First shotgun?

[Newshooter]

Beretta 3901. $599 and it is a soft shooter. I always recommend Beretta semi's because they are extremely reliable, no kick and are just a joy to shoot on any type of clays range.

[HappyG]

A Remmy 870.

[Fobanginvtek]

Thanks for all the input guys! For now I would like to shoot for fun, but could get serious. I really like the 870, and thanks for the recommendation for the Stoeger 3500 looks and sounds great. Will look into it more, thanks!

[Fobanginvtek]

why not buy the same shotgun your buddy had? you obviously like it and you did well with it.

I wouldn't want to buy the same exact gun he has. Although I did well with it, it didn't feel comfortable in my hands, and I didn't like the weight for what I want to use it for. He purchased his for straight home security

[Iskra]

Go to a gun store and tell them your budget and ask for them to let you handle all the 12ga guns in your budget. With each one, grip it by the grip and forearm, and hold it at waist level. Pick a random spot on the wall, above eye level. Without looking away, lift the gun to a firing position (make sure your weight is 60% on your front foot). ONE of the guns in the store will present the bead at the end of the barrel right on your target.

All shotguns have slightly different stock angles, butt pad shapes, and ergonomics. What's right for one person might not be right for the next. Keep looking until you find the gun that matches your own stance, arm length, shoulder width, neck length, etc. because that's the one you can shoot quickly and without adjustment.

Browning autoloaders fit me great, but when I went looking for an O/U, they didn't come up right. I had to go over budget on a Beretta but it almost aims itself, its so perfect for my individual body size & shape. Its really worth it to go through the exercise of pointing them all.

[exzpl0sive]

love my Mossberg 590A1. not as easy on the eyes as the Remy 870, but more south-paw friendly.

I shoot clays with the mossy, and its a lot of fun. The ghost ring sights make it really fun/easy. If you want to shoot clays competitively, you can also check out some over unders. You have the option of running it with 2 chokes for different distances.

I've never heard anything negative about the Remy 1100.

[AragornElessar86]

Love my Remington 870. Reliable as dirt and truckloads of accessories.

[Newshooter]

Go to a gun store and tell them your budget and ask for them to let you handle all the 12ga guns in your budget. With each one, grip it by the grip and forearm, and hold it at waist level. Pick a random spot on the wall, above eye level. Without looking away, lift the gun to a firing position (make sure your weight is 60% on your front foot). ONE of the guns in the store will present the bead at the end of the barrel right on your target.

All shotguns have slightly different stock angles, butt pad shapes, and ergonomics. What's right for one person might not be right for the next. Keep looking until you find the gun that matches your own stance, arm length, shoulder width, neck length, etc. because that's the one you can shoot quickly and without adjustment.

Browning autoloaders fit me great, but when I went looking for an O/U, they didn't come up right. I had to go over budget on a Beretta but it almost aims itself, its so perfect for my individual body size & shape. Its really worth it to go through the exercise of pointing them all.

I could not agree more in regards to mounting every gun that you can. One thing to note, most semi-auto's come with shims that allow you to adjust the stock so you can fit the gun to you (within reason).

[ysr_racer]

As long as you don't say, "Shotty, Remy, or Mossy" it doesn't matter what you buy

[Fobanginvtek]

Thanks guys, i think il take your advice and head into the shop and see what fits/feels most comfortable for me.