Shooting Clay

[Grakken]

So I was in Utah last week and went clay shooting for the first time. Had a blast. We didnt have anything fancy, a hand thrower(?), some clays and a pump 12 gauge. Not sure what kind even.


In some other research, general consensus (on those sites) is that you cant get a long lasting, quality O/U for that budget. O/U is what I would prefer but.... I also read for my budget , a good semi can be had.

I'd rather have a quality semi, than a lower end O/U. I can save for a better o/u later, if i really like shooting clays.

Budget $500-$600


I want to use this gun to blast clays, and lots of em. Thanks for your input.

[AAShooter]

For that budget, I think you are looking for a semi-auto . . . probably used.

Remember, clays shooting is like puppies. The cost of the gun is just the initial buy-in. The sport gets expensive between range fees, ammo and shoot fees. If you stick with it, the cost of the gun is small.

You might want to think about getting an 870 pump gun. Shoot with that until you have the money for the O/U.

[Super Spy]

I've shot clays with my 11-87 and shot clays with my 1934 vintage SxS, I vastly prefer the SxS. I would like a modern O/U I could shoot steel shot out of, but for most of my shooting that isn't an issue. You can definitely pick up an O/U or SxS in that price range, I've seen some brand new O/U's at Big 5 in your price range but I have no idea how the trigger is. If they fit you decent I'm sure it'd be fine. I doubt it's going to have great trigger like a Citori, but neither will an 870.

[Javi]

I'm looking at autoloaders in that range myself. This is what I came up with:

Franchi I-12 (this one is actually over your budget but still under $1000)

http://www.franchiusa.com/firearms/images/i12_limited_wood_12ga_lg.jpg

Stoeger Model 2000(two diff. camo, synthetic and wood)


CZ 712, 720(20-g, I have no clue if your opposed to anything smaller than 12g) or 912:



Beretta 3901:


Haven't been looking into Remington auto-loaders but I'm sure there are used ones at around that price range. Remington 11-87, maybe the 1100 can be had for $6-700.

[Chris M]

I don't have much experience with other O/U's, but I have no complaints about my Mossberg Silver Reserve Big 5 special. I'm able to hit targets consistently with it. It certainly shoots better than me. I think I paid around $450 for it...can't remember exactly.

Actually, I do have one complaint - the recoil pad. You'll definitely have to get a Limbsaver if you buy a Silver Reserve. I use this gun for both shooting clays, and shooting ducks & geese using 3" shells. No complaints after installing the Limbsaver.

[renardsubtil]

So, a couple extra questions that you might consider in your purchase.

1) How serious are you about shooting clays? Are you going to go once a month? a few times a week?

I found a couple nice forums with people reviewing O/Us but the main complaints were that for the price of the low end ones, even though they shot well enough, there seemed to be a lot of quality issues if one were to shoot many times a month. There were a few without problems but the complaints seemed pretty much to be the norm. I wouldn't recommend going with a cheaper O/U if you plan on going out a lot unless you have a good store that will take your shotgun in for potential warranty repairs imho.

2) Do you want to hit more than 20 clays a round? or do you even care?

I went through hunting down a Trap shotgun a few months ago and the above questions landed me with my final choice of shotgun - I had to whittle down my O/U list (O/Us are beautiful btw) to a selection of semi-autos. From what I read, the low end stuff doesn't cut it, you're better off finding a used quality brand name O/U shotgun if you decided to stay with that route. Personally I went with a semi-auto Beretta Gold Trap Teknys that I found from the local gun club classifieds board, the owner even let me shoot a few rounds to try it out which was perfect because another part to picking out "the one" is that it feels right and mounts up the same every time when you go into a shooting stance so that you can expect the same results and POI. My used Teknys was shot in a league for two years and I take mine out once a week for 2 rounds usually...I've had it for a few months now with 0 issues.

At the end of the day *shrug* select whatever shotgun you want, just make sure it feels right when you line up your shot and just have fun!

