[seeds76]

I want to start getting into clay sports but I'm confused with all the shotgun options. What shotgun do I start out with that's inexpensive that will cover generally all clay sports? Some of these get into the multiple $1000's. Is an automatic required? What the heck is an "O&A" shotgun? Why can't I use pump?

Thanks

[akolleth]

You can use a pump, many trap/skeet shooters do with great success.

For a beginner gun I would recommend either the Remington 870, or Mossberg 500 pump guns.

Both can be had fairly cheaply, the Mossberg can be had used under $200, Remingtons slightly higher. Both are built really well, and will last you tens of thousands of rounds. Go to any reputable gunstore, and they should have both in stock. See which one feels better and shoulders better for you.

An O/U gun is an over under. It is a double barreled design, with the barrels one on top of each other. That way you do not have to re-cock the action to shoot again. Those O/U along with Semi autos allow you a quicker follow up shot, but are not needed immediately. Save your money on them by getting one of the above pump guns and use the savings on shells, lots and lots of shells. I mean LOTS-

[distra]

Pumps are fine, but an auto or over/under will serve you better for clay games. You do not have to worry about pumping the gun on doubles. That being said, I've seen many straights on the skeet field run using a pump gun. A used Remington 1100 will run you about $300 and will run just fine with less recoil than a pump. An over/under is great for reliability no moving parts. As for an entry O/U plan on spending ~$1000-$1500 for entry level Browning or Berretta. I found a NIB (old inventory) Citori hunter for $1000. Great gun, flat finish with no engraving, but it works just fine and is a high quality gun.

[seeds76]

What about O/U shotguns with double triggers? Is it hindering to have two triggers?

[ScottsGT]

I went to my first clays shoot last week. I used a Norinco SXS coach gun in 12 ga. It beat the hell out of me with no recoil pad on the butt stock! I only got 39 out of 100, but then again, some of the clays were out there pretty far, and with that 20" barrel, I just don't think I had the same reach that a clays gun would have.
If you are really interested, I have an old Boito O/U 12 ga. I can sell you for $100 + shipping. They're not the best of clays guns, supposedly a little heavy for the sport. I'm actually selling it for a friend that is retired. They're not the prettiest guns out there, but is should get you going in the sport.
I actually forgot I had it in the closet, or I sould have taken it last week instead of a Cowboy Action Shotgun!
Oh, the two triggers, no big deal. Once you get used to it, it feels normal.

[Virginian]

Go buy a used semi auto. Remington or Beretta just beacause you will probably have the biggest selection looking at those. Whichever fits you best. Either one is capable of doing anything you could want to do. As long as you take care of it you shouldn't lose a dime if you change your mind down the road.

[seeds76]

thanks guys

[oneounceload]

and with that 20" barrel, I just don't think I had the same reach that a clays gun would have

it's not the barrel length, but the chokes that will determine the pattern at a longer distance

[ShowMe2]

I agree with Virginian. As a long time Skeet and Trap shooter, I highly recommed Remington 1100's. I own three of the Sportings, one in 12, 20 and 28 gauge.

They're a bit more costly than a field grade 1100, but the wood is nicer than I've seen on guns costing twice as much. Good used ones can be had for around $600.

Reasonably priced, very reliable, and softer recoil than any pump or O/U make them excellent choices for any entry level shooter getting into the clay games.

[jakemccoy]

I started with a Wingmaster 12ga. It worked out well for me. That's still my main gun.