New to Shotguns

[Stumpy6653]

Hello all,

I am brand new to shotguns. A friend at work invited me to go and shoot trap and skeet (sp) next summer. We are teachers and time off, until after graduation, is sparse.

So I bought a Remington 870 Express Magnum. It is black, which I wasn't looking for. But Just Guns had a lay away program and the weapon was fairly inexpensive.

Uhmm...

What kind of cleaning for this? What type of shotgun shells to use? etc.

Thank you in advance...

[ERdept]

Well, the first thing to do, is sell the Remington and buy a Benelli.


Second, get a Beretta for field and sport.


Just kidding. Good choice.


I just have a pull through for the barrel, and spray for the action. They really don't' get that dirty.

Shells:

Self defense 00 buck, Federal flight control

field/sport practice is Estate. for the real game Winchester Super Handicap. They are fast and pattern well.

[L84CABO]

For trap/skeet, Go to Walmart. Pickup the Federal 100 round bulk pack of birdshot...either 7 1/2 or #8 Shot. Looks like this...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Vj5q-nuK8s

Lots of other options out there too. This is just one example.

For home defense you probably want 00 buck or #4 Buck (not birdshot). #4 Buck is usually harder to find.

[003]

https://www.quora.com/2012-Summer-Olympics-in-London/What-are-the-differences-between-trap-double-trap-and-skeet-shooting

[P5Ret]

Get a basic shotgun cleaning kit. They should have them just about anywhere that sells shotguns. As far as ammo it really depends upon the purpose, for skeet or trap unless you are real serious about competition a low base hunting round either 7 1/2 or 8 shot will do fine.
Now the question that no one else asked, how long is the barrel? Most short barreled shotguns are not really suited for skeet or trap, and some ranges don't allow them to be used. Make sure before you go that you have the right equipment. Nothing is worse then the walk of shame back to the car when they won't let you shoot your own gun at a range.

[ronrichards64]

I bought a 26 inch 870 Express Barrel on Ebay ,A new take of for 90.00 $ .It has a 31/2 Chamber , I use a light coat of oil on it before putting it away. I sold two wingmasters , I regret that .

[Patrick Aherne]

My first shotgun was a Remington 870 Express and I still have it, 27 years later. It is as close to a do-it-all gun as is made. Get one of those pull-trough cleaners, like a Bore-Snake. Also, get a good lube for the action rails and bolt, any gun lube will do. Then, shoot the piss out of it. Take a class, if one is offered, at your local skeet/trap range, it's worth the money.

Congratulations and welcome to the sport!

[NaClAddict]

Correct ammo depends on what you're shooting at. After that different guns will pattern different shells differently. Two of the exact same gun may prefer different shells. You can pattern different shells yourself with cardboard. A shotgun range with a grease board is the easiest method. Really though, I don't pattern shells unless it duck hunting.

Best to focus on proper form, how to properly mount your gun to your shoulder. Lean forward just a bit. After that, get some trigger time in.

[RNE228]

I think Cordova still has instructors that teach Trap and Skeet.

Been shooting at Sac Valley; folks are real nice out there. Shot the fall league there; ton of fun. A call to the range would be worthwhile to see if they could recommend a coach for your first session.

A basic shotgun cleaning kit works. Get extra patches... Read the manual, and check out youtube.

[JagerDog]

Note that 870, as new, need a bit of extra cleaning/chamber polishing or the shells heads can hang up in the action.

Search user Aippi (i think that's spelled right).

Since you say trap/skeet I hope you got a 26+" barrel with screw-in chokes. The cheaper packages just come with one choke, so You might want to add a cyl or skeet choke before partaking of close games like skeet.