Shooting Clay

[Javi]

In my opinion - save a few more bucks, take your time and purchase a quality used Auto-loader. They are out there! Recent vintage {LATE '90's to date} semi-autos such as Benelli, Beretta, Winchester/Browning and even the venerable Remington 1100 series {in that order of my personal preference}are much better in every way. They will function, handle & point better and represent a better "investment" than the "cheap" O/U's and SxS guns now all too common in the marketplace.

Also understand ...too many Gun Stores, especially "chain stores selling guns", notwithstanding of course, Bass Pro Shop and Cabela's, stock guns purely to sell guns, not develop and service customers. Period. It is rare in these establishments to encounter anyone with meaningful knowledge or experience, especially when it comes to shotguns. They are however prone and quick to spew volumes of stuff about most anything, emphasize "price" as if that alone equates somehow to value, and are paid to push inventory and lots of it.

Here is a quick, easy, foolproof method to assess the knowledge & skill set of your attending sales person about any & all types of shotguns. Inquire ..."I have heard that gun fit is important in shotguns. How can I tell if this gun fits me? Should he/she suggests in any way that by placing the stock in the crook of your bent shooting arm to see how your finger is positioned on the trigger ...LEAVE. THAT AIN'T IT - PERIOD. Haveing concerns over the potential the ire of P.C. Police should I choose in any way to discuss ...short, yellow busses, I choose to say no more.

Being a highly experienced shooter in all clays & game; and long time professional instructor, I will go out on the limb and say I "guarantee" the triggers will be poor, at best in these "value" priced shotguns {whew - I almost said "crap"}. Poor triggers = poor shooting results. Period.

Then consider - durability issues, you will experience them.


Buy right ...by once! Nuff Said?

POWG is out.

The key to success in all shooting is "QUALITY - Practiced - Repetitive - Actions"

Really nice post, thanks!
I'm still looking at these budget guns because I have heard good things on them. As a beginner, $1000+ guns are just a turn off. Not looks wise cause everyone knows they look beautiful My first handgun was worth $500 and it rocks, very reliable. I definitely wouldn't buy a $1000 1911 right off the bat (later though, yup!).

[Grakken]

Thanks everyone for the great feedback so far.

I will be looking around at the used guns for sure. What are some good sites? A lot of postings on Gunbroker don't sell to us captives?

I have also been reading up on the mossberg 930. Have only read 1 or 2 negative posts on those and many positive posts. Anyone have any experience with them (shooting clays?) Looks as though 28" is the longest barrel they make for it. How is the trigger?

[Sanderhawk]

I just went clay shooting also for the first time a couple days ago. It was cool . I used my Rem 870, A $5.00 hand thrower from walmart and went to calico for free. It was a blast I got pretty decent by the end of the day. I used the # 6 game loads from walmart that are $ 4.50 per box of 25 so I think its only expencive if you make it that way.

[hcbr]

for the stoeger if you 're looking for a semi, that or a used remington 1100 series or a Mossberg 930

[Grakken]

Lots of people mentioning the stoeger. have to find a local place where these are at.

The more reading I do, the more i read good things on the remy 1100 (used), Beretta 390/3901 and the Mossberg 930. Hmmm....

[Javi]

the stoeger, I think, should be at Big 5's. You may find the beretta there too or both should be at bass pro shop

[Bladewurk]

Used Belgian Auto 5 classic shotguns can be had almost NIB for $500ish... Will last forever and won many Skeet championships ! Incredible value and will cycle light target loads

[Bladewurk]

And they don't kick hard less maintenance than a gas gun

[POWG]

Just FYI. A 28" auto loader will generally measure about 1/2" longer than a 30" barrel O/U, SxS or Single Bbl Trap gun. Pick up a decent auto 28" vent rib field gun and learn how to shoot it. I guarantee with fundamentals in place you can find fun and success in all games and hunting.

Powg out.

[bjl333]

If you ever want to try out the Skeet game there are 3 guys on the board doing'em. Thefeeder, POWG and myself! Depending on where you are, hit us up to go do some skeet shooting!! My votes: Remington 1100, Beretta 390.

EDIT: Just saw your location. I'm the closest one if you want to do a clinic!

[451040]

Beretta 390

I second that opinion.

[Grakken]

If you ever want to try out the Skeet game there are 3 guys on the board doing'em. Thefeeder, POWG and myself! Depending on where you are, hit us up to go do some skeet shooting!! My votes: Remington 1100, Beretta 390.

EDIT: Just saw your location. I'm the closest one if you want to do a clinic!

Yeah the guys on SGW like the 390 (3901) and the 930.. I think i'll get the 3901 for clays and the 930 for HD..dilemma solved...or is it..haha

[POWG]

Shooting Cay

To the question of my take on the Benelli ...Best Auto Loader money can buy. Simple, reliable, fast action, great dynamics - handles more like an O/U, very, very reliable. Also holds re-sale value like none other. I have been looking for a previously "experienced" Benelli Super Sport 28" 12 Ga., for my instruction business without luck for almost a year now. Plenty of 30" and quite a few 20 Ga., but no 28" - it i almost time to spring for a new one!


P.S.
I would put the recent vintage Beretta's right up there if they had not gone and ruined the grip design.

The key to shooting success is through "QUALITY - PRACTICED - REPETITIVE - ACTIONS"

POWG is out.

[Grakken]

To the question of my take on the Benelli ...Best Auto Loader money can buy. Simple, reliable, fast action, great dynamics - handles more like an O/U, very, very reliable. Also holds re-sale value like none other. I have been looking for a previously "experienced" Benelli Super Sport 28" 12 Ga., for my instruction business without luck for almost a year now. Plenty of 30" and quite a few 20 Ga., but no 28" - it i almost time to spring for a new one!


P.S.
I would put the recent vintage Beretta's right up there if they had not gone and ruined the grip design.

The key to shooting success is through "QUALITY - PRACTICED - REPETITIVE - ACTIONS"

POWG is out.

Benelli is nice but looking for wood furniture (Autoloader). Didn't see any used ones out there in my price range.

I do like the way the 3901 statesman looks but that is just out of my price range. What do you mean by recent vintage? you mean you like the 390 but not the 3901?

I must say I do have a Remy 870 Express magnum but it has an 18 inch on it. Want to leave it be. I always want a tactical shotty close by for that just in case moment. I suppose I could buy a new barrel for it?

[7.62 Charlie]

I must say I do have a Remy 870 Express magnum but it has an 18 inch on it. Want to leave it be. I always want a tactical shotty close by for that just in case moment. I suppose I could buy a new barrel for it?

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shooting/Firearm-Components/Barrels-Chokes|/pc/104792580/c/104717880/sc/104202180/Remington-870-Replacement-Shotgun-Barrels/705659.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fshooting-firearm-components-barrels-chokes%2F_%2FN-1100237%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104202180%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104792580%253Bcat104717880&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104792580%3Bcat104717880%3Bcat104202180