Buying my first shotgun

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guitardemon

Joined
Jun 8, 2005
Messages
288
Hi guys,
I'm looking at buying my first shotgun. I am looking for something that is either 12 or 20 gage that I could use to shoot trap with. I am a college student, thus I am somewhat poor, so I am only looking to spend around $300. I am not sure as to weather i should try to buy used to new. If I am going to buy used what do I want to look for to make sure the gun is in proper working condition? Also does anyone know what the steps are to purchase a rifle in California?
 
guitardemon said:
Hi guys,
I'm looking at buying my first shotgun. I am looking for something that is either 12 or 20 gage that I could use to shoot trap with. I am a college student, thus I am somewhat poor, so I am only looking to spend around $300. I am not sure as to weather i should try to buy used to new. If I am going to buy used what do I want to look for to make sure the gun is in proper working condition? Also does anyone know what the steps are to purchase a rifle in California?
Click to expand...

i would recommend a mossberg or remington 870. fairly inexpensive and plentiful. if you buy used, go to a respected dealer, rj reddings in culver city has many used shotguns. and you might as well get the 12ga.

you need an id, answer a questionaire, and submit to a cursory background investigation. after 10 days, you pick up your gun. pretty easy.
 
Trap is a specialized shotgun sport that'll use 12ga and be set up different than a regular field gun. You might try hanging around the trap range. A few of the folks will be friendly and you'll get leads on good used guns. Don't forget to budget in all the misc. expenses.
Good luck, Craig
 
what CDEN said, except, if you are going to just shoot the discipline of Trap, then yes. However if you mean just go out and bust some clay birds at the sand pit or maybe some trap, some skeet, and some sporting clays, then just a plain jane 870 or 1100 12 gauge will work fine for you.

See if there is a local trap and skeet/sporting clays club around where you live, you might find someone who will let you use/rent a gun for a couple of rounds where you get to see what is right for you. DO not let them talk you into some hugely expensive gun as "necessary" for a beginner.

A $1200 and up target shotgun might be nice, but sometimes people get it in their head that you need a mercedes to learn to drive in.
 
self defense mossberg 590. otherwise rem 870 or moss 500 are very reaonable when used. Just go over the firearm as if you would a car. If allowed meet at a range to test the firearm first. I do that when I sell or buy.
 
Go with a 12gauge...you're a big boy. I agree with the previous posts, 870 or mossberg is the way to go. Don't worry too much about the stock when purchasing a used one though because there are about a million aftermarket ones for the 870 and mossberg.
 
i have a 870 my buddy has the nova pump he like it i got my dad a moss berg there all good. check them out go to a pawnshop and a good gun store in your area if you can, handle as many as you can do you prefer wood ? or synthetic new or used you can get good deals on used guns if you don't act like you have to have it .;) you wont go wrong with a 870 as a hunting shot gun. as far as trap goes i don't think its your best bet i hear the win model 12 is a better swinger. but for the money you are talking about the 870 / moss berg and the nova are good choices
 
another vote for the 12 Ga. Remington 870...

if you are a student on a budget get something used for sure... ask around at your local gun club / gun shop, chances are you'll get a lot more bang for your buck...
 
There's nothing wrong with a good Ithaca Model 37 either.

At any rate, it's also quite important to get a shotgun that fits you well.
 
12 gauge Remington 870 gets my vote. I have several in different configurations. Aftermarket add-ons and parts are plentiful. So are the interchangeable chokes.

The guns just keep on shooting. I've used them for duck, dove, and turkey hunting (though I prefer my 1100 for dove). One of them is set up for home defense.
 
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