Free For All Friday 7/11/2014: Shotguns and Tiny Plastic Armies…

RuneLord[Insert deep and introspective opening post here that has little to do with anything other than the random thoughts that happen to be going through my head at the moment of writing this week’s FFAF post here.]

[Even more random segue into the questions]

“As we’ve spoken, I am getting into Trap and Skeet shooting. I would like to get a shotgun specifically for this sport. I have been looking at the Stoeger Competition Condor, which you gave great reviews. My question is, is there another shotgun one step above this one? From all of my research, everyone starts with this one, but quickly moves to something else.I would rather start with a gun that is a step from from this one. As long as it does not cost too much! What are your thoughts? thanks as always” -Skylar R.

Something about destroying those little clay disks is so dang addicting. I don’t know what it is but I’ve started to enjoy that far more than pistol shooting. I’m actually in the same boat as you at this point. Skill-wise, I’ve outgrown my Stoeger and I’m looking for the next step up. Personally, that puts me in the $500-$1000 range. CZ-USA is one of the first that comes to mind. They make a freaking awesome over-under for an absurdly low price. I’ve been debating, however, just how much difference an over-under makes for me as a recreational shooter. I know just about every pro out there goes for the O/U but, as a noob on a budget, I’ve started to feel that I can get far more bang for the buck (cliche pun semi-not intended) if I go with a semi.

In the semi-auto realm, the choices expand greatly. I’m still looking at the Benelli Supernova as Benelli is just one of those “you can’t go wrong” brands. Mossberg also has some great options there. Also, if you aren’t squeamish about used guns you can always find some incredible deals on Beretta shotguns and, if you see one of those in your price range, jump on it like a kid hopped up on red Kool-Aid jumps on to a giant trampoline. Beretta makes some of the best shotguns out there. The next step up from there is the likes of Perazzi and such but you need to either be a rock star or an oil sheik to afford those.

I’m in the mindset to avoid a lot of the guns coming out of the Freedom Group at the moment so that means no Remingtons or Marlins. It’s not for any political reasons or anything, it’s just that I’ve heard from quite a few sources that the quality has gone down substantially recently. These aren’t just random people complaining of forums mind you but a handful of people that I really trust and whose opinions I value greatly. If they say avoid it, I take their word.

“I know this isn’t gun related but I saw you mention Warhammer a while back. I’ve been thinking of picking it up and was wondering what you suggested for a good starter army.” -David J.

Yeah, not gun related but you know what? My blog, my rules so heck, this is called “Free For All Friday” so let’s make it a true free for all! At least until the questions pick back up. After my vacation they’ve dwindled a bit so let’s go! Step one is to decide which you prefer: Warhammer Fantasy is more of a “full army” set up where Warhammer 40,000 is more sci-fi squad based combat. Whenever someone asks “which army should I start with?” what they usually mean in the back of their heads is “which army gives me the best chance of winning early on?”. Nothing wrong with that, no one likes to lose. With Warhammer having been around since the mid to early 80’s, they’ve had time to work out the kinks so, ultimately, every army is equally balanced and has an equal chance to win. With that, it comes down completely to player strategy. My advice is to pick the army you like the looks of the best because you’re going to be staring at them a lot and painting a lot of them. It is easier, however, to get started with 40K as their squadrons are smaller than the Fantasy armies. You can be very competitive with 10-20 pieces in 40K where my Dwarf army in Fantasy is topping 100 pieces and still growing. If you have a Games Workshop store in your area or even a short distance away, head over there and the employees will gladly show you around (There’s a handy store locator on their website). If anyone else plays and happens to be in or passing through the Jacksonville, FL area, let me know and I’ll meet you for a round or two!


Thanks for the questions!

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