First Shotgun

[Dynamic85]

I've had my FEO visit, and safe check, and everything has gone through ok, so just waiting for my certs to land on my front door mat.

 

Just a few questions on what I should be looking for in a shotgun.

 

I think I'm after an O/U, 12 gauge, single trigger, ejector.

 

What chamber do I need? I'm sure I've heard a few guys say 3" is the way forward?

 

Is there anything else I've overlooked, and what do I need to check when I'm looking at a potential buy?

 

It will be mainly used for pigeons and rabbits, with the occasional clay trip. Budget wise, I could possibly go over £300, but I've got a few slots to fill so I don't want to break the bank on the shotgun.

 

Any tips would be much appreciated.

[Cosd]

The most important thing is your gun fit.

[MAL S]

second that,try a lanber a great all round gun,get a muti choke

[demonwolf444]

'PERSONALLY' i dont think three inch is neccisary unless your going to doo some bigger stuff like geese, I shoot occaisional geese and duck and bit of everything really and i have a 2 3/4 chambers. Only reason is you might struggle to find an O/U with three inch for under £300, as far as im aware, however i dont know loads about the shotgun market!

[pg123]

If its for mainly rabbits and pigeons how about starting off with a cheapie side by side. Plenty around for £100. When you have been shooting for a while you will have a better idea of what your quarry will be and if 3" chambers are a must for you. Very few people stick with only 1 gun and you can save a few quid for the next purchase. The old side by side will still be in the cabinet ready for that rough day on the farm when its pouring with rain!

Edited September 6, 2011 by pg123

[TJ91]

get a baikal or a lanber, cheap gun to get you started

3inch isnt a must

like others have said, it isnt very likely you will stick with the same gun forever (regardless of what you might think now) buying guns gets addictive....so i would also recomend buying a decent size cabinet

 

buy from a well known person off here and i am sure you will get a good deal, most guns sold on here are as described and the lads here will point out any flaws!

check inside of barrels for pitting and see if the action is loose (when you open the gun do the barrels drop very quick or feel stiff/firm)

take some snap caps and fire both barrels...make sure both pins are there and work, check cartridge/caps dont slip past ejectors after firing

......better still...buy off someone who is willing to let you have a shot or 2 with the gun before you buy!

 

Good luck

Edited September 6, 2011 by TJ91

[HDAV]

£300 will get you a serviceable gun if it fits, I would suggest you go and have a few lessons at a clay ground first (works out cheaper in the long run) then ***** your budget again you could buy the perfect gun that you keep for years.

 

Take your time try plenty of different ones and don't rush into buying (easier said than done)

[corvid wings]

hi you sound like your starting out alone,find sombody like minded with experience in your area.

[welshwarrior]

There are 2 schools of thought here

 

1 buy a cheapy lanber bakial and see what you need and replace it in a year or 2

 

2 borrow friends club guns etc and find what you like and buy one of those.

 

The bey is get a gun that fits so it shoots where your looking. You can learn to adjust to shooting a gun that does not really fit but if you are new to this game your still learning sight pictures etc.

 

I have the first gun still that was 'mine' a 1980s Beretta 682 try lots first have a few other too now tho.

[vampire]

The most important thing is your gun fit.

,made all the difference to my shooting,get someone to test your eye dominance as well