Buying a used shotgun the essential guide by Eastfield Gunroom

With so many used shotguns available it can be an extremely daunting experience trying to find the right one. Particularly as a new shooter, where do you start?
In this video Matthew looks into the potential pitfalls of buying a used shotgun and what to look out for. Buying a used shotgun can save you a boatload of cash but you need to pay close attention to what you are looking at.
As part of our essential guide series Matthew tells you exactly what to look for along with some handy tips to ensure that you have the correct knowledge when scouring the racks for that used shotgun bargain.

[@user-qi5mh3pq1p]

MY FIRST GUN , BLOODY TROUBLE, BUT IM JUST LEARNING. NOW LEARNING ALL THE TIME. AMAZING BREATHTAKING VIDEO, FANTASTIC TIP,S😊

[@luisalvins223]

I have to say it’s one of the best resources out there for anyone considering buying a second-hand shotgun. You are doing great stuff, Matt. Thank you! 😃

[@eastfieldgunroom]

Thank you for your comment and kind words. I am pleased that you are enjoying the videos. Kind regards, Matthew

[@Nemesis007]

Hey Matt, I have a useful choke trick to share with you. As an ex RAF Armourer, I always use copper slip when installing chokes. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, it helps prevent galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals, which can lead to corrosion over time. By using copper slip, you can ensure that your chokes stay in good condition for longer. Secondly, copper slip is specifically designed to withstand high-temperature gases that are present in cartridges. This makes it an ideal choice for chokes, as it can handle the heat without any issues. Additionally, using copper slip also makes maintenance easier, especially when it comes to removing chokes after a heavy shooting session. It provides lubrication and reduces friction, making it smoother and more convenient to remove the chokes when needed. I hope you find this choke trick helpful for your shooting needs! Regards, Andy AKA Nemesis

[@eastfieldgunroom]

Thank you for your comment and sharing this top tip. Great advice thank you. Kind regards, Matthew

[@tadsmith477]

Great video and sage advice! A pet peeve of mine is the 'honeycomb' effect on the butt of guns where the pads have been replaced multiple times. Most times it can be repaired with walnut plugs but that is always less than optimal. My suggestions for a round two of this video would be to help the viewers understand and measure cast, pitch and drop measurements. It may also be helpful to semi-auto users for you to explain what those pesky shims are for and how to find the proper fit. True story... a new shooter at our club complained to me that the recoil of his gun was horrible. I removed the gun from the rack and attempted to open the action. After a couple of failed attempts, I pushed the top lever to the left and it opened. I looked down at the stock and saw it was also aggressively cast the wrong way. The right-handed novice had been sold a true left-handed Citori. The dealer, a Browning authorized dealer for over 30 years, did the right thing and replaced the gun immediately. 🤣

[@eastfieldgunroom]

Thank you for your comment and kind words. I have experienced many right handed shooters that have been sold left handed versions in the past. It is sadly quite common. Lots more to come in the essential guide series so stay tuned. Kind regards, Matthew

[@dave_724]

The old coin trick is brilliant I once bought a dodgy .410 single barrel that was having light strikes I had a new spring and firing pin made and fitted for not a lot of money ejectors seem to be the main thing I’ve had issues with when I was buying my first guns

[@eastfieldgunroom]

Thank you for your comment. Glad that you like the pound coin trick. Kind regards, Matthew

[@James-ki6xi]

Just watched this video for the 2nd time. Very very informative. Thanks again Matt

[@eastfieldgunroom]

Thank you for your comment. I am pleased that you found the video informative. Kind regards, Matthew

[@royjennison3916]

Great advice Mat

[@Bunduki]

Good sound advice !

[@James-ki6xi]

Fantastic video Matt. Thank you

[@eastfieldgunroom]

Thank you for your comment. I am pleased that you enjoyed the video. Kind regards, Matthew

[@jaylerman7864]

Valuable information for me. Thank you. 😊

[@eastfieldgunroom]

Thank you for your comment and kind words. I am pleased that you found the video interesting. If you have any questions or would like some advice then please feel free to contact me directly.Kind regards, Matthew

[@CaptainSolo124]

Hi mat great video thank you for the information

[@eastfieldgunroom]

Thank you for your comment. I am pleased that you enjoyed the video. Kind regards, Matthew

[@martinsteven2643]

Great video. Very informative.

[@eastfieldgunroom]

Thank you for your comment. I am pleased that you found the video useful. Kind regards, Matthew

[@chrisroberts2]

Excellent video very informative cheers

[@eastfieldgunroom]

Thank you for your comment. I am pleased that you found the video informative. Kind regards, Matthew

[@ronaldjohnson1474]

Great info Matt. I think many of your points can apply to pumps and semi-autos. There are some in Pigeon Grade (or equivalent) that command premium prices.

[@eastfieldgunroom]

Thank you for your comment, I am pleased that you enjoyed the video. I may actually do a video specifically on semi autos (pumps are not very big in the UK). Kind regards, Matthew

[@bruceyeoward6544]

A must see video for anyone buying a new or second hand shotgun. Another trap, are parts available? Making a replacement part is expensive. If the gun has been out in wet weather or a flood and put away could be rusted internals. Beware of heavily used Trap/skeet guns(even with a famous name) that have been shot a lot, nothing lasts fore ever.

[@eastfieldgunroom]

Thank you for your comment. I agree completely and am planning to look more at parts availability etc in another video. You can replace/renovate but you can't take the shots out! Kind regards, Matthew

[@glbshooter]

Ottimo, grazie!

[@eastfieldgunroom]

Thank you for your comment. I am pleased that you enjoyed the video. Kind regards, Matthew

[@royjennison3916]

I was told to hold the pistol grip , with the gun unloaded of cause and the barrels pointing straight up , and shake the gun to see if you can feel any play in the action to barrels , is this correct Mat

[@fullchoke01]

With the fore end off yes, gently wobble it with stock pressed into your hip

[@eastfieldgunroom]

Thank you for your comment. Yes this is also a handy bit of advice although should maybe not be taken a gospel indication of wear on old Nikkos/Winchesters as they were a bit loose when they left the factory😂. Kind regards, Matthew

[@hunt4redoctober628]

Matt, I recently bought a barely used ( less than 200 cartridges) stunning Miroku MK38 Grade 5 and so far I've put about 600 cartridges through it. But the top lever continues to be very stiff. Is it because it still needs to wear in or is there likely to be an issue with the lever mechanism?

[@eastfieldgunroom]

Thank you for your comment, This is a common issue with Browning/Mirokus and usually requires the action to be stripped and the bottom plate polished. If it is particularly stiff or 'notchy' then I would have the gun looked at by a gunsmith. Kind regards, Matthew

[@hunt4redoctober628]

Much appreciated Matt.

[@alanjacobs7302]

Now you tell me! 😅

[@northanmonkey]

That browning Morgan looks a lot like a beretta?

[@eastfieldgunroom]

Thank you for your comment. All I can say is well spotted.....Kind regards, Matthew

[@merv690]

Great video Matt, I would add one more very good tip and that is go to a very trust worthy and honest gun dealer, I have been racking my brains and I can only think of one ,------- can't remember his name let me think, I believe he had a Browning shotgun named after him,,,, are I remember: Matthew Morgan 😂😂

[@eastfieldgunroom]

Thank you for the comment and kind words. I just had to have that Browning when I saw the name. I hope all is well. Kind regards, Matthew