Changing guns

[The_Future]

I am currently about to get serious about shooting trap competively and I have a question for you all. I currently shoot a Benelli Nova in 20 gauge, and I can only go for 75-100 rounds per practice session before I start to flinch/shake/having dely between mentally pulling the trigger and actually physically doing it.

I am a poor high school student so I can't afford a nice and shiny double gun, but I can shoot with a Winchester Model 12 in 12 gauge, I know the gun has a fixed choke I just don't know what it is set at. My reasoning behind making the switch is that the Model 12 is heavier than my Nova and 1) I'll be able to go longer with the heavier gun have less recoil and 2) switching to 12 gauge will increase my margin for error.

Well what do you think?
Faulty logic or sound reasoning? Thanks in advance for the advice

 

[evbutler462]

Put a recoil pad on the Nova. I did. Love it. It makes a world of difference.

 

[Scoupe]

Model 12s make good trap guns. You'll most likely want to add even more weight and probably raise the comb. I might also suggest that you could probably find a nice used 870 Wingmaster Trap gun already set up for the game for a little less money and have a newer gun to boot.

While I respect the Nova as a moderate price field gun, there are reasons you won't find serious trap shooters using one, and you've hit upon one of them already.

 

[The_Future]

evbulter what did you get for the recoil pad. I've looked for a pad that replaces the factory pad, or did you get on that slips over it?

 

[mswestfall]

I believe you are thinking correctly.

All but a few shoot a 12 gauge for competitive Trap. The heavier gun will also help. Mod 12's are still used in competitive Trap, especially in Handicap.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Purpose built trap guns run 8-11 lbs mostly. The weight helps with keeping the swing going and with recoil.

A Model 12 Trap Model is maybeso 8 lbs, depending on wood. And, there's still lots of records set with them standing today.

I think you should go with the 12 for trap and keep your Nova for hunting.

 

[The_Future]

Well I got back from another practice session for trap (100 rounds), and I did not have any of the afore mentioned problems. I think what the problem was lack of exprience shooting that much at one time. However my shoulder still got the snot kicked out of it, so I will definitly be picking up a limbsaver recoil pad.

A question of gun fit: last 25 rounds I was shooting chip-and-break, and I noticed that on the follow up shot that the comb was smacking me in the face. Only on the secound shot. Any advice?

And finally I have talked to my dad, the signer of 4473's and another gun is not in the foreseeable future so is there any way to make the Nova a better trap gun?

 

[AnthonyRSS]

Your gun kicks you because it doesn't fit right. Wenig makes stocks in various sizes for almost every shotgun (not the Nova, however) and if I were in your shoes I would buy one of the 85% finished trap stocks for the model 12 and make it fit. I know for the 870 the stock in grade 0 walnut is only $55.

Anthony

 

[evbutler462]

The Future,

I use a slip on from Limbsaver.

You can take the factory pad off and get a Grind-it-yourself Limbsaver. Carve a couple of wood inserts and epoxy them in the stock. Then screw the pad onto these inserts and grind away to fit it.

I hope that Limbsaver will start producing a fitted pad for the 20 gauge. As for fit, there ain't much you can do with the Nova. It is a great little gun that will probably last forever. It has standard dimensions that pretty well fit the average person.

I use the 20 gauge almost exclusively now that I am getting some age on me. I honestly can't tell the difference in the uplands. My Franchi is my main hunting gun. The Nova is my backup and some-of-the-time gun.

BTW, take a 3mm hex and tighten the forearm screws. They usually are not tight enough and causes it to rattle. Careful, don't overdo it.