What's a simple inexpensive trap gun?

[Hotboy]

I'm looking for a no-frills single-shot break-action fixed choke 12ga shotgun for trap shooting.

A ranch my gang goes to has a spring-loaded trap puller on the cabin's veranda rail and we'll shoot some clays for some "hit-n-giggle" fun.

Who makes a gun like what I described above? I found an article about the old Harrington & Richardson "Pardner" that sold for under $200...here's a new one for sale in 20ga:

http://www.armslist.com/posts/3561134/tulsa-oklahoma-shotguns-for-sale---h---r-pardner--20-ga--3---174-75--new-

I assume that the H&R hasn't been made in years. Does anybody still make a gun like this (that I can buy in CA)? Maybe I should just buy the 20ga from the listing above...

[bigbearbear]

That isn't really trap, which comes in ATA or bunker format, both of which involves a trap house at a distance throwing clay birds at random angle.

For simple fixed angle and manual clay thrower, which by the way is a lot of fun too, just get whatever is cheapest and use it. When shooting clay birds like this, the thrower is typically very close to the shooter and the flight path is more of less the same each time. So all you need is any basic shotgun that will shoot birdshots and you'll be ok. Even a tactical shotgun with cylinder bore barrel will work at the distance you'll be shooting the target at.

This is what a ATA style trap shooting looks like:

[Hotboy]

That isn't really trap...This is what a ATA style trap shooting looks like:

I have shot ATA trap, so I know what it is....or are you saying that a no-frills single-shot break-action fixed choke 12ga shotgun isn't appropriate for ATA? Do you have any information that would be helpful to my request above?

[Hoshnasi]

As basic and long lasting as they can get. BT-99. Look for a used one.

[bigbearbear]

I have shot ATA trap, so I know what it is....or are you saying that a no-frills single-shot break-action fixed choke 12ga shotgun isn't appropriate for ATA? Do you have any information that would be helpful to my request above?

There are single-shot shotguns that are highly specialized for ATA shoots, a well known one is the Browning BT-99, which a lot of people use for singles. For shooting singles at the 16 yard line, basically anything thing with a modified or tighter choke will work (or if you shoot fast enough, even less constrictions works too). I prefer modified on my Benelli, some folks prefer a full choke. A removable choke lets you switch them so you can find the optimum constriction you feel comfortable with but isn't really necessary. Its more of a convenient feature. When you want to shoot doubles however, the single shot obviously isn't going to work.

Many trap shooters also end up shooting skeet and sporting clay eventually, so having the option to change out the choke later is nice.

For the manual clay thrower which is launched very close to the shooter and at a fixed angle, you can get anything you want. From a single shot fixed choke shotgun, to a home defense shotgun with cylinder bore, semi-autos or a expensive Perazzi; they'll all work.


P.S.: One thing to consider is your shooting volume. Generally speaking, well built shotguns that can take the punishment of heavy volume of shooting will cost more. I shoot around 10-12 rounds of ATA style trap each week (250 to 300 rounds) and I've been doing this for 2 years, the Benelli can definitely take the punishment.

[Thefeeder]

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For your needs OP .....any shotgun will do. Find one and have at it.

Ckeck the used gun racks at the local gunstore.

The H&r are still available in CA and I think Big 5 still carries them......But there are so may better SG out there for a few bucks more

[ceh383]

For this type of shooting, I'd look for a used 870 Wingmaster...But it's not a break open. If you want a single shot break open gun I'd look for a BT-99, but they're not what I would call cheap.
Have a look HERE

[RayPDA]

http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Shotguns/topper.asp

[bombadillo]

Winchester SXP Trap with the raised comb, correct rib, and super buttery action. Supposedly 3 rounds in one second.




$425.00 or so from buds. http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...%22+12ga+32%22

[LynnJr]

BT-99
Where are you ATA shooters shooting that they throw variable angle targets?

I shot trap for years and before each match we would hold a pole up with a square on top and set the height then lock it down. Did the rules change?

[Hoshnasi]

BT-99
Where are you ATA shooters shooting that they throw variable angle targets?

I've never seen a variable ATA. We've always called that 'wobble' trap and only shot it for fun. 100% agree on the BT-99. Great gun for single.

http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Shotguns/topper.asp

Looks interesting! Wish it had a higher rib. I float that bird HIGH!

[Tom-ADC]

The old Charles Daly made by BC Miroku can be found reasonable and are good shooters. I have two of their skeet guns I bought in 1969 have had thousands of rounds thru them trouble free.

[robcoe]

I'm looking for a no-frills single-shot break-action fixed choke 12ga shotgun for trap shooting.

A ranch my gang goes to has a spring-loaded trap puller on the cabin's veranda rail and we'll shoot some clays for some "hit-n-giggle" fun.

Who makes a gun like what I described above? I found an article about the old Harrington & Richardson "Pardner" that sold for under $200...here's a new one for sale in 20ga:

http://www.armslist.com/posts/3561134/tulsa-oklahoma-shotguns-for-sale---h---r-pardner--20-ga--3---174-75--new-

I assume that the H&R hasn't been made in years. Does anybody still make a gun like this (that I can buy in CA)? Maybe I should just buy the 20ga from the listing above...

H&R is still around and making single shot shotguns

[Hotboy]

What's a simple inexpensive trap gun?

BT-99

If you think a $900+ shotgun is "inexpensive," then I would like to see your "good" trap gun...LOL

Looks more and more like the Pardner in 20ga is the way to go for under $200...

[LynnJr]

Lots of Perazzi Krieghoff's Kolar's Ljutic's Winchester's Parker's Krieghoff's costing $10,000 or more being shot so $900 is about as cheap as one can go for a good break open single shot Trap gun

In your original post if you posted plinker for shooting off the back porch instead of Trap Gun or put a Dollar limit on it you would have received better responses.