[TooTaxed]

Guages, modified or different chokes, O/U v. SxS v. semi?

Am considering the Baikal line, and would also use the gun for hunting...:D

[TrapperReady]

Lots of variables here. My personal preference is for a 12ga O/U. I shoot a Browning 425 with 30" barrells. However, I've also shot quite a few rounds with Benelli 20ga and 12ga autoloaders and an old Winchester Model 12. It's all good.

If you are planning on doing any reloading, then I would definitely recommend an O/U, so that you can keep the shells more easily. SxS would also work in a similar fashion, but you just don't see many SxSs in competition.

If you are just looking for the occasional round of SC, almost anything will work. Autoloaders are nice, since they knock some of the recoil down, although the very light target loads may not have enough oomph to reliably cycle some guns (certain Benellis in particular). Beretta 391, Winchester Super X2 and the Benelli Montefeltro would be at the top of my list.

For an O/U, Beretta and Browning both make some really nice guns that can be had for $1000-1500 (slightly less used). I would get either 28" or 30" barrells. From everything I've heard, the Baikal would be an OK choice as well, and would be substantially less expensive.

Pump guns can work very well too, and a used Remington 870 Wingmaster with 28" barrell would be a great choice. The nice thing about this is that if you do pretty well, you can have the additional satisfaction of outshooting folks with guns costing many times more than yours. It's also a great all-around field-gun.

Be careful, though, sporting clays is highly addictive. My next door neighbor took me to a clays course a couple years ago. I've since purchased 4 shotguns, have started reloading and am going through about 200 shells per week.

Whatever you pick, good luck and have fun!

[3 gun]

You have the right idea. I use the same gun (Mossy 500a) for clay games that I use for hunting. The best idea I have for you is find a gun that fits. You can use the search feature to find the excellent threads here and at TFL on fit. I've put over 10,000 rounds thru my 500 without a problem, so you don't have to spend a lot of money for a good gun. The 870 is another inexpensive and proven performer. With a 12GA and a set of choke tubes you're ready for anything. Can't say anything good or bad about Baikal shotguns. Just get one that fits.

[PJR]

Assuming you don't already have a shotgun and have never shot a clay target game, I'd suggest you get a gun that you can use for all the games including trap and skeet. Forget the subgauges for now. Get a 12 gauge.

Because sporting and skeet require doubles I believe this precludes a pump gun if you want to get good at the games. There have been many fine scores shot with a pump gun but for a beginner, having to remember to work the action on close following pairs or true doubles adds another variable to your learning process. Therefore a semi or over/under is your best choice with choke tubes ranging from cylinder through to full.

There are three semis I would suggest. The Beretta 391, Remington 1100 and Winchester Super X2. I've shot each and could live with any of them.

The Baikals I've shot are certainly stout enough guns. I'm not sure they have the long term durability of the Berettas or Brownings but the entry level price is attractive. Another gun you might consider is Lanber if you have your heart set on a new over/under. Target shooters are notorious for upgrading their guns and often good used guns are available. That how I got my first over/under (and second and third for that matter).

Sporting clay shooters tend toward long barrels. 28" is a minimum, 30" is most common with a noticeable trend to 32" and longer.

Paul

[ysr_racer]

I started with a Rem 11-87 30" barrel and now shoot a Browning 425 clays with 30" barrel. Gas guns are easyer on your shoulder.


Here's some pictures: http://www.picturetrail.com/ysr_racer

[HSMITH]

You DEFINATELY want interchangeable chokes. As far as the other questions they are all pretty subjective. I shoot an auto and a 30" O/U for sporting in 12 ga, but most of the time I am shooting a 20 ga auto for sporting. The 20 ga gets 75% or a little more of the shooting that I do. For cheaper and easier to find shells and accessories I would recommend that you start out with a 12ga. 20 works just as well for any clay target, but reloading is needed to get shell costs down.

[Dave McCracken]

Shoot the shotgun you got.

If you don't have ANY shotguns, get a Big Four pump for a starter in 12 gauge. Take a few lessons, and shoot the heck out of it at any clay game you want. Make sure the stock fits you.

After learning how to shoot, then you might have a better idea of what kind of shotgun works for you at a particular mission.

It's hard to lose major money on a Big Four pump, and there's always a good market for them. Or.hold onto it as an investment for future generations and get an auto,double,or whatever strikes your fancy.

HTH....

[shootingfarm]

The best advice I can give is to go to your Skeet, 5-Stand or Trap field and talk to them, they will probably tell you to try there Gun's and find one that you like.

Thats what we do at my Club, we were all there once.


Paul

[Red Label]

I like my 12ga Red Label:D :D :D

[Mannlicher]

The few times I have gone with a buddy to try sporting clays, I took my old Browning A-5, with the 26 inch Hastings barrel. I am not the best wing shot in the world, but the Browning aquitted itself just fine. Shotguning was never my favorite, but sporting clays can be fast and fun.

[Topgun]

However, I did buy an extra FIELD stock for my Beretta A303 trap gun.

I just can't see using a trap gun on clays. Trap guns are stocked to shoot high.

[Dave McCracken]

I like about a 60-40 pattern for both trap and clays,Topgun.Give it a try,you might be pleasantly surprised....

[HSMITH]

Most of my shotguns are set up for 60-40 to 70-30, the ones that are not set up to shoot high are the ones that I can't readily move POI. I much prefer a high shooting gun for ALL of my shotgunning, including hunting.