Signed up to shoot a trap league this winter… Total noob, what to look for? I know I want 12 gauge but beyond that I don’t know what I want… Over/under, autoloader, barrel length etc… I have been borrowing shotguns to this point. Double bonus if I can use it for pheasant hunting. No pumps either.
Over under (best choice) or semi, 26"-30"
How much do you want to spend?
Until you have abit of experiance under your belt about the best thing I could suggest would be a target version of the 391. They are pretty much bullet proof and a reliable target autoloader able to be shot and neglected 600-1000 rds between service intervals. Aftermarket parts are ready available along with custom wood.
Look to try and pick one up on the used market with 28-30" multi choke tube. Check out beretta’s web site. They offer several different top rib designs. Try to shoot a variety of Beretta models to see what you like before investing.
Personally, I prefer the parallel target model because it has a vertical grip. Adjustable combs can either be had from the factory, aftermarket or comb pads can be used to get your eye looking where it’s hitting.
I’d go this route first since it could be used for all clay target games in 12 gauge and bird hunting until either you have comitted to the sport or shot enough to figure out if you want to invest in an over/under and trap barrel set up.
I used to shoot alot of skeet and occassionally a round of clays when I had the time. I’ve still got an interest in the sport/comp so I’m still hanging on to my old iron. My main set ups are a Beretta 682 in 12 with Kolar std wt sub ga tubes and a Krieghoff 32 live bird gun with Briley lt wt tubes. For doubles, clays and fun a Beretta 390.
I find a stack barrel recoils differently than a pump and faster on a second target. A quality stack barrel can digest alot of rounds 50-100K between rebuilds and with a spare firing pin can be easily kept in the came. The only break down that I’ve ever had was a firing pin spring retainer gave up on my first skeet gun, an old 682 4 barel set that had upwards of 60K through it before I got in (3rd or 4th owner).
About the best advise I could give would be to seek professional guidance from a top competitor before bad habits start and develop good fundamentals. Oh yea, don’t forget to have a good time.
The Beretta White Onyx SPORTING in 30" to 34" is one of the best values out there for a quality o/u.
It’s a 686 series Beretta with out all the engraving. You have to spend a considerable amount more in the Beretta line to get more than cosmetic improvements.
Also, an o/u allows you to shoot all the games and you can use separate chokes. They is also almost zero maintenance other than cleaning. Another plus is they hold their value compared to a semi.
I have two Berretta 686s. I can’t recommend them highly enough. I belong to a sporting clays range and when I started I was borrowing a friends semiauto benelli. I wanted my own and concluded that I liked the O/U configuration. The folks at the range were very helpful and generous. When it was heard that I was looking nearly everyone let me try out their guns. I shot Brownings, Winchesters, Bennellis, all manner of shotguns from all brands. Box stock to $10,000 custom super-comped, ported, guns with everything done to them. Most of them were nice guns, shootable and would have worked well for me. When I shouldered that Berretta for the first time, I knew I was home. It just felt like it belonged there on my shoulder. I guess after 400 or 500 years of building guns, Berretta knows how to make a shotgun stock and fore end. I bought my own and I’m still using it today.
As OldState mention the 686 is available in many cosmetic variations. I have the silver Pigeon and the Black onyx. Both are excellent, reliable, easy to use, good shooting guns. I’ve been shooting shotgun forever (defensive 18 inchers), so recoil is not an issue for me, but these 686s shoot better and the recoil feels lighter than those custom ported and tuned guns I shot.
… And no I don’t work for them. I am just really happy with their products.
+1 on Beretta 391. The Sporting Clays version with 28 or 30" barrel will work for Sporting, Skeet and casual Trap. Get it fitted or at least put it on the pattern board and do the shim adjustments yourself. Hint: a 390 carrier will make it even better from a reliability standpoint.
I’m a recoil wuss - the 12ga 391 won’t beat you up like a 12ga O/U, or even a light field-weight 20ga O/U. Huge difference over the long haul. (Recoil issues are subconscious, and take years and 10s of K rounds to manifest.)
For sub-gauge events (especially 28ga and .410 where you are reloading), it’s a 30"ish O/U every time. Tube sets or event specific fixed barrels (read heavy and smooth swinging) both work.
ETA for another strong suggestion: If you go with an O/U - go heavy (9 or more Lbs). IMO, most of the Beretta O/Us - including the 686 - are too light for a serious clays gun.
As Shootist stated, 9+.
My two stacks are in the 10.5-10.75 neighborhood. If you are driving the gun properly you can stop your swing when you pull the trigger. Inertia with follow through for you if you have good fundamentals. This isn’t proper but it might help you a target or two in competition when your tired and start to get lazy. Lift your head alittle though it’s a dead gun/missed target.
To achieve the weight in a 12 gauge, look at sub-gauge tube counter weights for 12 ga only events that make up the overall weight of the sub-gauge tubes. Also add an appropriate mercury recoil reducer in the stock to bring back the balance point when sub-gauge tubes are used. I think I added 28 oz to the 682 to get it to balance.
I love my browning citori ou but after about 5000 rounds the stock has separated from the receiver so I wouldnt recommend it for how much it cost.
Recoil on a 12 gauge O/U is negligible in comparison to a semi, but it’s really not a big deal due to the excess weight of two barrels.
Wow, lot of recommendations for the 686. What does one need to look at when looking at a used one? I am using a beretta 391 ukira for the time being, but like I said it would be nice to have my clay gun
Another vote for a 686 - I have an older Black Onyx 26" that I’m very fond of.
As the new guy, try and shoot as many different shotguns from the other guys in the league. They understand and will be happy to let you shoot them.
Of course, you provided your ammo.
In this way, you’ll get the feel for the different way the gun swings, operating system, recoil impulse, weight, safeties, etc…
If you choose this route, keep in mind that the stock and length of pull will be setup for the owner and may not fit you just right.
Also keep in mind that specialized guns like trap and skeet tend to be pricey as compared to plain ole hunting shotguns so be sure if trap/skeet is for you.
Lastly, if trap or skeet is in your future, reloading is a must so the cost of a quality reloader has to be factored in. Check the link below:
http://www.reloaders.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_33&products_id=93
No, you don’t have to buy one like this but you get the idea.
FWIW, I had a Winchester 101 O/U 12 ga w/a three barrel insert for 20/28/410. For a reloader, I had an old Ponsness Warren model setup for 12 ga.
Just my .02.