Thomas hunter Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 im thinking of buying a cheap shotgun preferably a side by side it will be the first gun i have bought my self any suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodcock1 Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 Main things I would look for is 2 3/4" or 3" chambers and sensible chokes something like 1/4 and 1/2. 28" barrels are a good all rounder. Brand doesnt really matter much. Any of the old english makers and some of the spanish guns like AYA Ugartaechea or Sarasqueta are all good. Just make sure they are in proof. Some sxs have very short stocks try and avoid these. Other than that just look for something in overall good condition. SxS are definitely a buyers market as the demand for them isn't great, especially at this time of year. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CZ550Kevlar Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 (edited) To be really honest with your first gun makers name means nothing, it`s all about the feel and fit of it, give a few a try and see what suits you best everyone is different. Edited February 8, 2012 by CZ550Kevlar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricko Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 Spanish 12g SBS, buy it from a dealer, don't spend a fortune because you will end up selling at some point if you want to upgrade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bedwards1966 Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 The main thing to concern yourself with is making sure it fits you properly, a gun shop or knowledgeable person accompanying you should help. Then get one with nice smooth bores (no deep pitting) and I'd suggest making sure it takes 2 3/4 (70mm) cartridges or longer, some older guns don't take modern cartridge lengths and that can be a pain. You haven't said what you want it for, assuming general use I'd suggest looking for something with fairly open chokes, a lot of sxs's have at least one very tight choke, which can be a pain. It does depend a bit on what your're doing with it, but don't worry about the choke or barrel length too much, if you point it in the right direction it'll do the job. Take the for-end off and try to move/twist the barrels in relation to the stock and feel for any movement there, it should be tight. Ejectors can be a nice bonus, but it does depend on what you are doing with it, and they tend to cost more money. When you've found something that fits you and is in good condition the only thing left is to make sure you actually like it, then you're ready to go. Trying before you buy can be nice but isn't always possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bakerboy Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 The first thing to think about is "what is it for" Clays or rough or both. Try as many differing guns as you can before you buy Make sure it fits you. and make sure you take someone along with you when you buy it, thats knows what they are talking about when it comes to guns. You will be seduced by the wood and the engraving, none of which make you shoot any better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Geordie Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 Take the for-end off and try to move/twist the barrels in relation to the stock and feel for any movement there, it should be tight. Good advice Also hold the gun by it's wrist and the barrels pointing up and give it a shake. This will also show even the slightest of play "starting to come off it's face" Also check the stock meets the action nice and tight and the forend is not loose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catweazle Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 A different approach, just from my head and if the experts shoot me down then fair enough ( I'm no expert shotgunner by a long, long way ). Is it perhaps a good idea for a beginner to buy the cheapest he can find just until he's fired it a few times ? I ask this because it's sometimes difficult to tell if a gun fits or not in the shop whilst overcome with lust for decent wood or beautiful metalwork. You put the gun to your shoulder and convince yourself it fits you. Later on, whilst still loving the look of it, you realise it doesn't actually fit you at all. I have a lovely sidelock SBS like this. My first two shots with it were a left and right but I've hardly hit a thing with it since. Once you've shot for a few weeks all that good advice on-line suddenly seems to make sense, you can purchase your proper gun then and PX the £100 effort you started with. Thoughts ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 You say first you have bought yourself, does that allude to you owning another, gifted perhaps? Or regularly shooting another? 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.