Beginner trap shooter

[SunsetIE]

Shoot a bunch of guns and see what you like/find comfortable.
Expensive guns aren't always the best bet. I shoot a beretta 680 with a vented high rib and can't run 25/25 (best is 24) while my buddy shoots a 28" Mossberg 500 big 5 special and is on my heels at 20-22 frequently.

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[JagerDog]

A beginning shooter can shoot most anything near the same. As the skill and style (preferably with some coaching) takes place differences will be seen.

As for dedicated trap gun, one of the cheaper entries is a Browning BPS Trap, but an 870 Express will get you into the 20's and even some 25's. Dedicated trap guns are on the heavy side with long'ish barrels and set up to shoot a bit high. Most any field gun will suffice if you aren't shooting competitively at a high level. Afterall, the shotgun games were based around field presentations. My overall advice is buy quality...generally, that means a "B" (Beretta, Browning, Benelli) gun at the more entry level. Then practice. A good shooter can pick any gun off the rack and shoot in the 20's.

Some will rail about how different Browning fits vs. Beretta. Myself, I don't find that big of difference off the shelf with equitable guns and the differences move around depending on model. Many modern auto's have some adjustability with shims at the stock/receiver interface.

[sc870]

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.

Thanks for the invite, but I work most Saturdays. I've seen that you run the clinics up here in NorCal, so I've got my eyes peeled. Handling them in store is way different than actually shooting them. Thanks for your guys' input. Definitely on a budget so I don't want to over spend.

[foxtrotuniformlima]

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 out shooting trap with a Beretta 686 field gun because it was what I had. I did OK with it but it is not ideal for ATA trap.

How much do expect to shoot and will you be competing?

And will you be using the gun for anything else ?

And most importantly, what is your budget ?

[ysr_racer]

We talk about gun fit, but until you have a good repeatable gun mount, you're just chasing your tail.

Take a lesson, learn how to mount the gun properly, then get a gun that fits you.

[SoCalPI]

Good info here...

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1207323&highlight=fit

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1184215&highlight=fit

[Tom-ADC]

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.

Another person sorry Miramar a.k.a. San Diego Shotgun Sports went away, I notice South Bay Rod and Gun have trap the second and fourth Wednesday each month I need to get back out haven't shot skeet or trap in ages.
Target Tossers in Chula Vista was great skeet. trap and a great sporting clays course.

[sc870]

Budget would definitely be under 1k. And I would like to use it for home defense as well, but I think I have enough to cover that need. I wold be shooting for fun and possibly looking into the local gun club events. I really like Los altos rod and gun and also sunnyvale rod and gun.

[ysr_racer]

Good info here...

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1207323&highlight=fit

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...&highlight=fit

Geeze, what a blow hard

[bigbearbear]

Budget would definitely be under 1k. And I would like to use it for home defense as well, but I think I have enough to cover that need. I wold be shooting for fun and possibly looking into the local gun club events. I really like Los altos rod and gun and also sunnyvale rod and gun.

Check out Coyote Valley Sporting Clay too, they rent shotguns and has a gun store where they let you try mounting. It is a good way to start looking at shotguns. Their atmosphere is also more relaxed.

I frequent Los Altos and Sunnyvale too.

[sandiego67]

If you are going to shoot a semi-auto on the trap range, get a shell catcher.

[SunsetIE]

If you are going to shoot a semi-auto on the trap range, get a shell catcher.

Good advice, its one thing to get hit on the line at the rifle/pistol range, but some of those old timers can get real grouchy on the field.

[pennstater]

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

Ha! You funny!

[JagerDog]

Budget would definitely be under 1k. And I would like to use it for home defense as well, but I think I have enough to cover that need. I wold be shooting for fun and possibly looking into the local gun club events. I really like Los altos rod and gun and also sunnyvale rod and gun.

At <=$1k skip O/U's...or stick to a used field grade O/U. Lightly used field grade Browning Citori can be had for $1K.

If you really want a dedicated trap gun, then Browning BPS trap, Remington 1100 Trap...if you avoid doubles, Browning BT99.

But if you think you might engage in other target games, a field grade gun is generally a better option if restricted to 1 gun.

[John Joseph]

Don't waste your $$ on a dedicated trap gun at this stage. A good field gun with a modified choke is plenty good at 16 yards, A long barrel for the range and a handier size barrel for HD will give you more bang for your buck---850s or 500 or any quality used pump or semi auto field gun (since you wont be hunting you don't need chrome bores suitable for steel) that fits should serve you well.
A dedicated trap gun has a special stock and won't have a safety---not what you need for the HD roll. After you've shot enough trap to know what you want you can "dial in" on a suitable trap gun.

Rough idea about fit---
1) Extend your forearm 90 deg and with the butt on the crook of your arm see if the trigger is a comfortable distance.

2) With an empty gun take aim at a target on an opposite wall. Dismount the gun, close you eyes and mount the gun with your eyes closed. Open your eyes and if you gun is pointing precisely at the target( a middle bead is handy for this----about the only thing a middle bead is good for) that's a good thing.

FWIW the lcal BSA range teaches Trap with 20 gauge Beretta semi auto field guns. The same guns have been used hard for 8 years now with no problems

Your welcome.