How To Inspect a Shotgun for Purchase

Which is the right shotgun for you?

Buying a shotgun is a smart choice when considering the purchase of a firearm. They can be used for different kinds of shooting, and there is a wide selection of different gauges to choose from. To select the right one to purchase, first ask yourself what your primary use for it will be. Are you buying it for hunting, skeet shooting, home protection or collection? Knowing this can quickly narrow down your selection. Key to buying the right shotgun for the right use is your thorough inspection of the gun you are considering.

Instructions

How To Select a Shotgun for Purchase

1. Buy your shotgun only at established, reputable gun shops. If possible, buy from someone you personally know. If that is not possible, be sure to get a clear understanding of the gun shop's return policy. Ask to trial-fire it with snap caps so the firing pin is protected.

2. 

   Your shotgun should feel right.

   To inspect a shotgun, hold it in both hands. Does it feel balanced and comfortable, or is it too heavy? Measure it by shouldering it as if you are about to fire it. Does the gun fit your frame? Stock fit is essential. Make sure the gun stock is not too short or too long. You can know this by checking to see if you feel stretched (too long) or cramped (too short) when you are holding it in the shouldered firing position.

3. With the shotgun shouldered in the firing position, make sure the barrel lines up with your shooting eye (the eye that is open when you shoot the gun). Correct alignment will have you looking slightly down on the barrel itself. The barrel should look shortened to your shooting eye.

4. 

   Is your shotgun correctly sighted?

   Check the sight bead(s) on the barrel. If there is only one bead, it should bring your target into focus much like the front sight of a rifle. If there are two beads, they should not align perfectly. Perfectly aligned beads (meaning one hides the other) will cause low shooting; you will miss your target by shooting under it. Double beads (one at the end of the barrel and one as your sight) should form a figure eight (one on top of the other) if they are properly aligned to the stock. The figure eight tells you that the barrel is correct directionally to the stock.

5. Check the operation of the gun. Open it and close it. Does it close tightly? As mentioned, if possible, load it with snap caps and dry-fire it. As you fire it, check the trigger pull. Is it too hard to pull? Wrong trigger weight will cause you to pull off your target just to get the shot fired. How did the stock plate or pad feel when firing the gun? Did the stock plate or pad feel comfortable as you braced it against your shoulder? You can adjust either the plate or pad to your liking.

   If all of these steps meet with your satisfaction, you have found your shotgun.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to match your gun's gauge to its primary use.

• Secure and store all firearms safely out of children's reach.

• Honor the responsibilities that come with the right to own firearms.

• Take a gun safety course prior to buying any firearm.

References

• ShotgunWorld.com

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Buying a Used Shotgun