[Death from Afar]

Could I suggest you start off using the weapon with a mild game or trap load ( say #7 or #8 shot). Its cheap, and most importantly doesnt have a recoil. If you bang away with a case of #8 trap loads, you will be very familier with the weapon before moving onto the heavier shot. You will learn to use the weapon, handle the weapon, but not gain a flinch in doing so. If you start off with 000 buck or slugs, you will find your forst shot is not a pleasent experince.

The notes about shot are dead on. I use #6 on rabbits, #4 on birds, bb on goose, and #4 Buck shot for SD. There is a lively debate as to what shot is best for home defence. If your walls are thin and neighbours close, use a smaller shot to avoid hitting an innocent.