Skeet/Trap Guns 101?

[Icy]

Where can I learn about over-under Skeet/Trap guns? I want to make an educated purchase and I don't know what kind of barrel length I should be looking for or the other features. I've only done minimum target shooting with other people's guns (none over under) but would like to get into Skeet and Trap.

[alfred1222]

Best way is to go to a range that rents guns, or take lessons from NSCA instructors

[ysr_racer]

Dedicated trap and skeet guns are very specialized and very different.

Skeet guns tend to have shorter barrels, and trap guns can be singles, or o/u with a high stock comb.

My advice would be a 30" o/u that fits you, and go out and have fun.

[alfred1222]

Differences between trap (except for the hardcore competitors) and skeet guns are not as pronounced as they used to be, especially the comb and barrel lengths. I would get a generalized configuration in a Citori or 686/687 with 28" barrels that fits you (or can be altered to fit) and use it for everything, including sporting clays and hunting. Lots of AA club shooters use similar configured guns. If the competition bug bites after that, you'll know exactly what you want.

Good shooters shoot a lot of guns. Great shooters shoot one gun.

A great shooter once told me that. I, alas, have many guns - but still managed an A rating when I was doing the club shoots.

I've never seen a trap gun with 28" barrels.... I say 30"-32" if you're only doing skeet and trap. If you're thinking sporting clays as well, than go 30"

[John Browning]

I've shot plenty of very good rounds with a 28in O/U. It all comes down to fit above all else.

[edgerly779]

I shoot skeet with a 26" barrel and trap and sporting clays with a 28" and hunt with both. 30" is not a standard barrel on most field grade o/u s. Rent an over under or meet someone who has one and will let you try it while both of you are at range. Buy a good entry level o/u with selective trigger and ejectors.

[MA5177]

Dedicated trap and skeet guns are very specialized and very different.

Skeet guns tend to have shorter barrels, and trap guns can be singles, or o/u with a high stock comb.

My advice would be a 30" o/u that fits you, and go out and have fun.

This^^^^ get a 30 with chokes