BT99 for trap

[igotta40]

I’m a beginner at trap shooting but I plan to shoot more frequently. Right now I’m using a variety of 12 and 20 gauge entry level field shotguns, but as I progress I’d like a 12 gauge trap gun.

I’m not interested in semiauto or pump gun.

I’ve read that the Browning BT99 is a stalwart in the trap arena, any reason I wouldn’t want one, or have you all some suggestions. I want to stay around $2K or less, also considering the Beretta Silver Pigeon.

Any pros/ cons about single vs. O/U other than the obvious?

 

[kudu]

Only if you get into trap doubles. BT99 will serve you well for many 10's of thousands of rounds+. A double may weigh a bit more, which is always good when you are out there shooting 200-300 shells a day, but adding some lead to the 99 is simple enough if you want more weight.

 

[Armored farmer]

...,good advice from kudu.

BT99 is a great singles/hdcp gun.
Be sure it fits you.
Your scores will only be limited by your conscience , not your gun.

 

[PapaG]

I have had four, each of a different age or style. All crushed birds. Look for a gently used one with adjustable comb, extractor rather than ejector if you reload, and choke tubes. It will be adjustable to fit you, last longer than you will and be never worth less than you paid if you buy it right and take care of it.

 

[entropy]

As kudu said, the only possible con is if you want to shoot doubles. I have yet to shoot a bad BT-99, even old club rental guns shoot great.

 

[igotta40]

That’s what I was looking for, thanks!

 

[CopperFouling]

I've shot the BT99, and they're nice firearms. I can't say, though, that they point as well as O/Us, although that's personal preference.

Here's the most important consideration from my perspective: you can always trap with an O/U, but you can't shoot skeet or sporting clays with a BT99. If you're new to shooting clays (can't quite tell from your post), you may find yourself enjoying one of those sometime in the future, and it might make sense to keep your options open when you're dropping $2k.

I had a somewhat similar decision years ago when I was choosing between a Browning Citori XT or XS. The XS is more versatile, and after shooting a lot of sporting clays (which I had never really shot at that time), I'm glad that's what I picked.

 

[eastbank]

I love my xs 20ga browning. eastbank.

 

[243winxb]

can't shoot skeet or sporting clays with a BT99.

^^^This.
An O/U trap gun just needs the chokes changed . An adjustable comb may be needed if starting with gun down for sporting clays.

 

[Armored farmer]

Singles and handicap trap , you can't beat the BT99.

Doubles and sporting clays........? Nope. Best you can hope for is a 50x100. Lol

 

[eastbank]

my singles trap shotgun is a browning BT-100 and I love it too. over 35,000 shell thru it and not a FTE-FTF, the only thing I have done to it is clean it. eastbank.

 

[Sir Winston]

I’m a beginner at trap shooting but I plan to shoot more frequently. Right now I’m using a variety of 12 and 20 gauge entry level field shotguns, but as I progress I’d like a 12 gauge trap gun.
For a first real trap gun you couldn't do better. You won't wear it out .

I’m not interested in semiauto or pump gun.

I’ve read that the Browning BT99 is a stalwart in the trap arena, any reason I wouldn’t want one, or have you all some suggestions. I want to stay around $2K or less, also considering the Beretta Silver Pigeon.

Any pros/ cons about single vs. O/U other than the obvious?

 

[John Joseph]

Another good SB trap gun, if you're considering used guns, is the Beretta MKII. Like the BT99 only less expensive---on the used market of course!

 

[Sir Winston]

Should be able to get bt99 used foy 1000$ or less. Just make sure the action is tight. Mo side play when brok open.

 

[eastbank]

a browning bt-99 or a bt-100 will last a life time for most trap shooters and they are very easy and inexpensive to rebuild if needed.