MonmouthShooter 0 Posted April 16, 2013 I just picked up my first shotgun this weekend. I bought the Mossberg 535 with a 28" smooth and a 24" rifled barrel. I bought this particular model because I am planning on using it to hunt (eventually). For now, I just want to learn how to shoot it. So now it's time to go and try it out. But the question is where? I shoot my handguns at the Brick Armory, but do not know if they allow shotguns. I do not know where I can go to shoot it outdoors either. So I am kinda stuck. So here are the total noob questions (sorry if I sound stupid, cause that's how I feel right now): Where can I go and practice shoot a shotgun? What shells should I use for practice? if anyone here hunts with their shotguns, what ammo do you use to hunt with? Slug (kind?), Buck (Kind?) Any other beginner tips appreciated! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DLF 1 Posted April 16, 2013 Bullet Hole allows shotguns. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
twentynine30s 1 Posted April 16, 2013 You can shoot shotguns at Brick Armory, just no bird shot. #8 http://www.brick-armory.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49&Itemid=54 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DSD1026 48 Posted April 16, 2013 BA allows shotties as long as its Buckshot or Slugs.. no Birdshot or target loads... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MonmouthShooter 0 Posted April 16, 2013 You can shoot shotguns at Brick Armory, just no bird shot. So what would you recommend I shoot? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
checko 180 Posted April 16, 2013 Bullet Hole allows shotguns. Do they allow Buck and/or Birdshot? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
10X 3,306 Posted April 16, 2013 It's a shotgun. Shooting it on an indoor range is just wrong... Find the nearest trap field, get some cheap target loads (they're about the only ammo that is easy to find right now), and go have fun! I'm not sure which field is closest to you, but most are very accommodating of beginners. If they're not busy, you can ask that they set the thrower to throw only straightaways until you get the hang of them, then you can start working on the random angles. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Purple Patrick 638 Posted April 16, 2013 Most ranges let you shoot buckshot or slugs but not birdshot. Best way to practice is get a friend with a thrower and hit up one if the wmas around the state. You are more then welcome to meet me at Clinton one day but I'm sure you aren't that close. I reload now for shotguns but for target loads I would usually get whatever was cheapest ie gun clubs or top shot. For hunting ammo I am no help because I haven't hunted yet but next season I will be going out my first time. I reload my own #8 target loads and #1 buckshot for hd Sent from my hidden under ground bunker between Taco Bell and the dry cleaner Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
checko 180 Posted April 16, 2013 So what would you recommend I shoot? Birdshot is easier on the shoulder and wallet for practice. But if its for hunting you need to pattern your Buckshot so you know where your shooting Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
twentynine30s 1 Posted April 16, 2013 So what would you recommend I shoot? Pick up a couple boxes of slugs and buck shot and go nuts.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pew Pew Plates 358 Posted April 16, 2013 Shooting a shotgun indoors with birdshot is pointless, you wont learn a thing. If you or anybody in your shooting group has a valid hunting license you can shoot for free at any state WMA, you need to bring thrower and clays and shoot #6 shot or smaller (maybe #7.5 or smaller, I forget). Either way, your common bird shot sizes are all OK (#7.5, #8) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MonmouthShooter 0 Posted April 16, 2013 Shooting a shotgun indoors with birdshot is pointless, you wont learn a thing. If you or anybody in your shooting group has a valid hunting license you can shoot for free at any state WMA, you need to bring thrower and clays and shoot #6 shot or smaller (maybe #7.5 or smaller, I forget). Either way, your common bird shot sizes are all OK (#7.5, #8) Thanks for that info! I already have my "field day" scheduled for my hunting license. Once I get the license, I will head out to WMA. Cant wait! For now, will stick to the indoor range. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Arbelest 29 Posted April 16, 2013 I also recommend the WMA option. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MonmouthShooter 0 Posted April 16, 2013 Pick up a couple boxes of slugs and buck shot and go nuts.. Sounds like a plan! