BADGER.BRAD Posted January 17, 2016 Report Share Posted January 17, 2016 I am just waiting for my Shot gun cert to come an have a few questions about using them in general (I do intend to do some safety training ! ) My intention is to shoot clays with my wife trying various local clubs until we find one we like and maybe some pest control if I get the chance. I have a few questions.1. How will the guns be identified on my cert ? I take it they have serial numbers2. When I did some practise with a local club the gun (under and over) shot one barrel before the other is this always the same with every gun ? If so how about side be sides ?3. What are the differences between each discipline Skeet/trap etc..4. How do I know if the gun is in proof ? What is proof exactly ? How long would this last ? can it be reproofed ?5. Are all 12g Cartridges the same ie can all 12g gauge cartridges be used in all 12g guns ( I understand there are differences in weights/amounts of shot/wadding/shot type) but have seen lengths mentionedThanks for any replies and I apologise now if any of my questions seem like madness.Brad in Dudley Westmids Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted January 17, 2016 Report Share Posted January 17, 2016 You will shortly be inundated with loads of info'. Have fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saddler Posted January 17, 2016 Report Share Posted January 17, 2016 1. Maker, action type, serial no. 2. Depends on the gun/barrel trigger ratio, etc. 3. LOTS....get the CPSA Handbook 4. Proof stamps/measuring/until it becomes excessively worn/yes.... 5. 12bore all have the same dimensions, but differ in length. You can use shorter than chamber lengrh cartridges in a fun, but not longer than chamber length. ..i.e. 2 3/4" fit in 3" & 3 1/2" guns, but 3" will not fit a 2 3/4" chamber Dudley? Send a mess to MeB3....he's a Dudley-ite too (though he has a wash once a month, so you'd never know...) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingman Posted January 17, 2016 Report Share Posted January 17, 2016 Get some training before you even think about buying a gun. The basic knowledge and understanding will save you making expensive mistakes or worse having an accident. Great advice about learning from someone else with greatest of respect your questions suggest you need someone to take your through the basics especially safety related. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbiep Posted January 17, 2016 Report Share Posted January 17, 2016 1. Maker, type, serial number. So (for example) Browning O/U (over and under) followed by serial number 2. Varies. Most modern O/U guns are single trigger, but have a selector so that you can change which barrel fires first. 3. Lots of different disciplines. I'd suggest going to a local ground for a lesson, and getting information from your instructor. The CPSA handbook will be full of technical terms, and you'll finish it more confused than when you started it ! The instructor will also help you out with safety basics, etc. 4. If you are buying a new gun, then as long as you look after it the proof will last longer than you do. A lot of hundred year old guns are still nicely 'in proof'. 5. The gun chamber length is given. You can use cartridges shorter than that, but NEVER use cartridges longer than the chamber length. Do note that the cartridge length given is after firing, so (for example) a 70mm cartridge, while still loaded, will be about 65mm in length. Most modern guns are 3" (76mm) chamber length, and that's what I'd recommend you buy. Finally, welcome, and hope you enjoy your stay ! I was always told that the only stupid question is one you don't ask, so feel free ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KFC Posted January 17, 2016 Report Share Posted January 17, 2016 (edited) +1 to all the above. The chamber sizes, proof marks etc are normally stamped on the bottom of the gun, underneath the chambers. I too would recommend taking some lessons with someone who can also teach you about gun fit. Missing targets by a novice is often down to a gun that simply doesn't fit and this can be very demoralising. It can hurt too, especially if the stock is too short. When a gun is fitted properly then you should hardly notice the gun itself and be concentrating on the target. I do extend a warm welcome but with a word of warning. It can become very addictive so try and get a gun/cartridge combination that suits you and master that. Not being presumptious here but, if your wife is shooting too then many guns now prefer a 20bore to 12bore. Just a bit more pricey for the cartridges. Having said that many many women will outshoot the blokes with 12bore. Cartridges are available in lighter loads too ie 21gram & 24gram subsonics. There's an assumption that a light gun will be easier to handle. Not true. I had a 26" light Bettinsoli game gun but when I used it on clays then my head was spinning after 50 clays