Newbie!(I apologize for the stupid questions)

C

Camaro81

Inactive
I'm absolutely new to the world of guns. Noone within my family or any friends have any or know anything about them, so I'm on a clean slate. I am interested in becoming involved in shooting clays and a little target practice(is it even common for shotguns to be used at the range?). I've tried to get my hands on any information I can. I have a subscription to Guns & Ammo but alot of the stuff is "lost" on me because I don't have any basic(I'm talking real basic) knowledge of the terminology used. Does anyone have any books or links that would help me with learning "the basics" first? Information on how to properly shoot, safety, etc. would all be appreciated? Its kinda hard not knowing anyone that can help teach me.

Can anyone reccomend a good "first" shotgun? Not really used for hunting(although some day I might want to get into duck) just clays and sporting use? I've heard the Remington 870 through around alot, woudl these be good? 16 guage or 12? Any information you guys can pass along would be greatly appreciated. I should be receiving my pistol permit too in a couple weeks so look for me over there too.

Thanks for all the help! I look forward to becoming a member here.
 
I'd suggest you start by handling a lot of guns, both new and used, and asking a lot of questions at stores. Keep in mind that the salespeople are there to sell you something, and their answers are geared to that end.

Buy the gun that fits you best and the one you don't feel ripped off buying. This will be the gun you can't put down and can't believe how well it shoulders, sights and swings. The one you try to figure out how to pay for.

Get a 12-gauge: Pump, auto or double; it doesn't matter. 12 puts more pellets on target and shells are cheaper. Buy a case of Light Target Loads.

Next, go to a clays range and talk to the elders there. Someone will be more than happy to help you get into the sport, show you the ropes on safe handling and good shooting technique. Get good with it.

You will eventually discover that this gun is good, but not perfect for you and that you need another. You will start dreaming of that next gun. One day you will look into your closet and realize you have a small collection. Admit your addiction and buy another gun and more shells. Have fun.
 
On top of the above recomendations:


Go to the range and fire as many guns as possible. If that includes borrowing shotguns from fellow shooters, see if you can do that. Offer to buy them ammo in return. Ask them specific questions about the guns. Many people are biased about THEIR guns as well, so be aware.


Ask a nice range master exactly what you've asked us. If he's good, he'll sit down with you and tell you all you need to know, or at least most of it.


Keep reading The Firing Line and The High Road.
 
I can suggest your first shot gun,

DONT buy one!
Go to a good range and see what people there are shooting. there are several things you have to answer first.
1. How much shooting are you going to do? is this light intrest are are you really going to get into this?
2. How much do you want to spend? Select one of the below values
$500, +$500, +$1000, +$1500, +$2000
3. Are you going to reload? (Its easy just say yes to this)


Read what "brokendreams" wrote 22 times and do it
 
Welcome, Camaro81 -- you didn't ask this, but I don't think it's off topic. You wrote,
I'm absolutely new to the world of guns...
Click to expand...
Therefore, I'll mention The Four Rules for all of your adventures:

1. All guns are always loaded.
(= consider every gun to be loaded and treat them all as if they were; it doesn't mean to keep them loaded all the time)

2. Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy.

3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
(yes, most shotguns have a bead instead of sights, but you get the idea)

4. Be sure of your target and of what is behind it.

--from Col. Jeff Cooper

And after you've followed the recommendations of the members above, if you're faced with a choice of two or more guns that will do what you want, then I suggest that you choose the gun that fits you.

Of course, you can click on "Search" at the top of this page and enter "first shotgun," then read for days, if you like; you'll spot some of the sages we have around here. Same with www.thehighroad.org and their "101" threads in the "Shotguns" section.

On books, there's a recent thread next door called The Shotgunner's Bookshelf.
 
Camaro, the only stupid questions are those that do not get asked....

Like folks have said, try some different shotguns out before buying. An 870 is hardly ever a bad choice, but it's not the only choice. There's lots of good shotguns out there, and among US made repeaters, surprisingly little junk.

Unless you're tiny, elderly or greatly limited in strength, get a 12 gauge. Ammo choices are much greater and oft cheaper.

Do check out the 101 threads over on the other forum. In my admittedly biased view, they represent the most real info one can get without stepping on a range with a good instructor.....
 
Welcome to the ranks! You've chosen a sport that can provide you with a lifetime of enjoyment.

My favorite book on the basics of today's shotgunning games (Trap, Skeet, and Sporting Clays) is The Gun Digest Book of Trap & Skeet Shooting by Chris Christian, published by DBI Books, Inc. You should be able to purchase a copy at your local bookstore. (Note: Despite the title, this book does have a complete section on Sporting Clays shooting).

As for choosing a shotgun, my best advice is to do your homework (as described in the posts above) and take your time. The process is akin to choosing a wife, and that old adage about "marry in haste, repent in leisure" applies in like manner.

Good luck, and good shooting!
 
Well, I'm gonna say that if it's for clays games only, then definitely a semi-auto, gas-operated gun - easier on the shoulder than a pump or O/U - either 20 or 12 guage. Many, many good brands out there, the majority of them being owned by Beretta in one way or another, incidentally. Good advice above. I'm currently looking at getting an all-purpose hunter...I'm looking at the Benelli M1, the Winchester Super X2, the Browning Gold, Beretta 390, Remington 1187, and the HK/Fabarm 368 - I'm leaning toward the Super X2.
 
FirstFreedom- What makes a gas-operated one easier on the shoulder then a pump? Just curious-looking to learn as much as possible.

I appreciate everyone taking the time to respond. If anyone knows of any public ranges in Albany, New York (i am here temporarely) it would be appreciated!
 
Having owned double guns, pumps, gas- and recoil-operated guns, I can say that a gas-operated auto will absorb more recoil or "kick" than other types, because some of the ignition gas is siphoned off to cycle the gun, and is then ejected as the bolt carrier/mag sleeve pushes the piston forward. Much softer on the shoulder over dozens of rounds fired. You'll notice this at the clays range or shooting dove.
Many gas guns use rubber O-rings on the piston to seal it off and push the gasses out. Mine doesn't, but it's an Italian gun made by Valtro. Berettas are also famous for their simplified pistons.
Recoil, on the other hand, relies on resistance from your shoulder to cause a spring to push the bolt & piston forward, and is therefore harder on the shoulder over time. Still, a recoil-operated gun is less harsh than a pump or double. They all sell well because everyone's tastes and tolerance are different.
 
Well apparently nowhere in or around Albany NY has any public ranges. They are all private and you need to know someone who is a member to sponsor you.

Being that I know noone involved in guns or any members, how do I deal with this? Seems like im out of luck.
 
For shot gun get some training . It will greatly shorten the learning curve and will be less frustrating.I'm surprised that there are no public ranges in the capial district. You'll have to start calling or visiting these clubs and introduce yourself and explain you're situation.Somewhere you'll find someone to take you under their wing .Have you talked to gunshops ? The sporting clays organization ought to be able to help you.There is one in New Paltz but that might be too far for you.
 
Although it is dated, my 2001 edition of Black's Wing & Clay shows that the Hendrick-Hudson F&G Club in East Greenbush (13 miles east of Albany) is open to both members and the public, and offers Sporting Clays, Trap, and Skeet. The address is:

Hendrick-Hudson F&G Club
306 Palmer Road
East Greenbush, NY 12061
518.674.5184

Hours of operation listed are Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and Wednesday 5:00 p.m. to dark (May through September).

Hope this helps.

Good luck, and good shooting!
 
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