The purchase of my first shotgun

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DaveRC

Member
Joined
Jan 22, 2014
Messages
17
Location
Maidstone, Kent
Hi All,
 
After a lot of good advice and helpful information from here I feel I should give some feedback and share my experience.
 
I asked several question on here the main question was buying a shotgun on a budget. The summery of the advice was try an up the budget and stick to good makes like Beretta, Browning and Miroku. Also and most importantly, the fit of the gun.
 
My original plan was to go to the shooting show and take a good look and get something there. Also pointed that this may not be the best place and after some thought and the thought of being overwhelmed and not getting time to get the right advice.
 
So last week I had a look to see what local shops I had, one is out of the question, very long story, the next one in my area, and just to point out I have nothing to do with this shop other than reading some reviews and making a decision to go take a visit. So I make a visit to Chris Potters in Royal Tunbridge Wells.
 
With all the advice given in my head I made a visit. Got a very warm welcome as soon as I got through the door and shown the shotgun area and introduced to someone to help. Unfortunately I never got this persons name, but I have never had such brilliant service. He took his time to talk to me and find out my background and the sort of thing that I wanted. (I even got coffee) then and only then after a long discussion we started going through some guns, one thing I was impressed with was the fact before I took each gun off him he took the time to prove it was empty and explain what sort of sight picture I should see, amount of rib showing etc.
 
First gun was the Miroku MK70, mounted the gun and is was spot on, we then moved to the Berretta and then Browning, he said if the Miroku fitted then he thinks the Beretta and Browning would not fit and I would see way to much rib when mounted. He was correct and both were dismissed, he could see me adjusting my head to get the right sight picture, so both the Beretta and the Browning were now back on the shelf, and them back to the Miroku, still spot on.
 
All this time I never felt he was pushing me in any direction and genuinely wanted to find me the right fit and not just get a sale.
 
In the end it was an easy decision and agreed this was the one, he went through all the paperwork, took time to explain it all as this was my first, After the paperwork was done he took more time taking me through at length about cokes and last was to show me how to dismantle and assemble it and explaining in detail each part.
 
I was so happy that I had made the decision to buy local and even more happy that I made a visit to Chris Potters.
 
A massive thank you to all who took the time to reply to my questions I am now one very happy owner of a brand new Miroku MK70 and confident with fit, just need to get out and shoot it now.
 
Dave
 
Still went to the shooting show, great couple of days.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Well done :) Though I think that Chris Potters would say that they are in Royal Tunbridge Wells, not Tonbridge :eek:

So you will be trying it out at Detling tomorrow then?

 
congrats on the purchase one of the shops i enjoy and always feel no pressure in! 

Well done :) Though I think that Chris Potters would say that they are in Royal Tunbridge Wells, not Tonbridge :eek:

So you will be trying it out at Detling tomorrow then?
Is it on? I have a prize to pick up and a new class to shoot i feel I could be way down the pile!

 
Well done :) Though I think that Chris Potters would say that they are in Royal Tunbridge Wells, not Tonbridge :eek:

So you will be trying it out at Detling tomorrow then?
Opps, yes, that will be the place, just made the correction.

As for going out to Detling, I have just spent two days at the shooting show, missed Valentines day and our wedding anniversary, I don't think I can push it any more, will have to wait until next weekend now.  

 
Listens too and acts on good advice, check.

Bought a decent gun, fit for the job, check.

Went to the Shooting Show, check

Knows when to stop and not pi$$ the wife off, check. 

Beats me hands down :good:  

 
Cracking feeling buying your first gun, great that Chris Potter looked after you well, just need to get out and enjoy..... :hunter:

 
Well done! You will not go wrong with a Miroku mate, best value for money on the market and if looked after it will last a lifetime. I've spent fortunes on guns over the years but none of the fancy stuff made me shoot any better.

 
Nice one mate! And nice gun too! My first O/U was the miroku 7000, the precursor to the mk70. Still have it, and love it!

With care that gun will outlive you!

 

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