Affordable Shotguns for skeet

[Stanky626]

Hi, I'm a newbie to shotguns & skeet. Can you guys recommend a few affordable shotguns for skeet shooting. I'll probably never go hunting, it's just for sport. My budget is under $500.

I had these in mind:
Escort 12 ga Semi Auto - $399
Stoeger Uplander side-by-side - $399

Are these good for skeet?

Thanks.

[ysr_racer]

I had these in mind:
Escort 12 ga Semi Auto - $399
Stoeger Uplander side-by-side - $399

Are these good for skeet?

Thanks.

No on both. Do yourself a favor and buy a Remington 1100 and never look back. There's a reason they've sold millioms of them.

[classical_buff]

How about a used Semi-auto 12 ga shotgun?

Many places would have used semi-auto shotguns for sale. (i.e. Shotgunworld.com, gunbroker or CDNN).
Usually, O/U would be more expensive than semi-auto.

I started shooting Skeet with Browning O/U Citori that a friend lend it to me. When I was hooked, I bought a semi-auto 12ga Huglu shotgun. It was new for $280 a few years ago. Essentially, a copy of Beretta AL390 (made in Turkey, now they are called Dehaan) and function flawlessly.

I still have it but don't get to shoot it anymore after I got Beretta 686 O/U with Briley tube sets.( 20ga, 28ga & 410ga).

Skeet is a great sport and the best therapy/cure against stress & frustration. I wish I can get out more often to shoot.

Good luck with your search.

[maxicon]

I'd recommend reading up on the vast number of similar posts over at www.shotgunworld.com. It's an incredible resource, and is full of helpful, friendly people. By reading the recommendations, you'll get a feel for what's important to you.

I've been working on this same decision, as my son likes trap and my wife wants to try it. A good O/U is a bit outside my budget for something I don't know if I'll stick with. Also, none of us like heavy recoil much, and a gas-operated semi-auto is generally going to be the softest shooting.

Based on that, I bought an inexpensive Remington 1100 recently ($260 used in great condition - woohoo!). Still waiting for the 10 days, then I'll put it through its paces. It's not a trap gun, but it'll do for now, and you can never have too many good shotguns, right?

It seems like the 2 favorite semi-autos are the 1100 and the Beretta 391. The 391 is a good bit more, but people really like it.

[dondo]

I bought a Remington Spartan 310 over under in 12ga for the same thing. I am not a hunter although I wouldnt mind doing some bird blasting. Its a pickup truck but points well and is sturdy. the brushed metal receiver is done well and it shoots great. Not as refined as the other guns, but is reliable, functions smooth and I like it. And at 500.00 I do't really care if it gets beat in the field. My .02.
My friend bought the Beretta Onyx or something like that and the difference just in handling is night and day. However, mine does the job and does it well. And when I drop it...I won't need a box of kleenex.

[Rob454]

I bought a Mossberg 500 from big 5. I paid 260$ for it OTD. I also bought a over and under for 410$ OTD from same place. they had a screw up on the advertised price so I got it for the cheaper price.
Both guns shoot very well wont break the bank, and if they get scratches on them Im not gonna cry about it. Look around. there are plenty of decent shotguns for under 500$. The mossberg is cheap looking Ill definately give you that but it shoots well and it eats any ammo I feed it.
I see guys out at the range or in the bush and they have these really really expensive shotguns and cant hit the broad side of a barn from 30 feet away.

Rob

[Stanky626]

Great posts! Thanks everyone for their input.

I was at Big 5 today debating over the Mossberg 500 and Remington 870. However, the lighter recoil of the semi-autos do appeal to me. I'll probably head out to the Ontario Gun Show this weekend and take a look around before my final decision.

A used Shotty is a great idea. I'm going to call around this weekend to see what the local shops have in stock.

[kilword]

skeet skeet skeet

[ysr_racer]

Trust me, you don't want to shoot any of the clay games with a pump. Now if you just want to go to the range and have fun, a pump is fine.

[Stanky626]

YSR,

I know you're a big Remington 1100 fan. What do you think of the Remington 1187 Sportsman? Turners has one for $619. It feels comfortable to me. But, I've never fired one before.

[maxicon]

I just took my new used Remington 1100 (my first semi-auto) out to test-drive at the indoor range, and it was a real pleasure to shoot compared to a pump. I was surprised at how much more fun it was. It's a plain vanilla old-school 1100, but in very nice condition.

I ran a box of 25 discount Walmart target loads, 5 rounds of buck, and 5 slugs through it with no problems and no recoil discomfort. I brought another box of different target loads but accidentally grabbed 20 gauge instead...

I'm really looking forward to taking this out to the trap stations to see how it handles. This may be the start of a whole new obsession...

[Stanky626]

I'm really looking forward to taking this out to the trap stations to see how it handles. This may be the start of a whole new obsession...

I know what you mean. I joined a skeet clinic and got hooked instantly.

I just saw a used Remington 1100 (manufactured in the 70's) for $400. It's in good condition, but has a fixed choke. I recall it being an impr. cyl. in a 26" barrel. I'm seriously going to sleep on it tonight, coz I don't think it'll last long. What do you guys think?

[ysr_racer]

The 1100 and the 1187 are basically the same gun (but parts are not inchangable).

Some 1100 & 1187 will only cycle HOT loads. make sure which ever you buy will funtion with 1-1/8 #8, 3dr eq.

Where do you live? I've got an 1187 you can try. I'm in OC.

[robairto]

Wellllll

The pumps are about it in that price range. I have a LNIB Browning gold fusion 26"I'm selling for not much more then your looking for. RB

[Incitatus]

Remington Spartan O/U on sale for $329 at Turner's in Norwalk