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help a newbie!

the_monkey_it_sings
OK, experts, I'm new to the whole gun ownership thing. Just got my FOID in Illinois, and I'm looking for advice on 2 potential purchases.

1. I need a pump shotgun for target shooting, possibly some hunting. I go shooting periodically with my family, so I'm familiar with operation and use of shotguns and handguns, but I'm absolutely clueless about which brands are best, how to choose one for my build (6'2", long arms), etc.

2. I'd like to investigate semi-automatic rifles. Something inexpensive, yet fun and appropriate for someone with little experience in the category.

The hardest part, of course, is the fact that I'm on a pretty strict, low budget at the moment. If anyone has advice, references, or contacts for new or used guns like those I described, please let me know!

Thanks! [:D]
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • the_monkey_it_sings
    Hi all. Just bought a used/mint (made in Italy) 92FS - my first pistol. (I've been firing a dozen different pistols at the range over the past 2-3 yrs but they all belong to my father-in-law so I decided to get something for myself)
    A few questions:
    1) What's the best way to store it?
    2) Recommendations on a cleaning kit?
    3) I only plan to use it for target practice...what ammo would you recommend?
    4) Any good informative websites...like this one?

    Thanks! [:)]
    Tom
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  • MBK
    Welcome to the forums!

    One sure bet for a pump is a Remington 870 Wingmaster. I personally would look for an older one with chokes.

    You will get many opinions on auto rifles but for the money you should look at Remington 7400's...perhaps in 243, 270 or 30:06 depending on the size of game you might hunt.

    The Browning semi's are better but will cost a lot more.
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  • ern98
    Yeah, if your budget is tight either save up for it longer or go the pump shotgun route. Either Rem 870 or a Mossburg 500 would do the trick. My local Big 5 sporting goods has been advertising the Mossburg, with (2) barrels; skeet/trap and 18.5", for $279.99. In all cases removable chokes will be a plus. Both of these brands have lots of aftermarket stuff available for them. So getting a fit for your longer frame shouldn't be a problem by either replacing the recoil pad or the butt stock itself.
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  • tsr1965
    the_monkey_it_sings,

    Welcome to the forums here on Gunbroker.

    Those are easy questions to answer. I will tell you that you need to be a little more exact on what you are looking for in a rifle...rimfire like a 22 or centerfire like 30-06, or 30-30.

    For the shotgun, I will tell you that hands down, a Remington 870 can not be beat. Stay away from the Mossbergs, as IMHO the quality is iffy.

    For a semi-auto rifle, if it is a 22 you are looking for, then the answer hands down is the Ruger 10-22. It is the standard which all others are judged by. There is a ton of aftermarket goodies available for it too, that enhance its performance, and/or enhance it's appearnce.

    For a centerfire rifle, it is hard to beat a Rock River Arms, AR-15 style rifle. They are priced right at starting models around $700.00, and there are also a ton of aftermarket goodies out there for AR-15 rifles as well.

    Best
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  • perry shooter
    all good advise but also look at Browning BPS both new & used it is bottom eject good for both left and right hand shooters Plus tang safety for same reason . I also am thin with long arms and it fits me better then Rem. 870. Semi auto rifle go with used Military SKS type ammo is much cheaper not pretty but will be FUN to shoot.

    I got to ask what is the story behind your user name[:p]
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  • MrOrange
    Shotgun: Used Mossberg 500. Take your time looking and you should be able to score one under $100.

    I got mine thinking I'd trade up to an 870 with some cool mods when I could. That was about 30 years ago and the Mossberg is still here.

    Semi-auto rifle: Marlin Model 60, or any of the variations thereof. I've bought and sold several of them, the current one came with a decent 4X 'scope for under $60. The ones that have problems usually just need to be detail-stripped and cleaned, which you can do if you know which end of a screwdriver to hammer on. The 10/22 is better if you want something to spend another $500 to accessorize.

    Good, reliable semi-auto centerfire rifles in a serious caliber really aren't a bargain bin item. The Ruger Mini-14 in .223 is fine for repelling boarders, but really isn't a good hunting rifle, unless all your game is both small and close. For a deer-capable semi, though still short-range, I'm with perry shooter on the SKS.


    Contacts for good used guns? Well, there's this gunbroker.com thing...
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  • lcdrdanr
    Remington 870, express has matte finish, screw in chokes and is cheaper.

    Marlin or Glenfield model 60 .22LR for semi auto .22

    SKS for inexpensive semi auto larger caliber plinking/hunting

    Remington in appropriate caliber for size game you are hunting.

    Dan R
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  • 11b6r
    Monkey- good advice above in all posts. As for long arms, you are in luck- if a shotgun has a stock that is too short to fit you well, you can add a recoil pad, increasing the "length of pull". The Mossberg and Remingtons are good guns- but you may want to look thru the auctions here for used guns- I have bought two of the J.C. Higgins branded pump guns- they were made by High Standard (Flite Kings) and paid under $100 each, and the doves have not complained that I am using a cheap shotgun.
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  • shoff14
    Hi Monkey,

    Shoot me an email if you have any questions.

    If you want a used shot gun, there are a few places to look. You should check out Dave's trading post in Pekin, Pekin Gun and Sporting goods and there is a pawn shop on NE Jefferson after the split with Adams if your going south into downtown. The pawn shop has decent prices on some things. It is worth checking out.

    Midwestern Firearms in EP has good prices, but their selection of used guns is low. I am not to familiar with Presley's has I don't shop there that often, only lived here for 2 years.

    Don't shop for something at Gander, their prices are way out there.

    For a cheap semi auto it is hard to beat one of the High Point carbines. They are ugly and fugly but they do go bang.
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  • Mort4570
    welcome to the forum.
    IMHO, if on a budget,buying online and payiling shipping and xfer rees is not the way to go.Sure,there might be exceptions,but not many.
    again,my opinion

    for the shotgun,my very old mossberg is still going,but my buddie's 870's are smoother and appear to be better built.doubt you'd go wrong with either,even used.

    for semi rifle,.22= Marlin for long arms.
    centerfire depends on your purpose...300 yard shots,or closer in plinking and fun shooting.
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