MartynGT4 Posted January 7, 2010 Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 Hi, Been shooting under supervision for about 8 months, tried a few different guns and now I'm ready to buy my first shotgun. I've done quite a bit of research, tried quite a few guns and have an idea what I'm looking for. I've set myself got a budget of up to about £1200, which I'm hoping will get me something tidy. I'm open to the idea of buying a used gun so long as its in good condition, but obviously I don't want to get ripped off. A few people say Avalon guns in Street are worth a visit as they have a good range and are very helpfull. Did a bit more research last night and read some negative comments about them on this forum. Is it just a case of bad experiences get the most publicity or are they really that bad? Also, I'm looking at getting a set of Peltor SportTac hearing protectors, anybody use them? Are they any good? Thanks Martyn P.S. Great forum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hookbones Posted January 7, 2010 Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 i found them great to deal with,i did my transaction long range over the net ..the gun i picked had just been brought in so i said yh i`ll have it, then shortly after b4 it was shipped it got a final check over where upon an almost invisible fault was discovered in the barrel ...i was immediately contacted and told of this then asked if i wanted something else they had listed there website a very good deal could be struck. i got a better gun than planned and it was still in my hands in fantastic time...i cant comment on the shop its self but the customer care is 1st rate steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaun4860 Posted January 7, 2010 Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 I bought 2 guns from them, 1 through the post....(years ago) good service i saw their stall at a gun show in birmingham few years ago and offered quite a bit less for a kit bag they had for sale.....they refused so i went to the boss who told them to sell me it, they said they couldnt as they needed it to carry gear back to base,.....they then agreed to send me one through the post at the agreed price, so i ended up with a beretta shooting bag for about haf price post free... i have nothing but good things to say about them... shaun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted January 7, 2010 Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 Firstly what are you looking to shoot with it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MartynGT4 Posted January 7, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 Firstly what are you looking to shoot with it? Ah, I should have mentioned I'll be doing my best to hit as many clays (english sporting) as possible Nice to hear some positive comments about Avalon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wiltsmark Posted January 7, 2010 Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 Bought my first shotgun from them couldnt fault the service at all, great deals as well and for the sportac's best thing i ever bought as regards to shooting and can be bought for around £100 if yousearch well enough Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
covlocks Posted January 7, 2010 Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 We could be more helpful and suggest other places to look if you put a rough location into your profile. You must have a rough idea of what you want, a search of the internet will give you average prices. Why dont you go to Newark in February and you can get some better ideas and even walk away with a gun, as there will be a huge number of guns and dealers to deal with. Plus of course if its S/H you can even shoot it and try it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonnyR Posted January 7, 2010 Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 Hi. They are certainly competitive on price but you should also look around especially for used guns. I am a great believer in building a relationship with a local gun dealer where possible as if anything goes wrong in future it will be easier to sort out. A used Beretta Silver Pigeon is a very good buy, in my opinion. In terms of defenders I would also look at MSA Sordin Pro X - I bought these to replace a pair of cheaper Peltors, and they are brilliant. cheers, Jon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slug Posted January 7, 2010 Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 Sportacs are great I got mine here http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...id=422926347010 I got the Black they look good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MartynGT4 Posted January 7, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 Thanks for the replies and good advice folks... Only created my profile last night so haven't done much with it yet, but for the record I live in Chippenham.. just down the road from a few of you I see. Being an impatient ****** I'm not sure I can wait till Feb, money always did burn a hole if you know what I mean Thanks again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dodeer Posted January 7, 2010 Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 Not sure what Greenfields is like these days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobba Posted January 7, 2010 Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 Hi, Been shooting under supervision for about 8 months, tried a few different guns and now I'm ready to buy my first shotgun. I've done quite a bit of research, tried quite a few guns and have an idea what I'm looking for. I've set myself got a budget of up to about £1200, which I'm hoping will get me something tidy. I'm open to the idea of buying a used gun so long as its in good condition, but obviously I don't want to get ripped off. A few people say Avalon guns in Street are worth a visit as they have a good range and are very helpfull. Did a bit more research last night and read some negative comments about them on this forum. Is it just a case of bad experiences get the most publicity or are they really that bad? Also, I'm looking at getting a set of Peltor SportTac hearing protectors, anybody use them? Are they any good? Thanks Martyn P.S. Great forum There is already a series of posts on "Avalon Guns" running about Dec time. Do a search. People have to speak as they find. Many did. Not all were favourable, including me. I will not cross their threshold again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MartynGT4 Posted January 7, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 Not sure what Greenfields is like these days. Well they seem to have plenty of stock, although most seem a bit out of my price range really. Could easily spend more but have to draw the line somewhere and think £1200 is probably enough for my first gun. I'm looking along the lines of a 30" multi-choke OU sporter (miroku mk38, browning 3/4/525, beretta 686 but depends on fit and price etc). Did see a new Winchester Select 2 with 'signature' chokes for c£1100 on Avalons website. Seems to have got good reviews lately, wood looks a bit on the plain side but that doesn't worry me too much at this stage. Anyone had any experience? P.S. So many guns, so many options... and to think I thought buying camera gear was a nightmare!