chouchin66
Top Tier member
That said, nothin' wrong at all with a Mossberg 500 with a modified choke, in 12 gauge... Good, solid, inexpensive all rounder. If you're a dab shot, makes no difference - so long as it fits.
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the Daily hi thread
Shotgun for clays
- Thread starter Biigd ft
- Start date
Biigd ft
Active member
Thanks everyone with your replies
Lukeypoodle
Super member
Sorry to be blunt but that is absolute nonsense.
I've recently taken over working at a gun shop from someone who tried to fit guns with the laser pointer and I've had to correct a lot of his work. The tolerances are just rubbish and you're more likely to end up with a gun that doesn't fit than one that does.
If you're new to clays honestly the best choice is likely an ATA sp adjustable, your technique will change as you get more experience as will your gunmount, it's almost impossible to fit a gun to someone who hasn't been shooting for a while so having an adjustable comb and a warranty for under a grand is really unbeatable.
Adjustable combs have been invaluable to my daughter and I only picking up a SGC earlier this year. I could probably now benefit from a fit from a professional. My daughter probably not, she seems to hit everything already with her Fabarm Elos
ddsnipe22
Super member
If I was you I would go to the gunshop shoulder the guns you like the look of and that in in your budget or even slightly above, then try a negotiating deal if not Then look online for a well looked after pre owned example. You will find the gun you like for the right price. But make sure you buy through a reputable source
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Lukeypoodle
Super member
Come see me at Mendip on a weekday you aren't far away.
Most people seem (here at least) to get a Beretta silver pigeon or browning 525 as a starter gun and 10 yes later still have it ! Try one of each and see what fits and you won't go too far wrong
Stockscrew
Super member
I have fitted many shotguns for customers for over 25 years establishing how much the stock needs to be bent to shoot where the customer is looking using a quality laser or occasionally a try gun when available. Once bent the gun is then taken to the pattern plate to confirm it is correctly fitted. This method far superceeds that of looking down barrels to see where the eye sits relative to the rib. You can be as blunt as you like but I suspect my experience in this proceedure outweighs yours, so recommending an adjustable stock is rubbish unless there is someone who knows how to fit it correctly. Technique has nowt to do with it, the only thing that alters fit is a change in stature.
Biigd ft
Active member
I tried a early model of the browning yesterday at a clay shoot. The guy had to cut his stock down as he was new to it and bought it because he liked the look of the gun. So I've learnt dont go on the look of the gun but more important to have a gun which fits.
Lukeypoodle
Super member
My main suggestion is not to invest too much, buy one that vaguely fits. Shoot it for a bit and then get a proper gun fit to see why you are missing
remember, it's a shotgun. A cheap one that goes bang will put the pellets in exactly the same place as an expensive one that goes bang. The exact same goes to cartridges - if you are shooting clays, go for the cheapest ones that go bang and have the right weight and size of lead
Stockscrew
Super member
You make another asumption that I am in the Gun Trade, that is not the case. I take commissions from private individuals only on recommendation. I am sure that we have not met and I find that a relief.
Lukeypoodle
Super member
Stockscrew
Super member
Not only shotguns but rifles, air rifles or any thing else that has wood that needs finishing, refinishing, reshaping, fitting, chequering, making or adapting. Sixty one years of experience with wood suplemented by skills taught by propper gunsmiths.
The guy is asking what shotgun to buy not and it's turning into a "I know more than you thread " 
To the OP . Go to a respected Gunsmith who does shotgun fitting and get advice from them .
To the OP . Go to a respected Gunsmith who does shotgun fitting and get advice from them .
Your first gun is for learning, rubber comb raisers and slip on butt pads enable it to be configured if needed.
More important is a few lessons to establish a sound technique or you then take years to correct your poor technique.
A good shot doesn't always make a good coach, go for a CPSA or BASC trained one. At the shooting school they can probably lend you a gun to start with.
More important is a few lessons to establish a sound technique or you then take years to correct your poor technique.
A good shot doesn't always make a good coach, go for a CPSA or BASC trained one. At the shooting school they can probably lend you a gun to start with.
Absolutely agree with everything in this post. Remember as well that depending upon the style of shooting that you want to adopt, clays or game the instructor will be different. At the start (lesson one ) it probably doesn't make a lot of difference, but as soon as you start to get a little bit competent you're going to want to have an instructor who is competent in training people in the style of shooting that you want to do.
Biigd ft
Active member
Is there any shotguns you would avoid due to poor build etc thanks for the help one day I might be able to give info to a new shooter 
Rich79
Member Extraordinaire
I think its a fact just like any object that the less you spend on it the cheaper the build quality will be.Is there any shotguns you would avoid due to poor build etc thanks for the help one day I might be able to give info to a new shooter
I'm not going to put down the Turkish guns too much as they make an ok gun for the casual clay shooter, but if I wanted longevity from it I wouldn't bank on it lasting as long as say a Betinsoli upwards.
You've got to factor in the ability to get spares for it too, I know it's the same old boring answer but take a Browning, Beretta, Blaser or Miroku into a gunshop and they'll fix it no problem, I wouldn't bet on the same from an ATA/Yildiz etc.