Acerforestry Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 Having just had approval for shotgun license, I realise I have a couple of months before purchasing anything but I'm looking at what is out there for a modest budget, and ideally nearly new at that budget (£500 ish). I quite like the idea of a semi auto and in that range the Winchester SX3 holds some appeal - opinions please, would be mainly for clays but possible pheasant shoot also Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchman Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 7 minutes ago, Acerforestry said: Having just had approval for shotgun license, I realise I have a couple of months before purchasing anything but I'm looking at what is out there for a modest budget, and ideally nearly new at that budget (£500 ish). I quite like the idea of a semi auto and in that range the Winchester SX3 holds some appeal - opinions please, would be mainly for clays but possible pheasant shoot also some clay ranges are very iffy about semi autos....and some game shoots it is a no-no......start off with a 2nd hand good quality 12......but even better join a club and try out a number of guns,first......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 Contact Wabbitbosher on here and get something cheap and cheerful to learn on. Then when you are a little more experienced spend a bit more for a keeper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave at kelton Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 Pheasant shoot drop the idea of a semi auto. Look at a good second hand over and under that fits you and feels right in your hands. There will be some decent stuff about at that budget second hand. I can personally recommend Macnab Highlanders or any of the Winchester 101 range if in good condition and little used. Good Luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 I doubt you’d be made welcome on any driven day with a self loader, but they’re great for clays. If you want an all rounder however, then a multi choke OU is the way to go really. There’s countless time proved examples to choose from out there, and personally I’d opt for a good SH example from one of the well established manufacturers rather than the cheaper but new with warranty variety. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smudger687 Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 For a budget of 500 quid I doubt it'll be used for many driven game days. If you want a semi auto I'd look at one of the various franchi affinity series. Also consider a pump action - 500 quid will get you a nice second hand supernova with money to spare. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acerforestry Posted February 15, 2023 Author Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 Ok all replies noted, its more than likely I'll look for a coventional over and under cheapie for initial practise too, anyway. But to clarify the last post, are game days not the place for a cheaper gun, generally? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
London Best Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 (edited) 12 minutes ago, Acerforestry said: Ok all replies noted, its more than likely I'll look for a coventional over and under cheapie for initial practise too, anyway. But to clarify the last post, are game days not the place for a cheaper gun, generally? I think the gentleman was inferring that if you only had a budget of £500 for a gun you may not be able to afford to buy many driven game days. Of course, you may have access to private invitations? Nobody on a driven day will even look at your gun. Edited February 15, 2023 by London Best Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acerforestry Posted February 15, 2023 Author Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 Ah I see, the cost of the attendance- I realise it runs into hundreds minimum usually I believe so on that basis it would only be occasional in my case, yes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
London Best Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 Just now, Acerforestry said: Ah I see, the cost of the attendance- I realise it runs into hundreds minimum usually I believe so on that basis it would only be occasional in my case, yes You and me both! I would love to be able to do enough. But, enough is enough and too much is ruddy marvellous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fellside Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 16 minutes ago, Acerforestry said: Ok all replies noted, its more than likely I'll look for a coventional over and under cheapie for initial practise too, anyway. But to clarify the last post, are game days not the place for a cheaper gun, generally? No one on a driven day will give a monkey’s about the value of your gun. However it’s highly unlikely for repeaters to be allowed on a ‘let-day’. The advice above re buying a good used O/U is sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerry78 Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 If you want my opinion buy a o/u if your going to be shooting clays as the lads say you might get odd looks turning up.to pheasants with a semi auto Also A o/u in my opinion is easier to learn with and if you’re budget is for a £500 semi auto some brands have issues with cycling certain shells I have used numerous semiautomatics over the years for Wildfowling BUY A O/U Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
