Entry level Skeet gun

[blue_ridge]

I've read through a bunch of previous discussions on this subject and am starting to look for a used shotgun. I currently have a nice L.C. Smith Ideal grade, 20 GA, IC/MOD, 26" barrel shotgun that fits me pretty well. But I am not sure it would be a good idea to shoot much Skeet with this shotgun. Do rounds of Skeet put undue wear and tear on a shotgun? (barrel heat etc) I've used the L.C. for Quail hunting a few times and did fairly well with it, but I want to pass this gun down to my children too.

So I've been looking at used Rem 1100's, CZ 712, Mossberg 935 and similar looking for a decent shotgun with choke tubes for $500 or less. My thinking is, if I buy a used shotgun like this, I won't care if i beat it up. And if I end up only shooting skeet occasionally for recreation at the club, then I won't need a high dollar competition type shotgun.

Any advice with regards to shooting the L.C. and/or buying a used shotgun would be much appreciated.

P.S. - have also run across a CZ Canvasback, Rem 11-48 Sportsman skeet and Rem 11-87 for reasonable prices used.

 

[Cuzzin]

I currently have a nice L.C. Smith Ideal grade, 20 GA, IC/MOD, 26" barrel shotgun that fits me pretty well. But I am not sure it would be a good idea to shoot much Skeet with this shotgun.

A guy that shoots skeet (8 station) with me regularly shames me with his splinter SXS.

Do rounds of Skeet put undue wear and tear on a shotgun? (barrel heat etc)

If you shoot a lot - yes. Probably would not hurt that Smith - but I wouldn't want to risk it. A field grade gun just really was not intended for the use that a sporting or dedicated skeet/trap gun was designed for.

So I've been looking at used Rem 1100's, CZ 712, Mossberg 935 and similar looking for a decent shotgun with choke tubes for $500 or less.

Go with the 1100 - excellent for the money, soft shooting, and durable. I don't know anything about the CZs. Don't buy a 3-1/2" gun (the 935) if you have no intention to shoot migratory. One - it may not cycle the 2-3/4" shell of skeet/trap, and two - the mossbergs are a little rough on the body.

 

[vaherder]

Skeet Gun

You dont need 3/1/2 and a 935. A 930 will do but a better choice for a little more money is a Berretta 3901. Well worth the extra money. You may never feel the need to upgrade. I jsut purchased one for my bro so he shoot skeet and sporting clays with my girlfriend and I. Also the 3901 can be adjusted to fit you.

Superior to any Remington. You maybe able to find one used.

 

[ATAShooter]

I shoot a Model 12... but I'm gonna have to second the Beretta 390 & 391.... very good shotguns.

 

[oneounceload]

The 3901 is an excellent gun that runs about 600 at wally world - it is the basic Beretta semi action so it should last you a while.

Your "Elsie", if it fits you, should be just fine for skeet - until you get into competitions - then you will want a comp gun

You might start with a lesson or two and the Elsie and then go from there

Skeet targets aren't hard to hit, but they sure are easy to miss

Have fun

 

[blue_ridge]

Thanks for the good advice. I think I will shoot skeet with the L.C. once or twice while I look for a good deal. Based on the advice here, I will focus more directly on 1100's and 3901's for a good price.

What is the difference between a "Wally world 3901" and a regular 3901?

Should I be looking for mostly 28" barrels or will 26" and 30" both work for skeet?

Thanks again.

 

[MtnCreek]

What is the difference between a "Wally world 3901" and a regular 3901?

I want to know this too. Is a 3901 just a 391 with cheap wood and finish?
Thanks!

 

[oneounceload]

Originally, it was only available at wally world, now, IIRC, it is also at Cabela's, and a few others.

It is made here in Md, has plastic furniture instead of wood - basically a no-frills version of the 390 or 391

 

[RTR_RTR]

How does the 3901 compare to the mb 930? Does the 3901 come with sights? Beads or ghost for skeet preferrable?

 

[oneounceload]

For skeet, a bead is more than you need - you look at the targets, not the bead.
I cannot compare the two, someone else will be sure to do so

 

[USCGKal]

I recently bought a Baikal IZH-27, which is marketed through EAA/USSG as an MP310. I got the sporting version with 30" barrels, and it was $500 even after shipping, tax and fees. I have almost 1000 rounds through it now and hasnt hiccuped once. its an O/U, not sure if you were looking for those. the non-sporting edition has 28" barrels and is in the $400 range new, probably 300ish used on gunbroker.

The gun was also imported by remington for a while as a "spartan 310" good gun for the entry level. I bought mine off davidsons inc online and it also comes with a lifetime warranty. cant beat that!

 

[RNB65]

Is a 3901 just a 391 with cheap wood and finish?

No. The 3901 is a reincarnation of the old Beretta 390. It's not based on the 391.

The 390 is one of the most popular clay shooting guns ever made. About a decade ago, Beretta replaced the 390 with the 391. But demand in the US for the old 390 was strong enough that Beretta shipped the manufacturing equipment to their US facility in Maryland and resumed making them under the 3901 name. They used to make the 3901 with choice of wood or synthetic stock, but it looks like synthetic is the only choice now. It's an excellent shotgun.

http://www.fieldandstream.com/photo...st-shotguns-ever-made?photo=7#node-1000014271
-

 

[MtnCreek]

RNB65,
Thanks for the info! Kinda makes me wonder why purchasing a $1,100 to $1,500 391 would make since if the 3901 is such a good gun.

For skeet, a bead is more than you need - you look at the targets, not the bead.

I took the front bead off my 391; it just sports the little brass bead about half way down the barrel. I shoot better w/o it.

 

[Snarlingiron]

What is the difference between a "Wally world 3901" and a regular 3901?

None.

The 3901 is available in two different incarnations. The 3901 Citizen is the synthetic stocked version. I have one and it is a no nonsense workhorse. It will not let you down. I have thousands of rounds through mine in all kinds of conditions, including being dropped in the mud and have never had a failure of any kind. It is headed for Liberal, KS in November for a Pheasant hunt.

The 3901 Statesman is wood stocked and is quite a bit more pricey.

I also have an older Italian made 390 with walnut stock. I bought it used for $450.00. It is a "Sporting" model, with 30" barrel. This was my clays gun for a couple of years, and I still break it out and use it from time to time. Again never a failure of any kind through many thousands of rounds. Totally reliable in every way.

There is an old thread here on THR by Will Fennel where he states that he put over 350,000 rounds through his 390 before retiring it for something new. It was still working fine, he just went to a newer model.

 

[451 Detonics]

I shot skeet for many years putting 100 rounds or so through my Winchester 24 a week and it never bothered it. Light skeet loads should put much strain on your Elsie either. Of course all I shot were reloads with 7/8ths ounce in 16 and I load 3/4 ounce in 20 ga. If your Elsie is tight to start I don't think skeet loads will hurt it at all.