New To Shotguns

[bhaubold]

My neighbor took me trap shooting last weekend. This was my first time trap shooting, and my first time firing a shotgun. I've fired rifles and pistols before, but, never have I enjoyed a firearm more than trap shooting.

So, I'm thinking this might be a great thing to get into. He let me use one of his guns witch was some sort of Browning over/under. Being a first time shooter, I didn't do that well, but, did hit some.

My question is: what are some of the pros and cons of an over/under compared to a semi auto? I have been looking online at different shotguns and notice there is quite a price difference between the two.

I would rather buy a nicer used gun than a cheaper new gun at maybe the same price.

Can anyone offer any comments?

Thanks for your help,

Bob

[Bedpan Bandit]

Over/Under
*Simple design, easy maintenance
*Don't need to pick up your shells(easy to control ejection)
*Easy to carry broken over your shoulder or resting on toe pad
*Classy
*Normally pretty pricey for decent models

Semi/Auto
*Less perceived recoil
*Holds more than 2 rounds
*More options for customizing (i.e. extra barrels, rifled barrels, side saddle, etc)
*Many choices for appearance (classic or modern designs)
*Wide range of prices for reliable/respectable models

I own several of both and the most important factor to me is....
When I use my O/U, I don't have to pick up my shells!!!

[bhaubold]

I have to admit, I love the look of an over/under. I would never need more than two shells as I have no intention of hunting. Would be only for single shot trap, maybe if I improve, doubles.

Thanks for your comments,

Bob

[5539]

Bedpan covered every thing very well.

What ever type of shotgun you decide to buy, try as many as you can to see which one fits you or very close to it.

Then you can have the gun fitted to you.

Most shooters will let you use their shotgun to shoot a few rounds.

Try to find a reasonably priced instructor, to learn the game.

[Databyter]

I'm surprised I didn't hear what I consider to be one of the main reasons.

Balance.

Semi-autos with magazines are designed to be more or less balanced depending on how many of what kind of rounds are still in the magazine.

But a Trap Shooting gun and many fine Hunting Guns are designed to be in a completely different class of perfectly balanced firearm that almost point themselves at the target without any perceived effort other than thought.

They are at once full sized and handy, a phenomena that few semi auto's can approach with the same level of success.

[dandechino]

Any shotgun will do for trap as long as its not a short barreled HD gun. Still, I see people shoot with those to with a small amount of success. I've been told trap is a full choke game but I would assume if you're playing it at the full distance. My. mod. choke does pretty well from the 16yd line.

[bhaubold]

How does a gun fitting work? Which parts do they fit?

[Bedpan Bandit]

I have to admit, I love the look of an over/under. I would never need more than two shells as I have no intention of hunting. Would be only for single shot trap, maybe if I improve, doubles.

Thanks for your comments,

Bob

Yup. Can't beat the look when doing clay sports. I started out shooting clays with a benelli supernova, moved up to a supersport and thought it was the best thing since sliced bread...but since the O/U bug bit me, they have been gathering dust.

Something about the the O/U design that makes you feel like a real gentleman when you shoot. Not that I'm trying to be hoytie toytie, but has a more refined feel to it when you load and shoot.

Anyways, a good shotgun salesman told me, "Forget about price. Shotgunning is all about fit. Pick a gun out of the rack. Close your eyes and shoulder the gun. If the sights are perfectly lined up when you open your eyes, that's the one you're gonna hit more clays with. Buy it."

[Thefeeder]

How does a gun fitting work? Which parts do they fit?

Read this post....if you have any questions...feel free to PM me.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=425953

[5539]

Arm yourself with information, so that you know what it takes to fit a shotgun.

The Stock Fitter's Bible By Rollin Oswald

You can buy it direct from him, $24.95 plus $5.00 shipping.

You may find that you can make the adjustments yourself.

John

[Caseless]

[QUOTE=Bedpan Bandit;7358643]
Semi/Auto
*Less perceived recoil/QUOTE]

Not just perceived. There is a noticeable difference after a few hundred rounds.
I stopped using my cousin's pump Winchester after 50 rounds and have since used only the lightest recoil shotgun...Saiga 12. (But any gas-operated semi-auto shotgun is good for high volume shooting)

[hcbr]

both types are fine, it's the one you prefer more... I switch from time to time from semi auto to using my friends OU when doing trap/skeet, thus why i'm buying an OU ! whee!

[bhaubold]

How does barrel length affect the shot? What is the most common length?

Thanks for your help,

Bob

[Bedpan Bandit]

How does barrel length affect the shot? What is the most common length?

Thanks for your help,

Bob

Depends on the shooter. Longer barrels help smooth out your swing with the extra front end weight in skeet and is definitely the way to go with trap for the longer shots. I see a lot of 30" barrels than others on the fields, but I still see the old timers that can knock a bird out of the sky with a 22" barrel. Shoot different length guns and see what works out for you.

Also, a semiauto will generally be longer overall than the O/U due to the larger size of the receiver. Some 26" barrel semis are longer than 30" barrel O/Us.

[bhaubold]

I think I will be looking for a used over/under. Next problem is to learn how to tell the condition of a used gun.

Thanks,

Bob