If you have a hunting license or know someone who does, get out to one of the WMA ranges. A box of targets and a hand thrower will run you about $40. Go with someone who knows how to shoot, don’t try and learn it all on your own. You can try to go to a trap or skeet club but they may have reservations about letting someone who has never field a shotgun on the field.
Your first shotgun should be something basic and reliable. Mossberg 590 or Remington 870 are both great starter guns. As your skills and comfort increase, you can then modify either one to be more tailored to your needs. Set up for home defense, for hunting or for clay sports. Meaning, you can reconfigure those guns to suit a particular need at any time.
Mallard Trap Club on Federal Rd in Monroe is a private club but open to the public 2 days a week, Before I joined Central Jersey Rifle Pistol I used to go there and the guys (and girls) went out of their way to help with my footwork and fitting my gun. (bring pastries or cookies or something to break the ice)
It’s been a while so the $$ may have changed, but they charge $5 a round of 25, you bring your own ammo
Shotguns, rifles, and hand guns all handle differently.
For example, Shotguns have a kick. As long as you hold the weapon tight and mount it properly, you will have no issues handling one. I rifle has a lot less kick depending on the caliber. A .22 has next to zero kick. I hand gun has what is called muzzle flip. Just like a kick, but tends to flip upwards as you fire it.
These are just the basic differences.
As for shooting a Shotgun and clay sports, most places are very acuminating in making sure you can handle the weapon before they allow you to shoot at their range.
I run the Sunday morning Trap shoot at my club, and have trained many new shooter the basic of Trap.
Most shooter bring their own ammo, ear and eye protection, and a shell bag. There is no need to bring your own thrower or clay birds. We charge $8.00 for a round of Trap. That would be 25 clay birds. A box of Target/Bird shot have 25 shells.
Even if you hit very few targets, just playing the music is fun enough. As you continue to shoot, you will improve your score.
We’ve been talking about this first rifle for a month, chop chop! Let’s get this ball rolling and see some pictures and get you out on the range with us popping some holes in paper. I’m not getting any younger ya know.
I know lol. I purchased it just waiting for the NICS and whenever that is done I’m going to pick it up. Ended up going 10/22 route cheaper ammo and it didn’t cost much to buy. Will upload photos soon.
Nothing like the feeling when after all the applications and bureaucracy are over and you’ve finally got you first firearm in your own possession, right?
