Beginner trap shooter

[sc870]

I've been wanting to get into trap shooting. And I'm curious if someone could guide me to good beginner shotgun. Looking at the mossberg 930 combo or all purpose field. Any thoughts?

[elmontemike]

I don't know to much about shotguns except you need to find 1 that fits you. Brand is not that important.
I took a few SoCal skeet clinics and learned a lot. Talked about different shotguns and tried several different ones to see what fit me the best. Meet some great peolpe and had a lot of fun doing it.
Check out the NorCal skeet clinics.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=405000

[mtenenhaus]

i love shooting trap, it was terrible when they took away miramar.

I started with a Remington 1100, worked very well for a couple of years. Ultimately like most i transitioned to an over an under with a high vent rib and adjustable stock. If you like semi autos lots of people seem to enjoy the Beretta and Benelli lines.

I probably wouldn't go for the mossberg 930 if your intent is really to shoot American trap. Not that you couldn't, but it wouldn't be the best choice.

There are lots of used trap guns on sites like trapshooters.com.

if you're not going to shoot doubles there are tons of BT-99's out there (single barrel trap gun from Browning).

prices are all over the place from $500 to countless thousands. absolutely agree with elmontemike, fit is critical.

[ceh383]

While fit is important for good shooting, a new shooter will have no idea what fits them properly. Trying as many different guns as you can will give you an idea of what will work for you, and what won't.
If you buy a wood stocked gun, fit can easily be adjusted later. It will cost some $$$ to do, but it is worth it en the end.

PS: If I followed the "buy a gun that fits" mantra, I would never own a shotgun...None of them fit me off the shelf.

[AAShooter]

I've been wanting to get into trap shooting. And I'm curious if someone could guide me to good beginner shotgun. Looking at the mossberg 930 combo or all purpose field. Any thoughts?

Many people say they want to shoot trap but they really are talkng about clays in general or another game like skeet. Are you really looking at getting serious about trap? Trap guns are very specialized guns.

[AAShooter]

I've been wanting to get into trap shooting. And I'm curious if someone could guide me to good beginner shotgun. Looking at the mossberg 930 combo or all purpose field. Any thoughts?

I started shooting trap (singles and doubles) with a Remington 870 field gun. I shot that for several years until I bought a Browning O/U trap gun.

[Sixshot87]

Can I use a 3-gun shotgun for skeet and trap?

[sc870]

How about the beretta a300? I was looking at pumps but I'd prefer the semi auto. I read o/u are the way to go but seems steep as far as pricing.

[musketjon]

I'm at 98% with a Remington 870. Ithaca 37 if you want bottom eject. My 870 breaks clays as well as the high end trap guns. All that matters is that you learn to shoot whatever you get.
Like the old adage, '' Beware the man who only owns one gun. He probably knows how to use it. ''
Jon

[XVIga_Rob]

The A300 is a good gun for the $. Can be used for all clay games and hunting. If you get a synthetic model, the drop, cast, & LOP can easily be adjusted to fit almost any shooter. The wood model is adjustable, just not as easily.

[ysr_racer]

So the A300 is a good gun? I may have to look into one

[Thefeeder]

I've been wanting to get into trap shooting. And I'm curious if someone could guide me to good beginner shotgun. Looking at the mossberg 930 combo or all purpose field. Any thoughts?

Try to handle and shoot as many guns as you can. Buy what feels good to you.

Get together with other shooters and go shooting, try their guns.

The basics to look for...28" to 30" barrel, plain bead sight (the smaller and non florescent the better), removable choke tubes, no pistol grips....the rest is just personnel choice.

Learning to shoot is more important then what your shooting when you start out

I may be going shooting this Sat in the San Jose area ....your welcome to come along and try some shotguns.

[Fizz]

I shoot trap with my Versa Max. The only downside is shooting a black gun at a trap field will potentially get you some stares of disapproval from old curmudgeons.

One day I went to shoot trap and found that the range had a new rule banning barrels under 26 inches and "tactical" shotguns. My Vmax came with a 22 in and was largely meant for 3 gun ("tactical" - had mag tube extensions, barrel clamp with sling stud, etc.). While the rule seemed like it made about as much sense as California AWBs and evil black rifle-mindedness in absurdity... their range, their rules.

A friend of a friend lent me his extra Browning Citori O/U. I shot a lot worse with it. I also didn't enjoy it as much as I found the recoil less comfortable; it made a difference shooting 100 singles and shooting a round of doubles all in the same morning... especially shooting 1 1/8oz loads at 1300 FPS!

[AAShooter]

Can I use a 3-gun shotgun for skeet and trap?

Yes but it is probably not ideal for the clays sports.

[JohnnyMtn]

I have a Beretta 391. It's about 10 years old and is similar to today's A300. It is not a dedicated trap gun but instead is an all-around gun that you could easily use for any clay sport.

I am not sure where you live but if you are in SoCal I would suggest that you visit Pacific Sporting Arms in Azusa. They will take the time with you to see what your interests are and will find a gun that's in your budget, but most importantly, a gun that fits you.