Buying a shotgun

[Eatnachos]

I went trap shooting for the first time and I'm hooked!

I'm thinking of getting an H&R Topper Deluxe. I like the simplicity of it, low cost, American made and I reckon the deluxe model has a removable choke and takes a 3.5 inch shell in case I ever go hunting.

Break action with a hammer is cool, or maybe I've watched too many westerns.

I'm wondering if this is the right move, and what about the recoil? Do I need to worry about that? Is there anything I could do to reduce it or am I just out of my mind on this?

Would I really want to put a 3.5 inch shell into a gun that light?

A non-shooting engineer friend suggested I buy the gun and fill the stock and grip with lead.

 

[Fumbler]

I went trap shooting for the first time and I'm hooked!

Fun isn't it?

I'm wondering if this is the right move, and what about the recoil? Do I need to worry about that? Is there anything I could do to reduce it or am I just out of my mind on this?

Recoil in the magnum loads is harsh. Anything more than a few rounds of 2.75" slugs or buckshot can be harsh too.
To reduce recoil you can add weight and get a new recoil pad. Adding weight will throw off the balance, that sucks for shooting birds or clay.

Would I really want to put a 3.5 inch shell into a gun that light?

You'd want to put a 3.5" shell into anything if you saw a duck coming at you.
Otherwise I'm willing to bet you'd do it once and never think of it again.
Seriously, I have shot a box of 3" slugs through a Pardner and I do not think I would ever do it again. It feels like the darn thing shook my teeth loose and I couldnt see straight for a second after each shot.

A non-shooting engineer friend suggested I buy the gun and fill the stock and grip with lead.

It will lessen recoil but it will mess up the balance.

How much does the gun cost?
What are you planning to do with the gun?
What gun did you use for trap?
How much can you spend?

These are all important questions.
One of those single shots will put meat on the table for you and will be fun to shoot, but if you are like any of us gun enthusiasts you will soon recognize its limits. There are few accessories, recoil can be brutal, and it's not a repeater.
I'd say that if you think you will enjoy it then get it, but it likely won't be your last gun.
If money is tight (and will be tight later on as if you just started college or something) and you are gonna have only one gun for a while then I'd say don't get it. Instead save up get yourself a pump gun. That topper probably costs $120-150 new. For $200 you can get a slightly used Remington 870 or Mossberg 500. Those are more versatile than a Topper/Pardner and many people shoot them better because they recoil less and swing better due to their weight.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Welcome,Eatnachos. to the world of shotgunning. A couple things....

Those single shots are best for activities that involve lots of carrying and a minimum of shooting. The one here weighs about 5.5 lbs.

Most dedicated trap guns run 8-10 lbs. Some of the Ljutics run 12. The weight helps the swing through inertia, and dampens the kick.

You may shoot a 3.5" shell through a single so chambered, but I'll wager a flagon of mead it'll take a very good reason for you to shoot another.

A better choice for a first trap gun would be a Big Four pumpgun. It also has utility for lots of other things. Get an 870, and your great grandkids will honor your memory for it.

WHatever you get, start off with the lightest loads you can find. They'll break clays just as well as the Testosterone Specials and are much more pleasant to shoot.

HTH....

 

[Eatnachos]

Hmmmm....

Thanks for the advice. Any thoughts on gauge for trap shooting? Would a 16 or 20 give that much less of a kick or do they simply not throw enough shot to compete with the 12s?

 

[AnthonyRSS]

I don't think 20 gives up anything to 12 at 16yrds, but if you want to run with the big boys you will need a dedicated trap gun. Which is 12.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Trap guns are 12 gauge. One can use a smaller gauge, of course, but most folks consider it a handicap.

I did hit 22/25 recently with a 28 gauge, but if one is competing it's not quite enough.

The ultra light loads like Winchester's Feather can be used. I use 7/8 oz in my 870s. No kick.

IMO, best you get something like an 870.More versatile, much less kick.

 

[Falcontech]

I would go for the 870....

It is my first shotgun and I Love it. Well made and simple to tear apart and reassemble.

 

[rico700]

Hard to beat the Remington 870 for all around function and durability at a price that will fit just about everyone. I have several and my favorite duck gun is 30" bbl 870 that I bought 2nd hand in about 1978. Never had any trouble with gun whatsoever.

Good luck and good shooting!

 

[rico700]

Either that or Perazzi might work