Anyone ever shoot clays with a bolt-action shotgun?

[jpatterson]

My buddy unearthed his grandfather's old Sears bolt action 12 gauge and brought it to the range with us last time out. The bolt was stickier than most Mosins I've fired, but I don't think I've had that much fun trying to shoot clays in my life.

After I had started knocking down single clays (relatively) consistently, I tried out two at a time. I never did manage to get two, but I think with a little work on the bolt and getting used to it, it could be an amazing challenge.

Have any of you ever tried this? If not, you should!

By the way, I'm now looking for my own old bolt action 12 gauge. If anyone has one lying around that needs a good owner, send me a tell!

 

[W.E.G.]

I almost ruined the extractor on a bolt gun trying to shoot doubles.

The bolt fits very sloppy in the receiver once its unlocked.
Unless you pull perfectly straight-back on the bolt, you end up torquing the bolt against the extractor.

The extractor rides in a groove in the receiver.
Its really easy to yank the extractor out of the groove, thereby really mashing the extractor, and gouging the bejeezus out of the bolt.

After that experience, I recommend against it.
Moreover, the Fudds will all brand you a loon for being out there with that thing.

 

[toivo]

I have seen someone shoot trap with a 20-gauge bolt-action Mossberg. She did OK, but there were no doubles involved.

Check Gunbroker and pawnshops for similar guns. They're usually pretty cheap.

 

[Al LaVodka]

I have used both my 20 and 12 ga. bolt and though Distinguished Expert otherwise, don't do well w/them. Have lent 20 ga. to women I've taken to try Trap but decided it was counter-productive.
Al

 

[MisterHappy]

Singles, OK. as long as it fits: "No fit, no hit!"

Doubles, not so much! ;-)