EDIT:Some other O/Us I was interested in buying used, these should run under $1K from what I saw in a 3 month search.
Winchester 101
Older Browning Citoris
Older Charles Daily

[Grakken]

I doubt I will get into competition shooting or anything like that but I damn sure want to hit every clay that is launched. With that being said, i'd rather wait and save up then buy a junk shotty. I would buy a decent one though so I had something to use in the interim, while saving up for a sweet one (if I really end up liking the sport). I do have a stock 870 express (18") now but thats more my HD gun. don't know how much of a pita it is to take barrels off and such (i'd prefer this shotty to be purpose built)..

When I went, i shot about 90 rounds (12 Gauge) within an hour (or less). I probably hit 3 out of every 4 clays. Didnt check to see if the gun "fit". It probably didn't but what do I know. Also, what size barrel is best? I doubt i'll ever use it to hunt but you never know i guess.

It looks like a decent to good semi is the way to go, then save up for a nice used/new O/U..and I agree, some of those O/U's are sure pretty...and this is coming from someone who loves his rifles and such black.

I was noticing those mossberg silver reserves as well. Anyone else have opinions on them? or any other shotty for that matter?

Thanks for your input so far gents!

[Bedpan Bandit]

Lanber makes a good o/u for thag price. Check out cdnninvestments.com.

[Chris M]

Barrel length, choke tube, etc. all depend on what you're going to be doing with it. Generally speaking, longer barrel w/ tighter choke (Improved Modified to Full) if you're shooting trap - shorter barrels w/ more open choke (Cylinder to Modified) if shooting Skeet. If you're shooting sporting clays, you'll want to pick up a wide range of choke tubes.

Speaking of choke tubes, get a set of good ones. I prefer the extended ones, mainly because they are easier to change out w/o tools, but I also happen to get good patterns from them with both lead and steel. I use Trulock Precision Hunter line, and have had good results. Sometimes you'll find them on sale at Midway USA.

[renardsubtil]

Try checking out shotgunworld.com as well for reviews, there's sections for individual brands that may be worth checking out if you're looking for specific reviews.

"Fit" is like how good it feels when you get that puppy cupped into your shoulder, there's no real rule of thumb about it...same kinda goes for barrels, if you're shooting Trap, guys will use some pretty long barrels, like 28+ inches. Sporting/skeet I believe will use shorter barrels <28" since the clays are launched from the sides and quick acquisition is important.

If you're really set on O/Us though, try finding a used Winchester 101 to handle before settling on something new, it's a classic imho (course I'm biased for Winchesters), I almost jumped on one but it was from TX and I wanted to try it out before I put money down.

[POWG]

Clays &amp; Guns

In my opinion - save a few more bucks, take your time and purchase a quality used Auto-loader. They are out there! Recent vintage {LATE '90's to date} semi-autos such as Benelli, Beretta, Winchester/Browning and even the venerable Remington 1100 series {in that order of my personal preference}are much better in every way. They will function, handle & point better and represent a better "investment" than the "cheap" O/U's and SxS guns now all too common in the marketplace.

Also understand ...too many Gun Stores, especially "chain stores selling guns", notwithstanding of course, Bass Pro Shop and Cabela's, stock guns purely to sell guns, not develop and service customers. Period. It is rare in these establishments to encounter anyone with meaningful knowledge or experience, especially when it comes to shotguns. They are however prone and quick to spew volumes of stuff about most anything, emphasize "price" as if that alone equates somehow to value, and are paid to push inventory and lots of it.

Here is a quick, easy, foolproof method to assess the knowledge & skill set of your attending sales person about any & all types of shotguns. Inquire ..."I have heard that gun fit is important in shotguns. How can I tell if this gun fits me? Should he/she suggests in any way that by placing the stock in the crook of your bent shooting arm to see how your finger is positioned on the trigger ...LEAVE. THAT AIN'T IT - PERIOD. Haveing concerns over the potential the ire of P.C. Police should I choose in any way to discuss ...short, yellow busses, I choose to say no more.

Being a highly experienced shooter in all clays & game; and long time professional instructor, I will go out on the limb and say I "guarantee" the triggers will be poor, at best in these "value" priced shotguns {whew - I almost said "crap"}. Poor triggers = poor shooting results. Period.

