$100 USD on a break-open single shot $200-$500 on a pump-action shotgun $500-$1000 on a semi-auto shotgun $1000+ on a worthwhile double-barreled shotgun
Pick a spot on the wall Close your eyes Point the shotgun at that point on the wall Open your eyes
The shotgun should have come to your shoulder easily. The stock should not be too short for you. Ask the shopkeeper for advice on this matter. You should not have to deflect your head very much from it’s natural upright position to place your eye correctly over the barrel; assuming this position should be natural. The shotgun should be pointing at the spot on the wall when you open your eyes.
For small animals or clay targets, buy shotshells with small shot (“birdshot”, #9 up to, say #4) in them. Not only are they the cheapest shells available, but they are gentler on your shotgun and (generally) your shoulder. For larger small animals, such as ducks up to large geese, you should buy shotshells with somewhat larger shot, say #5 up to #2. For larger animals, such as coyotes or deer, it is best to use slugs - the largest round available in a shotgun shell. Alternatively, you may choose to buy slugs for shooting large animals. Remember, sabot slugs for rifled barrels, “rifled” slugs for smooth barrels. To fit a shotgun, Hold the shotgun with your dominant shooting hand with the barrel pointed up, rest the end of the shotgun stock in the crook of your arm, where your elbow is bent, if your trigger finger can reach the trigger comfortably then the gun fits your arm and fits you!
