First Shotgun - Informal Clays

[Bozwell]

While I agree, that's not entirely applicable to the casual clay shooter (the OP) who shoots maybe 1000 rounds a year and, reasonably so, doesn't want to spend a fortune on a gun that accommodates this. If he has a real liking for SxS's, nothing says he can't break a clay with one. I've seen clays broken with all sorts of guns, and while many of those guns aren't fit for competition, they work fine for the casual shooter. What matters is to get something you like.

No matter what gun you pick at your budget, if you get serious about one of the clay games in the future, you'll end up buying a dedicated clays gun. For now, get something you really enjoy and have fun.

 

[Pete D.]

Clays

I am unsure what "informal clays" actually means. To me, it means setting out the foot operated Clay thrower and shooting in the backyard. To a buddy of mine, it means walking out into the pasture with a hand thrower and a friend and shooting a few boxes of shells. For that kind of shooting, just about anything will do. The SXS will work.
To others it may mean a quick round with friends at the Trap range, a round or two of Skeet or Sporting Clays. Requirements there may change. That pump gun is a bit of a handicap at Skeet for most shooters.

SXS....as noted, fit is important. I have a number of well used SXSs that I have taken some time to adjust to my "fit". I can shoot them almost as well as my Trap gun....a few birds difference (I am, admittedly, a duffer Trap guy.) A young fellow with whom I shoot 16 yard singles frequently - and who is a fine shooter - cannot make 10/25 with a SXS.
Another point about SXSs is that they tend to be lighter than many pumps and semis....more recoil to deal with.
Pete

 

[interlock]

The A300 Outlander mentioned is made in MD by Beretta and will give you a lot of gun for the money

a buddy has just got one, this is a good gun.

I do some informal clays, with a few buddies and some traps we have between us. when we started i was shooting a spanish s x s 12 bore. i used it for everything.... but i couldn't hit s**t with it.

The clay shooting soon became a real drag and i hated always being bottom of the pile! Of course i didn't tell the whole team about it! what sort of bad sportsman would i have been.

anyway.. (the story is coming to an end!!) i took a lesson... the lesson was worth every penny, we talked about gun fit and mounting. I had a feel of a few different guns and found the best for my shape and size was a browning actioned over and under.

I ended up finding a really nice miroku. now iam a good shot. it makes my claying really enjoyable.

of course, OP, with your budget of $800usd your options are a little reduced and reduced to second hand in some cases. BUT try lots of guns. find a coach at one of the clubs and talk about fit. then buy one that fits. .. or as close as you can find. It might not be what you envisaged having but once you start hitting things with it you will like it!

 

[orphanedcowboy]

With a reasonable budget and wanting an older gun, I can think of one that will fill both niches, a Winchester Super X-1. While I have personally never owned one, I have shot one on occasion and it is a fantastic gun.

I will not debate the subject, this is simply my suggestion.

Sent from my HTC Rezound using Tapatalk 2

 

[toivo]

Another vote for the Beretta. I have its predecessor, the 3901. It's a workhorse. It can do pretty much anything you want a shotgun to do.