Jump to content
Apples

TRAP SHOTGUN

Recommended Posts

I am starting a new hobby.... Trap shooting...

 

I have heard so many great things about the sport, Not only am I a newcomer to the sport

 

but I am a female... and I am reluctant to purchase my new shotgun for this sport, because I do not know what would be the best choice, not only for the fact that I am a female, but for the fact that I am confused as to which model to purchase. I know it cannot be larger than a 12guage.

 

What I do not know is which of the following is better, and which maker is best...

 

over and under

 

single barrel

 

automatic

 

pump action

 

 

can anyone with any type of experience in this sport please enlighten me on the differences in these models with the sport of trap shooting, I want to purchase a shotgun that I can use for future competitions... when I get better.

 

Thanks

 

Christina

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello and welcome to the NJ Gun Forums. I have had a few years experience shooting trap and I can give you some advice for starting out. I would get a 12G shotgun b/c trap is a 12G sport. You can use a 20g if you are recoil sensitive but eventually you will have to move up to the 12g. If I was starting out, I would purchase a semi auto shotgun since they are less expensive then the Over/under or single barrel shotguns. You can buy a semi auto from a reputable maker like Remington for about $800 (even less if you buy used). If you want to spend a little more money then go with a Browning or Beretta semi auto.

 

If your budget allows and you want to spend more on your first trap shotgun then I would buy a Browning Citori O/U 12g. A lower level model would cost you about $1500 and they go upwards from there.

 

If you can try out different shotguns from friends or at the range then I would do this before buying one. I know that Thunder Mountain in Ringwood will lend you a shotgun from their private stock if you are serious about buying a gun through them. They can also get your stock fitted to you properly as well.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Have you ever done any trap shooting? It's unclear from your first post.

 

If so, was it a trap range or did you just shoot some clays?

 

 

 

No, never gone, gonna go to north jersey clay target club, get some lessons in the sport from bruce maxwell, and see how it goes from there...

 

I shoot only handguns now...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You'll find handguns BORING after shooting shotguns. Trap is just the start. Gotta try Skeet and Sporting Clays too!

 

Anyway, my wife uses a Rem 870. Once I put a better recoil pad on it she liked it a lot better! Still, 50 clays are usually enough for her. Doing 100 at a time will get to her shouler towards the end.

 

I started with a Rem 1100, made it much easier on my shoulder by putting a better recoil pad on it.

 

I usually shoot at least 100 shells when I go, sometimes 200. :)

 

I bought a Browning O/U with a really nice recoil system that was added onto it later (which costs as much as a lot of guns) and it is easier on my shoulder than my Rem 1100. It is an expensive gun though, not what I would start-off with, unless money is no object.

 

You need to find a gun that fits you well, that is the most important thing. If it doesn't fit, it doesn't matter how easy it is on your shoulder, or how much/little it costs, you will not like it.

 

I have a friend that will hit 20/21 out of 25 with a cheap-o Mossberg pump he paid $325 for, it fits him great!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I love shooting my handgun, it went from protection/work to becoming a hobby...

now I thought I would move onto shotgun, I have taken a look into the sport through the ATA website, and found a trap shooting place about 45 min away from me, I now want to purchase my shotgun accordingly, I was told I can buy used for a good price, so far all people have recommended I shoot 12 gauge over under, now its a matter of finding a nice shotgun that wont break the bank. how do i measure what the stock should be?

 

 

You'll find handguns BORING after shooting shotguns. Trap is just the start. Gotta try Skeet and Sporting Clays too!

 

Anyway, my wife uses a Rem 870. Once I put a better recoil pad on it she liked it a lot better! Still, 50 clays are usually enough for her. Doing 100 at a time will get to her shouler towards the end.

 

I started with a Rem 1100, made it much easier on my shoulder by putting a better recoil pad on it.

 

I usually shoot at least 100 shells when I go, sometimes 200. :)

 

I bought a Browning O/U with a really nice recoil system that was added onto it later (which costs as much as a lot of guns) and it is easier on my shoulder than my Rem 1100. It is an expensive gun though, not what I would start-off with, unless money is no object.

 

You need to find a gun that fits you well, that is the most important thing. If it doesn't fit, it doesn't matter how easy it is on your shoulder, or how much/little it costs, you will not like it.

 

I have a friend that will hit 20/21 out of 25 with a cheap-o Mossberg pump he paid $325 for, it fits him great!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You don't need an O/U for shooting Trap. They are VERY usefull though when shooting Sporting Clays when some targets are close and some are far away. The O/U lets you run two different chokes for the close/far shots.

 

See if you can find a Remington 870 to try. You would want a 30" barrel for Trap, or a tight choke if it has removeable chokes. A 28" barrel is good for Skeet and certain Sporting Clays facilities. I bought a used 870 with two different barrels used for $600. Bought another one with a single barrel used for less than $400.

 

The pumps and O/U have a LOT more kick than a semi auto will, but are much cheaper. Like I stated before, a simple $35 recoil pad will make the gun shoot night and day different (to your shoulder that is!).

