Thread: Any clay shooters?

I've had a growing interest in trap/skeet shooting over the past few months and have been squireling away my shaving soap money...now I've finally got to bite the bullet and purchase a firearm (I have enough soaps for 20 years, so figure I can slow down).

I was curious to hear if any of you folks prefer trap, skeet (or both) and what shotgun you's suggest - assuming it'll the same? Something with a tight choke?

The top two on my list are the Winchester 101 12g, or a Beretta Silver Pigeon (used, on account of the $$$).

Any suggestions or advice is appreciated!

Mike

Trap/Skeet/Sporting Clays/Hunting

These all have tailored weapons avaiable, but all three can can handled pretty darn good with a U/O shotgun with screw in chokes..

The real decision is in barrel length it will be a compromise between all these shooting sports,,, Myself I chose a 28 in 12ga, which means I can do all of them, and not be handicapped to bad at any of them

You'll probably be looking at Guelph. IIRC Burlington only has an indoor range. Silverdale might be an option.

I settled on a Ruger red label all weather with 26 inch barrels and interchangable chokes. I use it for trap, skeet, sporting clays, dove, quail, pheasant, and chukar and duck hunting. I like the fast swing and pointing the shorter barrels provide. I cannot justify the cost of a high dollar trap or skeet gun for myself. Really, You can shoot trap/skeet/ clays with any shotgun. If it is to be dedicated to these diciplines, money not an object, a nice, purpose built is great. Keep in mind that regular, "field" guns are point and shoot. Most will shoot low if you put a bead on the target as in a rifle. The bead is there to find your target and once found, covered up with the barrel for a hit. Trap guns have a special ramp for sighting. Some are adjustable in many ways. Skeet guns are usually fitted and balanced for the shooter as well. Barrel length effects balance and swing greatly as does stock length and stock-to reciever angle. I feel a lesser expensive gun, properly fitted to the shooter, is the place to start before a big investment is made. One would be advised to go to a local gun club, sign up with lessons and advice before buying. The best in the world is as good as the cheapest in the hands of a novice. JMHO.

I used to shoot clay quid a bit around 10 years ago. I just used a stock Browning over/under which did just fine.

As Glen points out, interchangable chokes will allow you to shoot pretty much any of the target sports in addition to using the gun in the field. If you are a casual shooter an over/under (or under/over for our British friends) with 28 to 30 inch barrels will work ok for trap, skeet or sporting. If you foresee mostly trap and sporting clays 30 to 32 inch barrels may be preferrable. For skeet most shooters use 28 to 30.

Balance is another key consideration. Most skeet and trap guys go for a barrel heavy gun that swings like a "pig on a shovel". For sporting or field work a gun that is balanced between the hands and responsive is desirable. Overall, a dedicated target gun will be a couple of pounds heavier than a field gun. This allows a more robust frame/receiver and the extra weight helps offset the recoil of repetitive shooting.

To answer the original question, I would go with the Beretta. I prefer the lower and wider receiver typical to the Italian guns as opposed to the higher and narrower profile of a Browning or the 101 you are considering. For clays I shoot two Perazzis, one with 29.5 " barrels and one with 32".

Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

You'll probably be looking at Guelph. IIRC Burlington only has an indoor range. Silverdale might be an option.

Yep, got my membership at Guelph (just) and a buddy's looking into Hamilton. Looking forward to a few rounds this summer...

One other thought, many gun clubs have rental/loaner guns available. If you are able to try a few before buying that will be helpful. Also, ask around and see if there is a decent gun fitter in your area. Since you don't aim a shotgun like a rifle, you point it it, proper gun fit is essential to getting the best results.

Any preferance for fixed or screw in chokes?

Originally Posted by MWS

Any preferance for fixed or screw in chokes?

Hey MWS - Le Barons in Markham has a nice selection of scatterguns - Le Baron Outdoor Products - Le Baron Produits de Plein Air Plus they will help you out a great deal if you ask. Maybe phone first and ask what they have, but I bought a nice Browning there with screw in chokes. Give them a shot.

Skeet usually uses a more open choke, where the trap would call for a tighter choke - having the option to be able to switch it up until you know what discipline you are going to pursue (if not both) helps.

It's too bad you guys don't shoot sporting clays up there (that i know of). It's my "new" love lol. I went all "cowboy" and got a side-by-side! Love it, but an over-under is better to start with. My next scattergun will be a 28ga!! Woot! : )