/2" 12 gauge load is a bad attempt to duplicate 10 gauge performance in a smaller package.

These shells serve for putting large payloads out there.3 1/2" chambered guns also serve the makers well selling to folks with perfectly good shotguns already. Waterfowl and turkey hunters use them, but there's millions of geese and gobblers well and humanely undone with smaller loads.

Besides the greater expense, the kick and blast of 3 1/2" loads are not good for beginners.

The Super Mag 870 seems to have some cycling probs with some specimens. The standard 870 doesn't. There's little a decent shotgunner can't do well with a standard 870.

As for that small bead, the only thing better for wingshooting would be no bead. Then there'd be less chance of not focussing on the bird. A large bead is going in the wrong direction....

 

[45R]

Dave-
Thanks for the advice. I've been a pistol shooter all my life so I was thinking the bigger the "front sight" the better. I see what your saying about the bead. I'll stick to the standard model 870 in black synthetic. I really like the all black look! Prices here are around 280 for the 870.

45R

 

[Dave McCracken]

You're very welcome, 45R. My guess is most pistol and rifle shooters have trouble switching over for wingshooting.

It's not insurmountable. Hardheaded and pig stubborn as I am, I can switch w/o a thought,which is the way it should be. Another point for lots of practice...

 

[JeepDriver]

I have 3 Mossberg 500's, one with a 20" barrel & 7 round mag. One with a 28" barrel, and one with a rifled barrel. I have around $600 total in all three guns, 2 were new one was used. Much less then the cost of some others on the market. All of them have preformed 100% since day 1.

Only a suggestion, just relaying my good experiences with a good product.

 

[45R]

Picked up a used Remington 870 with a used 28" and new 20" barrel the other day for about 300 dollars and some change out the door Saturday!

I cant wait to shoot it after the 10 day wait!

Will a side saddle affect reliability, function or balance?

 

[9mmMike]

Congrats on a terrific choice. The sidesaddle will not hurt at all. I have them on a few 870's. No problems. It is not as critical as an alloy receiver but do not over-tighten the sidesaddle screws.
I like the SS because they have little affect on balance, or at least the least amount when compared to butt cuffs or those nutty sling/shell/pendulim carriers.
If your gun has a long pump handle, you will need to notch it or get a four (4) round SS. I run the older "corn cob" or "rat tail" pump handles that are short so I can use a six (6) round SS with no clearance issues.
Have fun and be prepared to discover the most fun per dollar on the planet (firearms related ).
Mike

 

[Dave McCracken]

Congrats 45R, not a bad price on a great setup.

Re SideSaddles, I've one of the first ones, no probs with balance, function, or reliability.

But first, just BA/UU/R. Get used to it and get proficient before complicating things.

Mike, good to see you!

 

[CMichael]

Welcome to shotgunning 45R. In my opinion you can have more fun with a shotgun than any other firearm.

 

[9mmMike]

Howdy Dave.
Too many dern boards with the demise of TFL! I can't find everybody. Gun-Talk, The Firing Range, The High Road...scattered across the net...lost...lost..they're all lost...mumble, mumble, mutter.....
Sorry, wandered off there!
Mike

 

[Dave McCracken]

MIke...

(In heavy fake French Accent) "Courage, mon ami".

While I've seen some of the others, this seems to be the most effective of the TFL offspring. I admit to bias here too(G)...

 

[45R]

I've got 20 slugs and 50 rounds of shotshells waiting for the shotty. Only 5 more days!.......

 

[CMichael]

Be careful with some of those slug. A chunk of them have a nasty recoil.

 

[9mmMike]

I'm with Michael on that slug comment.
Were I you, I'd stay away from the slugs until you go through a few hundred general purpose shot shells and wreak some havoc on those pesky clays. Slugs are a great way to develop the dreaded flinch.
Don't get me wrong, they're a fun addition to the SG but unless you're used to 'em, they can actually be unpleasant to shoot and you don't want that.
Might I suggest some Federal "tactical" LE slugs from Eric the Ammoman . These are real easy shooters and a whole bunch of fun. I use these as the part of the load (sidesaddle) for my HD 870 anyway so I am always buying some and "testing" with them.
I also use the 00 & 000 LE from Federal and can recommend it as well.
Good stuff.
Mike

 

[Dave McCracken]

45R, the first ammo you use up should be some light target loads. The 1C bulk packs from Walmart are fine.

Slugs, buck and max dram anything are for after your fit and form are better. You'll get there, but one walks before running. Trust me on this...

 

[45R]

Dave,
The day I was out shooting clays the first round that I pushed out of a shotgun was a slug! Discovered that day that the shotgun was for me. Made alot of noise and punched some big holes. The perceived recoil for me wasnt that bad. The Turkey loads were the ones that made me say

For some reason I always get into the shooting game butt backwards.

I'll take your advice and start off with the target loads. Then work my way backup. I just want to sight in my 20" barrel at 50 yards with the slugs then leave it alone.

Started with a 9mm instead of a .22 for a first pistol
Started with a 30-06 rifle. Since then made a transition to a .308 now I want a .223
Started with slugs, turkey loads and light target loads first time out with the shotgun.

I'm in the business knowing what happens literally when one learns to walk before they crawl. 4 more days!


Best!

45R

 

[CMichael]

I'll take your advice and start off with the target loads. Then work my way backup. I just want to sight in my 20" barrel at 50 yards with the slugs then leave it alone.

If it works for you 45R all the power to you. However, for some slugs it's more like starting with a 44 magnum, magnum load. They can really be pretty nasty.

I don't agree with Dave as far as shooting a light load in the clay games. In my opinion in the beginning it's frustrating enough to hit anything. The lighter load decreases the chances of hitting anything because there is less stuff coming out.

Also, if slugs don't both you that much, I doubt a 1 1/8 oz shot shell is going to bother you.

Those slugs do make some pretty big holes though

My two cents...

 

[Dave McCracken]

(OKKKKkkaaayyyy, taking deep breath)...

If it works for you, 45R. But, IMO progress will be better if you start light and work up.

My first shotgun killed on one end and crippled on t'other. A H&R 16 gauge with 1 1/8 goose loads will rip a new one fast Had a flinch by my 14th B-day.

Michael, I know guys who run them all with 7/8 oz of shot. Lots of skeet shooters do exactly that. The trick is centering in the pattern, and whether the load is 3/4 oz or 1 3/4 oz matters not if the target is centered.

My last dozen straights or so were with 1 oz loads, and I'm no local legend.

 

[CMichael]

Michael, I know guys who run them all with 7/8 oz of shot. Lots of skeet shooters do exactly that. The trick is centering in the pattern, and whether the load is 3/4 oz or 1 3/4 oz matters not if the target is centered.

Dave there are people who hit them with a .410. However, the people who do so are at an extreme disadvantage compared to someone with equal skill using a 12 gauge.

I think a newbie needs to get confidence. I don't think it's good to start at a disadvantage.

Besides there is nothing more fun than blowing one up to smithereens.

My opinion.

 

[Dave McCracken]

To each his own, but I'd rather not see a rookie pounded.