18.5" barrel shotgun for clays

[bjl333]

Yes, that's exactly how it is

Really, trap range is not the most noisy place (especially compared to rifle/pistol ranges): large open space + long barrels + light loads

And yes, I'm happy that my local trap range does not allow barrels shorter than 26", so I can use a simple light earplugs instead of heavy duty earmuffs

[BigFatGuy]

If I'm competing for prizes, and I find out my opponent is scared of shotgun noise... Man that would be great... I'd do everything up to and including shouting BOOYAH! every time I pulled the trigger...

[BigFatGuy]

"Also, "whippy" is a thing. Once you shoot a lot, this will be much less of an issue though."

I'm not so sure barrel length is the issue. The way I see it, the shotgun has a rotational inertia, and you fight it by applying torque. If the integral of the lengths and masses is the same (which is to say, if your gun is shorter but heavier due to things like heat guards) the torque you apply is the same... Which tells me the issue is something else... optical, mental, etc...

[Soggoth]

Holy crap, I see the real macho invasion right there!

Guys, don't forget a pistol grip - I've heard it adds +10 to overall coolness at any trap range, not to mention forum threads!

[BigFatGuy]

I had a chance to try a benelli pump with a shoulder/pistol stock... It was really comfortable!

[Thefeeder]

Give it a break guys.

[Bill Steele]

I'm looking at picking up a Benelli M4. Since I'm only planning to have 1 shotgun (for the time being), and I don't hunt, is it still good for something like clay shooting? That will be the most action it sees until I get to a shotgun class.

From what I understand, for clay/skeet/trap shooting and hunting, a long barrel is generally preferred. Would there be any deterrent from using something like the M4 for clays?

Here is my opinion.

1) You are not going to be shooting any BG's, so don't waste your money on a tacticool shotgun.

2) If the one in a million (probably more like 100's of millions) happens and you do end up having to use your shotgun to shoot a BG, a longer barrel will work just as well. In any case, this is a very bad development in your life.

3) There are few sports more addictive than clays in all its forms. If you go down empty handed to a local club that rents guns, get a good instructor for your first few rounds, you will almost certainly get hooked and at that moment your viewpoint of what constitutes a "great shotgun" will change, and likely for good.

Go rent, break some clays, you will be glad your didn't buy that 18.5" M4.

If you really feel unsecure in your home and can't move to a better neighborhood, get an alarm and a few boxes of low recoil buckshot, you are there.

In any case, best of luck with whatever direction you choose.

[trapperjohn]

This^^, in spades.

[Dattebayo]

I have a 26" CZ 712 semi-auto shotgun I use for clay games. My father for whatever reason, hits more clays with my 18.5" Maverick 88 as my shorter LOP stock on it fits him better giving him better recoil management and easier for him to get a sight picture. Sure you get an advantage with chokes and a longer barrel, but if you aren't competing or planning to be a pro, a short barrel doesn't give a huge advantage over a longer barrel.

[ysr_racer]

When I was a kid in high school auto shop, the instructor stressed the importance of "the right tool for the job".

Can you beat nails into a 2x4 with a pair of pliers, probably. Will it do as good a job as a hammer, probably not.

[BigFatGuy]

Can you run a marathon? Sure, but why bother when a car is the right tool for the job?

I walked away. I didn't want to keep needling each other.

But I will point out that here, we have a thread where supposed supporters of the 2nd Ammendment, people who (in theory, anyway) fight against a constant stream of anti-civil-rights legislation based COMPLETELY on the fact that some people don't like the way some guns look... that some people make unfounded suppositions about US based on what they feel about the appearance of the guns we choose to shoot... are, in fact, saying THE EXACT SAME THINGS!

If you choose your clay partners based on the appearance of their firearm, and not their skill, charm, safety, and willingness to share a pint afterwards, than you are shooting clays with DeLeon, Yee, Feinstein, Boxer, Mr. Clinton, President Clinton, and Barrack Hussein Obama.

Quite frankly, the hell with you all.

[SkyHawk]

I went sporting clay shooting at Coon Creek in Lincoln the day after Christmas. It was the first time I ever shot clays of any type. I took my new 20" SxS 12ga Baikal MP220F (hammer model) the wife got me for Christmas. I figured it would be a great way to break the new SxS in - funner than shooting paper at Dillman anyhow.

I went with four experienced clay shooters who had pump and semi shotguns with long barrels. We were all shooting the same #7.5 1-1/8oz loads. I used the full and modified chokes (one in each tube). I out shot them all and left with the highest score. I found that the short barrel double was easy to swing, and the side by side configuration gave me a wide sight plane. I am also cross eye dominant, so I'm a one eye shooter. Don't count the short barrel out

PS - I love shooting clays now!! Sporting clays is a real fun time.

[IntoForever]

I have a Saiga 12, converted (with pistol grip and AK short buttstock) and a full choke in an 18 1/2" barrel and I was hitting 23 of 25 clays at Oak Tree Gun Club and 99% of the clays at Angeles Shooting Range. Some ranges don't like the shorter barrels due to the enema nozzles that have no self control and sweep other shooters so check which range you'll be shooting at for restrictions.

[haw1144]

My wife/I just did the NorCal skeet clinic yesterday with Lou @ Metcalf. He said they allowed anything over 18" so we were pretty happy about it.

We brought our 18.5" 870 (fixed cylinder choke) to shoot with. Granted it was a class, so nobody looked at us funny. For the most part, since this was our first time, we hit a good amount of clays fine w/the shorter barrel. It was also easier/lighter for my wife to hold over the course of the day.

I had considered buying another shotgun or get a longer barrel... but if Metcalf continues to let 18"+ shotguns, we will continue to bring ours!