Advice for a beginner

[ironpete]

While I've used pistols and rifles since I was a kid, I'm new to shotguns. Shot at Raahauge's a couple of weeks back with some friends and had a great time. Kudos to Mike and Pat who made my first experience a fantastic one.

I've already secured a Mossberg 500 for zombie attacks and have found a class to take (next month). I like jumping into things but do so cautiously, which is why I know that training is key.

The Trap and Skeet shooting seemed like great fun but does it really require a dedicated skeet gun (like a side-by-side or over-under)? The range rental was a Beretta semi-auto which was easy to operate, but I don't want to go overboard on expensive equipment until I get a feel for what I really like.

I guess I really haven't asked a question yet...so here goes:

What kind of advice would you guys give to a total beginner?
Any suggestions as to equipment (for either HD or Skeet)?
Any other ranges I should try?
I quite understand that home defense (HD) is one thing and that game-type shooting is another, is there a way I can do both easily?
Are there shotgun shooting leagues (like IPSC or IDPA) that anybody can recommend?

I know these seem like basic questions, but it is kind of hard to get involved in a sport by yourself.

Thanks in advance,
-pete

[Black Majik]

I'm not a experienced shotgunner, but in my opinion skills matter more than the equipment brought to the range. You're definitely on the correct path in not getting a overly expensive shotgun.

For clay shooting, you can also check out Prado, which is a couple miles away from Raahauges. Triple B's is a nice clay range off the 60 fwy.

To get started, you can get a autoloader shotgun, something like a Beretta391, or a Benelli (such as a Montefeltro). Even just to get out there and have some fun, a basic 870 Express with a 26/28" barrel should do you well.

Double barrel shotguns such as the over-unders and SxS allow you to use different chokes per barrel.

I'm not too familiar with the Mossberg 500, but I think you can interchange barrels? You can also start off with getting a longer barrel for your Mossberg 500 and using the rest of the money on ammo and shooting instruction.

Good luck!

[aplinker]

An 870 or 500 with a long barrel (28"+) would run just fine. You will want removable chokes if you start to "compete" for shooting handicaps, etc.

The advantage of an O/U or dedicated trap gun is in the swing, due to there essentially being no receiver length. (OAL for a 28" barreled O/U is about 5-8 inches less than a pump or semi)

There are very nice break action single-shot trap guns that are quite cheap (~500) from tier 1 italian makers in the lightly used market.

A semi still suffers from the swing penalty, but allows you to shoot doubles.

[kpw001]

I'm pretty new to shotguns myself, but I do know that you can get a longer barrel for your 500. I've taken my 500 out and shot clays with an 18.5" barrel just for kicks and it's certainly do-able but you should look into getting a barrel in the 28" range for serious skeet shooting.
Mossberg

Cabela's

[vinny_land]

Big 5 special for Mossberg 500 combination. Best of both worlds so you can do skeet/trap and have the 18'' for HD. Its simple!

[ironpete]

Ok, longer barrel, #1 on the shopping list.
Any other "got to have" equipment that I should look into?

I'll definitely try out the other ranges since I'll probably be shooting by myself.

Thanks for the good suggestions all.

-pete

[WhiteDingo]

Heck, I shoot trap with my Franchi SAS-12, which has a 21" barrel. (I'm sure I could do better than my 20 avg. with a longer barrel, but hey, it's fun)

My suggestion would be to secure two different barrels for your 500, one for game shooting (or hunting), and one for home defense. My SAS-12 is a little long for HD with the stock attached...just remember to swap back to the shorter barrel when you get home!

[aplinker]

Ok, longer barrel, #1 on the shopping list.
Any other "got to have" equipment that I should look into?

I'll definitely try out the other ranges since I'll probably be shooting by myself.

Thanks for the good suggestions all.

-pete

For shooting trap the only other got to have equipment, other than eye and ear protection, is a shell pouch.

This picture is only for reference. There are cheaper ones out there.

[RedDawn]

Don't forget the Limbsaver protective shooting pad...
I never go out to the range without mine.