 

There is a LOT to getting a gun that fits you well. LOP (length of pull) is just one part of the equation. You need a gun that shoots where you point it. Sounds simple, but it isn't. Once you find a gun you like you can take it to a gunsmith and spend some money to get it fitted you if need-be.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have a few low-mid range field guns that I bring out trap shooting few times a year. I do so-so with them (50-60% hit rate). HOWEVER...I have shot a buddies BT99 on a few of those occasions and hit in the 70-80% range. The BT99 like other trap specific guns shoot high so you dont have to cover the target and it really makes a huge difference. They are not too expensive and are super tough guns. HOWEVER....because the BT99 is a single barrel and shoots high, there really isnt much else you would want to do with it. I have thought about purchasing one for a while now, but to pay $1K for a gun I will only shoot a handful of times isnt happening for me any time soon. Check out the Bt99, sweet guns.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

All good advice from others presented here.

 

My $.02 for a beginner would be to pick a gas-auto. It will be the softest shooting and if set up properly can also suffice for sporting clays and skeet. But, don't confuse this statement with "one gun" is good for all three disciplines. When you get real serious you will want a dedicated trap gun, fitted to your frame and shooting style. A good entry level gun would be a used Rem. 1100 or 1187, preferably the Trap model if trapshooting only, or step up to a Beretta. A "sporting clays" model or style of shotgun can run the gamut of all three disciplines for the casual to intermediate shooter.

 

As BullzeyeNJ suggested, try Thunder Mountain or any good skeet/trap facility. Some will loan you a new gun if you are interested in buying from them so you can discern if it's right for you or not. Shooting different guns fares better at determining what you like vs. shouldering one in the showroom.

 

Here is a good forum specifically for trapshooters, where you can gain some more insight if interested. Trapshooters.com Forum

 

I subscribe to ShotgunLife. It's free. If you go to this link, click on the "subscribe" button and you will get an email daily of shotgun and shooting tips specifically for all types of clay target shooting. There is also a section specifically for women shooters. Shotgun Life

 

Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree with Parker. I started shooting trap with a Remington 1100 Trap gun. I bought it used from TBtrout on here. I don't use it much now that I have the Browning, but I still bring it out from time to time.

 

If you buy a semi auto you should learn a little bit on how to clean them, but it is VERY easy! I'm not talking about getting into the guts with the action or the trigger, just the gas system. Takes a few minutes to do. If you are only shooting Trap you really don't even have to worry too much since you only load one shell at a time. Never hurts to learn how the gun functions though.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

make friends most shooters will let you shoot thier guns dont rush out and buy what you havent shot based on anothers advise.are you only going to shoot trap becouse some trap guns are very specialised guns.I would say try a bt99 a remington 870 or 1100 for regulation trap.if double trap or other games take the bt99 out of it.if recoil is a problem stay away from bt99s and pumps and look for heavier guns as they kick less hope this helps

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ok ill chime in lol. I shoot ALOT of trap and i load all my shells and so on and so forth. I shoot a remington 11-87 it is a great gun, and i have a recoil pad on it and you can barely feel it. When my girlfriend whom is 5'2" shoots this thing she has no problem. I normally break 23 out of 25 birds with it, so it is more than a capable gun for trap, HOWEVER, if you want a true trap gun a browning citori XT trap model is amazing. This shotgun is a bit pricey but it is again a dedicated trap gun. The difference is a dedicated trap gun is going to have a higher rib and the barrel is going to be a heavy countor, this meens the shot is going to be angled up so you actually aim under the clay. This is a positive because you can always see that trap and the trap is also flying upwards so being able to see the target is a huge plus. With my 11-87 it is more of a hunting gun and it is a light contour barrel which meens it pretty much shoots flat and for me to break the clays i have to block the clay out with the barrel. This makes it slightly more difficult because you cannot see the bird.

 

With an autoloading shotgun you are going to be throwing shells all over the place when they eject and you will be shooting next to people that possibly own 20,000$ guns and they dont appreciate it much when your shells bounce off of their guns lol. They do make a shell catcher that stops the shells from ejecting but if you are going to shoot doubles you cannot use the shell catcher. So it is up to you, if you want a dedicated gun that is meant for the sport or a hybrid gun. A undedicated shotgun is OK for sport shooting but it is more of a hunting gun and wont be on the same level. If you would buy a dedicated trap gun and it doesnt have to be a browning but as long as it is a dedicated trap gun, and you get it fit and cut for your LOP (length of pull) than you will enjoy the sport much more. If you do really get into this sport than you will look to your left and right and see everyone with a dedicated gun and everyone will always be telling you that you should get a trap gun because they are better and why they are better and so on because they like to ramble and tell you how their gun is amazing lol. You will eventually buy one because you will want it soooo.... i say get a trap gun for trap.

