need advice on a good trap-shooting piece

[northernsoul]

I went trap-shooting for the first time last month, and I had a blast!
However, I had to borrow a friend's aging 16 gauge side/side - which was okay, but not something I want to keep doing if I continue trap shooting. Were I to put a decent trap shooting gun on my list for Santa, what should I ask for?

[goju]

1. Oh yes

Glad you had fun. Good to see a new shooter get the "fever" :)

Id look into a 12 gauge pump, avoid auto's until you get proficient with a pump (save shells that way). Remington makes the 870, very reliable and mid priced. Mossberg's 500 is a time tested, low priced model. I own one and its never let me down. If you have the cash, you can look into Benelli, but those can get pricy.

Start with an inexpensive shotgun, invest in shells and time at the range. Work your way up from there.

have fun and be safe!

Edit, I recommed going 12 gauge so you can hunt with it also. If recoil is an issue though, you can find most of those models in 20 or 28 gauge too.

[TX-RAT]

2. Hard to beat a Browning BT-99, mines a 12GA

[one_true_leroy]

3. Definitely the Remington 870...

inexpensive, well-made, rugged, and easy to maintain/modify, repair. Also, their choke system is very good, and you can get interchangable barrels (rifled bore, for slugs), if you ever decide to take up hunting. Basic model should be $400 new, $200 used. Look for the "Express" line. I like the 3 inch chamber, but I'm 6'3 and don't mind a little kick. If you are completely new, and especially if nervous or small framed, go for the 2 3/4 inch chamber. Noticably less kick. Also, if you live near open field (AND have permission), see about getting a plastic hand-held clay pigeon tosser (<$10) and go with a friend and toss for each other. Great practice, and not as expensive as going to a club every time.

Check out www.remington.com. EXCELLENT site... browse around and look in the reading room (/whatsnew/readroom.htm). There are very good brochure pdf's and a great guide to ammo and firearm basics. Scroll down to online broshures, firearms. I found this site for my girlfriend, and she learned a lot (as did I).

edit: some folks swear by 16 and 20 guages. I've never shot one, though, so go to a range and try them out.

[northernsoul]

10. I'm built for rugby, so kick isn't a big worry

thanks for the advice, a decent used 870 sounds about right for me.
;-)
Were I to buy a used model, what sort of red flags should I be keeping an eye out for?

[goju]

12. Try these

Auctionarms.com and gunbroker.com. If you buy through one of these sites, you will have to arrange to have it sent to an FFL in your area. Most pawn shops and gun shops will charge you a few bucks to do this. No big deal. But, I only offer those sites to give you a good idea on whats available and the prices. You can use that info to make a better decision at a local gun shop/pawn shop in your area.

Online auctions will give you a rating on each gun. Id look for something in the 90%, or excellent range. You can be sure that the ratings will be honest and fair, and if not, you can get your money back. Barrel wear, action, and blueing/stock condition makes up the rating. Stick with a reliable model like the 870, go with a good rating, and haggle price. Im thinking, maybe 250(?)

good luck


edit, http://www.auctionarms.com/search/auctions(1).aspx?ab=6

[DonP]

4. Trap Heretic checking in

For someone just starting out, unless you want to make a major investment, some of the over and under Baikal's from EAA in 12 or 20 are a good value for the money.

I know saying that is serious heresy to a lot of trap/skeet shooters and could get me bruned at the stake at some clubs.

The wood on 'em isn't as pretty and the finish sure isn't Superposed quality. But they are truly buiilt like a T-34 tank but the folks that I shoot with are always surprised at how well they point.

You get the advantages of shooting with an O/U at the price of a coach gun. Then if you really get into the sport you can get that high end O/U and have it custom fitted.

Me, I use my old Browning BPS 12 ga. pump. It's about hitting the clays, not the status.

[TX-RAT]

6. Baikal's from EAA in 12 or 20

Couple of the guys i hunted white-wings with in Hondo TX were using them. Not a bad looking shotgun.

[FatSlob]

5. NEF Pardner Pump...cheap and reliable.

Otherwise, try a Rem 870 or a Mossberg 500

[Sgent]

7. Go to NRA.org

If your getting into the sport, go ahead and take the basic shotgun class -- take a look at the NRA website (click on education).

It goes over safety, maitenance of your gun, safety, local regulations, safety, shooting techniques, safety, and safety. :)

You don't have to join or support their politics to get a lot out of their educational programs -- and they are very good for people getting into guns.

[Buster43]

8. If you

are serious about getting into trap/skeet full time, and have the bucks to spare, check out the Browning Citori O/U or the Beretta Silver Pigeon O/U. The Ruger Red Label O/U is very good and decently priced.

I would prefer a O/U, especially if you are inexperienced in shooting doubles with a pump gun.

[alwynsw]

9. I shoot my Remington 1100, but

if you just gotta have an over/under check out Spartan Gun works.They're owned by Remington and produce some decent quality O/U's in the $500.00 and under range.

If a pump is more to your liking, the Remington 870 and 870 trap model are hard to beat.

[Pert_UK]

11. I shot a very nice Beretta o/u 20 gauge (I think) a few weeks back..

Fantastic gun - really well made and easy to use. I hit loads despite having not shot in years.

P.

[Forester]

13. Trap Gun

First, I just wanted to say hi since this is my first post, been reading for sometime and decided to register.

I use a Browning A-500G as my main trap gun, I also have a Citori GTI over and under, but I shoot better with the 500.

My friend has been using his Browning Gold with some good results.

Forester