hunting shotguns

[reptilla]

im wondering if a singal shot 12 ga would be good for me and my 13 yr old or should i get pumps ? we have never hunted birds before and are looking for some info on economical set ups. thanks

[newglockster]

Single shot would work, but often a pump shotgun will recoil less, partially because of the extra weight. A used Remington 870 or mossberg 500 or Winchester would do the trick. If you will be hunting, just remember that removable chokes are very handy!

[reptilla]

i was thinking about 2 h&r singals to get started..is that fesable for bird hunting. again, im a total bird hunting noob.

[reptilla]

Anyone?

[justjeff]

Starting out I would get pumps they are not much more and allow for follow up shots quickly. I would not recommend single shots to a beginner it's frustrating when you only see a few birds and can't get them with a single shot.

[CSACANNONEER]

First of all, if you decide you don't like the SSs, you'll get most or all of your investment back specially if you buy them used. Next, they are cheap enough that you could chop the stock on one to fit your son properly which is very important. Third, even if you decide to get repeaters later, you can keep the single shots for back up guns. Finally, the idea of starting off with SSs with exposed hammers is a great way to see if the guns are ready to fire just by looking at the hammer, Also, while you'll miss out on a lot of followup shots, it'll make both of you better hunters and shooters because, you'll have to make the first shot count.

I'll also recommend that you get either two 12Gs or two 20Gs. If the stock fits him correctly, the perceived recoil of a 12G will be less than an 20G that doesn't fit right. Of course, the main reason not to hunt with a 12 and a 20 is SAFETY. In the heat of the hunt, many a dad has accidently loaded a 20G into his 12G, tried to fire it, opened it back up, not seen the 20G shell, dropped a 12G shell in it and had it blow up in his face. Whatever you do, remember that your both beginners so, stay away from the .410s. They are more of an expert's gun than a beginner's gun.

[thenodnarb]

2 shots is all you need for bird hunting, cus you probably wont get more than 2 shots at a time. So try an over under. I'm looking at the CZ's myself until I can find an old Superposed that suits my budget. Plus you'll look good at the range with an O/U rather than a single shot or pump. I'd rather have 1 o/u and let the kid shoot, than 2 single shots.

[reptilla]

thanks for the info and hope to hear more i am not new to guns at all just new to bird hunting.

[Thefeeder]

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The best place to learn about shotguns and wing shooting is your local Clays range....go to one...rent a shotgun and shoot.....get with some seasoned shooters or take a lesson or two.

Here is some useful info for you :

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=425953

If you are in the SF Bay Area...PM me I shoot clays most weekend that I'm not hunting. Also there are Skeet Clinics on the top of the Shotgun forum that are geared to noviced shooters.

[5shot]

First of all, if you decide you don't like the SSs, you'll get most or all of your investment back specially if you buy them used. Next, they are cheap enough that you could chop the stock on one to fit your son properly which is very important. Third, even if you decide to get repeaters later, you can keep the single shots for back up guns. Finally, the idea of starting off with SSs with exposed hammers is a great way to see if the guns are ready to fire just by looking at the hammer, Also, while you'll miss out on a lot of followup shots, it'll make both of you better hunters and shooters because, you'll have to make the first shot count.

I'll also recommend that you get either two 12Gs or two 20Gs. If the stock fits him correctly, the perceived recoil of a 12G will be less than an 20G that doesn't fit right. Of course, the main reason not to hunt with a 12 and a 20 is SAFETY. In the heat of the hunt, many a dad has accidently loaded a 20G into his 12G, tried to fire it, opened it back up, not seen the 20G shell, dropped a 12G shell in it and had it blow up in his face. Whatever you do, remember that your both beginners so, stay away from the .410s. They are more of an expert's gun than a beginner's gun.

Agree 100%. A single shot will make you a better shooter, instead of relying on a 2nd or 3rd shot for every bird or rabbit.
Once you decide you enjoy it, you can always upgrade to repeaters. I personally use O/U's for upland hunting, and a semi-auto for coyote hunting. But my first one was a Stevens single shot.

[redrex]

I'd recommend against a single shot. I grew up in the Midwest with lifelong bird hunters and no one used a single shot, the best shooters in the world still might need a followup shot when it comes to live birds. And a single shot will just frustrate you and make you hate it.

You can pick up a inexpensive maverick pump for around $250. Heck I paid $200 for a nice used mossy 500 with wood furniture and three chokes from a local shop not six moths ago.

As to double barrels, I love them, I have a CZ redhead that is a whole lot of gun for the money. But you can get entry level o/u's used for cheap. Just make sure they lock up tight heck I've bought very nice and useable vintage SxS's for around $250.

I have even seen mossy semi autos sell for $300 lightly used.

[redrex]

Here you go, this guy has two pumps still for sale. A mossy 500 for $200 and a Winchester for $190. I'd recommend the mossy as getting additional barrels for it will be easy.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=626883

[Barbarossa]

thanks for the info and hope to hear more i am not new to guns at all just new to bird hunting.

What kind of birds?

I started hunting ducks (at 13) with a 20 gauge 870.
Moved to a 12 gauge, 870 a few years later. (C.W.A. Raffle)
I now shoot an 870 Super Magnum, 12 gauge. (2 3/4" - 3.5")

If I had the dough, and didn't know the 870 so well, I'd buy a Benelli SBE.

But a Semi Auto isn't the best starter gun, as you'll tend to rapid fire off all three shots.

With a pump, or over under, you'll tend to learn a bit more patience.

If you are duck hunting I'd go with a pump, as it's a real pain to break open an over under inside of a duck blind.

The best place to learn about shotguns and wing shooting is your local Clays range....go to one...rent a shotgun and shoot.....get with some seasoned shooters or take a lesson or two.

If you are in the SF Bay Area...PM me

+1

[Newbshooter]

I'll also recommend that you get either two 12Gs or two 20Gs. If the stock fits him correctly, the perceived recoil of a 12G will be less than an 20G that doesn't fit right. Of course, the main reason not to hunt with a 12 and a 20 is SAFETY. In the heat of the hunt, many a dad has accidently loaded a 20G into his 12G, tried to fire it, opened it back up, not seen the 20G shell, dropped a 12G shell in it and had it blow up in his face.

Good advice, Ive got a singleshot 20 gauge Rossi for my daughter and been looking to buy a 870 12 guage for myself but now considering getting a 20, would make buying ammo easier too.

[Garandimal]

Well...

Started w/ a 12 Ga. 870 WM and hunted and shot clay w/ it for ever.

Then I stumbled across a NIB 20 Ga. 870 WM at a give-a-way price and bought it.

The 20 Ga. will be for the boys as they get bigger, and then for me when I get older.

I recommend pump shotguns, bolt rifles, and single-action pistols for formative weapons. They are generally inexpensive, reliable, and fun to shoot.




GR