Shopping in general is agonizing. Yes, a woman did just say that and no, I’m not kidding. I HATE to go shopping, except for when it is for a new gun! Then I feel like it’s a scene right out of a rap video where you’re the guy making it rain with money and everyone else in the store is standing around jealously watching you pick out your new best friend.
This is the busiest time of year for me. Not only am I wishing for more hours of daylight so I can cram in just one more student lesson but, I am also running around meeting with clients to assist with gun fittings and shotgun selections. First, I am not in the business of selling guns. I do this as a service for my students and clients because it makes my job so much easier if they have the right gun for their needs. Second, if you are interested in purchasing a gun for a family member, especially a youth or female, do NOT just go by a lightweight, short stocked shotgun! PLEASE! I’m not sure who started this trend of lopping off a couple of inches of the stock and branding it a “youth” model but, good lord help the one that has to hold that dreadful mess and pull the trigger.
Consider the following when you are making your decision, even if the gun is for you. There is no shame in taking your time, asking questions and doing a bit of research on the forums to make sure that your next purchase is the right purchase. Why do you or the individual in question want a new shotgun? Are you simply adding onto a collection or is the gun to perform a particular task such as waterfowl, sporting clays or upland hunting? This is really important as you want to have the right tool for the job. A pump shotgun will serve you well in a duck blind but, will leave you feeling pretty despondent on the clay course. What is your price range? There are a few other factors that will affect this decision such as, for whom is it for and is it for an individual that may only use it once or twice a year? Seriously consider your investment ability. If you have no problem dropping several thousands of dollars on the table for a gun, then go for it. But, if budget is a big factor, you want to make certain to stretch your dollars to the best possible purchase. Is this purchase for a youth or a woman? If it is for a youth, you will need to consider his/her age, measurements, experience and most importantly, interest level. Kids are constantly growing. The addition or subtraction of just five pounds affects gun fit and it goes without saying that height also affects it. Probably not a great idea to buy a Krieghoff for a 14yo that mentioned in passing how cool it looks to shoot sporting clays. If the gun is for a woman, you need to consider her experience and gun fit requirements. I’d forgo asking her age, especially since you will be putting a firearm in her hands. Just saying. I always recommend a gas operated shotgun over an inertia driven gun for any beginner. They will feel the double thump that occurs in the cycling and they have to shoot a heavier load in order to make the gun cycle properly.
Now that you have a much better idea of for whom you are purchasing and how they will use it, let’s go shopping! There are plenty of places to find a great shotgun, new or used. I have a couple of collectors with whom I am in constant contact. They can usually get my student exactly what they want as long as the timeframe allows. I absolutely dread those frantic phone calls a week from Christmas. Miracles do happen but, talk about stress! If you are purchasing new, look for deals and steals. Always ask for a discount or a throw in. It’s the holidays and people are feeling generous and stores are often eager to gain your business and keep you from walking over to the competitor. Needless to say, there is a very tactful way to do this and a way that will probably get you slapped with an extra 5% charge. As for used guns, take it to a gunsmith. A few dollars is well worth it to have a professional go through the gun and make sure it is safe and functional. Most people selling a used gun will be more than happy to tell you all about it and why they are selling it. There are certainly a few out there that are trying to push a bad apple down the line but, do your research. There are a couple of brands out there that have a very nasty reputation for reoccurring issues. Also, look at the gun. If the seller is trying to convince you that they only shot a box or two through it and the inside of the breech is solid black, they just may be stretching the truth. Again, a professional can easily pick out the pros and cons for you.
The other thing to consider is shot. Not all shot is created equally. There are three brands that I flat out refuse to purchase due to the teeth rattling recoil. Always purchase the lightest load the gun will cycle when shooting clays. It also should be no faster than 1200fps. I don’t care what your buddy says. There is no bird alive, clay or feathered that can outrun that load. Shooting faster and heavier shells only develops a disdain for shooting and creates a flinch, especially in a new shooter. If you need a good load for hunting, again select carefully and ALWAYS PATTERN before the hunt. You also need to keep in mind the particular choke that you are using when you pattern. That’s a whole different article though.
Spending time with friends and family in the field or on the course is always time well spent. Stay safe, shoot straight and wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year!