Try Before You Buy

With Instructor and Shotgun Dealer Peggy Houchin

I always check the return policy before making a purchase. If a store accepts returns or exchanges, I feel much more comfortable buying something, especially when it is a significant investment. Many major retailers have generous return policies, and in some cases, you can return an item simply because you decide it is not right for you.

Buying a firearm is different.

Once you complete the purchase, required paperwork, background check, and transfer, the firearm is generally yours. You typically cannot take it home, try it out, and return it because you do not like how it feels or shoots.

Shotguns are no exception.

I frequently hear from clients who are unhappy with their current shotgun and want to try something different. Maybe it does not fit correctly. Maybe the recoil is uncomfortable. Perhaps it feels too heavy, too long, or difficult to mount consistently.

That raises an important question: Why not shoot a shotgun before you buy it?

Simply shouldering a shotgun at the sales counter can only tell you so much. A shotgun may look beautiful and feel comfortable in the store, but you will not truly know how it performs for you until you shoot it.

Fit, balance, weight, recoil, pointability, and overall handling become much more apparent when you are actually mounting the gun, moving to a target, and pulling the trigger.

That is why I offer a Try Before You Buy experience.

Find the Shotgun That Fits You

You can schedule a private demonstration with me at the range. Before we meet, we will discuss what you are looking for and how you plan to use your shotgun, whether that is sporting clays, hunting, competition, recreational shooting, or a combination of activities.

Based on your needs, I will bring several shotgun options for you to try.

During the demonstration, we will look at how each shotgun fits you and then take them to the range to shoot clays. This gives you the opportunity to compare different guns in a real shooting environment rather than trying to make a decision based solely on how they feel at a sales counter.

I can also provide recommendations on factors that may affect your comfort, consistency, and shooting performance, including:

• Shotgun fit

• Stance and body position

• Gun mount

• Hold position

• Eye dominance

• Recoil management

• Overall gun handling

After you have had the opportunity to shoot each shotgun, we will talk through what you experienced.

And here is something important: I am not primarily concerned with how many clays you break during the demonstration.

You are trying a new firearm, and there are many variables involved. Instead, I want you to pay attention to how each shotgun feels.

Does it feel comfortable when you mount it? Does the weight feel manageable? Is it balanced naturally in your hands? Can you move the gun smoothly? Does the length feel appropriate? Is the recoil comfortable? Most importantly, can you see yourself confidently carrying and shooting this shotgun for years to come?

Those questions are far more important than your score during a demonstration.

A Shotgun Is an Investment

A quality shotgun can be a significant investment, and the right one should serve you for many years.

Before spending that money, give yourself the opportunity to compare several models and experience how they actually perform. Even if you need to travel to attend a demonstration, the time and effort can be worthwhile.

The right shotgun can make shooting more comfortable, enjoyable, and rewarding. More importantly, taking the time to try before you buy can help you avoid spending thousands of dollars on a shotgun that ultimately is not right for you.

Demonstrations are available by appointment only.

To schedule a Try Before You Buy demonstration, email peggyhouchin@gmail.com, call or text 970-227-6856, or visit peggyhouchin.com.