because of the recoil and, eventually, I had to sell it because I started to get trigger freeze between 70 and 100 clays. This means my brain went in to defensive mode and wouldn't allow me to pull the trigger even though I was trying to. A very strange feeling. I now have a heavier Webley Scott O/U which absorbs more of the recoil and I love it. Edited January 17, 2016 by KFC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old man Posted January 17, 2016 Report Share Posted January 17, 2016 Being nearly a new as you to shottie use, the best knowledge so far is as above and to get some experience with different makes, don't buy until you are sure the gun fits you? When you first pick one up and try to mount in the shop you will almost certainly think it fits you, it probably won't? Get a proper fitting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisAsh Posted January 17, 2016 Report Share Posted January 17, 2016 You will find there is a shooting club near you that offers lessons. probably about £50-60 for a lesson where they will teach you gun safety give you about 50 shots and also sort you out with a selection of guns to try that fit close to your requirements, 2 or 3 lessons should give you a great understanding and help you decide what gun suites you and all the basic safety requirements If you ask at your local gunshop they will also tell you of any local informal clubs / shoots where you are likely to find between say 20-30 members just shooting for fun with a varied selection of clay targets and members with all skills levels, normally open just once or twice a week maybe fortnight, The bigger clubs are more compertition related at times but open to practice a lot of times on your own costs vary between say 20p a clay at small clubs to 30-35p on the larger clubs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STOTTO Posted January 17, 2016 Report Share Posted January 17, 2016 Never be afraid to ask questions, however always research any answers you receive to ascertain their validity. Have a look at these links and then find a few for yourself as there is a vast amount of information relevant to your situation. Happy learning and safe implementation in your new found hobby. http://basc.org.uk/cop/shotgun-safety-code-of-practice/ http://www.shootinguk.co.uk/ https://www.cpsa.co.uk/books And at the bottom of the above link: https://www.cpsa.co.uk/userfiles/file/CTSH.pdf http://basc.org.uk/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neutron619 Posted January 17, 2016 Report Share Posted January 17, 2016 (edited) I do extend a warm welcome but with a word of warning. It can become very addictive so try and get a gun/cartridge combination that suits you and master that. +1. For clays, buy the cheapest cartridge you can get regularly. Consistency is a boon to good shooting. Until you've developed as a shooter, you won't begin to see any benefit from changing to a more expensive cartridge and chopping and changing between makes will hinder getting into your "routine". Many people never get that far which means the only real reason to change is to a buy a cartridge that recoils more pleasantly when you're in the habit of banging off 200-300 cartridges in a day. For game/vermin shooting, buy the cartridge that will kill your quarry cleanly 90% of the time - what works for you may not be the same as what works for other people. Hunting is a very personal thing. (For the benefit of some chaps here with whom I have well-publicized and long-running disagreement, let's just say that I'll maintain the ceasefire if you will.) Edited January 17, 2016 by neutron619 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted January 17, 2016 Report Share Posted January 17, 2016 You will shortly be inundated with loads of info'....... ......including some telling you to get some 'training' despite stating in your initial post you will be getting some. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted January 17, 2016 Report Share Posted January 17, 2016 Dudley? Send a mess to MeB3....he's a Dudley-ite too (though he has a wash once a month, so you'd never know...) Tipton ain't Dudley (assume you mean MelB3) top lad, pop along to Sandwell field sports good selection of guns also Brierly Guns ( bit more up market) and have a drool. Which clubs you been to? Cannon near Halesowen is a good one to start at as is cross guns in kinver. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandalf Posted January 17, 2016 Report Share Posted January 17, 2016 A visit to your local library seems to be your next step. Very many books for beginners available. