Shotgun recommendations?

Double barrel, side by side, over-under, semi-automatic, straight-pull and lever action shotguns.

Shotgun recommendations?

Post by zobster » 14 Jan 2016, 4:08 pm

I'm after a new addition to my toys. My quit smoking anniversary is coming up in April and I would reward myself yearly as an incentive to stay strong.

Now, how does one go about choosing which shotgun to get? I've shot my mates S/S a couple of times and used my uncle's Remington semi auto on boar when I get the chance.

I can't choose between U/O and S/S. I can't really "see" the difference. I'm not interested in the Alder.

Regarding shell size, are shotguns like rifles? Meaning does a 12G shotgun only fires 12G 2 3/4" shells? Or can I run both the 3" and 2 3/4" 12G shells in them.

Initially, I wanted to get a Miroku but somehow I feel that for the price I'm paying, the stock (essentially a piece of wood to me) and the engraving takes up a fair chunk of the cost.

Essentially I want something functional, no fancy stock/engraving, would much rather prefer a synthetic stock. One thing about the stock, I would prefer something that's a bit on the "thin" side because I have small hands. :oops: Ejectors and chokes a must. Something to shoot the odd wallaby and maybe clays as well. Maybe the odd duck should I decide in the future.
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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by Chronos » 14 Jan 2016, 4:27 pm

I'm no shotgun expert. My shotty is the Akkar Churchill with 20" and 30" barrels and 7 chokes (3 of them are IC) They're painted/cerrakoted and not blued and the timber is nice enough for a hunting gun

There are different chamber lengths so if you'll be wanting to shoot 3" shells buy a gun with 3" chambers. you can still shoot 2 3/4" shells in it

I bought a bow case and cut the foam to hold both sets of barrels.

They were just over the 1000 dollar mark and i'm happy with it..

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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by AusTac » 14 Jan 2016, 4:27 pm

You'll want something that can handle both shell sizes, with screw in chokes for steel shot, some cheap stuff are ata, akkar webley and scott and some other similar brands, alot are similar at the lower end of the price point, but that said they are good knock around shottys, i personally like u/o s/s doesn't really matter, you just have the account for the SLIGHT variation in left to right or little higher or lower etc, id personally try to find something second hand you'd be much better spending a little more to get something nicer more to do with the internals/barrels rather than anything pretty thats just my opinion though :)
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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by MR. WINCHESTER » 14 Jan 2016, 5:08 pm

Buy the cheapest u/o you can find and be prepared to trade it later on what you REALLY want.

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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by rsj223 » 14 Jan 2016, 6:46 pm

I brought my first shotgun a used Hatsan Escort u/o I think its great but I got to do allot more work with it yet.
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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by <<Genesis93>> » 14 Jan 2016, 9:07 pm

Not fancy.....So you want cheap.....thats ok...

whats the budget? One mans cheap is another exy$ :thumbsup:
I like old schoolin SxS, I feel theyre quicker due to the lesser break angle..... Over / under are swift to handle, they seem quicker to point....

Berettas are just the shizzle in shotgunning, (unless you have 100k and throw it at a Holland) but you can still enjoy your experience with less $

A boito 20inch o/u is a lot of fun..so much so I picked up another....less than $400 (quite a bit less) :lol: :thumbsup:
Importantly (for me as well) Ejectors and chokes ;)

I suspect must if not all current shotties are 3inch... I know some big$ examples are 2 3/4 though...
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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by happyhunter » 14 Jan 2016, 9:40 pm

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Last edited by happyhunter on 16 Feb 2017, 9:30 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by sandgroperbill » 15 Jan 2016, 12:01 am

A while back I was looking for a shot tie. The Adler suited my needs best, so placed an order (and still waiting). But before settling on the Adler, the two I were looking most seriously at were the akkar and hatsan. I would lean towards the akkar combo with both barrels, but this is assuming you're looking at new and that it's within your budget.
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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by GLS_1956 » 15 Jan 2016, 2:56 am

While by no means an expert on shotguns I'll pass on what I know, or think I know. When to comes to gauges the larger the number the smaller the bore, a gauge is defined as how many lead ball of that diameter are required to make a pound, so a 10 gauge requires 10 lead balls of bore diameter to make one pound, a 12 gauge 12 balls, a 28 gauge 28 balls. A .410 is actual bore diameter as measured in inches, or part there of. Now when it come to shot shell length you may fire a shorter shell in a longer chamber, so if you've a gun that is chambered for the 3 inch 12 gauge magnum you may fire any 12 gauge shell up to 3 inches in length, this is by the way unfired length. Here in the US we also have guns chambered for the 3 1/2 inch 12 gauge magnum which would allow for use an any 12 gauge shell I know of, This holds true for all gauges, just be sure to check the chamber markings for the right shell length.

