How viable is this trap/skeet setup?

[Shmackey]

As evidenced in a recent post, I know not a whole lot about skeet guns. I do see that they tend to be longer and more heads-up than they were in the 1980s, though. So I wonder....

Most manufacturers have an "unsingle combo" trap setup with a long single barrel and a shorter O/U barrel--usually something like 34" and 30", respectively. Assuming one doesn't shoot doubles trap, would it work to use the 34" single barrel for trap and then, after adjusting the comb down, to use the 30" O/U barrel for skeet? Considering the length, weight, and heads-up style of dedicated skeet guns, I don't immediately see a lot of negatives to trying this--but I know there must be some.

 

[Hotshot10]

For some people (like my wife), 30" barrels negatively affect the balance of the gun. I would imagine someone with a shorter stature perhaps having some trouble.

That being said, when I started shooting, I used a 26" O/U for skeet. After a few years of that, I bought my own O/U, which has 30" barrels. I was nervous that adding four inches would have a negative effect, but it actually helped. The longer barrels help me to maintain the swing through the shot.

 

[oneounceload]

You could use the 30" barrels for skeet - i use my 32" sporting gun for it on those odd days when I am not shooting sporting. As to adjusting the comb, then you run into constantly readjusting it back and forth - and that usually doesn't bode well as it never seems to go back exactly where it was before. Trap guns shoot high - most skeet shooters like a flat-shooting gun or one with a little high-shooting (60/40 for example). Adjust it to where YOU feel comfortable with it and use it for both.

(And once you get those mastered, slide on down to the dark side at the 5-stand, FITASC, and sporting areas - we have cookies! ))

 

[DaleCooper51]

I agree with 1oz about finding a happy medium. I use a 30" sporting gun for just about everything I shoot. I have to cover the target in trap a bit, but I don't shoot much of it so Im not overly concerned.

If you have the chance definitely shoot some sporting and 5 stand.

Lots of fun.