Author Topic: New to shotguns (Read 492 times)

Braz475 · « **on:** April 14, 2005, 07:59:57 PM »

Well my dad just brought me home a Benelli Nova pump in 12 guage, 28" barrel for my birthday and neither of us are at all familiar with shotguns or bird hunting. We both know a lot about rifles and handguns but no experience with shotguns. So my question to you experts out there, is the shotgun I got very good? Can you recommend anything to read on the basics of how the shotgun works like the chokes and whatnot (I'm pretty lost on that)...any help is greatly appreciated!

Ramrod · « **Reply #1 on:** April 15, 2005, 03:06:01 AM »

You got a fine gun there. Most big gun stores can fix you up with a beginners book, or else hit the local library. Online, Google is your best friend.
The main thing with a shotgun is that it fits you, if your's doesn't, get it to someone who can make it fit.
Then get some light target loads, and some clay birds and have Dad hand toss them at first, (use the improved cylinder tube).
Good luck, and happy hunting!

Graybeard · « **Reply #2 on:** April 15, 2005, 03:51:38 AM »

I think the best book out there for shotgunners is "Shotgunning, the Art and Science" by Bob Brister. I highly recommend it if you can find it. My personal copy was loaned to a friend many years ago and he in turn loaned it to another. That other totally denied having it so it is long since lost to me and I've not had a chance to pick up another.

Braz475 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 15, 2005, 09:08:25 AM »

Thanks fellas

.300weatherby · « **Reply #4 on:** April 15, 2005, 11:44:57 AM »

You will be very happy with your new Benelli. Be sure to read your owners manual as it will provide you with info on operation, maintenance and your choke tubes. For upland bird hunting your choke selection should be the improved cylinder or modified tube. For turkey hunting you should use your full choke tube or buy an after market extra full turkey choke. If you plan on waterfowl hunting you will want to use your improved cylinder or modified choke tube. If you look at your choke tubes you will notice notches on the top of the tube. The number of notches will help you to identify what choke tube you have. When installing the choke tubes I like to use an anti-seize choke tube lube. Always ensure your choke tubes remain tight as they can become loose while shooting. Never shoot your shotgun without a choke tube installed. If you have any other questions about your shotgun give me a shout and I will try to answer your questions.

Ramrod · « **Reply #5 on:** April 15, 2005, 01:42:08 PM »

Quote from: Graybeard

I think the best book out there for shotgunners is "Shotgunning, the Art and Science" by Bob Brister. I highly recommend it if you can find it.

I have it, and agree it is one of the best. I find it hard to recommend books to a new shooter because mine are all old and many are out of print. Then again, Amazon.com has a big selection of out of print books, and relationships with alot of used book dealers. But I belive in try before you buy, that's why I recommend the local library.