Deciding on a Beginner Shotgun for Duck Hunting: A Comprehensive Guide
Deciding on a beginner-friendly shotgun can be tricky, especially if you have no prior experience in waterfowl hunting. As shotguns can be quite pricy, when making an investment like this, you really don’t want to end up with something that doesn’t quite suit your needs.
So, in this article, you’ll find out why shotguns are great for hunting waterfowl and what things you should consider when shopping for a shotgun. In the end, you’ll also be introduced to the two most preferred beginner-friendly shotguns on the market, the Beretta A300 and the Stoeger M3000.
Read on to learn more.
Why Use a Shotgun for Hunting?
Shotguns are one of the best firearms for hunting ducks. If you’ve ever watched Duck Hunting TV, you’ll see that most hunters actively rely on shotguns during their hunting sessions as opposed to any other type of firearm.
This is largely because shotguns have a wide-shot pattern. And as a result of this spread of pellets, hunters typically have a much higher chance of hitting a moving target compared to single-bullet firearms.
Besides the above, another great reason why you should use a shotgun for duck hunting is their range. Typically, duck hunters position themselves between 40-50 yards away from their target. Luckily, shotguns are most effective at this range, making them a very suitable choice for hunting ducks and other waterfowl.
Lastly, shotguns are strong firearms with a lot of stopping power. This means that you can rely on the shotgun to put down your target quickly and easily. That way, you increase the chances of a safe and ethical kill when hunting. Remember - you don’t want your target to be in pain for extended periods of time, so a weapon that can instantly put them down is invaluable.
Now that we’ve covered why you should consider a shotgun for duck hunting, let’s take a look at some of the things that are important to consider when choosing a shotgun.
5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Beginner Shotgun
If you’re completely new to shotguns, there are several things that you should consider before buying one. That way, you’ll massively increase your chances of picking up the best beginner shotgun both in terms of quality and price as well as one that suits your needs perfectly.
Action Type
Shotguns come in various action types, including pump-action, break-action, and semi-automatic. Pump-action and break-action shotguns are great for beginners due to their simplicity and reliability, while semi-automatic shotguns are preferred by more experienced waterfowl hunters.
That said, semi-automatic shotguns like the Beretta A300, which we’ll go over in a moment, are a fantastic choice for beginners. So the truth is that it’s all really a matter of preference and finding the right weapon that suits your needs the best.
Barrel Length
The length of the barrel will have a big impact on the shotgun’s balance and handling. For beginners, shotguns with a barrel length of 26 to 28 inches are a good option as they offer a near-perfect balance between accuracy and maneuverability.
Don’t Let the Weight Fool You
Most beginner-friendly shotguns weigh in the range of 6 to 9 lbs, and while that might seem light for some people, don’t let that trick you. When you’re out for hours at a time, holding a shotgun that might be light in the beginning will certainly start to fatigue you as the day goes on.
That’s why it’s recommended that you choose a shotgun that you can handle throughout the day and one that won’t tire you out before the hunting session is over. That said, please note that while lighter shotguns are easier to carry around, they often have more recoil, which isn’t ideal for beginners.
The Price That You’re Willing to Pay
As a beginner, there is no reason to shell out thousands of dollars on a top-of-the-line shotgun. In the majority of cases, you’ll find that most great beginner-friendly shotguns cost less than $1,000 and those that do go over that price point aren’t really worth it (for beginners).
It’s widely recommended that you start off with a beginner-friendly shotgun. That way, you can learn the ropes of using this type of weapon, see how you feel about it, and when you become more experienced, you can start thinking about investing in a better shotgun.
Don’t Forget to Pay Attention to the Brand
If you start searching for a beginner-friendly shotgun, you’ll come across a variety of brands that manufacture shotgun firearms. And even though you’ll most likely be shopping on a budget, taking the brand of the shotgun you plan on buying into consideration is still crucial.
This is largely due to the fact that most reputable brands have higher quality-control standards and simply produce better and longer-lasting weapons. And if you’re someone who’d rather buy a shotgun and be able to use it for many years to come, choosing a shotgun from a reputable brand is a no-brainer.
The Two Best Shotguns for Beginner Duck Hunters
Although there are dozens of beginner-friendly shotguns out there, there are two that are considered to be the best from the lot.
A Look at the Beretta A300
Priced between $650 and $800 and weighing in at just over 7 lbs, the Beretta A300 is often deemed the best shotgun for beginners on the market. This gas-operated, semi-automatic shotgun is built by one of the industry’s most trusted brands, which is always great news.
And just from reading comments online, you’ll see that it’s one of the rare entry-level models that will consistently shoot without jamming. In terms of ammunition, it works with both 3-inch and 3 ¼’’ shells. Unfortunately, you can’t use 3 ½” shells.
Stoeger M3000 (left) vs. Beretta A300 (right)
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A Look at the Stoeger M3000
The Stoeger M3000 is another fantastic entry-level shotgun that weighs in at just over 8 lbs. Currently, it’s priced right around $500 - $600, making it a slightly more affordable choice than the Beretta A300. You can get this shotgun both with a 26 or a 28-inch barrel. In terms of ammunition, the M3000 only takes the 3-inch shells.
This is a front-heavy gun, which offers a different feel. If you’re not used to this type of balance, you might face a fairly steep learning curve. However, once you get used to it, you’ll find it easy to swing around and aim when on the hunt.
Stoeger M3000 in Action
Conclusion
The truth is that there is no “perfect” beginner’s shotgun. It’s always best to enter the market looking for models that suit your specific needs and preferences. But if you’re not sure where to start, this guide should put you on the right path.
It’s also worth mentioning that if you want to go for a “safe option”, both the Beretta A300 and the Stoeger M3000 are fantastic, and you can’t go wrong with either of them.
