![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
Shotgun discussions Trap, Hunting, Defense and more. A place for enthusiasts to discuss the shotgun. |
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
I'm a female and want to buy my first shotgun (EDIT: For home defense only). I've decided I want a semiautomatic. I've shot 12 gauges before but have little experience with shotguns overall and would really prefer to try several out before buying, but none of the ranges around me have semiautos for rent. So, my questions are:
1. How risky is it to buy a shotgun without shooting it first? 2. What shotguns should I look at if I'm going to buy without shooting first - both in terms of being good for a petite female, and also for resale value in case I don't end up liking it? Was thinking of getting a Benelli that I had looked at in a store the other day - do these keep their value in case I want to sell later on? Any other advice you have would be appreciated. Thank you!!! Last edited by jasmina; 10-06-2017 at 4:00 PM.. |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
![]() Quote:
Yes, Benellis are in my price range. Ideally I'd shoot a bunch of shotguns before trying but I feel a bit better with going with a well known "high end" make if I'm going to be buying without shooting :/ |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
For shot guns, it's all about the fit. How it fits you and your body type. The length of your arms and so on.
This has nothing to do with you being petite. It just needs to fit.
__________________
Here in California; Law abiding Citizens are simply Useful Idiots and Criminals are a Protected Species. <nedro> |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
![]() Quote:
For the most part I've not had trouble shooting any 12 gauge that's been handed to me, but I do worry a bit about recoil & the weight of the gun being too much to handle when I'm practicing for more than few minutes. The Benelli I checked out felt nice and light, though. |
#6
|
||||
|
||||
![]() Quote:
__________________
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 Talk is cheap, a well-placed shot isn't. Let your desires and emotions be ruled by reason. |
#7
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
If you are willing to share your approximate location, someone on here might be able to recommend a range that you aren't aware of, that might have guns for you to try.
Or go to one of the skeet clinics (see stickies at the top of the shotgun forum), you will get a lot of good advice from the instructors. Syren makes shotguns specifically for females. Might have a limited resale market. https://syrenusa.com/syren-xlr5-sporting/ |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
![]() Quote:
If I go to skeet clinics, won't they mostly have smaller gauge shotguns? I'm looking for something for self-defense (should've mentioned in my first post). Interesting; I will check out the Syrens. Thanks. |
#10
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
Syren won't have a home defense shotgun, didn't realize you wanted it for HD.
HD shotguns have short barrels and clay target guns are longer. If you have any interest in shooting clay pigeons, try the skeet clinic out (but they won't have a HD shotgun). |
#11
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
This is JMHO,
If you state your budget range, you will receive several specific models in your price range that you could select for your HD shotgun. Granted, responses are often generic to what the person who is responding owns so many of the responses can be one-sided. With that said, it will be hard for you to try out many shotguns and get a good idea on what you like because the way a shotgun shoots and feels that does not fit you is much different than one that is fitted to your LOP. Your best bet may be to select from a list of 5 or so that are highly recommended, take the one you selected to a local Gun Smith and have it properly fitted, then just make it work. The old saying of "you don't know what you don't know" applies because you don't have the option to shoot several that are fitted for you so you basically need to select one and go with it. You should be happy with any of the current popular semi-autos as all of them have a strong following. In terms of resale, it will be harder to sell it because the local GS will need to cut the stock down so the only person who would buy it would be someone looking for the same size. Not saying you can't sell it, it would just limit your possibilities. There are plenty of good semi-auto shotguns that will work for you. |
#12
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
I'd probably look into a 20 guage.
https://www.benelliusa.com/compact-shotguns And add an extension. https://nordiccomp.com/categories/nc...lies-for-20ga/ The good thing about this is it could be used to shoot clays. Shooting clays will make you proficient with your shotgun. See if anyone has one to rent. I have a 20 guage montefeltro - love that gun. Very light and reliable. |
#13
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
The clinics are a great place to try different guns that you can rent (and swap) at the pro shop at Triple B Clays. While there likely won't be a Benelli HD gun, you will learn a great deal about shotgun shooting for many purposes (including HD if you mention it to the coaches), and will learn firsthand about how a shogun should fit you, and what to look for in a well fitting gun.
Plus, it's just a damn lot of fun. Good luck and safe shooting. |
#14
|
|||
|
|||
![]() Quote:
![]() |
#15
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
With that budget you can have just about anything and I would argue that most of the responses are going to direct you to this:
https://www.benelliusa.com/m4-tactical-shotgun Personally, I went without the pistol grip as I don't like them but to each their own. Good luck with your selection.... |
#16
|
|||
|
|||
![]() Quote:
|
#17
|
|||
|
|||
![]() Quote:
![]() |
#18
|
|||
|
|||
![]() Quote:
![]() I was thinking of maybe trying to get a private lesson with an instructor for shotgun HD but even then, how many shotguns is he likely to own that I'd be able to try out? |
#19
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
Beretta 1301 in either the Comp or Tactical model. It has adjustable length of pull and adjustable pitch shims included. Add the KZ-109 bolt on KickEEZ recoil pad for pretty good recoil mitigation. I paid $1k new and $100 more for the +3 mag tube extension and Kickeez pad.
