Hmm, which single-shot NEF to get?

[MacTech]

After using Dad's H&R 12 gauge single at the range today, I've decided I want my own, I stopped at the local "fun store" and looked at two decent used NEF singles;

Gun 1; NEF Topper 12 Ga., 28" modified choke, blonde wood, tiger-stripe case hardening, blued barrel, around 88% of new total condition, small amount of "end shake" when broken open, rock solid closed

Gun 2; NEF Pardner 20 Ga, 20" full choke, camo poly stock, parkerized (or whatever the black bead blasted finish is) finish on the receiver and barrel, fiber optic front bead

the gun is going to be primarily a trap gun/range toy, which would be the better choice?

Since I already have a few 12's, ammo would not be an issue for gun 1, plus the longer barrel is better for trap, nor sure how a mod. choke works for trap or even what the best choke for trap is in the first place..., but I also want to try 20 Ga., and no, "buy both" is not a viable option right now....

 

[Jon_Snow]

I'd take gun 1. Mod is a very popular choke for trap and anything not a 12 gauge is at a disadvantage. I have an H&R single shot that's my back-up/ teaching gun for trap and it's set-up the same way. It's a ton of fun.

 

[oneounceload]

Agreed, if you're shooting trap singles, the 12 is the bore of choice. Whether this gun and its light weight won't leave you a little sore will soon be determined.....make the gun fit and it shouldn't be too bad

 

[Bud Tugly]

I learned the hard way not to shoot heavy loads out of a 12 gauge H&R. I was only 15 or so and thought the heavier the load the more birds I'd get, so I shot nothing but 1 1/4 oz shells. The only thing I got out of it was a flinch.

 

[ccsniper]

I am and always have been a big fan of the little 20's. YMMV

 

[Armored farmer]

12 ga for sure...no question
12 ga reloads can be dialed down to 20 ga recoil levels very easily, or dialed up to max. whatever you need.

 

[Armored farmer]

You stand on the back walk at your trap range(27 yds), shoot 50 birds with a mod choke...then 50 with a full choke(not knowing which is which)....I dare you to tell the difference.

 

[ArmedBear]

I can tell the difference. But I've (accidentally) shot from the 27 with an IC in an old BT-99, and the targets still broke. Harder, really, would be to shoot well from the 27 with something as whippy as an NEF.

 

[Onward Allusion]

12 ga w/28" barrel would be more suited for trap.

 

[Packman]

Agreed, Gun 1. The extra 8 inches of barrel will be helpful in reaching out to touch those little orange birds.

 

[oneounceload]

Barrel length has nothing to do with "reaching out there" - it has everything to do with swing dynamics......nothing more