Looking for a shotgun suggestion

[Favabean]

I'm not trying to start a flamewar -- but I'm a newb and need some advice.

I've been shooting sporting clays and REALLY like it. I've been borrowing people's guns but I'd like to get one of my own.

I don't want to (and can't afford to) break the bank. What price range should I be looking at for a decent (but still affordable) gun? I assume I should be looking at semi-auto's since they seem to be more affordable than Over/Under.

Does anyone have any suggestions on brand and model? Again, this would only serve as my first gun and if I stick with it -- I'd expect to buy a new gun....

Thanks,

Favabean

[avizpls]

I'm not trying to start a flamewar

What? what part of your post (except that part) could have POSSIBLY started a flame war??


anyways-semi auto isnt your only option. Are you comfortable with a pump? Remmington 870's are readily available and configured in many different styles. Used ones can be as low as $150. You can find one new for about $300. Example below:



Remington 870 Express 12 28 Rem-Choke Mod Wood
Model: 5568 $286.15

From Budsgunshop.com

[billamj]

I'll go along with avizpls on this one. Since it is your first shotgun, unless you are absolutely wed to the idea of an auto, you would probably be better served by a pump dollar for dollar. Just about every manufacturer makes a pump gun at or below the $300.00 mark, the same can not be said of an auto. It may just be a case of you're not understanding the options available to you. I'm sure that there are clubs or sporting clays facilities in your area where you can get lessons. They would probably be a good idea and if you went to the right place they would probably be able to let you use various types of shotguns or possibly even point you in the direction of a good gun for you at a price that will fit your wallet. Hope this helps and good luck!

[Favabean]

What? what part of your post (except that part) could have POSSIBLY started a flame war??

I've seen some of the "this is the best gun ever" threads and I DON'T want one of those.

I was looking at semi's because a friend recommended them (and it was what I used the few times I went out) -- I thought a pump would be difficult for sporting clays....

[KeithPA]

May I suggest as Saiga 12 gauge. $350-400 price range. Semi auto, detachable magazine.

You probably are going to want a semi for clays.

[fultonCoShooter]

with practice you can load your pump as quick as a semi.

I prefer a pump to a semi

although if i went for a semi it would prolly be a benelli or beretta

I have a few mossberg pumps

model 500 20ga pump
model 500 12ga pump a 590 pump and a maverick which is a cheeper mossberg

i have a winchester 1300 pump
a remington 870 SPT

a winchester 1400 semi 20 ga

2 double barrels, a single shot

I like my Mossberg 500 12ga the best ive won more Xcard shoots and rounds of clays than any of my other shotgun .....prolly why its my fav

[Favabean]

with practice you can load your pump as quick as a semi.

I prefer a pump to a semi

I'm surprised to hear that. I'd think you'd have to pump that gun AWFUL quick to keep up with a semi.

[avizpls]

I've seen some of the "this is the best gun ever" threads and I DON'T want one of those.

Well, the 870 is the best gun out there. Im just sayin'

[Favabean]

And all along, I thought it was the Glock 23.

[BUCKMARK]

For sporting clays I would buy a semi over a pump. Trust me.

Cycle speed is important, but not as much as keeping the gun on the birds. Watch someone shoot a pump gun and you will se the muzzle rise when fired. You will then notice the gun move when the forearm is moved to the rear, and again when moved forward.

A semi has less recoil movement, and no cycle movement.

I shoot the Browning Citori line of O/U's in 12 and 28 gauge. A field Citori is around $1500 and the clay versions will run around $2700 - $3500.

The Beretta 391 is sweet. So is the Browning Gold Sporting and Remington 1100 comp. These guns go around $800 - $950

The Winchester SX2 Sporting is really nice for around $750

For a "low budget" I'd go with the old reliable Remington 1100 in Sporting Clays ($675) or a field version for $550.

Nothing wrong with a good used Remington 1100. Many of these guns can be found for $400 or so...and can be custom tailored to you over time when more money is avail.

I shot many rounds with the 1100 before moving up to the O/U.

Look around and try as many as you can. A sporting clay gun MUST FIT YOU and feel perfect. Anything less, and you will miss birds.