Entry Level Shotgun for Trap/Skeet/Sporting Clays

[MaliStaff]

My pop is looking to sell his Mossberg 500 8-shot 12 gauge and buy an entry level clay gun instead as he is interested in getting into the clay sports. Budget is around $500 range. Would you all recommend a semi-auto or O/U? Which models in particular? He's not looking to compete or anything, just wants something to take out a handful of times each year for recreational purposes.

I appreciate the advice!

[wurger]

Low budget + O/U = not awesome.

Take a look at the Beretta A300 semi. A bit more than $500, but a solid starter shotgun.

[pennstater]

Occasional use? Maybe the Mossberg 930 auto. Good reviews on those. Is he looking for another 12ga, or some other gauge? If 20ga., the Weatherby SA-08 might be a consideration. It comes with two different "pistons" for light and heavier loads. Just a thought.

[NATEWA]

Lots of threads on this.

Beretta a300. Wait for a sale. Get some good chokes (Briley and Carlson's), a limbsaver recoil pad (Beretta makes some as well) and be sure to fit the gun using the shims and stock spacers/recoil pad.

Good luck.

[shovelon]

You might consider going used and buy a solid design. Even then you might have to part with some $700 and up.

You might consider taking him to a Calguns skeet clinic for basics and the chance to get a fitting with a loaner gun. That and perhaps a membership at a shotgun clays range that has free rentals for members.

Oh and I have come to the conclusion that shotguns are like copy machines. It's not the price of the machine that gets you, it's the cost of the refills(shell). The better the gun, the cheaper the return on investment. Does not make sense to buy a cheap gun that can't shoot for ****.

[MaliStaff]

Wurger: yeah, I figured there wouldn't be much value in a budget O/U. I'll have him look into the Beretta A300.

Pennstater: he's looking to stick with a 12 gauge. I've also read good things regarding the mossberg 930 - will research that one as well.

NATEWA: Great advice - thanks. I'll be on the lookout for impending sales and also run a tally of what the total cost would be (for shotgun, chokes, and limb saver recoil pad).

shovelon: Point well taken. What would you suggest as a solid design, should he opt to go used?

Thank you guys for your input.

[golfish]

How about a used (1980's) Rem 1100. These are solid guns and easy to find different barrels and such.

[shovelon]

How about a used (1980's) Rem 1100. These are solid guns and easy to find different barrels and such.

So true. And every gunsmith knows or should know them in and out.

[shovelon]

shovelon: Point well taken. What would you suggest as a solid design, should he opt to go used?

Thank you guys for your input.

I love Browning firearms. I am looking for another Auto 5 in fact. Built like a tank and easy to maintain. Is an acquired taste though. I have put over 20K shells through mine that I paid $700.. Had Briley put threaded chokes in and been able to run a 25 straight on the skeet field. It now is my sporting clays gun as I moved onto a Browning BSS SxS. Put about 10k shells through it. I have just recently run a 25 straight with it. I paid $1199 for the BSS.

I have an itch for a Caesar Guerini.

[wurger]

Wurger: yeah, I figured there wouldn't be much value in a budget O/U. I'll have him look into the Beretta A300.

I'm new to shotguns. I ended up with an A300. Aside from the charging handle being a mother<fornicator> to get out the first time, great shotgun.

Regarding O/U shotguns...the first time you pick up a $4k+ Beretta...it's nearly a religious experience. Dare I say, it's right up there with getting your hands on that first boob.

[ysr_racer]

Has anybody recommended a Beretta A300 yet?

[pennstater]

"Dare I say, it's right up there with getting your hands on that first boob."
Ha! Close, but,uhh, nooo!

[sandiego67]

After shooting several low-end O/U's today at Raahagues, I would save my shekels for a used Beretta, Benelli or Browning.

[fffblackmage]

Has he actually tried using the 500 in any clay shooting yet? You don't have to get a "clay gun" to actually shoot in any clay sport. Well, wherever the short 18" barrel is allowed.

I started out with the 500 and it's a fun gun (once I got my shouldering technique down and the recoil stopped beating the crap out of my face anyways).

[olhunter]

Methinks we need a sticky for this question.

And the answer is....

1) Get a very nice used semi-auto for around $500. A300, 1100, 11-87.

2) Get a pretty nice used CZ O/U for around $500.

3) Save your money and get a used Beretta/Benelli/Browning O/U for around $1000.

All are fine for occasional clay sports.

I'd go with number 1. Quality guns with versatility.

I got this 11-87 for $500 here in the marketplace. Keep your eyes open.