choosing a Shottie

[Alpha Mule]

I’m looking for help to decide on my first shottie (if I can scrape the cash together / badger the purse keeper).

I think I have some things that I fancy:

Over/under (seems like the majority of folks here steer clear of the side-by-sides and semis seem to be a no-no for walking about with other shooters).

With ejectors (or is this me just being lazy).

Single trigger (don’t want to mess around with my sausage fingers).

12 gauge (corvids / pigeon / rabbit / fox?).

It will be lugged round fields so needs to be reasonably rugged (non-wood?).

It won’t be used in competitions other than with game/vermin.

It needs to be cheap (say £150 tops) but reliable.

I understand (I think) chokes and that they restrict the spread of the shot, so should I get one with no choke, or be able to remove them?

What about cartridge lengths? What is the cost implications of the different sizes?

Must also be relatively easy to keep clean.

 

I know there are loads on Guntrader, but I wouldn't know a pigs ear from a silk purse. Are there makes that rise above the rest (filling my above requirements) or fall way short?

I'm open to persuasion on all of the above, but sound reasoning would be appreciated.

 

And no squabbling kiddies!!!

[Guest topshot_2k]

for pest control as you mention i would go with a semi auto with synthetic stock, can be picked up cheap too

Edited February 9, 2010 by topshot_2k

[Imperfection]

O/U's are a good all rounder,but i prefer single trigger non ejector.I know you can catch the empty cartridges as there being ejected,but there just something else to go wrong.For your sort of money you'll probably looking at fixed choke non ejector anyway,but thats no bad thing because its less to think or worry about.

 

Make wise-Lanber,Baikal plus any of the other umpteenth names out there will serve you well.It really depends on your budget,but just make sure the gun fits your correctly.

 

Why not contact 'Wabbitbosher' on here cos he always has guns for sale and at real good prices.

[SSS]

In that price range, an o/u baikal with fixed chokes would suit you.

A good one will serve you well, and a wooden stock is more rugged than you might think

[HDAV]

Also dont forget if you see a gun advertised for £200 or even £250 its worth a look to check the fit etc and offer what you can/think its worth, i think alot of dealers dont advertise older P/X stock but they often have it. Places to try locally are Neath Gun Shop, South & Westcountry sports, Outdoorlife, P.W. firearms, Aurthur Bale, Mike Foley feild sports ( there are lots more than you think but alot dont use guntrader and these are where cheaper bargains can be had usable guns for £50 or less....

[Colster]

I'd have a little trip to a gunshop and find the stock length to fit you (referred to as LOP or Length Of Pull), this is the distance between the centre height of the butt and the trigger (forward trigger in double trigger guns). Remember to wear whatever you would normally wear to go shooting.

 

My first shotgun was a Baikal Side by Side, Double Trigger, Non ejector (often listed as SxS, D/T, N/E) and it was fine but at 15.5" LOP too long for me and used to catch under my arm when lifting/mounting it. I sold it and bought an Ugartechea, same sort of gun but 14.5" LOP, much better fit and although the comb (top part of the stock) is a little high, for £75 I can live with it better than I could an overlong LOP.

 

O/U tend to cost a little more than a SxS so you might get more gun for your money with a SxS and as for chokes, you'll learn to shoot whatever the choke is, most Spanish guns are Half and Full and I'll often find I end up shooting the first (Half choke) barrel most of the time and save the second one for misses or long/high shots.

 

The great thing about shotguns around the £100 mark is as long as you look after it, you'll likely get back whatever you paid for it if you sell it, so you can take the plunge and see what works best for you and the type of shooting you do.

[COACH]

Blimey, you don`t want much for your £150 then ?

Only one gun out there really for that money that might be any good at that price and then it will still be a bit rough and thats the 627 Baikal.

You can pick up a Investarm for that money but leave the **** alone, stay well clear of them.

[stubby]

the trouble with any shotgun, is once you have one, you want another

 

 

I as a pest controller only wanted a 410 single hushpower, for humaine trap caught fox dispatch, I then made the mistake of taking it rough shooting, and by the end of day wanted another gun, I now also have a hatsan escort 3" synthetic, alot of people hate them, yes they occassionally jam with lighter loads, but it only takes seconds to correct it, and its few and far between, but as a pest control tool, its brilliant, Ive had it in the pouring rain, covered in mud and blood, and its carried on firing, a quick wipe over with a cloth and it looks good as new, very easy to strip down and clean too

[arjimlad]

Some good tips above. At that budget you will be buying a gun based on its overall condition and fit rather than any specific make or model, with the exception of a Baikal, which are very durable and worthwhile.

 

As for the virginity, can I suggest you try to meet a nice girl at your local church, social club, dance hall etc and ask her to marry you ?

[UKPoacher]

There's a couple of over and under BRNOs within your price range on Guntrader. Solid, well made guns.

[vampire]

My first and still,is a baikal 30years old and does what its designed for,someone said they were built out of old russian tanks and i dont disbelieve em either,Having said that i would love a 3 shot synthetic,i only do pigeon/rough/vermin shooting.

I bought the baikal off my uncle who had it from new,he was always out shooting,and at local clay comps he used to let everyone use his as not to many even had guns and wanted to try,he would just leave it in back of transit buck with all sand etc,other than slight play and the checkering worn smooth its fine,i wonder how many other makes could say same,just wish i had it from new would last a coupkle of life times and then some.

[timb]

As you live in South Wales give Tony Morris a call. He is in Leominster and is a real gent. He has loads on Guntrader and knows his stuff. Highly reccomended.

[alexr]

the trouble with any shotgun, is once you have one, you want another

 

This is SO right. :blink: :blink:

 

You might want to think of a side by side, you might get a good AYA for that kind of cash. Old but servicable. I got my pump for £30 and that was from a dealer so have a think.

[Ean76]

A Baikal 627 is an ideal starter shottie. They go on forever as long as you keep em clean. Some of the older Baikals do have a short LOP but by adding thicker stock recoil pads and other gadgets this can be overcome.

 

Multichokes seem to be a bit more money so you may be looking at fixed chokes. Don't go too tight as a virgin (!!) look for a quarter choke in each barrel at the most.

 

Good luck to you and safe shooting!

[vole]

As Alex says dont discount a pump or a sbs if you are rough shooting. Alot to be said for both,not least the price. It depends on what you plan to shoot and how really. It is easy to go on a spree and invent needs for different guns,be warned.It is great fun though.