new shootgunner saying hi

[dghboy315]

i'm new to the shootguns section but not the THR. i just wanted to introduce myself to the shootgunners. i'm dissappointed i missed the maryalnd shoot on sunday.

i'm basically in the same position Norton was a few months ago. i've been shooting pistols (IDPA and IPSC) for a few years now and just recently become interested in trap/skeet/sporting clays. i also know nothing about shootguns. i even live is the same area - Rockville, MD.

it all started with my wanting to trade in my kimber custom 2 (45 is just too expensive to shoot if you don't reload). at first i was going to get a new handgun, but i realized i didn't like anything as much as my competition beretta elite 2 modified by LTT. i love competition so then i thought i would get something to compete in 3 gun but i can't afford a rifle and a shotgun and i don't know of any 3 gun matches around here. finally i remembered that there is lots of skeet and trap shooting in this area, so i decided on getting a shotgun. problem is that i'm a totall shotgun newbie.

i've been doing reseach here, at remington.com and shotgunworld.com. what i've learned is that i need to go and try some of these games first and then decided on a gun. i'm planning on visiting the national capital trap and skeet center (which is 15 min from my house) and the prince george's county trap and skeet center and ask about lessons and rentals.

so far i think i want a basic trap/skeet/sporting clay pump like an 870. when i get more proficient (any more money) i would love to invest in a nice o/u (man, those guns are beautiful) and convert the 870 into a HD shootgun suitable for 3 gun and tactical shotgun classes.

i would appreciate any advice any of you could give me. in addition i have a few basic question:

what are the prices like at the above shooting center for lessons, rentals, and rounds of trap/skeet/sporting clays?

can an 870 shoot all of these sports?

what would you need to get to accessorize the 870 to shoot all of these (i love accessorizing)?


thanks,
dghboy315

 

[kudu]

Well first, welcome to the High Road.

As for your questions an 870 would be an excellent shoty tostart with but it will be a handicap in skeet and sporting clay courses unless you can pump as fast as an auto can reload. I would suggest a nice auto, it will be a bit more money but it will be easier to learn to shoot games with it.

Prices in Indiana to shoot are about $3.50- $5.00 a round for trap and skeet. I don't know about rentals.

Don't accesorize untill you learn your gun. Each game, skeet, trap and sporting can take a little bit different approach to how you go about it.

I would still suggest a good auto like the Beretta 391 or Win X2 or Brownings auto. I have a Remington 11-87, but am leaning toward the beretta for the future for a 12ga auto. Hope this helps, I am sure others will have different approaches to your Q,s.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Welcome to THR.

Unless the present glaciation continues through the weekend, I'll be shooting at PGC on Saturday or Sunday. I'll be glad to walk you through a round of trap.
I'll bring an extra 870. You'll need to buy trap tickets and ammo.

As for accessories, they're for later or not at all. What's important for you right now is good fit, good form and technique, and BA/UU/R....

 

[sm]

dghboy315, Welcome to THR.

Since you have an invite to get hooked up with Dave, take advantage of it. Getting the basics and trying before you buy different guns is a BIG advantage.

 

[dghboy315]

thanks for the replys

the more i research this stuff the more excited it get, but there's so much to learn.


sm, i'm definately going to take up Dave McCracken. thanks.


Dave McCracken,

i would love to meet up with you this weekend. i'm pretty much free either Sat or Sun and weather reports say it should be cold but sunny. please let me know a time. i'm assuming i can buy whatever ammo i will need at PGC.

thanks,
dghboy315

 

[Dave McCracken]

OK, will let you know as soon as I get my schedule straight. Meanwhile, you may want to hit the 101 series of threads for some input.

And relax, it's not as complicated as it looks from the outside.

 

[dghboy315]

thanks to the snow, i've been spending all day reading the '101' series. they are are awesome!

thanks

 

[Dave McCracken]

Thanks. Lots of good input in those threads.