When it comes to action style it is much a personal liking, I understand your having to limit yourself in that regard, and as you've mentioned the side-by-side and over/under guns I'll point out that the are very aesthetically pleasing and do swing nicely, most people find the single sight plane of the O/U to be of great benefit. You'll have to make your own mind up as to what looks and feels right to you, I'm a wood and blued steel guy myself.
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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by zobster » 15 Jan 2016, 10:49 am

After reading through your advice, I've settled on a budget of about $1500ish.

I'll get a 3" chamber since 2 3/4" shells will work in it as well. I want ejectors, not too keen of using my fingernails to extract the spent shells.

I know I want something with a synthetic stock, barrel length wise, I'm not too sure. Might get a combo barrel set but judging by the 2 other barrels of my cz455 just sitting in the safe, I'm not too sure about having a gun with extra barrels.

I had a look at the Hatsan, I like the adjustable comb and stock length, suitable for steel shot, looks to be of reasonable construction, able to be used and abused. Might just settle on that, not sure as yet.

The akkar, too many choices, wouldn't have a clue as to how to make a choice.

BTW, does the barrel length make a difference?
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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by OODAH » 15 Jan 2016, 11:12 am

I just put a deposit down on the Adler in synthetic with a 20" barrel i just want it to destroy bowling pins and to be able to put down a charging pig in the scrub the 28" barrel is more for clay shooting and rabbits and ducks things your not getting right up close too... (as far as I've been told)
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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by sandgroperbill » 15 Jan 2016, 12:05 pm

The 20" is kites for walking through bush or carrying over your back while you're out walking with a rim fire. The 28" or 30" are for more open areas, clays, ducks, etc. I would suggest that having both available would give great versatility and benefit. You may find yourself using one a lot more than the other, but wiall most likely still use both.
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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by Seik » 21 Jan 2016, 8:53 am

More or less OODAH.

A 30" is useless in the scrub because you'll forever be hitting it on things and getting caught. A 20" doesn't have the same problem and you can point it faster than lumbering around a long barrel.

A longer barrel is good for tracking (clays, ducks) because it smooths out your movement as you acquire the target instead of jerking towards it.
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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by OODAH » 21 Jan 2016, 10:40 am

Seik wrote:More or less OODAH.


Thanks Seik, I thought I was on the right track.
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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by zobster » 21 Jan 2016, 1:45 pm

I actually might just get a combo barrel. I would then be able to cover both bases. The thing is because I'm a smaller fella, my length of pull and comb height will be all proportionally more or less as compared to the average aussie bloke. That's why I want a synthetic stock so that I can adjust it to suit me. Plus, I can't afford a fitted shottie.
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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by drewmd » 21 Jan 2016, 6:04 pm

Hi Zobster

It sounds like you would like the Shotgun for hunting and possible clays. There are lots of good options. One thing to think of (and to check on) if you are planning to shoot clays at any Clay target clubs is restrictions on barrel length. The club I shoot at enforces a minimum barrel length of 26in.

Just something to consider, particularly if you are thinking of a combo/20in barrels.

Also, to get started in shotguns/clays I have had some experience with the Akkar Churchills. They are great starter guns for the price (just over $1K) and come in a variety of profiles (Trap/Sporter etc). I don't have one myself but have no trouble in recommending them as a starter gun. The only issue with them is the barrels can get surface corrosion easily if you do not look after them after use.

Anyway.... My 2c.

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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by MR. WINCHESTER » 21 Jan 2016, 7:09 pm

drewmd wrote:Hi Zobster
One thing to think of (and to check on) if you are planning to shoot clays at any Clay target clubs is restrictions on barrel length. The club I shoot at enforces a minimum barrel length of 26in.


