C3D
.308 Win
Remington 870 is a great first shotgun.
Most common gun used at ranges? First time gun buyer.
- Thread starter restrung
- Start date
Didn't realize they are rare. My family has 3 or 4 of them. I only own 12ga. so then 16ga or 20ga. Thanks for the info.
IrishMick
.357 mag
@Drinkthekoolaid, That's what I was meaning. .22lr can and will kill people. So can 12ga target loads. I wouldn't use either for home defense by choice but if that's all I had it sure beats trying to beat 'em with a frying pan. Not to mention the suck factor of being on the wrong end of that range. It ain't like the bad guy is gonna whip out his caliper to measure the diameter of what you're throwing downrange at him! Stopping the threat is what matters whether by fatality, injury, or forcing them to retreat.
BDinPutnam
.475 A&M Magnum
In normal times in order of easier to harder here's my two cents on availability and range of options for shotgun ammo;
12 gauge
20 gauge
18 gauge
12 gauge
20 gauge
18 gauge
Justincase
6.5 Creedmoor
Based on recent events I would recommend a 20ga over a 12 any day of the week. One, the recoil is much less with the 20ga, thereby increasing accuracy (less twitch/anticipation) and follow up shots will be quicker, improving follow through. Another is through this whole shit show of a crisis, there is no shortage at all of 20 gauge yet that I've seen, so it'll be available while the vaunted 12ga ammo is wiped out. Just my .02. Plus he's a new shooter, the 12 can definitely be intimidating depending on OP's size and experience which he stated is "none". 20ga ftw
Justincase
6.5 Creedmoor
Good call. Forget everything I said in my previous post and do this. Seriously.
100% you cannot go wrong with an AR and I think every good citizen who wants one should have one, and it's wise to get one sooner than later
If you were to tell me I could only have 1 gun, i would choose an AR
Marine Cpl
.577 Tyrannosaur.
Why would anyone recommend an AR as a first gun when you can’t have a standard one? A fixed mag is a terrible idea for a new shooter and if you go featureless, they all suck since you cannot really hold it correctly. The Thordsen would be okay but even then you can’t manipulate the safety correctly.
I’m also in the shotgun is a bad idea camp. Too much recoil for a new shooter and even worse for the rest of the family.
A .22, 9mm, or .223 bolt or Mini 14 would make the most sense.
I’m also in the shotgun is a bad idea camp. Too much recoil for a new shooter and even worse for the rest of the family.
A .22, 9mm, or .223 bolt or Mini 14 would make the most sense.
S&W Fan
.450/400 Nitro Ex
I truly don’t understand this too much recoil bullshit. I was shooting 12ga. & 16ga. Shotguns when I was 10 yrs. old for christ sakes. At 18 I hunted geese with a 10 ga. Goose gun. If you’re a big pussy then yeah, recoil of any kind other than a .22 will be a problem.
Marine Cpl
.577 Tyrannosaur.
Maybe you were just a hunk of a man as a young boy but for average folks, it has quite a wallop. If I take my wife, 70 year old mom, and 82 year old dad to the range, a 12 or 20 gauge will not knock them back. 1 or 2 shots the most.
No one can honestly say that they do not feel the recoil from shooting slugs out a Mossberg 500 all day long. Hell, I do and my bruised shoulder at the end of the day even when wearing a heavy coat in the winter is evidence of that no matter how much I convince myself otherwise.
With something like a Ruger 10/22 or Ruger PCC or Ruger Mini 14, a new shooter can put hundreds of rounds down range on their first outing even with bad form while standing.
I don't think it has anything to do with macho Man testosterone or being a soft girly wimp.
To me, it's just logical that someone who didn't grow up around guns, isn't used to guns, doesn't have any experience with guns would need to "crawl, before they can walk, before they can run".
It doesn't do anyone any good to start off with a gun that is too loud, too much recoil. It will immediately overwhelm a new shooter, they will start with bad habits, they will be worrying about recoil and not things like a smooth trigger pull.
Start with something fun and easy to control (.22lr, .223, 9mm pcc) The objective should be they have do much fun they can't wait to come back and shoot more and bigger guns. Start with something (at least in normal conditions) has plentiful and relatively cheap ammo.
