trap shotgun question

[br1an]

I haven't done much formal training or reading up on trap / skeet, but is there a certain gauge or barrel length used for these?
I've shot trap and clays at my local range informally and for fun, I don't intend to compete but if I were to get a decent O/U for it, is it personal preference or is there a 'good' setup? I'm using my Mossberg 500 .12ga with 28" barrel, wondering if some people go .20ga for clays for shooting all day, or stick with .12?

Thanks in advance

[ceh383]

For fun, there is nothing wrong with using a 20.
For Skeet, many high level shooters actually use a 20 in 12ga competition.
For Trap, it's a different story. If you ever get serious, a 12 is the only way to go.
Shooting from the 27 yard mark you are starting at greater than Skeet distances, shots can be 50yds or more, making a 12 the way to go.
Again, if it just for fun, a 20 will be fine...

[Newshooter]

Stick with the Mossberg 500 and spend your money on targets and ammo. With more practice, you will get better and have more fun. That is, unless you WANT a new gun.

[anti]

From what I've read most serious American trap shooters will shoot single barrel, 12 gauge guns with longer barrels and a full choke... 32"-34" and such (think Browning BT-99). English trap shooters tend to use double guns more often and supposedly more Americans are also beginning to shoot trap with double guns.

[AAShooter]

First, just to be clear you are talking American trap? Generally people will shoot an O/U or Semi-auto with 28" to 32" barrels. These can be used for singles, handicap and doubles. Some like longer barrels but I find those are general the folks that are just shooing singles and handicap. Often they are guns like the BT-99. Much of the barrel length is decided by the balance of the gun but the longer sighting plain is helpful.

The first couple years I shot trap (singles, handicap, and doubles) with my Remington 870. So get good with your Mossberg before investing in a Trap gun. Finally, also realize trap guns are specialized creatures and are not a great all-purpose clays gun.