Trap vs Skeet vs Sporting Clays

[Gary13]

Sorry if this has been covered, but I was unsuccessful finding a answer using the search function.

Some background. Been shooting trap for a couple of years, been using a 70's vintage Wingmaster Trap that was fitted to me. Purchased it used. I am not that good, but can get 22 or 23 most of the time. My friend took me to try Skeet, but I was not very good, and using a pump I was not near quick enough to hit the second shot.

Interested in getting a semi or o/u so that I can do a little better at Skeet. I have up to $2000 to spend. Been looking at used, but no luck so far, and when looking online I am confused that there are variations for Skeet, Trap, and Sporting Clays, which I would also like to try.

What changes do they make to make it better for one over the others? I read here that one made for Sporting Clays in 28" is the best compromise if you want to shoot all three.

Clarification please.

It looks like I should also try to make one of the Skeet clinics here in Norcal, though I will have to travel a bit. From the pictures I saw from one of them, looks like they were all using semi's.

[RayPDA]

In general:

Traditionally/typically:

Trap guns were usually equipped with longer barrels (30"-34") and tend to shoot higher points of impact (60/40 and higher) and are tighter (usually full) choked -

Skeet guns were usually equipped with shorter barrels (26" back in the day), more open chokes -

Sporting guns were/are usually flat(ter) shooting (about 50/50 ish), 30-32" barrels -

As for stocks, you have differences in drop at comb (DAC), style (parallel comb, monte carlo, etc)



With more of today's target guns having adjustable combs, ribs, removable choke tubes, everyone going to longer barrels (30-32") etc - it's a bit more muddled - you could get something that fits you/can be fitted to you, AND get something that shoots to where you like it, and that can handle all three games fairly well.


Now, in terms of using which what for what - (again, depending on shooter preferences/shooting style, etc. ) most people say that a sporting gun will be the most versatile ...

You shoot an 870 trap gun, most of which shoot 60/40 (I don't know if you've patterned your gun). You may adjust easily to a sporting gun's POI (at a 50/50 - 60/40 POI)....oh, if you've got an 870 Trap from the 70s - do you have a fixed Mod, fixed IM, or fixed full? That may explain some additional disadvantage with skeet (as for it being a pump, you'd be surprised how fast one can get with one with a little practice )


Anyways - with 2k to spend, you have a good amount of used (and one or two new) O/Us to look for, as well as most of the good autos available.


places to look at used guns:

Jacuas
Silver Dollar
shotgun world classifieds
trapshooters classifieds




and when/if you can - try before you buy!

[CK_32]

I'm no shotgun or clay expert by far but dabble and go every now and again.

IIRCC trap guns have a higher rib on top for the angle or something you shoot.

Not sure what makes a sporting clay gun but I know their rib isn't as extreme but its a little different.

I think you should keep going and try all 3 and see which you enjoy most or which ones you like. Get a feel then go from there when 1 you have a better understanding of what you want to do.. Like.. And get a better badic understanding of the sport and foundation..

Sporting clays is a mock up of hunting to simulate different game more for hunters or variety. Simulating rabbit and birds where each station has 3 to 4 throws from any number of different angles and distances.

I'm not 100% sure what trap and skeet is but I know its more a sport and less based on just hunting game. But the foundation is from a sporting aspect. Completly different than sporting clays but is almost the same angle every time.

Reasoning for different specialized guns being for certain game over another.
Learn what you need then buy.. Don't buy what you think you want then learn what you need.

I thought the same thing that I automatically needed a nice O/U to shoot better and fit in with the guys. I learned that an 870 can hit just as many clays as a O/U can. I think your joggin a bit before you learned to crawl. Stick to singles till you get consistent then move to doubles and in the market for a nicer O/U or auto.

But if you want a nice O/U by all means to for it. But it won't make you a better shooter. But a O/U is more specifically designed and some nice coin to guess which you want. Again just take a hit learn the sport and your style and get a little better and read on shot guns and find out which best fits you than taking a guess and hoping.

Again that wingmaster is a great shotgun to start with and can do well at all 3 styles and in the right hands do some damage. Only handycap really is doubes but that's a higher level of skill you should work up to. I can hardly take out 1 let alone 2 semi or not haha

But I hope this helped some so good luck with your purchase and future in the sport.