S&W Fan
.450/400 Nitro Ex
Well, as usual you like to play the if’, ands or buts. This thread isn’t about wifes, mom,dad grandpa , grandma or your little sister.
it was about some guy ( presumably) asking what gun would be his best first gun. Having some family knowledge ( not experience) of clay bird shooting. So naturally I suggested a manageable recoiling shotgun. ( 20ga.) but by all means , if all that he ( again presumably) wants to do is target shoot at the range then a .22 would be his best bet.
it was about some guy ( presumably) asking what gun would be his best first gun. Having some family knowledge ( not experience) of clay bird shooting. So naturally I suggested a manageable recoiling shotgun. ( 20ga.) but by all means , if all that he ( again presumably) wants to do is target shoot at the range then a .22 would be his best bet.
Marine Cpl
.577 Tyrannosaur.
No if or buts or trying to be argumentative. I’m gathering that this has been on the OP’s back burner and recent events started putting a fire in his butt.
I guess I’m thinking in terms of family because a liberal/ moderate friend of mine from work just got the itch and wants to buy my Ruger PCC from me for home defense due to recent events.
Maybe I’m wrong and he just wants to tinker around at the range shooting clays.
S&W Fan
.450/400 Nitro Ex
By the way, you don’t need to be a “ Hulking” anything to learn how to properly shoot Any size shotgun. Just a little correct direction.
meketrefe
.450/400 Nitro Ex
yes they can do it all and they are easy to reload but in terms of range fun and unless one is shooting clays ??? ...
One can also shoot some accuracy sabots or slugs at $1-$2 a shot. Not really a pleasure to shoot.
meketrefe
.450/400 Nitro Ex
The recoil is something so subjective because it depends on so many factors.
The load, the gun, the butt-plate, the clothing, the shouldering, devices, etc... All those affect the actual and the perceived recoil.
That is why people shooting competitions go with milder and lighter loads because you shoot all day and want as much control.
Control is more important than the size of the load.
S&W Fan
.450/400 Nitro Ex
Sorry but, for not trying to be argumentative you’re pretty successful at it.
Marine Cpl
.577 Tyrannosaur.
Argumentative because I and others have a different opinion as you and dare express it. Got it. Next time, I’ll just agree with you because no one can have a different opinion here on an opinion forum.
Last edited:
If your timeline to make a purchase is anywhere from the next few days to the next few months, I think you're going to get what you get, and not have much choice in it. Any gun is better than no gun. You might want to browse the ammo selection first. Buy a gun that has ammo available for it.
BDinPutnam
.475 A&M Magnum
Since this argument goes the way of 9mm vs. 45ACP every time I figure what the hell, I'll dive in again. Probably just a restatement of the pros and cons already listed.
First and foremost what is your intended usage?
Home defense:
PCC - fun and accurate for short to mid range use (100 yards), low recoil
AR15 - America's rifle and most popular firearm for a reason. Easy to use feed and maintain with plentiful maintenance videos online. Virtually unlimited upgrades. Can be accurate out to a couple hundred yards.
22LR - similar benefits to AR15 but smaller caliber, less recoil etc. A great place to start.
Whatever you get be sure to practice and train with it. Develop safe habits off the bat and insist on them from anyone you shoot with. The shooting sports are tons of fun but require personal responsibility and accountability.
First and foremost what is your intended usage?
Home defense:
- Shotgun - "easy" to operate and ammo normally plentiful, recoil may discourage use/practice/training. Primarily short range use.
- AR15 - also easy to operate and ammo normally plentiful. Allows short and long range use. Although they're ugly get a NYS compliant model NOT a fixed mag model. Function more important than features IMO.
- PCC - very easy to operate, simple design and maintenance, ammo plentiful and can be shared with a pistol if you go that route in future. Low recoil. Short and midrange use
- Shotgun only option for obvious reasons
PCC - fun and accurate for short to mid range use (100 yards), low recoil
AR15 - America's rifle and most popular firearm for a reason. Easy to use feed and maintain with plentiful maintenance videos online. Virtually unlimited upgrades. Can be accurate out to a couple hundred yards.
