Newbie seeks advice PLEASE?

[Sloter]

Hi I’m after some advice on a couple of things please?

You’ll have to excuse my lack of knowledge but this is all new to me I only got my shotgun licence a week ago after a 3 month wait! Don’t you just love the old bill?

 

So on to my questions?

1.Do different chokes really make that much difference? I bought a Beretta 686 E multi-choke and the guy in the shop installed one with 5 notches out of it and one with 3 notches out of it. Did he do right?

 

2.Is there much difference between fibre wad or plastic? Or is it just down to preference? Someone said to me fibre is only if you want to be green and not leave bits of plastic round the country.

 

3.What cartridges should I be using? I was sold some Eley Blues when I bought the gun 7 1/5 28 gram somebody said to me that was silly money to spend to brake clays with? Is that true? I also read things where people say stay clear of cheap cartridges it’s not worth saving a couple of quid if it won’t do the job! what won’t a cheap cartridge do? I’m also intending to do some Pigeon shooting a friend of mine owns a farm and has agreed to let me on so been reading about hides and decoys etc! But what cartridges should I use for that?

 

4.How log can you keep cartridges for? Providing they are kept clean and dry etc.

 

5.Is it advisable to pay for lessons? I know they’re not cheap and after paying out for a gun it’d be a while before I could afford them but is it really necessary. I’ve only been to 2 proper organised shoots but was astounded how helpful people were and how willing to give you some hints and tips! So should I just sponge knowledge off people like that?

 

Many Thanks in advance for any advice given.

[BERETTA687]

hi.

 

1-just put in 1/4 and 1/2 chockes and forget about them , they are more than substantial and are good all rounders.

 

2- plastics wadfs give tighter patterns apparently and yes fibre are greener and should be used on farmers land, as a mark of respect but use plastic wads for clays.

 

3. use cartridges that you and the gun are comfortable, stickj to well known brands in my opinion.

 

4- cartridges can keep for a long time as long as they are stored correctly.

 

5- lessons can be very very fgood to start of with as you must learn correct gun saftey!!!! i feel they would be benificial but practice will also help.

 

hope what ive said was useful im sure some one else will be more detailed than i am. :(

 

enjoy this sport and remember safty is paramount. :o

[Sloter]

Sorry just after some clarification?

 

Why plastic wads for clays?

 

How long is a long time to keep cartridges? A month a year ?

[MC]

I fully agree with Beretta on everything except one. I would put in the most open chokes. 5 notches in the bottom barrel and 4 notches in the top. This is only my opinion as it gives a more open pattern and more chance of breaking clays.

The more clays you break the keener you will become.

 

With regards to cartridges use whatever you are comfortable with. Eley blues are superb but there are some equally good cheaper brands. I only use Express pro comp for clays but this is only because I have the confidence in them.

 

If you haven't got any one to go shooting with initially then paying for lessons is the way to go, Try and find a local clay club and go and shoot with them.

 

Cheers

 

Martin

[Cranfield]

Welcome to PW. :o

Each of your questions is a thread in itself, but here is a "short" reply version.

 

1. The Gunshop has fitted 1/4 and 3/4 choke sizes in your gun, which some would consider standard, but it does depend what you are shooting and your personal preference.

I would use 5 and 4 notches.

 

2. Plastic is supposed to throw better patterns, but fibre is certainly more enviromentally friendly.

You can get plastic wads that bio degrade and some clay grounds are statrting to insist on fibre, or degradable plastic.

 

3. You use the cartridges appropriate for what you are shooting.

For clays I use 28gm. No 7, for pigeons I use 30gm. No 6.

I use mainly Gamebore cartridges.

 

4. Cartridges last an awful long time (I've had some for years), if kept dry and warm.

 

5. Go to a Clay Ground (with an experienced shooter) and shoot a round or two of Sporting Clays, that will show you if you need a lesson.

The experienced shooter could give you some tips on technique, but also on safe gun handling.

[Dunkield]

Professional tuition will iron out any bad habits before they set in and are hard to break.

 

Being taught by another average clay shooter will only pass on what he knows, and he isn't very good....

[Axe]

I agree with Stuart, I have recently taken a short lesson with a BASC coach which prooved to be priceless. I was hitting clays within minutes, literally. getting a lesson or two will ensure you know how to handle it properly and also ensure the gun is fitted for you correctly. It will tell you what to look out for and how to control your shooting. Habbits are definitely hard to break so learn good habbits before you start and you'll be shooting with confidence in no time at all.

[Hairy Pat]

Hi Sloter

 

If you give your location then some of the members may be able to recommend coaches or clay grounds in your area.

 

Pat

[Mungler]

Spend the money and get one lesson from someone who knows what they are doing. The first time I went out I hit 9 out of 50. I had a lesson, and the next time out I shot 40 out of 50. The key for me was properly mounting the gun - I realised how badly I was doing by the size of the bruise the next day.

[magman]

sloter where abouts in cheshire are you , may be able to help more if close enough

 

PM me if interested