How to Choose a Shotgun for Hunting Season

Hunting season is just about to kick off. If you’re in the market for a new shotgun (or introducing someone new to the sport) then it’s important for you to understand everything you’ll need to consider before making your purchase.

Here’s some advice for you to consider when looking at buying a gun from a pawn shop in Barberton, OH.

Choose a versatile gun

Having a good all-around type of shotgun is beneficial for anyone, but especially for a person who’s just getting started with hunting. You should select a shotgun you can use for various types of hunting, including different game and in different locations.

This will allow you to try out different kinds of hunting to determine your preferences. And, by using the gun in these different hunting scenarios, you’ll get to know the gun much better.

Bore size

One of the first things you’ll need to consider is which gauge you should look for. A 12-gauge is going to be the best choice for most users because it features ammo of various types, load weights and pellet sizes that you can find just about anywhere. A good 12-gauge comes at a wide range of price points and is easy to find second-hand (and in good condition). Plus, it will be perfectly suitable for many different kinds of hunting.

The 12-gauge is the most commonly used bore size for shotguns, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, both in terms of the weapon itself and the shells you’ll use. As far as drawbacks for this type of weapon go, the weight can be a bit difficult to get used to. This is a hefty gun, so if you’re going to be hauling it around all over the place, it can be a bit much.

The next-most common option will be a 20-gauge shotgun. This lighter weapon is generally favored by new users and women. These guns aren’t as widely available as 12-gauges, meaning you won’t have quite as much choice for guns or ammo. Additionally, the range is a little bit lower than what you’d get with a 12-gauge. However, these guns are very user-friendly, easy to handle weapons that make a great choice for someone new to hunting.

Semi-automatic or otherwise

The choice between a shotgun that’s semi-automatic or not depends primarily on personal preferences and the type of hunting you are most likely to be doing.

Semi-automatic shotguns are easier to find in gun shops and offer many more options for customization, especially with regard to barrel and choke changes. It will be easier to adapt and align the stock of a semi-automatic shotgun than an over-under or side-by-side shotgun.

Semi-automatic shotguns will also give you more available shots before needing to reload, which could make a world of a difference in certain types of hunting situations.

Where to buy it

You can find shotguns in a variety of places, from new weapons stores to pawn shops. Buying a gun from a pawn shop can be a great way to save money and also find some potentially unique weapons. Pawn shop shotguns might surprise you with their quality and diversity, so make sure you check your local shops.

For more information about choosing a pawn shop hunting rifle, contact our pawn shop in Barberton, OH.

Categorised in: Guns

This post was written by Writer