Question about shotgun as a beginner
Posted by Sir_Coffeeholic@reddit | Firearms | View on Reddit | 24 comments
Hello everyone.
I'm traveling to US in two weeks, and I planned to visit a shooting range.
In terms of recoil and difficulty, I would like to know if 12 gauge double barrel shotgun is beginner friendly, or it's better to choose pump action ones such as M870 instead.
santar0s80@reddit
Where in the US are you traveling to? Not every state is gun friendly.
Sir_Coffeeholic@reddit (OP)
I'm traveling to Las Vegas. I heard that there are good shooting ranges \^\^
Strong-Review5880@reddit
Oh you're gonna have a good time then
santar0s80@reddit
You heard correctly. Enjoy your trip.
Sir_Coffeeholic@reddit (OP)
Thank you very much !
Strong-Review5880@reddit
Should be about the same if general size is similar, the real question is are you trying to live out a cowboy fantasy or just shooting for fun? Breaking open a double esp with ejectors is a fun treat but if you just want to put maximum shot or slugs down range the pump may be more your speed. Only other thing to consider is why not both? Have fun be safe homie
ArceusTwoFour_Zero@reddit
They should recoil about the same if using the same ammo and are in the same gauge.
brav007@reddit
I would also add in the factor of weight and recoil pads. Heavier = less felt recoil same with a qaulity pad.
But, OP, if you're worried about recoil and you have options. Start small and work up, 410-20g-16g-12g-10g. Imo recoil is nothing to be concerned about, startling maybe, but it's not gonna hurt you unless you shoot 100s of rounds and/or shoot some massive magnum rifle calibers. Just make sure the rifle is tucked tight to your shoulder, lean into it a little, and dont let go. Also, if you've never fired a firearm, load only one round at a time until you're familiar with it.
Sir_Coffeeholic@reddit (OP)
Thank you for your reply .
I will check the gauge that shooting range provide and make my decision then.
HeughJanus@reddit
double barrel is more of a novelty today. have not seen one for rent in the 6 ranges ive been to
james_68@reddit
Side by side is fairly niche, but still popular because of their price and simplicity, especially among SASS shooters. Over/Unders are very popular for clays and birds.
Sir_Coffeeholic@reddit (OP)
Thank you. I was interested in double barrel because of its beauty and simplicity, really glad to know they are still popular in different sports.
james_68@reddit
A side by side or over under will have slightly less felt recoil than a pump action because they are typically heavier.
What is going to have a much greater effect on recoil is your load. For example, Winchester AA Low Noise/Low Recoil m, a.k.a “featherweights” are barely noticeable but a heavy, high velocity load will have a lot of recoil.
Sir_Coffeeholic@reddit (OP)
Thank you for sharing.
Load is an important factor which I didn't think about, I will check it.
bl0odredsandman@reddit
Since neither of them have a recoil system, they will recoil about the same. As for being for a beginner, many new people have shot shotguns before. It would still probably be good to start with a lower caliber rifle like a 22lr or 5.56 if you can so you can get use to recoil and then step up to the shotgun. Shotgun recoil isn't going to tear your arm off or anything, but depending on the load, it can kick a decent bit.
Sir_Coffeeholic@reddit (OP)
Thank you for your advice, this helps a lot.
I believe it would be better for me to try small caliber first instead of shotgun, and see if I can get used to the recoil.
Astral_Botanist@reddit
Semi-auto shotguns will have less felt recoil than pump, double barrel, over/under, etc. However, if you're shooting clay pigeons then that's done with light target loads so you'll be fine either way. As others have said, any non semi-auto will have the same recoil (assuming the shotguns are similar weight). Shooting clay pigeons is a ton of fun, so hopefully that's what you have planned. Enjoy!
Sir_Coffeeholic@reddit (OP)
Thank you for your suggestion, clay pigeons sounds great, now I have more options !
tbrand009@reddit
What state/city are you going to?
12g really isn't that bad. When you go to the range, you'll have to buy their ammo and they're going to sell you "target loads." 12g has a lot of different load types that really change how much recoil they generate. But like I said, the range isn't going to sell (or at least they won't recommend) you any particularly heavy loads.
Heads up also that they probably won't have a double barrel shotgun available for you to rent. While not necessarily an uncommon firearm, the only time I've ever actually seen one on the shelf at a range where Olympic shooters practice and compete - and those were all going for north of $10,000 - nothing being rented out. Something like the 870 shotgun is far more common these days and will be rentable at just about any range.
Sir_Coffeeholic@reddit (OP)
Thank you for advice.
Now I see that double barrel shotgun might not be an ideal option, as it is not common nowadays.
If I made up my mind to try shotgun I would go for more common model.
By the way, I'm going to Las Vegas : )
highvelocitypeasoup@reddit
Any manual action shotgun in 12 ga is going to have significant recoil. Weight is going to play a role in how harsh it is but its not going to be a fun experience if your first time shooting is with 12 ga. One thing you probably havent considered is that most indoor ranges restrict shotgun usage to slugs only, which is one of the heaviest recoiling types of shell.
May I suggest starting out with a .22 rifle and graduate to an intermediate "assault rifle" cartridge or a pistol caliber rifle and try out a few handguns. you'll have a lot more fun over the course of your range trip. then if you want to experience heavier recoil like 12 ga. do it at the end of your range day so that your sore shoulder only affects your ride home.
Sir_Coffeeholic@reddit (OP)
Thank you, I appreciate your suggestion.
Slug is going to be too tough for me as a beginner .
I would try rifle or pistol instead.
BAHGate@reddit
If you have never shot a shotgun, 12 gauge is going to hurt. Probably leave a bruise as well. Slugs will wreck you. If you are shooting on an indoor range, you'll only be able to use slugs. I suggest 20 gauge instead. You might want to buy a shotgun/shooting vest with a padded shoulder area. If you do venture into 12, get target loads they have less recoil.
Sir_Coffeeholic@reddit (OP)
Thank you very much.
I think 12 gauge could be a challenge to me, I will check if the range provide 20 gauge.