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welshwarrior Posted January 17, 2016 Report Share Posted January 17, 2016 A good copy of the CPSA shooter handbook will answer all of these question and the dozens those answers sporn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nighteye Posted January 17, 2016 Report Share Posted January 17, 2016 Google "a fathers advice" it's a poem that instils a good many safety points . Go to a good gunshop , and ask questions lots and lots of questions , if they are good they will understand that newbies need advice and will take the time to talk you through the processes of having a shotgun , (buying,selling,notifying the police etc). Just remember that there are no stupid questions and if you don't know , ASK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old farrier Posted January 17, 2016 Report Share Posted January 17, 2016 Hi Welcome Lot of advice above all good Best advice get lessons and be muzzle aware if your not shooting have your gun broken or in a slip You could post your county / area there may be a member ne'er you willing to help or recommend you a good coach All the best Of Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieT Posted January 17, 2016 Report Share Posted January 17, 2016 Hi Welcome Lot of advice above all good Best advice get lessons and be muzzle aware if your not shooting have your gun broken or in a slip You could post your county / area there may be a member ne'er you willing to help or recommend you a good coach All the best Of What's a muzzzle, I thought that was something an animal had. Are guns that fragile that they break if you slip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old farrier Posted January 17, 2016 Report Share Posted January 17, 2016 What's a muzzzle, I thought that was something an animal had. Are guns that fragile that they break if you slip. Very humorous 😉 With a reply like that the pair of you should go on a Basc young shots day 😟 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotslad Posted January 17, 2016 Report Share Posted January 17, 2016 1 thing that hasnot been mentioned is insurance, get some, join a decent org that will cover u for ur needs. BASC, NGO or CA are the usual big ones in eng possibly the cpsa? might cover ur clay shooting more, but the others more game orienated will also cover u for clay gme or vermin shooting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted January 17, 2016 Report Share Posted January 17, 2016 CPSA covers all shooting insurance wise ( very similar cover including things like Legal cover) and gives you access to registered clay competitions ( as does WCTSA and. Scot equiv) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy. Posted January 18, 2016 Report Share Posted January 18, 2016 Buy this book and read it cover to cover before picking up a shotgun. It is the sporting version, but covers everything you need to know. If you follow what this books says, you'll be better than most other people out there, when it comes to safety and the do's and don'ts. http://www.amazon.co.uk/BASC-Handbook-Shooting-Sporting-Shotgun/dp/1904057209 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BADGER.BRAD Posted January 18, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 18, 2016 Thanks everyone for all the great advise, very much appreciated. MeB3 may well be the person who recommended this site to me (A friend at work) he comes from Tipton and is called Mel so stands a good chance it's him, I'll drop him a line. Thanks again all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mel b3 Posted January 18, 2016 Report Share Posted January 18, 2016 Thanks everyone for all the great advise, very much appreciated. MeB3 may well be the person who recommended this site to me (A friend at work) he comes from Tipton and is called Mel so stands a good chance it's him, I'll drop him a line. Thanks again all. thatll be me then. as you will have already noticed , most shooting men are shooting bores just like me , they will happily prattle on for hours on end when it comes to shooting , im also a shooting trollop (ill go with anybody) , im not really into clays , but , if you fancy a few sessions out with me , ill put you and your mrs right about gun safety etc. ill pm my mob no dude. ps , if i can find my old phone out , i still have a picture of you rubbing suncream into a very muscular and topless binman , i promise that ill do my best not to put it into the sporting pictures section . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RockySpears Posted May 13, 2016 Report Share Posted May 13, 2016 If you can use a cartridge shorter than the stated chamber, why does my Winchester 120 pump have 2 3/4" & 3" marked on it? Surely just marking it as 3" would be sufficient? RS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wymberley Posted May 13, 2016 Report Share Posted May 13, 2016 If you can use a cartridge shorter than the stated chamber, why does my Winchester 120 pump have 2 3/4" & 3" marked on it? Surely just marking it as 3" would be sufficient? RS Not sure, but the info' already rightly given relates to safety, in your case it might refer to function. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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