Dumb Question RE: Single Shot Shotguns

[Onward Allusion]

What are the real differences between a high end single shot and a less expensive single shot. Differences are more apparent with pumps & semi-auto shotguns, but a single shot is pretty simply built. What exactly are the differences aside from perceived value? What are the tangible differences? Would there be a difference to most casual trap shooters? Say someone who does a 100 once a month?

 

[rcmodel]

Fit, finish, and longevity.

A top quality single-shot trap gun will outlast several cheap utility grade single-shots.
In fact, they will last almost indefinitely shooting thousands of rounds a year.

On top of that they are stocked, and are heavy enough they won't beat you black & blue shooting trap all day like the typical utility grade hunting shotgun.

rc

 

[PapaG]

Plus they will have a good trigger, nice polish, great wood to metal fit and nicely figured walnut instead of stained birch or beech.

 

[Armored farmer]

Ljutic used to boast fewer moving parts. Most higher end dedicated trap guns will have a higher comb on the stock, quick hammer(lock time) and crisp trigger. Proper weight and balance. Generally a bit of cast in the stock. No safety.
If youre looking to try a single barrel trap gun, you must check out a BT-99.

 

[oneounceload]

There are three levels of single shots:
The cheap POS H&R types that fit no one
The middle level like the Browning BT-99 which are great guns, and
The top tier from Ljutic, Seitz, Perazzi, Kreighoff which have the best triggers, reliability, balance and longevity
The top tier will go a million plus

 

[MAKster]

If you want an inexpensive trap gun just buy a Remington 870 Express. The H&R single shots will pound your shoulder to death if you shoot 100 shells.

 

[Tom Held]

classic trap guns

To give you some idea of how long a quality single barrel trap gun will last I still occasionally shoot a 1904 Baker and a 1912 L.C. Smith. Excellent chokes but both are almost too tight to shoot at 16 yards, better at 27 yards. Still beautifully made guns.

 

[oneounceload]

Can never be too tight; remember, those old guns were made to shoot loads with fiber wads, not plastic. Reload them with fiber and see how well they pattern

 

[SlayerOfBunnies]

There are three levels of single shots:
The cheap POS H&R types that fit no one
The middle level like the Browning BT-99 which are great guns, and
The top tier from Ljutic, Seitz, Perazzi, Kreighoff which have the best triggers, reliability, balance and longevity
The top tier will go a million plus

To each his own. I love the H&R types. They probably don't fit me well but I don't miss much with mine.

 

[oneounceload]

Glad you like yours. Try one of the others to at least see the differences.

 

[Tom Held]

Old trap guns

I shoot the two old guns for fun. You don't get any "chips" from 16 yards just a puff of smoke using 9's. I have used the Gamebore loads that have the fiber wad (cannot use plastic wads at one of the clubs I shoot any longer) and they perform just fine.

For trap competition I'm using a "newer" Belgium Browning Superposed that was likely special ordered for doubles trap, choked IM and IM.

For live bird events I switch to a 1954 Winchester 21 with 32" barrels choked full and full. Since you start at 32 yards back those chokes are near perfect.

There are so great old guns out there if you look around for them including the 870 TC Wingmasters and Model 31 trap guns.

 

[oneounceload]

Absolutely! Some of the best sleeper O/U are the older Belgian fixed chokes Superposeds like the one you mentioned. Available for a lot less than any new gun, if tight, they will last many, many years.