24" Shotgun for HD/Trap?

[roguepawn]

Greetings,

I recently ordered a 24" Benelli Supernova on the theory that it would make for a serviceable HD gun, while also allowing me to shoot trap occasionally. I could have gone the Remington 870/Mossberg 500 route and purchased two different barrels, but I really like the Benelli. Since placing my order, I've started to wonder whether I would be better off ordering an 18in. supernova and saving for an entry level trap gun, as opposed to one 'do it all gun.' I have a limited budget and limited storage space at the moment, but my local range is ok with me shooting trap with an 18" barrel if I still want to try to get some practice while saving.

What would you do in my situation Calgunners?

[BigBamBoo]

Once you get it, just walk around your home with it and see how it handles. For me, anything past 20" gets kinda long to clear corners or "swing" in a hallway, etc. YMMV.

My 22" shotty takes a backseat to my ol 18" 870 just because it is much handier FOR ME in my home.

[WDE91]

24" is sort of a dead length

too short for trap
too long for the house

But give it a try, it might work for your needs if you can switch the choke out

[E Michael]

It might not work in 'sweeping' your house, but if you go to a corner and wait for the bad guy to go by you it will work just fine :-D My personal advice is to get a mossberg 500 used for like $200 use that as your HD.

[P5Ret]

I guess if the 18.5" barrel didn't cost as much as some shotguns, that could have been an option. A trade in 870, or a new Mossberg is about the same price as just the barrel.
Depending on what you are going to be doing in a HD situation the 24" could be a bit long. It is fine if you are going to secure one area and not move, but it could be a problem if you have to move.

[sundayduffer]

Some ranges wont allow 24"... Minimum 26"

[Lead-n-Steel]

I use an over-under with 24" barrels for light trap use. It's main purpose is for pheasants in tall grass where you need a 12 gauge but longer guns are a nuisance. It is really short and if I had to I could grab it for HD. However, it would not be on the top of my list.

[Capybara]

IMHO, unless you are VERY casual about trap, you need to invest in an HD shotgun and a trap gun. I think trying to adapt one gun to both purposes will result in dissatisfaction on both fronts. Short barrels for trap are to whippy and you will have a hard time developing effective follow though.

[acorn]

If you can only afford one gun then buy a gun you can shoot clays with. You can still defend yourself/home just fine with a 28" barrel but you can't be very successful hitting clays with an 18" barrel. When finances allow get yourself a dedicated HD gun.

[spitter3]

I just bought some #3 buckshot for my 26inch over/under 20g sheet gun last night, I have other guns for home defense, but the wife and kids could use the 20g just fine as long as they stay in one place.

[roguepawn]

...I think trying to adapt one gun to both purposes will result in dissatisfaction on both fronts...

Yeah, this was my fear, as I'd rather have one gun excel at a single job than one gun that is mediocre for several things. I've read that some people have had success finding extra Supernova barrels on the secondary market for less than the $300 most retailers want, so I'm keeping an eye out.

If you can only afford one gun then buy a gun you can shoot clays with. You can still defend yourself/home just fine with a 28" barrel but you can't be very successful hitting clays with an 18" barrel. When finances allow get yourself a dedicated HD gun.

This is solid advice, as I can continue to keep my pistol handy until I get a dedicated HD shotgun. Based on my shooting interests, I can foresee that I'm going to end up with a variety of shotguns over time...