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mossy835 Posted January 7, 2010 Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 i bought 2 shotguns from them, and had two take them back they did not work,dont go there any more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seeker Posted January 7, 2010 Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 You have your budget and a rough idea of the gun you'd like ... have you tried Guntrader.co.uk for an idea of what's where and what your money could get? Near you there's Ian Coleys, Wilts Rod & Gun and several others. How close is Bicester and The Oxford Gun Co .. ?? Usually you can get to try the gun on their grounds (saturdays?) If you call first: Doug Florent takes a pride in getting 'new shooters' set up properly ... though, as anywhere, there's some that just haven't got on with him.. Good luck with your search Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted January 7, 2010 Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 As you are in Chippenham another option is New Avon Arms in Pill, 5 minutes from the M5 Gordano services junction, about 35-40 mins from Chippenham probably. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MartynGT4 Posted January 7, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 As you are in Chippenham another option is New Avon Arms in Pill, 5 minutes from the M5 Gordano services junction, about 35-40 mins from Chippenham probably. Hmm yeah I know them, they used to be in Bedminster road in Bristol and have a bit of a reputation for not being the friendliest. When I went in before xmas the guy who served me was a bit dismissive and just said I should try as many as possible and started serving someone else! No attempt to find a gun that would fit, be within my budget etc.. Not exactly a great way to serve a new customer looking to spend a grand or more. Interestingly my father had much the same response a year ago but thought I'd give them a try anyway. Shame really because I work near them but no effort = no sale! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest stiv24 Posted January 7, 2010 Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 (edited) I have bought shotguns and rifles from Avalon and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. Remember, no shop will have a 100% record of happy customers. Edited to say Newavon Arms is probably the most miserable gun shop in the world. Edited January 7, 2010 by stiv24 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted January 7, 2010 Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 Hi Martyn That's a pity. I've never actually bought anything from them but I received very different service the back end of last year, the chap spent a lot of time with me showing me various different guns. I suppose it goes to prove that experiences differ massively depending on the day/person you visit and see. My budget was a lot lower than yours so it wasn't just a financial thing! One very friendly place is the Southern Counties ground near Yeovil. If you take your licence they will let you try out any used gun without any hassle, pressure or weird 'supervision' that I have heard happens in some places. The prices seemed very keen too. Correct gun fit is soooooo important that you have to shoot it before you buy it. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted January 7, 2010 Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 Edited to say Newavon Arms is probably the most miserable gun shop in the world. The only way is up then! Looks like I caught them on a good day... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MartynGT4 Posted January 7, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 Thanks again for all the good advice everyone. I'll be heading down to Avalon on Saturday as the GF now wants to go shopping in Clarks Village. She hates gun shops and I hate clothes shopping so we both win! Going to keep an open mind and just see how it goes, If all goes well and I find a suitable gun then great otherwise I'll try to be patient and keep looking [Reminds self to hide receipt] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sinistercr0c Posted January 10, 2010 Report Share Posted January 10, 2010 I live oop North so can't give any opinion on the gunshops in your area, but I do own a pair of Peltor Sportacs and would highly recommend them. Good quality, comfortable and the sound suppression is first class. Try looking around for the best price though (I got mine new from fleabay for £65), but have seen 'em priced all the way up past £130. For the money your looking to spend you would get a mint second hand Beretta silver pigeon or Browning 525. Its personal choice at the end of the day, but make sure the gun fits you and feels 'right'. Happy hunting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MartynGT4 Posted January 10, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 10, 2010 Well the trip to Avalon went well, and came away happy with a tidy used Browning Citori Special Grade 2/3, Browning slip and a pair of Peltor SportTacs. We were served by a lad called Nathan, who was helpfull, patient, didn't mind me taking the **** and wasn't afraid to get the coffees in. Obviously couldn't shoot the gun before buying but was told I could bring it back if I didn't get on with it. The gun fits really well, is in nice condition apart from a few small dings in the stock (which I'll get sorted in due course) and happy to say I shot well with it this morning :unsure: Been shooting someone elses Webley 912S (that never fit me well) for the past year and shooting this morning was miles better. As for the SportTacs, well they are amazing, unbelievably better than the horrible passive ear defenders I have been using.. so nice to be able to hear people speak again! Anyway, I tried lots of guns and was definately tempted by more expensive guns (that were within my reach) but couldn't help thinking that as this was my first Shotgun, I shouldn't be going mad quite yet. No doubt I'll be trading it in for something more expensive in a years time but by then I'll be more experienced and probably have a better idea of what I'll want / need then anyway. In the mean time, I'm happy with the gun I've bought and can't wait to get out with it again soon. Thanks for all the great advice, will post some pics soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted January 10, 2010 Report Share Posted January 10, 2010 Martyn Glad it went well mate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popgun Posted January 10, 2010 Report Share Posted January 10, 2010 I 've got a Winchester SX3 from avalon a few months ago they did me a good deal nice people to deal with :unsure: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.