Trap/Sporting Clays Shotguns

[Siggy]

I'm looking to try something new with Trap and Sporting Clays.  Does anyone have some good recommendations for a shotgun under $1000?  Browning, Beretta and Benelli come up frequently. What models work best? Thanks for your input.javascript:void(0);

[TAB]

A couple things 1st, trap and skeet guns are very diffrent from each other.  its not just barrel length and chokes.  its the way they are set up.  trap guns for example are patterned to shoot high, where as skeet guns are generally 50/50.( generally speaking) 

now with all that said, whats really important is the gun fits you.  a $75 used single shot thats fits you well will work better then a $5000 o/u.

 Do you currently have a field gun?  I'd recomened starting with a beater one of those, that you won't feel bad throwing money at the gun.

So if your use to shooting a 870, buy a used wing master, get a new barrel, cut on the stock til it fits you. 

[MikeBjerum]

Siggy,

If you are looking to shoot trap and sporting clays go with any good hunting shotgun.  My trap gun is a Charles Daly Lux (built in 1976 and no longer made).  I also shoot trap and sporting clays with my Benelli M1 and M2, and a Winchester 1300.  I'm equaly good with the Benellis and the Daly.

The key is that trap and sporting clays are patterned after and meant as prep or replacement for hunting.  So, any hunting gun that you like will like the sports.

[Timothy]

The key is that trap and sporting clays are patterned after and meant as prep or replacement for hunting.  So, any hunting gun that you like will like the sports.

+1.....I've been using a 1976, 870 Wingmaster pump gun with an improved cylinder barrel and I do fine.  It's not a competition gun but it works for the casual round of clays. 

[fightingquaker13]

Actually, beg to differ. IF and I repeat IF you want to compete seriously, you wil be looking at  two different types of shotguns, neither of which are applicable to field use. Just like pellet rifles, you rapidly move from from sporters to anshutz models. I owned a browning over under clays gun (can't remember the model) the had an adjustable stock, ventilated rib,easily adjustible trigger and all the trimmings. Great on the range, sucked in the blind. I traded it for a nice blue collar Merkel SxS and never looked back. The question is, do you want a practical GP shotgun, or a tool for comptetion? Both are valid reason's for buying a gun. Its just that if you are looking for a hunting gun that you will play with on the skeet range, that is what should buy. If you want a competition gun that you can take into the duck blind twice a year, its a whole different animal. Me, I like field guns and work accordingly.I shoot multiple cases a year on skeet out of a Parker VH and a Merkel model 8 and am very happy. If you prefer O/U there are more choices. Just decide what your primary focus is and go from there. Also understand that a clays (skeet gun) gun is very different than a trap gun. Trap rewards long barrels and tight chokes, clays, opposite.
FQ13

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[shooter32]

Another one you might want to check out is, Escort Over/Unders. 4 different models to choose from. All under a $1000.00

http://www.legacysports.com/products/escort/escort_specialty.html

[ratcatcher55]

I agree with TAB

If you are going to shoot trap seriously it really does need a shotgun setup to shoot high.  I had a 870 Trap and a 870 Comp and both were very good guns for 16 yard and handicap. I think both are well under $600. They were both choked Extra Full (Trap Full)

When I shot skeet regularly I used a 870 Premiere Skeet.  It's good gun and heavy enough to swing smoothly. Brand new it was well under $700.
It has two choke tubes Skeet 1 & 2

The bunch of us always shot sporting clays for fun and to rib each other about missed shots.  I shot my field gun, Daly Over and Under with an Imp Cly and Mod chokes.  I will shoot skeet with it but it probably cost me a bird or two out of 100.

If I wanted to change chokes at every station I could get away with the skeet gun on a sporting clays course. The trap gun would be rough on the same stations except for the going away birds.



]

[Timothy]

I shoot sporting clays for fun.  The course I frequent has 18 stations that mimic all of the small game and birds that are here in the northeast from bunnies on the run to pheasant, coot, duck, geese, quail, woodcock, you name it.  I've yet to have a problem with my Wingmaster.  When I miss, it's not because of the distance or the station, it's because I missed.

I've owned two shotguns in my entire life, a 20 ga pump and the 12 ga I have now, both of which had improved cylinder barrels.  I've never owned a choke in my life and have never had need to use other than the barrel of the gun.  I'm a minimalist when it comes to hunting.  I buy what I need, nothing more.

If you plan on getting into competition as time progresses, good for you.  In the meantime, find something that works for now, spend as little as possible and remember that retailers will sell you ANYTHING you think YOU need, not because you actually need it!

[Teresa Heilevang]

I shoot Sporting Clays every week in a League.. I use my Browning Golden Hunter A500 G 12 ga shotgun with an improved choke. I use it for doves also and just change choke tubes ..
I don't have any problem what so ever in shooting clays with this..
Here it is..:




I have on back order ( leave it to Browning to ALWAYS NOT have what you want in stock! ) my new shotgun that I was supposed to have here before the fall Sporting Clay league started  ..It has a little shorter barrel (28") which I will find a tad easier to pull up and maybe a bit better for clays....

I can't wait to get it...
Its a Browning Silver Sporting Micro Shotgun

[Siggy]

Thanks.  I'm going shooting again on Friday.  Looked at an 870 Express and a BPS at BassPro.  Will rent an O/U Friday, and see if I like it any better or if there is something used in price range. Consensus is 12 ga. over 20 ga. and 28" barrel in a field model with IC...at least for starters.

It's hard to tell what fits or have a preference when you are a newbie, I'm not consistent enough with technique. In the meantime it will be nice to start with something so as not having to rent. 

All the Best.
Siggy