Shotgun for trap Thanks for the comments

[mjsweims]

I'd like to thank everyone for their comments and like you guys to know that everything said was considered. I decided to go with the BT-99. I found a very good one locally at a fair market price and it is in jail now.



I'd like some opinions from experienced trap (not sporting clays or skeet) shooters. I enjoy going out and shooting a few rounds 4-6 a couple of times per week and I do not compete. I shoot from the 16 yd line and some handicap but very few doubles. Right now I am looking for a dedicated trap gun and would like some input on whether to go with a single or an o/u. I tried a BT-99 and like the fit and feel. I've also tried the Citori XT but found it clunky. I don't like the 3200. I've had an 1100 in the past and while it is a great gun I want to go with a break action. No pumps or semi-autos, P or K guns.

So the question is single or o/u? and something in the price range of 800-1600 used or new. BTW I have a couple of SXS that I could use to ease myself into doubles later on if I decide I want to. What do you guys think?

Thanks

[Capybara]

You are talking about suits as far as the gun models. Any of them will do the job, what is MOST important in a good clays gun is fit. There are gunsmiths who specialize in fitting shotguns. Fitting can involve as little as adding a rubber butt pad or as involved as fully fitting a custom made stock with an adjustable cheek piece and adjustable LOP. I would advise you to buy a less expensive than your max budget shotgun and save at least $300.00 or more for custom fitting. The best shotgun in the world is going to shoot lousy if it doesn't fit you.

You need to buy what you want but don't confuse needing a $15k Kreighoff or Perazzi for needing to buy something functional, beautiful and reliable. Shotguns utilize the law of diminishing returns as far as cost. Yes, a $20k is a beautifully crafted piece of art, but that has little to do with the types of scores you will be shooting with it. I would highly recommend an OU, you will need it when you want to branch into skeet, sporting clays, five stand or even doubles trap. Personally I am not crazy about SXS for clays sports although they can be used.

These looks really nice but 28" is a little short for trap although fine for the other sports although some prefer a 30" barrel for sporting clays.

http://www.franchiusa.com/franchi-instinct-sl-shotgun/

http://www.franchiusa.com/franchi-instinct-l-shotgun/

[Thefeeder]

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Mj

When you shoot a strieght away trap shot...do you float the clay a bit over the bead......place the clay on the bead....... or cover the clay?

[Tom-ADC]

If they still stock trap guns like they did when I bought my 870 trap gun then it sort of does away with a dual purpose O/U, my trap gun shoots high it lets me see the clay above the bead on going away shots.
That said a Browning BT99

[deephouse]

Check out Imbert and Smithers they have a ton of shotguns (used and new) in that range...

[Hoshnasi]

I shoot a Browning 725 for most games, but I shoot high in trap, which is NOT the sporting 725s strong suit.

I'm planning on buying a BT99 soon.

[mjsweims]

Check out Imbert and Smithers they have a ton of shotguns (used and new) in that range...

Called them today and they don't have what I'm looking for.

[mjsweims]

Mj

When you shoot a strieght away trap shot...do you float the clay a bit over the bead......place the clay on the bead....... or cover the clay?

I float it. I don't see the bead when I'm shooting only when mounting. I also don't use a mid bead, I make sure my mount is always the same.

[mjsweims]

You are talking about suits as far as the gun models. Any of them will do the job, what is MOST important in a good clays gun is fit. There are gunsmiths who specialize in fitting shotguns. Fitting can involve as little as adding a rubber butt pad or as involved as fully fitting a custom made stock with an adjustable cheek piece and adjustable LOP. I would advise you to buy a less expensive than your max budget shotgun and save at least $300.00 or more for custom fitting. The best shotgun in the world is going to shoot lousy if it doesn't fit you.

You need to buy what you want but don't confuse needing a $15k Kreighoff or Perazzi for needing to buy something functional, beautiful and reliable. Shotguns utilize the law of diminishing returns as far as cost. Yes, a $20k is a beautifully crafted piece of art, but that has little to do with the types of scores you will be shooting with it. I would highly recommend an OU, you will need it when you want to branch into skeet, sporting clays, five stand or even doubles trap. Personally I am not crazy about SXS for clays sports although they can be used.

