OT - Shotgun Purchase Options
 

So, I'm thinking of purchasing....okay, I want....a good solid shotgun for skeet and trap with a small bit of hunting thrown in for good measure.

I'd prefer to be cheap! [img]images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img] I don't have the finances to buy a high end gun.

I've shot with Winchester 1300 and an Ithaca M37 (really liked that latter one!). Any advice on what to look for etc...?

Thanks,
Fritz

Re: OT - Shotgun Purchase Options
 

You can't go wrong with the Remington 870. It's available in many different configurations and very reliable. Smooth action, well balanced, overall a great utility gun. My father owns one and it's a real sweet piece.

My Ithaca 37 automatic on the other hand, which I inherited from my grandfather, is a real finiky beast. Nice gun, but I hate having to shoot magnum loads in it all the time. Anything less gets jammed upon ejection.

Re: OT - Shotgun Purchase Options
 

Always hear people that own a Benelli are pretty dang happy with their purchase....

Re: OT - Shotgun Purchase Options
 

Go for the shotgun that best fits you. B/c shotguns are pointed and not aimed, fitment is critical.

1) You want a gun that easily mounts to your shoulder (stock not too long - IMHO most standard factory stocks are excessively long for the average shooter [img]images/graemlins/cussing.gif[/img]).

2) Once mounted, and w/ your cheek resting naturally on the stock, your shooting eye should be looking straight down the barrel.

3) Do 'the mount' w/ eyes closed and once you have a comfortable cheekweld on the stock, open your eyes to check how your eye is aligned w/ barrel.

4) Ensure you are wearing the same clothes (to include outerwear) that you'll likely wear when shooting. A thick sweater, jacket or stiff canvas hunting jacket will make a big difference in your 'mount' and fitment. If you buy your shotgun wearing a t-shirt, you're going to end up wondering why the butt keeps getting hung up in your armpit when mounting in hunting situation. [img]images/graemlins/chair.gif[/img]

5) The only way to figure this out is to get yourself into a gunshop w/ a good selection of shotguns and try them all.

Personally, the Ithaca is my personal shotgun of choice. In fact, I prefer my Ithaca 37(s) over my HK, Benelli Super 90, and Remington 870. Lightweight for ease of carrying on long days afield, but does not kick like a horse.

Go Ithaca if it fits. [img]images/graemlins/beach.gif[/img]

Also, if a multi-use shotgun (skeet/trap and field) is desired, go for the screw-in chokes vice the fixed choke. (Do NOT let anyone talk you into buying an older, used Ithaca w/ that confounded, ugly-as-a-troll, PolyChoke on the end of the barrel! Uggh!) [img]images/graemlins/AR15firing.gif[/img]

Re: OT - Shotgun Purchase Options
 

W/ all due respect, the Ithaca Model 37 is a pump action - not auto. (Though... on the older models you can hold the trigger down and it will keep firing as long as you pump it... ('til magazine runs dry).

mbalbritton: You're right about the Benelli being a sweet shotgun... But, I returned to my Ithaca 37 in 16ga. for upland bird & bunny hunting. Fits better. Plus, Benelli's are a mite pricey last I checked.

Re: OT - Shotgun Purchase Options
 

Thanks MarineOpLaw,

I'm guessing by your handle that you've had plenty of time behind the trigger.

I loved that Ithaca, and would get one in an instant if it fit. My father-in-law shoots disturbingly well at skeet and trap ever since getting trained by a professional. He said the same about fitment.

What's options/construction should I look for or avoid?

Thanks again!

Fritz

Re: OT - Shotgun Purchase Options
 

I like this thread. In fact I've been wanting to buy a shotgun for a couple years now and I keep coming back to the Remington 870. Everything I see makes it out to be the Jeep of shotguns. Its rugged, its durable, its got lots of aftermarket support, and its well known. Best of all it can be had for as low as $250 new. Now its not the best skeet gun out there, but it does an aweful lot and is easily adaptable. I guess I've already got my mind made up, good luck with your purchase.

Re: OT - Shotgun Purchase Options
 

My apologies. My Ithaca is an automatic, however not a model 37. It is an older model though, probably 27-28 years old. Sorry for the inaccuracies. [img]images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

Re: OT - Shotgun Purchase Options
 

Nick I thought you liked bigger guns than a little ol' shot gun?[img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
[img]images/graemlins/AR15firing.gif[/img]

http://tellico.off-road.com/wwwthrea...18-Big_Gun.jpg

Re: OT - Shotgun Purchase Options
 

Hehehe! I'd like to see someone take out a clay pigeon with a Barrett .50!

Fritz