London Best Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 Or buy a proper shotgun and get a SxS. Sorry, couldn’t resist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerry78 Posted February 15, 2023 Report Share Posted February 15, 2023 19 minutes ago, London Best said: Or buy a proper shotgun and get a SxS. Sorry, couldn’t resist. London Best I was a scared 😳 to say that lol 😃Didn’t want to put the lad off 😃 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted February 16, 2023 Report Share Posted February 16, 2023 Good to see the OLDIES are still promoting the OLD ways! Certainly a great way to get a cheap gun as the market is full of unwanted SxS's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ultrastu Posted February 16, 2023 Report Share Posted February 16, 2023 Ah but if your gonna sit in a pigeon hide decoying - then a semiauto is hard to beat .this and wildfowling is where they are best suited imo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted February 16, 2023 Report Share Posted February 16, 2023 2 minutes ago, Ultrastu said: Ah but if your gonna sit in a pigeon hide decoying - then a semiauto is hard to beat .this and wildfowling is where they are best suited imo. Yes indeed, having used O/U, SxS, Semi-Auto and Pump Action Guns in the hide I personally prefer a Pump Action. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sam triple Posted February 16, 2023 Report Share Posted February 16, 2023 Second hand ATA O/U 12 Bore or similar few older Berettas , look around I got a second hand Franchi OU 12 bore with 20 bore barrels to go with it for £380 , also open your search to other size bores 20 bores are brilliant and I wouldn’t take anything else on walked up days as the weight saving over a 12 is considerable , and yes I said Bore because I hate the word gauge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
London Best Posted February 16, 2023 Report Share Posted February 16, 2023 (edited) 1 hour ago, Ultrastu said: where they are best suited imo. Where they are best suited imo is America. Actually, I would buy one before I had N OU! 58 minutes ago, sam triple said: 20 bores are brilliant and I wouldn’t take anything else on walked up days as the weight saving over a 12 is considerable , and yes I said Bore because I hate the word gauge A 20 bore OU generally weighs the same as a 12 bore SxS, which is why the traditional gun was/is a gun of that weight. Edited February 16, 2023 by London Best Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunman Posted February 16, 2023 Report Share Posted February 16, 2023 Suggest a field grade O/U , 28" with fixed chokes 1/2 & 1/4 for preference ,if its a multi just use these until you are confident .There are so many about so just find one that you feel comfortable with ,The shop should ,THATS SHOULD , be able to advise you and see that the gun fits you reasonably well . Ask advice but dont be persuaded by over jealous sales pitches or in some case " mates and blokes at the club" who are very keen to sell you something . As said before semi autos are a no no on most game shoots Here' s the reasoning for my suggestion . As a novice you need to learn to shoot , lessons are fine if you can find a good teacher >you will need to learn how to stand and mount , this will change as you adapt to the gun so dont even think of gun fitting for at least 6 months , thats if you have problems > fixed choke so you do not get confused and start blaming the wrong choke for misses , I would also advise sticking to one cartridge so as to give the best consistency .Taking out as many variables as possible so if you miss its you.> 28" as this is in my opinion the best all round barrel length and will be more handelable until you have built up the necessary muscle memory to hold and swing consistantly . After 6/12 months you will then be able to decide if this is the gun for you , maybe try others and indeed change if you want and you will know yourself what feels right and what doesn't . PS. I have used the word consistantly several times . Thats because IMHO based and a lifetime in the trade that lack of consistency is one of the biggest problems a lot of shooters have . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acerforestry Posted February 16, 2023 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2023 (edited) More than one reply recommending Franchi O/U and semi, also a relevant point I guess is possibility of resale, and how well some guns will sell on should i decide to upgrade - is there any particular guns in the bracket mentioned that will sell easier should that be necessary at any point, makes / models that are particularly desirable, thanks Edited February 16, 2023 by Acerforestry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sam triple Posted February 16, 2023 Report Share Posted February 16, 2023 12 hours ago, London Best said: Where they are best suited imo is America. Actually, I would buy one before I had N OU! A 20 bore OU generally weighs the same as a 12 bore SxS, which is why the traditional gun was/is a gun of that weight. SxS maybe traditional but no one wants them , I’ve got one and never use it , it’s evolution I guess like a Model T compared to a Tesla but each to their own Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted February 16, 2023 Report Share Posted February 16, 2023 2 hours ago, Acerforestry said: More than one reply recommending Franchi O/U and semi, also a relevant point I guess is possibility of resale, and how well some guns will sell on should i decide to upgrade - is there any particular guns in the bracket mentioned that will sell easier should that be necessary at any point, makes / models that are particularly desirable, thanks A modern 2&3/4 chambered HP steel proofed multi-choked OU will have much more resale value and desirability than a fixed choke nitro proofed OU, dependant on what make and model, but all are capable of handling steel shot. A traditional double triggered, short chambered, fixed choke, thin walled sxs has none of these properties, and unless the cartridge manufacturers come up with something to suit them, the impending lead shot ban coupled with a generous smattering of indecision will render many obsolete, so is not a good choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diver One Posted February 16, 2023 Report Share Posted February 16, 2023 On 15/02/2023 at 17:01, TIGHTCHOKE said: Contact Wabbitbosher on here and get something cheap and cheerful to learn on. Then when you are a little more experienced spend a bit more for a keeper. I have had 4 guns from him in the last 5 months! The man is an absolute diamond! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted February 17, 2023 Report Share Posted February 17, 2023 7 hours ago, Diver One said: I have had 4 guns from him in the last 5 months! The man is an absolute diamond! He certainly is! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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