What organisation enforces this rule ... please.
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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by drewmd » 22 Jan 2016, 8:04 am

Hi Mr W

I think this is related to ACTA rule 4.08 - No firearm which has a gauge larger than 12 gauge is permitted nor shall any barrel(s) length be shorter than 63 centimetres overall.

63cm is more like 25inches, but I think this is where it comes from. I know quite a few ACTA caligned clubs have a similar minimum barrel length rule.
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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by MR. WINCHESTER » 22 Jan 2016, 8:28 am

That's why I asked ...

I shoot a couple of guns with 25.5 " barrels, at ACTA clubs.

( that extra / missing 1/2" makes a big difference ! :lol: )
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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by RealNick » 22 Jan 2016, 1:02 pm

Geez you'd be agro if you just bought your new toy then it got kiboshed over 1/2"
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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by Die Judicii » 23 Jan 2016, 10:52 am

I've had several Boitos in the past, (early models) both in 12g and 410, and bought all new. They are cheap but solid knock abouts.
The 12 g versions had a kick like a wild donkey ( I said they were cheap )

I now own a nice Miroku which is much much better.

Also have a 12g / .223 combo which I think is really good (especially when driving the paddocks at night on my own)

Maybe have a look at some of those before diving in.
Savage make a good selection of different caliber/guage combos, and there are several other brands that do the same.
Brno is one other, but cant think of the other brands at the moment.

My Savage model 24 combo has a synthetic stock.
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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by zobster » 23 Jan 2016, 11:24 am

Miroku was actually my first choice, they are made in Japan and that to me means quality!

Problem is that I live in Tasmania, Launceston and the chance for me to hold one before I buy is slim as most gun shops are not as well stocked as the mainland. For example, when I bought my CZ, they had to order one in for me and it was a 3 weeks wait.

Ideally, I would like to hold one for fit and feel before I commit the money into it.

I've thought of combo guns before but I've already have all the rimfire/centerfire calibers I think I need (minus 50bmg, 338 lap).
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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by MalleeFarmer » 23 Jan 2016, 5:53 pm

I have just bought a stoeger up lander 26" and it seems great poor finish parts fit is average but function is perfect it does bang when I pull the trigger and the pattern is very good for a 410 both barrels are full choke fixed. But the 12g has removable chokes. I would recommend it as a knockabout gun. Seems very solid and should be a reliable knock about gun.
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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by Die Judicii » 23 Jan 2016, 9:46 pm

What I really like about my Savage combo, is that you literally have two firearms in one.
And on my property, it'll handle anything that's likely to pop up when I'm driving around at night.
Unless that is,, the pigs suddenly get much bigger.
Before I got it, I used to drive about with two firearms in the cab, (a real headf*%k) especially when shot opportunities are often only presented for a short space of time.

With the Savage, you can choose what you want all in the same motion of getting it up to the shoulder.
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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by nooman » 28 Jan 2016, 6:38 pm

bentaz wrote:Normally at this point I'd start espousing the virtue's of the Winchester 37A, but in all seriousness look up the "hatsan escort silver synthetic".
about a grand i think with screw in chokes and ejectors.
http://www.hatsan.com.tr/en_optima_silver_synthetic.html


Mate, if you are in Sydney, Abelas and Horsley park have a sale on these, $750 with hard case. I picked one up, PTA should be here any day now
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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by rsj223 » 28 Jan 2016, 7:03 pm

My Hatsan
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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by Walt68 » 29 Jan 2016, 6:11 am

I concur with Chronos, get the Akkar Churchill combo with 20" and 30" barrels


http://www.nioa.com.au/products/list/view/AKSPC
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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by ozturtle » 29 Jan 2016, 6:26 am

Hi mate,
I have an akka combo. I bought it thinking of hunting with a few clays but it does a lot of clays and no hunting. I have only used the 20" barrels once or twice but for the extra 150 to $200 it's nice to have them sitting in the safe incase I need them.
Out of the major cheap option shotguns it was the one that fitted the best and well finished off. Compared to the stoger it's streets ahead in that department.
I'm happy with mine but it's what suits you on the day..
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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by Korkt » 15 Feb 2016, 10:36 am

MR. WINCHESTER wrote:that extra / missing 1/2" makes a big difference ! :lol:


Is that what she said? :P
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Re: Shotgun recommendations?

Post by <<Genesis93>> » 15 Feb 2016, 1:29 pm

:lol: :silent:
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