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Purple Patrick 638 Posted April 16, 2013 Come to one of our shoot outs it will be worth the gas money alone in useful info Sent from my hidden under ground bunker between Taco Bell and the dry cleaner Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MonmouthShooter 0 Posted April 16, 2013 Come to one of our shoot outs it will be worth the gas money alone in useful info Sent from my hidden under ground bunker between Taco Bell and the dry cleaner Can you give me some info about that? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Purple Patrick 638 Posted April 16, 2013 Can you give me some info about that? Every month we go to the Clinton wma and just blast clays for hours. It's very informal and probably the best way to immerse your self in the general mechanics of a shotgun. If you can't hit a clay then good luck hitting a deer or a bird. We just had it last week but the next one will be soon. I usually go 3-4 times a month just to practice so if you want to take a ride I'm sure we could get a few members together Sent from my hidden under ground bunker between Taco Bell and the dry cleaner Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MonmouthShooter 0 Posted April 16, 2013 Every month we go to the Clinton wma and just blast clays for hours. It's very informal and probably the best way to immerse your self in the general mechanics of a shotgun. If you can't hit a clay then good luck hitting a deer or a bird. We just had it last week but the next one will be soon. I usually go 3-4 times a month just to practice so if you want to take a ride I'm sure we could get a few members together Sent from my hidden under ground bunker between Taco Bell and the dry cleaner I will PM you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tactical Turtle 11 Posted April 16, 2013 Get a hunting licence and go shoot at a wma Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lalo 13 Posted April 16, 2013 +1 on the Clinton Shotgun Shootouts. Great venue to learn, ask questions and have fun. I've shot the shottie at the Bullet Hole without issue using slugs, bird shot and buck. RTSP only allows slugs I believe. You're free to tag along the next time I go to EFGA and spend some time in the pit. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Old Glock guy 1,127 Posted April 16, 2013 Consider a First Steps Shotgun class, where you can spend a few hours learning about your new shooter and practicing with it under supervision. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Night Prowler 0 Posted April 16, 2013 Make sure you check out the next shotgun shoot out in Clinton. All skill levels and a great group more than willing to help out. Get some instruction and a few pointers and you will be dusting your first clays in no time. A nice bonus is there is a great variety of shotguns to check out. Last month there was everything from brand new to a black powder 10gauge. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Socom 19 Posted April 16, 2013 Come to a Clinton shoot I will instruct you and within 3 clays you will be popping them!! Ask the countless noobs haha Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlueLineFish 615 Posted April 16, 2013 Come to a Clinton shoot I will instruct you and within 3 clays you will be popping them!! Ask the countless noobs hahadont bother learning..just grab the benelli Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DLF 1 Posted April 16, 2013 Do they allow Buck and/or Birdshot? I shot 00 buckshot there with my 12 gauge Mossberg pump. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Socom 19 Posted April 17, 2013 dont bother learning..just grab the benelli +1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldguysrule649 397 Posted April 19, 2013 Much like MonmouthShooter, I also very recently purchased my first shotgun. It is a Mossberg 12 gauge, model #50668 (590-Special Purpose,8+1, ghost-ring sights, speedstock, 20" barrel). Have not fired it as yet. Would love to meetup with one or more of you at some point in the future. No doubt your guidance would be most valuable and appreciated. In the meantime, I plan to go BA first thing in the morning and have my first experience with it. Am certainly curious(and a bit apprehensive) to feel what the recoil will be like. regards, Art (Middletown, N.J.) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Purple Patrick 638 Posted April 19, 2013 Much like MonmouthShooter, I also very recently purchased my first shotgun. It is a Mossberg 12 guage, model #50668. Have not fired it as yet. Would love to meetup with one or more of you at some point in the future. No doubt your guidance would be most valuable and appreciated. In the meantime, I plan to go BA first thing in the morning and have my first experience with it. Am certainly curious(and a bit apprehensive) to feel what the recoil will be like.regards, Art (Middletown, N.J.) My offer to monmouth is for anyone who wants To join. Just need a time and date set up Sent from my hidden under ground bunker between Taco Bell and the dry cleaner Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheLugNutZ 21 Posted April 19, 2013 Come out to range 14! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites