Disco Stu Posted December 18, 2008 Report Share Posted December 18, 2008 I have been offered a free shotgun off a family friend who's dad is in poor health and hasn't shot for years. All I know is that it is an old side by side. I am in the process of buying a cabinet and applying for my SGC. However I don't know anything about shotguns so any information and pointers to good books to read, articles or websites to look at would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy W Posted December 18, 2008 Report Share Posted December 18, 2008 (edited) Free is always good What type of shooting do you intend to do, clay or game? The sbs is better suited to game shooting, depending on what it is you could even sell it or part ex it for something more suitable for your chosen discipline. If it is by any chance a Purdey or a Holland & Holland I will give you £25 for it. oh Regarding books, my favourite is Chris Bathas breaking clays, available at amazon, I have had the book for 2.5 years and still pick it up to read even now. Edited December 18, 2008 by Andy W Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David BASC Posted December 18, 2008 Report Share Posted December 18, 2008 (edited) Hi, People have different requirement / preferences for shotguns. Personally I shoot with a side by side which cost me very little, and an over and under that cost me £1500. Overall I shoot better with the S/S but prefer the O/U for walking around potting pigeons & bunnies with. People say – and I agree, that an O/U is more ‘pointable’ and is the most popular configuration for shotguns these days. But to be honest, if it is free, once I got my ticket, I would take it anyway – but a couple of points – firstly get it checked over by a gunsmith to make sure it is OK and nothing major needs fixing, Secondly, if you decide to have it make sure you complete the paperwork, get it on your ticket and send the forms off to plod. D PS dummies should not have shotguns - when it is wet their plastic fingers slip off the trigger. Edited December 18, 2008 by David BASC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GJUK Posted December 18, 2008 Report Share Posted December 18, 2008 Hi mate, I've recently started shooting myself and my god, what a learning curve I've had to deal with. side by sides seem to be 'old hat' or for your game shoots. If you want a good 'all rounder gun' then a over under, 30", 3" chamber sporter will cover most bases. Live others have said - Free is great! PM me if you want any help, if I can I will Good luck, Jon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clayman Posted December 19, 2008 Report Share Posted December 19, 2008 Buy the CPSA publication Clay Target Shooter's Handbook. Covers game and S/S as well as clays. Has just about everything you'll want to know in it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco Stu Posted December 23, 2008 Author Report Share Posted December 23, 2008 Free is always good What type of shooting do you intend to do, clay or game? The sbs is better suited to game shooting, depending on what it is you could even sell it or part ex it for something more suitable for your chosen discipline. If it is by any chance a Purdey or a Holland & Holland I will give you �25 for it. oh Regarding books, my favourite is Chris Bathas breaking clays, available at amazon, I have had the book for 2.5 years and still pick it up to read even now. If it is a Purdey or Holland and Holland you can have it for £50 ok? I am planning on starting out on clays before moving onto game shooting. Thanks people got a few publications on order for me to read over the festive period. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ozzy Fudd Posted December 23, 2008 Report Share Posted December 23, 2008 old s/s shotguns are fun, and under rated. i reckon theyre a great gun to learn with (i had one). theyre simple to use, simple to clean, just simple in general! you dont have chokes to worry about and confuse you, plus theyre very robust compared to an o/u (dont know how many times i dropped mine or hit it off gate posts) and theyre dirt cheap (most of them) so even if you do wreck it for £50 you can have another one. just get it looked over first to make sure everythings in working order, then have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted December 23, 2008 Report Share Posted December 23, 2008 I'm going to go against the grain. It may be free but it could be the worst move you make getting into shooting. I've seen quite a few people influenced by Old school parents start with a S/S and whether its a matter of bad fit or not i don't know but they've never shot well with them and got depressed and nearly given up. Move them onto a correctly fitting O/U and the same people get on far better. I can't shoot with a s/s at all so basically it may be free but check it fits and see how you get on, if its not well then part ex it against an O/U which will be far more suitable for clays Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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