Skeet shooting advice.

[Jorenm]

While I was in Minnesota not too far back, I took my grandfather's Mossberg out to the local trap range. This thing originally had a 30" barrel with a full choke, but my grandfather cut the barrel down to just over 15", thus completely removing the choke.

I took it out anyways since I still thought it would be fun. I averaged about 15-18/25 clays using #7 1/2 shot at 25 (which ended up being 30-35 by the time I shot) meters, so overall I did a lot better than I expected. Especially since it was my first time shooting a shotgun.

Although the gun does matter, you could still manage using a "tactical" or short-barreled shotgun no problem.

Cool, that's good to know. I should call the range and see what their rules are regarding barrel length.

[cudakidd]

Well, since I just got done with the 4th year of the Woman and Junior Shotgun program I run here (Trap, Skeet, Sporting Clays and 5 stand maybe I can help you a little.

I'm not a world class shooter. But I have helped more then a few beginners out and noticed the same thing over and over...

Pick a shotgun that fits you.

Fit is more important with a shotgun then a rifle due to the active motion swinging on a target. The usual forearm measurement is not as reliable as it is with a rifle. Actually shoulder the gun and take a practice swing and see if you can see the bead with a proper head position. I won't go into endless detail but any competent range with a proshop should be able to help.

For all around use including self defense and hunting a pump can work. But for Sporting clays 5 stand and Skeet doubles you will find it more of a challenge. If cost is a factor a good compromise would be a Remington 870 combo set with a home defense barrel and a longer vent rib (28" +) for clays or skeet.

In shotguns quality does make a difference in what you get. Yes, you can use a $100 single shot and guys here will regal you with those old "rub it in the experts when I shot mine" kind of stories. But it is more difficult and if you can afford a decent entry level shotgun like a Citori, Ruger Red label, etc, you will notice the difference.

I would recommend you try before you buy if possible. Borrow a friends, go to a gun club and check rentals, etc.

[Crusader]

whoa 15 inches you say

It was a really small gun. I believe the tube magazine held 4 rounds, maybe three, I never checked, and the barrel extended about 1/2" past the mag.

[Moonclip]

15"!!! I'd not post that publicly and tell gramps to remove the barrel ASAP if it is not NFA registered.

[Richy]

[Sydwaiz]

Well, since I just got done with the 4th year of the Woman and Junior Shotgun program I run here (Trap, Skeet, Sporting Clays and 5 stand maybe I can help you a little.

I'm not a world class shooter. But I have helped more then a few beginners out and noticed the same thing over and over...

Pick a shotgun that fits you.

Fit is more important with a shotgun then a rifle due to the active motion swinging on a target. The usual forearm measurement is not as reliable as it is with a rifle. Actually shoulder the gun and take a practice swing and see if you can see the bead with a proper head position. I won't go into endless detail but any competent range with a proshop should be able to help.

For all around use including self defense and hunting a pump can work. But for Sporting clays 5 stand and Skeet doubles you will find it more of a challenge. If cost is a factor a good compromise would be a Remington 870 combo set with a home defense barrel and a longer vent rib (28" +) for clays or skeet.

In shotguns quality does make a difference in what you get. Yes, you can use a $100 single shot and guys here will regal you with those old "rub it in the experts when I shot mine" kind of stories. But it is more difficult and if you can afford a decent entry level shotgun like a Citori, Ruger Red label, etc, you will notice the difference.

I would recommend you try before you buy if possible. Borrow a friends, go to a gun club and check rentals, etc.

Agreed