[savannah]

I am also no expert at shooting skeet and sporting clays. But, I shoot with a guy that is very very good at both. He just won his age division in skeet, he is approximately 70 years old. He sold me both of my O/U's for skeet and trap. I had an auto I was using for sporting clays. The nice thing about over understand is the fact you can change your chokes for second shots in sporting clays. I use a older Browning superposed lightening for skeet and five stand. I use my Beretta 3901 for sporting clays and sometimes for skeet. I have a Perazzi MT6 (entry level Perazzi) for trap. Check out your local skeet club boards and talk to some people there. Thatis where I ended up finding my shotguns.......except for the Beretta.

[fennecfrank]

the stocks for Skeet guns and Sporting Clay guns are the same. The only difference between the two is the barrel length. In the past the favorite length for skeet was 26-in but now is 28-in or 30-in. As for Sporting clays guns, you'll find 30-in, 32-in and 34-in.

As for trap guns, they were made to be shot higher than your point of aim. You're looking at 32-in and/or 34-in. Some models have only 1 barrel (mostly in 34-in).

In your case, I suggest a skeet/sporting clay gun with 30-in barrel and a full set of chokes. That way, you can get to shoot all 3 sports.

For a $2,000 budget, all I can think of now is to get an used Beretta 682. Try call some gunshops to see if they have them. The best places to try are the shotgun ranges.

[Gary13]

You shoot an 870 trap gun, most of which shoot 60/40 (I don't know if you've patterned your gun). You may adjust easily to a sporting gun's POI (at a 50/50 - 60/40 POI)....oh, if you've got an 870 Trap from the 70s - do you have a fixed Mod, fixed IM, or fixed full? That may explain some additional disadvantage with skeet (as for it being a pump, you'd be surprised how fast one can get with one with a little practice )

I have been told that it is fixed mod, but not certain.

[Hoshnasi]

I'm kind of in the same boat as you OP. I'd like one gun that can get by in the games you mentioned and a hunt here or there.

I'm also a member of a gun club that shoots clay twice a week. With them I have had the experience of shooting quite a few guns and have to say the Browning Citori has been my favorite (The 725 Sporter in particular). Maybe join a club or local range and try some guns out before going either O/U or Auto.

For me, I am looking for a used Citori sporter at 30". Since I shoot more clay, I'd prefer a weightier gun that won't smack me around.

[xtra870]

if your looking for a shooting buddy to learn skeet shooting with i more than willing. Im in the same boat as OP as in shooting trap, a little SC and no skeet. Would like to shoot skeet and SC more. Im in modesto btw

[LightsOut!]

Shoot 5-Stand!

[Newshooter]

Shoot 5-Stand!

Love it!!

[ysr_racer]

Since sporting clays includes both trap and skeet shots, I'd get a sporting clays gun and be done with it.

[Thefeeder]

><

Gary,




The way to do it is go to the range and shoot.....ask to try or rent different guns.

There are dozens of variation of the same model....each with different stocks(ie Strieght comb, raised, droping, semi pisrol grips, palm swells, beaver tail forearms) ribs ( high, low, tapered) ported barrels, adjustable triggers, adjustable comb......

You will go crazy

Take your time....try all the guns you can and you will find the one for YOU.

Just to add to the mess.....don't overlook hunting models. Just because it says "skeet or Sporting" in the model name does not make it the best Skeet or Sporting clays gun for YOU.

Take your time shoot more then you shop.....find what you like and then shop.

[Gary13]

if your looking for a shooting buddy to learn skeet shooting with i more than willing. Im in the same boat as OP as in shooting trap, a little SC and no skeet. Would like to shoot skeet and SC more. Im in modesto btw

I would be interested in going. I mainly shoot trap at Escalon and Manteca, and tried skeet at Linden.

Some have suggested renting, but I am not aware of any places locally that rent. I may be able to ask someone to try theirs, but I normally do not like to ask, especially since some of these shotguns go for big money. Funny though, I offer up my guns if someone shows an interest.

I am not in a big hurry, just have an interest. I shot by BIL's older Browning o/u 20g once. That was a sweet gun, but I am not necessarily stuck on getting a o/u. In the meantime I will continue with my Wingmaster.

Thanks for the advice so far.

[xtra870]

I think the nearest place to shoot skeet is rooster ranch but thats a drive for you. I think waterloo has a skeet range too

[Gary13]

Linden has clays and skeet. I want to try rooster ranch sometime.