Then consider - durability issues, you will experience them.


Buy right ...by once! Nuff Said?

POWG is out.

The key to success in all shooting is "QUALITY - Practiced - Repetitive - Actions"

[MFortie]

Depends on what you plan doing. If you're going to shoot trap primarily, I'd look for a used BT-99, a BPS or an 870 Trap in your price range. Trap is a single shot game (unless you shoot doubles) so speed of a second shot is not so critical. Look for 30" minimum barrels.

Learn to shoot the gun and decide where you want to go with your game (or which one you like the most) and upgrade down the road. Develop your fundamentals before throwing money at a gun.

And just for info, I'm a certified NRA shotgun coach and help coach my son's SCTP team; I don't know everything but do know the fundamentals are the key to any game.

[SparrowHanger]

I am just a newby about 5 months into my first SG, a basic 870, and have been encouraged for months not to put money into it but save for a quality gun as I am getting the clays bug. Most everyone emphasizes the feel of the gun/ how it fits and an online buddy has been suggesting I look into his favorite all around shot gun. Today a kid at the range was shooting one and until I held it the meaning of fit just hadn't registered. I am not even going to mention the brand or model, which isn't important since what is right for me may not be right for you.

Anyway, I vote for quality, whether it is new or used, and from what I can tell you can find a used quality gun for what you want to pay. I will say that I have used a $12K Italian O/U as well as a buddies tricked up Remington 1100competition or whatever it is called and nothing was like the $1800 semi I held today. That goes to show that money counts, but it isn't everything.

The other thing is I don't believe it is possible to know if a gun fits until you know how to mount one. That is where professional instructors earn their money. Many will have different quality weapons for you to try while they ensure that you mount them properly. Many have very reaonable introductory rates and I strongly recommend taking advantage of them before investing in a gun that may be more of a hindrance than you would imagine.

[G1500]

In my opinion - save a few more bucks, take your time and purchase a quality used Auto-loader. They are out there! Recent vintage {LATE '90's to date} semi-autos such as Benelli, Beretta, Winchester/Browning and even the venerable Remington 1100 series {in that order of my personal preference}are much better in every way. They will function, handle & point better and represent a better "investment" than the "cheap" O/U's and SxS guns now all too common in the marketplace.

Also understand ...too many Gun Stores, especially "chain stores selling guns", notwithstanding of course, Bass Pro Shop and Cabela's, stock guns purely to sell guns, not develop and service customers. Period. It is rare in these establishments to encounter anyone with meaningful knowledge or experience, especially when it comes to shotguns. They are however prone and quick to spew volumes of stuff about most anything, emphasize "price" as if that alone equates somehow to value, and are paid to push inventory and lots of it.

Here is a quick, easy, foolproof method to assess the knowledge & skill set of your attending sales person about any & all types of shotguns. Inquire ..."I have heard that gun fit is important in shotguns. How can I tell if this gun fits me? Should he/she suggests in any way that by placing the stock in the crook of your bent shooting arm to see how your finger is positioned on the trigger ...LEAVE. THAT AIN'T IT - PERIOD. Haveing concerns over the potential the ire of P.C. Police should I choose in any way to discuss ...short, yellow busses, I choose to say no more.

Being a highly experienced shooter in all clays & game; and long time professional instructor, I will go out on the limb and say I "guarantee" the triggers will be poor, at best in these "value" priced shotguns {whew - I almost said "crap"}. Poor triggers = poor shooting results. Period.

Then consider - durability issues, you will experience them.


Buy right ...by once! Nuff Said?

POWG is out.

The key to success in all shooting is "QUALITY - Practiced - Repetitive - Actions"

What is your take on the Benelli Super Black Eagle II?

[Thefeeder]

&gt;&lt;

I was ready to stop preach'n....Hallelujah

They have seen the light.

remenber price does not help you break more clays.....fit does

Quality brings......good shot patterns, better triggers, better balance, long life and better resale value to the table.