The holiday season is here and so is the stress of finding the perfect gift. Or is it?! I will always be an advocate for giving the gift that lasts a lifetime and that, ladies and gentlemen is a shiny, new shotgun.
So many students regale me with stories about their first shotgun and how much it has meant to them. Even if they have long outgrown it and only bring it out every now and again for a special shoot here and there, the inflection in their voice is indicative of chatting about a dear, old friend, encompassing wonderful memories.
For those of you that are thinking along the lines of gift giving, please take into account the person for whom you are purchasing the shotgun. Is it for a youth or your wife or daughter? Do they already shoot? Have they developed a love for chasing feathers or do they prefer to just crush clays? Based on who the shotgun is for and how they will use it, will dictate the direction you will go for a purchase. Unfortunately, too many people come to me excited about their new shotgun and the gun not only doesn’t fit but is not the right gun for the task.
Shotguns for Clays
Clay guns, also known as sporting guns, are most commonly a break-action (over/under) or an autoloader. These guns tend to be heavier as they are shot more and walked less. In other words, you’ll use these for shooting multiple rounds of 25 at skeet and trap or 100 on a sporting clays course and they will normally get tucked into a scabbard on a golf cart or push buggy. The heavier weight distributes the recoil through the mass of the gun.
Autoloaders will feature a gas operated system to reduce recoil even further which tends to allow the manufacturer to produce a lighter gun without sacrificing comfort. A trap gun will be set up with a high rib while a skeet or sporting clays gun will have a flat rib. The latest trend is towards a mid-rib which is excellent for someone that plays all the games.
Some of my favorite shotguns for clays include Syren Tempio Sporting, Fabarm L4S, Fabarm Elos N2 RS and Guerini Summit.
Shotguns for Field
Field guns are walked a lot and shot a few times, especially when chasing wild birds. You need a gun that will be comfortable for hours of walking and won’t wear your shoulders out. An over/under or side by side is normally preferred over an autoloader since being able to crack the gun open and cradle on your arm or rest over your shoulder is far more comfortable and easier to handle safely in the field. Field guns are several pounds lighter than sporting models. This weight differential means there will be more felt recoil, but you likely won’t notice it since you’re only shooting a few times and you’re under the influence of extreme excitement on the flush.
The Syren Elos D2, Fabarm Elos Elite, Fabarm Woodlander and Fabarm Autumn are some of my favorites. One day, I’ll hopefully add a Guerini Magnus but for now I need both kidneys, lol.
Shotguns for Waterfowl
Rough weather conditions coupled with wet and muddy terrain demands a workhorse. An autoloader or even a good old pump is the go-to shotgun for the duck blind. Waterfowl guns take a beating. They need to be able to cleanly and consistently cycle three-inch shells in much heavier loads and larger shot sizes. I always joke that you need a waterfowl gun that can double as a boat paddle and still function. Finding a waterfowler with a flawless action is paramount and the Syren Waterfowler or Fabarm Chesapeake are my hands-down top picks.
Keep in mind the shotgun you select can always be used across multiple disciplines. The gun has to fit the person using it though so make sure the length of pull (LOP) and the weight are spot on. Just because the recipient is a woman, or youth doesn’t mean a “youth” model is mandatory.
Quite the opposite! I hate to tell anyone they have to go get a new gun, and I do everything to try and get their gun to work well for them but sometimes, they have no other choice.
Find an expert in the shotgun department at a place like Green Top that knows how to fit and assist in selection. Then seek the advice of a certified and experienced instructor. Make sure that your gift is going to be used and loved and be sure to share your adventures with a friend or family member. Wishing all of you a very merry Christmas and a happy, hunting New Year!
