Choosing a trap/skeet setup

[Titans]

Hey everyone,

Just doing a little research before I purchase a shotgun for trap and skeet. I saw that Turners was having a sale on the Remington 870 and a Escort Silver O/U http://turners.com/engage/displayads.php

I'm trying to spend $500 or less. Anyone have any reviews on the Escort Silver? I know the Rem will do well but is not a traditional setup and I don't mind but if I can get something a bit more traditional (O/U or SxS) for a few bucks more then that would be preferred.

Any recommendations besides these two for the price range?

Thanks

[.454]

Hey everyone,

Just doing a little research before I purchase a shotgun for trap and skeet. I saw that Turners was having a sale on the Remington 870 and a Escort Silver O/U http://turners.com/engage/displayads.php

I'm trying to spend $500 or less. Anyone have any reviews on the Escort Silver? I know the Rem will do well but is not a traditional setup and I don't mind but if I can get something a bit more traditional (O/U or SxS) for a few bucks more then that would be preferred.

Any recommendations besides these two for the price range?

Thanks

Escort O/U's are made in Turkey. They seem to perform well for the money, but you shouldn't expect more than you are paying for. Rem 870 is a good, reliable workhorse that doesn't break the bank. I'm not a big fan of pump scatterguns in the skeet and trap range tough.
If you decide affordability is the first criteria, a pump is your #1 choice. Which reminds me about my brand new Winchester 1300 Speedpump I keep in the gun safe and have no use for. I will let it go to a good home for $300. If you are interested, shoot me PM.

[CHS]

Hey everyone,

Just doing a little research before I purchase a shotgun for trap and skeet. I saw that Turners was having a sale on the Remington 870 and a Escort Silver O/U http://turners.com/engage/displayads.php

I'm trying to spend $500 or less. Anyone have any reviews on the Escort Silver? I know the Rem will do well but is not a traditional setup and I don't mind but if I can get something a bit more traditional (O/U or SxS) for a few bucks more then that would be preferred.

Any recommendations besides these two for the price range?

Thanks

You'll be happiest with the 870. I have an 870 and a Mossberg silver reserve (Almost or probably identical to the escort), and the Mossberg leaves a lot to be desired. The fit and finish is kinda crappy. It shoots great, and points really easily, but the 870 is a better built gun (And cheaper!). Most of the Turkish O/U's should be avoided if you want a quality gun.

I love O/U's, I really do, but I'm saving up about $1500 to get a REAL one

[SoCalPI]

Titans, I have been researching this also. You might want to check out the Remington SPR 310 for an inexpensive O/U.

[5hundo]

I'm not a big fan of pump scatterguns in the skeet and trap range tough.

I've hit 2 of 2 on the skeet range with my 870!

...once.

[5150Marcelo]

Titans, for trap and skeet, definately go with the O/U. If I was limited to keep it in the 500 range, Id pick the Silver Reserve first. Check it out.
On sale at Big 5.

http://big5sportinggoods.shoplocal.com/big5/default.aspx?action=detail&storeid=2579858&rapid=0&listingid=-2091099290&offerid=

But, if you can save up a little more, Id go with the Browning Citori.

[Black Majik]

For just starting out, an 870 is really all you need. Once you get used to shucking that forearm, it really isn't that large of a disadvantage.

The biggest advantage of picking up an over-under would be tailoring the two barrels to the game. With the number of available chokes, you can tailor your first, and 2nd shot to the specific game your playing.

Or maybe look for a slightly used 1100/1187 if you don't want a pumpgun.

[Riodog]

Try www.blaser-usa.com. They have some nice inexpensive trap and skeet guns.
Rio

[sargenv]

Um, I've shot a few 25 straights with my 20 gauge 870 Wingmaster over the years. With practice you can do just as well. If you have a remchoke barrel, you can swap out the skeet or improved cylinder for a modified or improved modified for shooting 16 yard and handicap trap. In a 12 gauge 870, you will have everything you need for both. In trap, with practice, I never had much trouble hitting in the 21 range with the 20 at 16 yards. Handicap is a bit more difficult but can be done.

One time I gave a guy a run for his money shooting a plain barrel single shot Topper model H&R with a full choke in 20 gauge against his high zoot Browning single barrel BT99 in 12. As I recall, he got a 22, and I a 21.. He was not a happy camper

If you decide later that you want to compete in either, there is nothing that says you can't upgrade to something else then.

[Titans]

Titans, I have been researching this also. You might want to check out the Remington SPR 310 for an inexpensive O/U.

Is this better than the Silver Reserve or Escort?

[drummerdude1188]

I have a Remington 1100 20 gauge that I got when I was 14, its the skeet model and is pretty good. When I was 13-14 I was going through around 12+ boxes of shells a week for skeet I had a coach and everthing at my best I was shooting 23's, anyway, I shot alot of high end -$20,000 on up guns- and there's nothin like a good auto loader for skeet (puts flame suit on ). I used to always shoot this guys old beretta and it was tits. Anyway look into a used auto loader if you can, im sure you can find somethin in your local gunstore like a 1100/1187 in 20 or 12. 20's nice because no recoil at all and its just a fun gun to shoot.

[CHS]

there's nothin like a good auto loader for skeet (puts flame suit on ).

In my very unscientific observation at Triple-B Clays in Rosemead, I would say that this reflects reality.

Mostly I shoot trap. And damn near everyone shooting trap has got some kind of single-shot or O/U. Next in popularity seem to be pumps, with most of them being 870's.

I see WAY more auto's at the skeet ranges than anywhere else.

[ysr_racer]

Get a Rem 1100, it will do everything.

[drummerdude1188]

In my very unscientific observation at Triple-B Clays in Rosemead, I would say that this reflects reality.

Mostly I shoot trap. And damn near everyone shooting trap has got some kind of single-shot or O/U. Next in popularity seem to be pumps, with most of them being 870's.

I see WAY more auto's at the skeet ranges than anywhere else.

Thats were I did all my shooting way back when, I haven't been there in like 6-7 years-haven't shot skeet since then either- Is it still in the same place off the 605N, beverly exit?

[CHS]

Thats were I did all my shooting way back when, I haven't been there in like 6-7 years-haven't shot skeet since then either- Is it still in the same place off the 605N, beverly exit?

Not sure if 605 and beverly will get you there, I take 605N up to 60W and exit rosemead south. It's right there.

And yes, it's still the same place. We're gonna be there this Sunday morning in fact.

(OK, just checked the map. Looks like 605/Beverly will get you there, but that's the long way around)