22LR - similar benefits to AR15 but smaller caliber, less recoil etc. A great place to start.
Whatever you get be sure to practice and train with it. Develop safe habits off the bat and insist on them from anyone you shoot with. The shooting sports are tons of fun but require personal responsibility and accountability.
Vapor
.308 Win
If we are talking in general, a semi auto .22 is just about the best. Teaches you the fundamentals and has very little to no recoil.
A shotgun is a brutal mistress. While the most versatile, I have found it a poor first gun for most people. It can also teach you bio mechanics, jerking the trigger, flinching, etc. If you must go this route, a 20 gauge may be better suited.
If you must have a gun right now, you may be better off with an "off" caliber. There is no run right now, on say, .243.
Good first center fire calibers:
Lever guns:
.30-30
.357
.44
I exclude .35 because ammo is getting scarce.
Bolt guns
.223/5.56
.243
6.5 creedmor
7mm-08
And the list goes on. Anything with mild recoil and a bullet 100 grains or more will be powerful and accurate.
A shotgun is a brutal mistress. While the most versatile, I have found it a poor first gun for most people. It can also teach you bio mechanics, jerking the trigger, flinching, etc. If you must go this route, a 20 gauge may be better suited.
If you must have a gun right now, you may be better off with an "off" caliber. There is no run right now, on say, .243.
Good first center fire calibers:
Lever guns:
.30-30
.357
.44
I exclude .35 because ammo is getting scarce.
Bolt guns
.223/5.56
.243
6.5 creedmor
7mm-08
And the list goes on. Anything with mild recoil and a bullet 100 grains or more will be powerful and accurate.
S&W Fan
.450/400 Nitro Ex
See, there you go again, making assumptions. I don’t have a problem at all with others difference of opinions. I actually find some of what you say to be informative.It’s all in how someone weighs in with it that makes it sound argumentative or not.
Anyways, I’ve participated in derailing this thread long enough. My sage advice to the OP is, keep asking questions. You’ll find an “opinion” that you like sooner or later.
Robin
.475 A&M Magnum
Discount Over and Under Rifle Shotgun Combo For Sale
Sportsman's Guide carries top-quality discount Outdoor and Hunting Gear, Guns, Ammo, Fishing Supplies and more - all at great low prices!
www.sportsmansguide.com
Robin
Although being able to "kill" is a desirable result from using a firearm in a self preservation event, that is not the only use for them.
For starters, I would recommend finding a range that rents guns and go there with someone experienced, or see if they provide some basic lessons.
Then you can fire and handle a few and see what it is you "like" to shoot... Making it fun will go a long way to then deciding what to "buy"...
Good Luck
For starters, I would recommend finding a range that rents guns and go there with someone experienced, or see if they provide some basic lessons.
Then you can fire and handle a few and see what it is you "like" to shoot... Making it fun will go a long way to then deciding what to "buy"...
Good Luck
spat
.700 Nitro Express
A .22 is the best *first* gun, but not a great *only* gun.
LMS
.357 mag
At this point I wouldn't be surprised if the OP saw all this bickering and thought "maybe I'll ask somewhere else...."
Welcome to NYGF!
Welcome to NYGF!
Thank God he was asking for a pistol caliber recommendation
If you're interested in shooting clays. Then you'll want a shotgun. They come in a variety of actions: pump, semi, O/U, and SxS. pump action being the cheapest. The most common shotguns gauges are: .410, 16, 20, 12.
.410 gauge being the lightest recoil. 12ga being the most popular multi tasker (home defense, target & hunting.)
For clay shooting you'll want to use #9 target/ bird shot (cheapest load.)
I'll use #6 for bird hunting and slugs for deer hunting.
.22 rifles are fun. I own several in bolt & semi. but over the years I find myself going to the range with larger caliber rifles as my .22's stay home (that's just me.) I prefer something with more oomp when shooting. I'll look for a nice .223 bolt action to replace the .22's.
As others have stated, you find people with all sorts of rifles at the range. AR's are the most popular at my range. Next would be Mil surplus rifles.
Every one is different. Do your homework, find out what you like. Find a range that rents rifles and go get a feel for the different options.
Last edited: