Well this week I took the plunge and bought my first two guns (I'm from the UK originally and new to this legal firearms stuff). Eventually opted for Benelli Nova 12Guage 3.5" Camo with a 26" barrel, and a Rem 700 ADL Synthetic in 30-06 fitted with a Simmons Aetec 3.8-12x44 on Leupold rings and base.
Haven't shot the Benelli yet, but the 700 is really nice. Took about 10-12 shots at my local range to get it zeroed at 100yds and to get used to the rifle. Then managed a 1.5" group of 5 and a 1" group of three before I ran out of ammo. I was pretty happy with that for a novice (apart from some shooting I did in the military cadets when I was a kid), albeit shot from a bench and not under field conditions. First impressions are that the 700 is a great no frills rifle, and it even looks pretty good for a synthetic.
Now just have to figure out this shotgun stuff, which could take a little longer as I seem to have trouble sighting through both eyes.
Anyway sorry to babble, but just thought I'd announce another member of the gun owning brotherhood. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>