 

With a undedicated shotgun you could possibly learn bad habits from shooting a field gun which rem 1100 and 11-87 are instead of a trap gun. If you do buy a dedicated trap gun in the future it would take some time to adjust. Also a O/U does not have much more kick than an auto loader and in some cases less. Since they are heavier they absorb a lot of kick and you can always buy a nicer recoil pad. The O/U style shotgun is good for doubles because you can use a moderate choke for your first shot and a full choke for the second since the target will be further away. The weight is also there for a reason because the added weight helps you control the barrel and smoothly transition the gun onto target, where as a lighter gun you can find yourself overthrowing your gun to the target and pass it since it is lighter resulting in missed clays.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree with most of the above, except for the weight of different types of shotguns. My Browning O/U seems to weigh a lot less than my Rem 1100. I'll have to weight the three different shotguns we use for clays just to see, you have me curious now.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

yes most trap shotguns do weigh more with the exceptions of the skeleton stocks. My fathers O/U citori is much heavier than my 11-87

will weigh them both tommorow and post results

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You are getting some great advice.

 

I have shot trap for a long time and enjoy it but don't do it enough to be good. I use an O/U and a single barrel.

 

I think important points others made are (1)while you can shoot with any shotgun, all trap guns are full or adjustable choke (a narrow shot pattern is used because the bird flies away from you) and (2) they are made to have a different point of aim than field guns. With a specialized trap gun you keep the target in view, just above the barrel, rather than cover it with the barrel as one does with field shotguns. This helps.

 

However, guns made for trap are more expensive and if you are just starting out, you may want to try first with one of the less costly field guns mentioned above.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Gotta agree with most everyone else. I use an 1100 for clay shooting. While I don't shoot trap specifically, I think an 1100 or 870 (depending on if you prefer semi-auto or pump) would suffice in your case, and then you can upgrade down the road depending on how good you get and how much you enjoy it. Not to worry on the latter part, you're definitely gonna love it! And definitely get a 12 gauge. Recoil on a 20 gauge is not that much lighter than a 12, in my opinion. The difference is in the actual weight of the gun, as long as you can handle that.

 

What's also nice is those Rem's aren't bank-breakers, especially if you find a used one that's still in good condition. But if you want to try something nicer, I would recommend going to a clay shooting facility like Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays or Red Wing and using one of their loaners. Pretty sure that LV provides nice O/U Berettas for rentals, and when I went to Red Wing for the first time, they gave my family Beretta semi-autos. This way, you can try something nice without buying it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Shooting trap is an awesome target sport. I go 2x a week. I started with a free Remington field gun and mistakingly bought a 28" 20g O/U. Wrong gun for the sport. I recomend Browning BT-99 32" barrel. Doubles is a whole different game and the BT-99 is very light. You can buy reduced recoil Winchester AA shells and break clays all day. If you get an O/U, get a good one and you will never have to buy another gun. A mercury recoil insert in the top barrel makes a huge reduction in recoil for <$50. Good luck.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I wanted to start last year. I went inexpensive just incase i didnt like it. Used mosberg 500. I only went a few times but getting hooked. I wanted to get into it enough before i dropped more money on a better gun.

 

Yea, I have a pair of 870's one in 12ga the other in 20ga, I have yet to shoot skeet or trap, but I will this year, however I just know I am going to like it and it's going to cost me more money, I just know I have been eye'ing a Extrema II for a while and I just know I want to have one or something similar to that after I do, now where did I put that money tree.. :icon_mrgreen:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yea, I have a pair of 870's one in 12ga the other in 20ga, I have yet to shoot skeet or trap, but I will this year, however I just know I am going to like it and it's going to cost me more money, I just know I have been eye'ing a Extrema II for a while and I just know I want to have one or something similar to that after I do, now where did I put that money tree.. :icon_mrgreen:

 

If you want we can setup a thrower at OB and toss some clays informally.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I bought an electric thrower from a fellow member at OBRPC and took it out for a spin last weekend with the wife. For the most part it was great. Some clays get broken inside the machine when the arm hits it, but I was told some clays are made better than others. I would say 80% of them were fine, and as cheap as they are, that isn't bad at all.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Not to be a party-pooper or a thread-jacker - I'd encourage anyone to try as many gun disciplines as time and budget allow, but the OP stated she started shooting handguns. Just wondered if she's tried either of the action handgun disciplines? USPSA or IDPA? Just curious what led her to trap.

 

As an aside - when I was but a pup, I worked in a JCPenney's sporting goods dept. The dept manager was bigtime trap shooter and got us hooked-up as a Krieghoff dealer. Of course he was the first purchaser. At this time (appx 40 years ago) the gun went for over $3K. Imagine my horror when he started talking about taking a wood rasp to the stock to get it to fit better. That was the tip-off for me - you trapshooters are CRAZY!

 

That is all.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes we can, I have some clays at home also and the club does have a thrower, I have a feeling a few people might be up for this one of these days..

 

me and ray used that thrower its beat to hell doesnt really have a good height and only throws about 40 yards or so

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    No registered users viewing this page.



×
×
  • Create New...