Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon 1

[09cs]

How is the SP1 for a dedicated trap gun? I'm currently using an older Citori that was bought used from a family friend, 28" barrel with a medium height rib.

My trap teacher highly recommended it, the sporting with a 32" barrel, but would like some other feedback on it.

I held it, it felt nice, and swung really well for me.

Any other suggestions in the same price range?

[ceh383]

If you are serious about Trap, a gun designed for Trap would be best. For all around clay shooting, a Sporting gun is a good choice, the Beretta is a good gun, but the SP1 Sporting is not a Trap gun.
It all depends on how serious about Trap you are...

[JagerDog]

It appears Browning has discontinued the Crossover Target, but can likely find one.

Browning Citori XT.

Probably can find a gently used berettta 682.

[Thefeeder]

><

Its a great gun, and there are more great guns in its price range.
Questions to ask your self and your coach. Why is it a good gun for you personally? How would it be better then what you are using now? At this point of skill level is it a benefit to you to switch guns and go through the process of acclimating to the new gun?

[ysr_racer]

People that shoot Brownings usually don't shoot Berettas very well, vise versa.

It's usually one b-gun or the other.

[sandiego67]

People that shoot Brownings usually don't shoot Berettas very well, vise versa.

It's usually one b-gun or the other.

Now that I have both (686 and Citori), I understand. I find the Beretta is much easier to shoot. Less recoil, softer shot. The Citori tends to beat me up a lot more after 100 rounds or more.

[ysr_racer]

They're different fitting guns. So if one fits, usually the other one won't.

[beetle]

where are you located? My first shotgun was a Beretta Silver Pigeon I Sporting. Happy to let you try it if you are local.

[09cs]

If you are serious about Trap, a gun designed for Trap would be best. For all around clay shooting, a Sporting gun is a good choice, the Beretta is a good gun, but the SP1 Sporting is not a Trap gun.
It all depends on how serious about Trap you are...

I am starting to get more serious about it. I would like to have a dedicated trap gun, and use my Citori for skeet and the occasional sporting clay outtings. What would you recommend? A Citori CX Trap?

Its a great gun, and there are more great guns in its price range.
Questions to ask your self and your coach. Why is it a good gun for you personally? How would it be better then what you are using now? At this point of skill level is it a benefit to you to switch guns and go through the process of acclimating to the new gun?

As above, what else would you recommend in that price range?

I am currently using a 28" barrel, would like something a little longer. I shouldered the SP1, and it felt nice, and swung nicely.

where are you located? My first shotgun was a Beretta Silver Pigeon I Sporting. Happy to let you try it if you are local.

Thanks for the offer! I'm in the LA area but gonna be traveling for work starting Monday for a little while

[oddball]

I am currently using a 28" barrel, would like something a little longer. I shouldered the SP1, and it felt nice, and swung nicely.

And it is all about proper fit. As others have stated, A Beretta will fit differently than a Browning. I tried both and found the Beretta to be the one. I purchased a 30" 12g SP1 sporting model a few years ago and I love it for trap. A definite keeper.

[sdnative13]

I have a SP1 and love it for the field and sporting clays however it shoots
very very flat and struggled with it shooting trap. It was hard for me to pick up the rising bird because the barrel was covering it. I bought a dedicated trap gun that shoots high and can stay just below the bird the whole time and smoke them. You can shoot all disciplines with just one gun but might have an easier time if you get one dedicated to the sport you are shooting.

You can usually find a BT-99 for cheep on the market place.

[09cs]

I have a SP1 and love it for the field and sporting clays however it shoots
very very flat and struggled with it shooting trap. It was hard for me to pick up the rising bird because the barrel was covering it. I bought a dedicated trap gun that shoots high and can stay just below the bird the whole time and smoke them. You can shoot all disciplines with just one gun but might have an easier time if you get one dedicated to the sport you are shooting.

You can usually find a BT-99 for cheep on the market place.

Thanks! Though not interested in a single barrel, as I may get into doubles trap eventually

[ceh383]

Most Sporting/Skeet shooters prefer a gun that shoots flat (50/50), or perhaps a bit high (60/40). Trap is a different game as all the targets are raising, and Trap shooters prefer their guns to shoot higher 70/30, 80/20 and some even 90/10.
There's nothing wrong with the SP1 or the Citori, they just have different fit and feel. Those who like the fit of a Browning generally don't like the fit of a Beretta, and visa versa.
Which ever you buy, will be a good gun, you can't go wrong with either. But, if you are serious about Trap, buy the Trap model, their stocks are designed to give the higher patterns...