These looks really nice but 28" is a little short for trap although fine for the other sports although some prefer a 30" barrel for sporting clays.

http://www.franchiusa.com/franchi-instinct-sl-shotgun/

http://www.franchiusa.com/franchi-instinct-l-shotgun/

Thanks for the info. I fully agree about fit, but I also think feel is important. A well fit gun can be rough to handle if the balance or weight aren't right for you. That's what I found when I adjusted (butt and comb) the citori xt. I was able to hit most of the birds with it but it wasn't comfortable. Haven't seen or tried the Franchi, and I do want to try before buying

[Joe'Bronco]

I float it. I don't see the bead when I'm shooting only when mounting. I also don't use a mid bead, I make sure my mount is always the same.

Good form, My sugesstion would be one that you dont want. An autoloader. In fact an A5 would be my very first suggestion. In an article from James Russell from "outdoor lodge" he hilights the benefits of an auto loader.

The autoloader shotgun is arguably the best all-around trap gun... The reasons being; The stock is easily adjustable to set point of impact (a critical consideration), the gun can shoot all the games; singles, handicap, double-trap, sporting clays, you name it. One gun for everything. Recoil is lowest and that makes it ideal for everyone, especially the women...Overall, the autoloader is a good first and last choice.

BUT, with that said. I understand you dont want an autoloader. To eatch there own. Im a bit parcial as i shoot a Browning A5, Rem. Model 11 and a Browning 2000 for my trap/sporting clay's. One of my close shooting partners shoots a CZ RedHead 12ga. They are about $1000 brand new and you should be able to find a used on in your price range. Great shooting and looking O/U. They have the comp Trap model for around $1300

[Joe'Bronco]

Here is a link to there under/overs

http://cz-usa.com/products/by-category/over-under/

[Capybara]

FWIW, I have two CZ pistols and a CZ527 Varmint, they make and have made GREAT guns for decades. I would buy a CZ shotgun in a heartbeat, although I have never shot one.

[Thefeeder]

I float it. I don't see the bead when I'm shooting only when mounting. I also don't use a mid bead, I make sure my mount is always the same.

Then you will best be served looking for a Trap gun...and I mean that as in Browning XS Trap as opposed to a Browning XS Field.

TRAP models will shoot to your style of shooting....with high patterns of 70/30 or more

The problem is O/U "target gun" tend to be klunky.....you can opt for a slimmer, lighter field gun and raise the comb to stoot your style of high POI.

The rest of you question, you have already answered 90%....
Try, see what you like....
Nothing klunky,
No Brownings XS ect

Beretta tend to be a bit more slim and lower profile...look into the 682 Trap series...also look into Beretta Uni-single Trap models....O/U with only one barrel...may find one in the teens to buy

The BT-99 is about the only single break open in your price range

[RayPDA]

A dedicated SBT will be fine if you're focusing on singles/handicap, and have other guns for doubles when you have the urge.

A BT-99 is a fine trap gun; new or used you really can't go wrong unless a used example was put through the ringer. If you've already shot one and like the fit and feel, go for it. Now as far as the BT99 and your preferences go:

Do you want one with a fixed IM or Full... or choked (either Inv or Inv Plus). Do you like the beavertail forend or the competition style forend. Conventional (straight trap) stock, monte carlo stock, adjustable comb.
32" or 34".


For $1600 and keeping with ones that would be similar to a 99 - you can also find a used BT100 if those interest you and you like the idea of a removable trigger group and the ability to switch between eject and extract. I know you said no Pguns, but some Perazzi TM-1s can be found in the 1400-1600 range if you look long and hard enough (though price and condition will vary- usually an earlier gun, ala Ithaca imports.) As thefeeder said, a used single (top or unsingle) 682/686 may be an option too.

Good luck on the decision and purchase

[JagerDog]

Beretta 682 Gold Trap are popular and not way too much $. And not too clunky. $800-$1600 is pretty bottom feeder for a dedicated trap gun.

If you shoot enough trap, youre gonna wanna shoot doubles at some point.