Bought a Shotgun today.

TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark · Jul 30, 2016

dragoneggs said:
One gun I have shot but never owned is a shotgun. Don't have a clue as to what to get... I suppose mostly it would be for home defense.

k0ua said:
12 gauge pump action is extremely reliable, low cost and very effective.
Mossberg 500, (or its lower cost twin Maverick 88), Remington 870, Winchester 1300. Or any number of older but still reliable models. Check back if you need more info. you will not be sorry you invested in a shotty.

Excellent advice.

Now, for the next part, GET SOME TRAINING.

Just because you know how to make it go boom doesn't mean you can effectively use it for self-defense. There's much more to it than simply firing a gun.

k0ua · Jul 30, 2016

Also keep in mind that a shotgun can be used for many purposes. From harvesting small game to predator control to self defense against 2 legged predators to defending ones self against a bear to putting venison on your table. it is all a matter of the proper ammunition you stuff in it and proper choke selection of course will enhance it capabilities or simply change out its barrel, which is usually accomplished in a matter of seconds. While not a long range firearm in any sense of the word, you might be surprised at how far you could hit a target with a slug in a shotgun.

JRobyn · Jul 30, 2016

About the best thing about a 12g shotgun IMHO is that ammo is SO plentiful, varied, and cheap. For a lot of things, I would probably prefer a 20g, but not likely to find a box of 20g shells at the local grocery store like you sometimes can 12g.

oldpilgrim · Jul 30, 2016

I've had 3 of my granddaughters shooting .22's since they were 5. The oldest is now 23 and has a couple of her own revolvers and a rifle.

The one pictured was 5 when this was taken. At 10 she got her own Henry .22. I just gave her what she asked for, a .38 revolver, on her 16th birthday. Well, it's waiting for her to 'officially' own when she gets a little older. She shoots my .500 magnum, too!

No shotguns yet.

2LaneCruzer · Jul 30, 2016

JRobyn said:
About the best thing about a 12g shotgun IMHO is that ammo is SO plentiful, varied, and cheap. For a lot of things, I would probably prefer a 20g, but not likely to find a box of 20g shells at the local grocery store like you sometimes can 12g.

The answer to that dilemma is to have one (or more) of each. After owning a 12 Ga. for 50 or so years, I recently acquired a Winchester Model 12, 20 Ga. with a Poly choke. It is nothing special, except for the fact that it is a Model 12 and a 20 Gauge. Haven't shot it yet; I get a kick out of just looking at it...along with my 12 Gauge Model 12 (a beautiful piece of machinery in my humble opinion).

2LaneCruzer · Jul 30, 2016

k0ua said:
Also keep in mind that a shotgun can be used for many purposes. From harvesting small game to predator control to self defense against 2 legged predators to defending ones self against a bear to putting venison on your table. it is all a matter of the proper ammunition you stuff in it and proper choke selection of course will enhance it capabilities or simply change out its barrel, which is usually accomplished in a matter of seconds. While not a long range firearm in any sense of the word, you might be surprised at how far you could hit a target with a slug in a shotgun.

The ballistics are impressive; most of us are challenged at that range any way. Another thing to consider, is a 12 Gauge slug is about 500 grains...a formidable projectile, known to take out an occasional bear.

TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark · Jul 30, 2016

k0ua said:
While not a long range firearm in any sense of the word, you might be surprised at how far you could hit a target with a slug in a shotgun.

That is impressive! I can keep a slug in about 6" @ 100 yards. That's good enough for deer hunting, but man, 230 yards? That's a feat!

k0ua · Jul 30, 2016

TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark said:
That is impressive! I can keep a slug in about 6" @ 100 yards. That's good enough for deer hunting, but man, 230 yards? That's a feat!

Yeah old "Hickock 45" is a pretty good shot. For an "old man"

BUT, even a girl can do it!

RobertBrown · Jul 31, 2016

Gonna take the oldest out next week. Give her two shells and she has to keep one in a pocket and the other in her hand. The shotgun will be open until she sees a target, then she can load and fire.

I think handing an ineffective shotgun to a seven year old and asking her to look for "targets" is a great idea.
I'm sure that it will end well. Good call grandpa!

the old grind · Jul 31, 2016

Kudos to the fella above who begins with fitting the arm to the shooter. :thumbsup:. Big gun fit, noise, and recoil can intimidate the little ones at first. (the ol' armpit tuck?

) With youth-sized BB gun, Cricket (kid's RF) or similar you can teach all safety basics for low bucks, teach marksmanship, and build confidence till they're ready for our full-sized fire sticks.

btw, a 20 ga 'youth' SG might be the least thing you think you'd ever want, but over a lifetime could be the most you'd regret parting with. Think treestand/blind maneuverability when deer hunting, most any new shooter, petite lady, handling in a home defense situation (practice & see) you name it, at least once you'll think "If I still had that ___."
JMHO

All that said, if .410 noise/kick doesn't spook a youngster IMO you haven't "lost 'em" from the sport yet.