This is my HD shotgun of choice along with an inexpensive XD-40. |
#20
|
|||
|
|||
![]() Quote:
You posted this: "I've shot 12 gauges before but have little experience with shotguns overall and would really prefer to try several out before buying," So which is it? 1) you have very little experience with shotguns overall 2) you tend to shoot every month and always practice your HD shotgun skills |
#21
|
|||
|
|||
![]() Quote:
![]() The once a month practice is only for 20-30 minutes or so. By comparison, I'm a CCW holder and feel that my pistol skills are "intermediate." |
#22
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
Not so much because your three fingers that would normally hold the stock (index on trigger, thumb over) is in about the same spot as the pistol grip. You can order that shotgun with a normal stock and I find that the shotgun swings better without a pistol grip but there are many that prefer them, just not something I like.
|
#23
|
|||
|
|||
![]() Quote:
|
#25
|
||||
|
||||
![]() Quote:
If you don't train for home defense, and expect to bring a shotgun up to your shoulder in the perfect position, it ain't gonna happen. It will probably be more like wait until some douche kicks in a bedroom door and the prospective victim points and shoots. While yes, a gun that's way too big or small might make a difference, it's not the fit that counts, it's experience with the gun. |
#26
|
||||
|
||||
![]() Quote:
If you want to add a mag extension just know it will be costly if you want it to be legal. I will be buying one shortly, I don’t think there’s a better semi auto for the money. And yes they do retain their value well.
__________________
"When the chimes end, pick up your gun. Try and shoot me, Colonel. Just try." |
#27
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
OP, would you buy a car without driving it first?
|
#28
|
||||
|
||||
![]() Quote:
![]() Last edited by Hairball; 10-06-2017 at 7:34 PM.. |
#29
|
||||
|
||||
![]() Quote:
__________________
WTB - prelock smith 44's |
#30
|
||||
|
||||
![]() Quote:
A gun that comes to the shoulder effortlessly and shoots where you are looking is an advantage, no matter what the situation is. Now, if you shoot from the hip or use the spray and pray method...have at it with your ill fitting gun.
__________________
"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed" Last edited by ceh383; 10-07-2017 at 5:43 AM.. |
#31
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
For an HD auto, the Benelli M4 is about the cream of the crop. A bit pricey for many, but you said under $3K and it's well under $3K.
__________________
Dems are better at corruption cuz they have so much practice. #Blackolivesmatter |
#32
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
I bought a Benelli M4 without first shooting it and loved it. Thought it was the best thing ever. Later, I got it fitted to me and I found out how little I knew about shooting a shotgun.
If that is in your budget, you will not find a better one. Shoots fast and soft. Urbino stock will likely bring it to near perfect fit. Save the old stock if you are concerned about resale. I did not save mine because the M4 would be the last gun I sold. It is that good.
__________________
WARNING: This post will most likely contain statements that are offensive to those who lack wit, humor, common sense, and or maturity. Satire: A literary composition, in verse or prose, in which human folly and vice are held up to scorn, derision, or ridicule. _____________________________________________ |
#33
|
|||
|
|||
![]() Quote:
__________________
Here in California; Law abiding Citizens are simply Useful Idiots and Criminals are a Protected Species. <nedro> |
#34
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
I haven't fired an M4, but I own a Benelli 20ga Sport ll. My 20ga Benelli has more felt recoil than my 12ga Berettas. For strictly HD, recoil won't be an issue but if you get into clay games, recoil matters.
__________________
In spite of his lack of honesty, morals, ethics, and class, Donald was the better candidate at the time. No worries, The Three Stooges are in charge. When crooks are the only ones running, a crook is bound to be elected. Open season on crooks, no bag limit. >Nikki Haley 2020< |
#35
|
||||
|
||||
![]() Quote:
![]()
__________________
WTB - prelock smith 44's |
#36
|
||||
|
||||
![]() Quote:
This link is geared towards 3gun but it explains "fit" well. http://www.multigunmedia.com/shotgun-fit.pdf |
#37
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
For $3000 you can take your pick of most anything any have it customized to fit you like a glove
>1000 for a very good autoloader >
__________________
karma ? The blessings I experience every day are far better than the wrath I deserve. Thankfully, there is no such thing as karma. Proof being that if it did exist we would all most assuredly be dead ![]() |
#38
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
You are correct. I didn't notice that the post was edited between the times of our posts.
My bad. |
#39
|
|||
|
|||
![]() Quote:
As quoted above a 12ga with low recoil ammo will give you the same felt recoil of a 20ga but the low recoil does not function well in semi-autos.
__________________
JD McGuire, Owner AI&P Tactical Remington Law Enforcement Armorer Mossberg LE Armorer www.aiptactical.com www.tacticalgunsling.com If you're going to a gun fight, take a shotgun. If you can't take a shotgun, don't go. |
#40
|
||||
|
||||
![]()
This might be a crazy idea, but a Beretta A400 with Kick Off is shockingly gentle on top of being a great gun. With your budget, you could have a gunsmith shorten the barrel to 18" and have a pretty awesome HD shotgun. Find or have fabricated a magazine extension and you'd really be set.
|
![]() |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |