Double barrel for trap

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I recently inherited a near new condition Stevens Model 311 12 Ga with 28-inch Mod/Full barrels & would like to shoot trap with it.
Ive read that the Model 311's were very common at one time & that they are well made.
Does anyone have much experience with these guns?
Is having two barrels with different choke an advantage for trap?
If I were to shoot only one barrel all the time will it harm the gun?
 
I shot trap for many years with a sxs, used an LC Smith F-grade hammer gun first, then a BRNO sidelock. Used the left (full choke) barrel in both and had no issues at all. The mod barrel isn't much use to for trap, imho. The 311 in and of itself is a decent gun, not the prettiest there ever was but certainly durable and will last a long time with proper care. If you can shoot the gun well, I would see no problem with using it for trap. Perhaps not 1000 rounds per week, but certainly a couple hundred per month.

Mac
 
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Most doubles have the tighter choke in the left barrel. The 311 will work but I predict you will take a beating as the stock is not configured for trap. Lots of drop. Most didn't have pads. Modified is just fine for 16 to 20 yards or so. Lots of good shooters even shoot light mod. Might as well give it a try.
 
Quick shots even use improved cylinder. I expect the barrels will get hot- I have An old single shot that is fantastic for trap but the barrel gets hot and you can see heat distortion over the barrel
 
Mod choke from the 16 yard line is perfect; use the full for 23 and back.

I would not call the 311 well-made. I have the upscale cousin in 20 and while it is too heavy for the bore size, it is not what I considered suitable for volume shooting. If you're talking about shooting some trap now and again, that is one thing; if you're talking about shooting a flat or more a week, I'd look for something more durable.
 
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The 311's were budget guns in their day. The internal parts are cheaply made with a lot of stampings instead of forged parts. But for the casual hunter will usually last a lifetime with a couple of boxes of ammo a year. They are not up to the round counts you'd get shooting the clays games on a regular basis. Most will have 2 triggers, but they did make a single trigger version at one time. I'd take it out and shoot a few rounds of clays with it if it were mine. But if it has sentimental value I'd not over do it. There are better options for playing the clay games and there isn't any reason to wear this one out.

Front trigger fires right barrel with the more open choke, rear trigger the left barrel with a tighter choke.. The versions with a single trigger was not selective, it always fired the right barrel 1st. For game, or clay targets where the 1st shot is closer the more open choke is an advantage. With some sporting clays games the 1st shot will be the longer range shot so it is nice to have the option of firing the tighter choke 1st.

If I were to shoot only one barrel all the time will it harm the gun?

You can use it as a single shot depending on the situation using only one barrel if needed. It won't hurt anything, but that barrel and the lockwork for it will see a lot more use and wear out sooner than the other.
 
Have fun. The kids in 4H Trap show up with everything imaginable.
If you get hooked, you will want something nicer. I had O/U, pump, and single, but always broke more targets with my Remington 1100 Trap.
 
Most doubles have the tighter choke in the left barrel. The 311 will work but I predict you will take a

My mistake, I knew better. Suppose I needed a nap after lunch. Thanks for catching that.

Mod choke from the 16 yard line is perfect; use the full for 23 and back.

I would not call the 311 well-made. I have the upscale cousin in 20 and while it is too heavy for the bore size, it is not what I considered suitable for volume shooting. If you're talking about shooting some trap now and again, that is one thing; if you're talking about shooting a flat or more a week, I'd look for something more durable.

A couple things here:
1. You've got to be faster than me, George. I never had any luck with a modified choke at trap. Skeet is another story, however.
2. I agree with your statements about the 311, to a point. They're far better made than some modern offerings coming in from overseas. However, they aren't Smith or Fox guns by any means. My opinion only.

Mac
 
I had two 311's, one a 12 ga. with a Tenite stock that kicked the snot out of me on ducks one fall, and my dad took pity on me and let me use his spare 1100, starting my life-long love affair with the 1100 and the 870. The other 311 was a 16 ga. my Dad sold me after he cut the barrels to 20" for a grouse gun. It was a great grouse gun.
 
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