ammo question: trap vs. skeet

[glassman]

I'm relatively new to the clay shooting sports. I have a Citori lightning w/ 26" barrel and a Browning XT w/ 32" barrel. I went to the range this morning but the trap fields were closed. I went over to the skeet field just to watch and learn. I was welcomed as a newbie and the guys there gave me the controler and asked me to pull for them. Of course, they educated me along the way. I asked if my lightning was a good enough gun to use for this game and was told that the short barrel is what was used back in the day but things have progressed to longer barreled guns over time. One of the guys commented that I should use #9 shot with the lightest load I could find. "more shot and less velocity" got lots of nodding heads from the others. So what say you guys? Is the short barreled gun adequate and should I spend the money on skeet chokes and different ammo? (I have a couple of cases of #8, ounce and an eighth in the basement).

 

[Milkmaster]

If that is what you have then use it and have a great time. As a beginner just shoot what you have, learn the craft a little, and find out if it is your cup of tea. A couple of cases of ammo will be gone before you know it. Use the gun YOU like the best. A little time well spent shooting will reveal the rest of what you need to know.

 

[BYJO4]

While longer barrel skeet guns are the current preference, many skeet shooters, myself included, still use a 26" barrel and shoot excellent scores. Skeet chokes will definitely improve your scores. If shooting 12 Ga, use 1 oz loads of #9 shot with velocity of 1200 FPS. This gives you an excellent pattern with reduced recoil. A number of shooters are now using 7/8 oz of shot.

 

[oneounceload]

26 will work IF you can easily control the gun swing and NOT stop too soon (the bane of short barrels and light guns).

For skeet, the longest shots are typically 21 yards, and 7/8 or 1oz loads of 9s will work just fine. 7/8 or 1oz are all you need for trap as well. Keep loads to 1200 fps and recoil will be mild, targets will be crushed and your shoulder will thank you

 

[243winxb]

A high comb helps with target shooting when the gun is mounted before calling for the clays during trap or skeet. At one time the stocks on trap & sleet Citoris were the same. Not now. Helps to have the bird in view at all times. A High comb makes the shotgun shoot higher. Helps keep you from lifting your head to have a look.

 

[rcmodel]

I shot my first 25 straight at skeet back in the day with a 26" winchester 101 IC & Mod, and AA 1 1/8 oz #8 trap loads.

It worked then, and it will work now.

rc

 

[Virginian]

I believe the current penchant for longer barrels makes no difference. I still remember when the move was away from longer barrels. I still shoot a 26" for skeet, unless it's a 25" in 28 gauge. I believe #9 shot at 1200 FPS or better is adequate, but I prefer #8s. I believe the environmentally friendly targets are harder to break. I believe changing direction on doubles is easier with a shorter barrel, and stopping the swing is a bad habit that is easy to break just by paying attention. A lot of people may not agree with me, but few are good enough that I need or heed their advice.

 

[glassman]

Thanks for the replies, fellas. It tells me what I wanted to know. I'll be ordering a couple of skeet chokes today and will install them in the lightning. I forgot to mention that I shot one round with my trap gun and did okay with it but I think the shorter barreled gun with proper chokes is gonna be the way to go. I'll buy a couple of boxes of the "more shot/less velocity" ammo and compare it to what I have in the basement and make adjustments from there.