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Thread: Shotgun

  1. #1
    Tribal Elder f0rm4t's Avatar
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    Shotgun

    I've now applied for my shotgun licence and I'm prospecting a new gun.
    Went down to my local dealer for look and some advice.

    I've been looking at the Beretta Silver Pigeon and the Browning 525. But these aren't really guns we can all (myself and my boys) use, and will probably be my 2nd gun once I've proved to myself I'm serious about it. (they come with a price tag)

    So for a first gun, I've been advised to get a new semi-auto, as the price will be low, it'll have a warranty, we'll all be able to shoot it, it will be new, so I don't have to worry it's had a few thousand rounds down it, and I'll be able to use it for both clay and a informal pigeon shoots.

    So...
    I've been looking at and advised to consider the Hatsan Escort Semi-auto 12 gauge.
    Not sure on a new semi or a used under over shotgun?

    Any advice welcome
    Paul

    • You’ll never be lost if you remember that moss always grows on the north side of your compass.
    • While the Swiss Army Knife has been popular for years, the Swiss Navy Knife has remained largely unheard of. Its single blade functions as a tiny canoe paddle.

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  2. #2
    Tribesman Big T's Avatar
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    Been looking at these too, seem to be a "marmite" gun but from what I can see they are excellent value for money!

  3. #3
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    I have a Hatsan Air rifle...like you say Marmite guns...but its well made, accurate and does the job...bit heavy but then again the first rifle i fired was a .303 Mk4 No1 - everything is relative
    [

  4. #4
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    having owned the older hatstand (that's what they get called) I'd say, for the price they are worth it, the new style ones are easier to load than the old version, if it has a button on the side that needs pressing to load cartridges, its the old style,
    sometimes you can get them jamming, that's normally down to the length and load of the cartridge, mine used to jam on any carts under 67mm in length, but the new ones may be different, with such a cheap gun, you wont be scared of getting it dirty, which is a bonus, mine would be out in all weathers, covered in rain,snow,mud and blood and carried on shooting, if you buy that silver pigeon, it'll only come out the cabinet on sunny days

    sometimes clay grounds frown about semi's, especially hatstands, as you cant tell whether its loaded or not, where as with an o/u it can be carried open

  5. #5
    Tribal Elder shepherd's Avatar
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    iv shot my bosses silver pigeon on many occasions and i love it... great all round gun

  6. #6
    Native Sylvanbilly's Avatar
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    IMO
    I'd stay away from semi auto's especially for your first gun and especially if you intend to teach your sons, the biggest factor is safety for yourselves and others, everybody looks at everybody with a gun and doesn't trust anybody, if that makes sense, an O/U or a side by side should do, you don't say how old your sons are? But if they are strapping lads they should be ok with a 12 gauge and a light cartridge load (28g) You want to be looking for maybe a multi choke sporter so you can use it for clays and game,
    Bill
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  7. #7
    Tribal Elder f0rm4t's Avatar
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    Cheers fellas!
    I don't want to be spending more than £500 for my first gun really. The uo and ss guns I like are £1000 ++ but do appreciate the benefits of getting one.

    As said, my hurdles are identifying the latter that is in budget, a reliable brand, an all rounder, that I can be happy hasn't had a couple of thousand rounds through it. If I can meet this criteria then I'll be sold, so if you have recommendations, i'd be a happy bunny ...or pigeon.
    Paul

    • You’ll never be lost if you remember that moss always grows on the north side of your compass.
    • While the Swiss Army Knife has been popular for years, the Swiss Navy Knife has remained largely unheard of. Its single blade functions as a tiny canoe paddle.

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  8. #8
    Native Sylvanbilly's Avatar
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    Look up bettinsoli shotguns,they are good reasonable starter guns, I've still got one actually, try second hand ones as well,
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  9. #9
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    YILDIZ are good value for money

  10. #10
    Bushman Sar-ian's Avatar
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    Hi Paul, choosing a shotgun is very subjective, a gun that suits me, might not suit you.... I've spent a small fortune on a gun, only to find it didn't work for me.
    As for buying a gun I would say buy the best you can afford, as quality counts, and should you ever want to sell it, you would get a better re-sale price.

    There are quiet a few premium brands, personally I like Miroku and Browning shotguns. The fit and finish is excellent, and although the initial out-lay maybe more, I've never had any major issues with them, but the most important factor is I can actually hit things... and thats what counts.... and if care for and cherished, they will out last you.....

    I've seen folk buy "cheap" guns and hate them, and its actually put them off shooting, I would recommend going to a large game fair, there is usually a shotgun coach there and they can advise you, and it may be possible to try a few different guns, and give you some pointers on safety and technique.

    I love shooting, be warned it can get additive, I hope this helps.......... cheers Ian....
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    Ask not for a lighter load, but a stronger back.....

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