New to shotguns...

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flynnguy

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Hi all, still waiting on the PRNJ to approve me to buy things so I'm doing a lot of research. My plan is to get a handgun, a shotgun and a rifle. The rifle I plan on getting is an M1 garand primarily because of the history but also I plan on target shooting with it. I plan on going through the CMP for this.

As for the handgun, I plan on using it for both target practice and home protection. Since PRNJ doesn't allow us commoners to get CCW licenses, that's out. To compliment the handgun for home defense I want to get a shotgun. (Here's where it's relevant to this thread...)

I know little about guns (being relatively new to them) and even less about shotguns. I am currently leaning towards a Remington 870 as that seems to be one of the most popular shotguns on the market today. The primary use will be HD but there is also a trap range like 5 minutes from me and I wouldn't mind trying it out. Probably not much hunting at this time as I don't really know anything about it or really anyone to go with. Not opposed, just don't see it happening in the near future. I figure if it does and I need something different, I can always get what I need then.

I know the difference between semi-auto, single shot and pump but I don't really understand what chokes are, what they do, when to use them, etc... I also know a little bit about handgun cartridge and bullet sizes but nothing about shotgun shells other than they are different and some have slugs and others have shot. (I gather there are different weights and sizes but know nothing about it)

So really, any help would be appreciated. I searched the board but didn't find much, don't know if I'm just not searching for the right terms or what. Any links someone might have to help explain this would be really helpful, I'm not averse to doing research, I think I just don't know where to start in this case.

Also any pros/cons of the Remington 870 and which models you'd recommend. I know they make a HD model with an 18.5" barrel and many others. My initial thought was to get the HD model and another barrel if I get into trap shooting. Would the 18.5" barrel on the HD model be adequate to go trap shooting with just for fun?

Sorry if these are basic questions, I just want to learn as much as I can so I can make an educated decision.
 
good questions...

an 870 is a nice pump gun that will work well for both HD and target shooting The 18.5 is nice for HD, but personally, I would opt for at least a 28 or 30 inch barrel for clay target games - it will smooth your swing out a lot more.

Chokes are used to constrict the ejecta, (shot and wad) as it exits the barrel; the purpose of having a barrel choked tighter than the bore diameter is to keep the pellets together longer for targets that are further away.

Assuming you're talking about a 12 gauge, you can get shot shells with a myriad of shot sizes, from the smallest, #9, to large shot like 000 buckshot or slugs. Use target loads for trap. Most clubs restrict shot size to no larger than 7-1/2; most trap is shot using that or #8's

Besides the gun makers' web sites, you should also check out Shotgun World forums for areas dedicated to trap and other clay games - lots of info on guns, ammunition, techniques, etc.
 
I was in the same situation you are in about 3 months ago.

I had shot quite a few rifles and handguns but wanted to get into shotguns.

I picked up a Mossberg 500a field gun with a 28 inch barrel. It is cheap and I can basically use it for everything. I can take it to the trap range and shoot clays. I can load it with slugs/buck and hunt pigs or shot and hunt any winged animal. I can also keep it loaded with buck for SD.

I decided to go with the longer 28 inch barrel, as opposed to a 20 inch, because it allows the gun to be used for all sorts of sporting purposes and you can shoot it in a lot more places. If by sheer bad luck I need it for SD around the house I doubt a 20 inch barrel would make much of a difference. I don't have any training in shooting in a house and I am not going to practice. Also, pistol grip shotguns are prohibited at most ranges. (at indoor ones b/c they are shotguns, and outdoor ones b/c you can't hit clays with them.)

If you are serious about shooting trap, I'd recommend getting a gun with a cheek piece or adding an aftermarket one if you get a field gun. My eye was waayyyyyy too low on my mossberg for the clays. Also, get a good aftermarket recoil pad- my shoulder is still feeling the 3 boxes I fired on saturday.

Otherwise I like my mossberg. I don't know if an 870 is any better but I'm sure someone here can tell you.
 
Welcome aboard. As for info....

Hit Search, then Advanced Search. When the next screen comes up, type 101 for the subject, my name as author. Select Shotguns as area and hit submit.

Voila! Shotgun 101......
 
Thanks for the feedback everyone....

Especially Dave, you certainly have started a number of 101 posts for us newbies.
 
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