looking for reccomendations on a shotgun for duck and skeet

[oneounceload]

I would find another club to shoot at if you can't shoot a few rounds with a home defense shotgun.

There is a difference between a gun club and a gun range. The clubs for skeet, trap, sporting clays, etc have rules in place because the short barrel guns have too loud a report - not only a nuisance to other shooters next to you, but in many cases, to neighbors close to the range. Besides short barrel shotguns really suck when trying to swing and hit moving targets - they are much better used on static targets from a basic stationary position

 

[trickyric]

I train tactically with the M4 all the time.
The local places to shoot skeet require a 26 inch barrel.
Also the pistol grip is supposedly a no-no.

 

[jrdolall]

I use a Beretta for duck hunting. Lighter recoil than the Benelli but the Benelli is a fine gun. I bought an A400 this year so now I have that and a 391. Similar but a few chaneges to the 400 and of course I need all new chokes.
For skeet, trap, sporting clays etc I prefer to use an O/U. I see some semis and the occasional pump but the more classic guns tend to be more widely used. Whatever you can afford really.

 

[Deer_Freak]

There is a difference between a gun club and a gun range. The clubs for skeet, trap, sporting clays, etc have rules in place because the short barrel guns have too loud a report - not only a nuisance to other shooters next to you, but in many cases, to neighbors close to the range. Besides short barrel shotguns really suck when trying to swing and hit moving targets - they are much better used on static targets from a basic stationary position

All of those 23's I have shot with my Maverick 88 are flukes? No, I have never shot a perfect round with the 88. The cylinder choke is not enough for the passing shots, but I probably average 20 hits with it. I know I am not that talented. I am one the worst shots of our regular members. I think you should try it before you knock it. You sound like one of those people that say you can't shoot skeet with a pump. Yet, for some reason almost everyone in our club of rednecks has shot perfect rounds with a pump.

 

[oneounceload]

Nope, never said you would be unsuccessful, that wasn't even part of the discussion. Before gas guns, pumps were the only choice available. What WAS part was the length of the barrel, not whether a pump would work. I know a few folks who can work a pump like a semi, and they are very good. So what?
Personally, I prefer my O/U or even my SxS with DT for targets. And since sporting clays has been around, I can count my rounds of skeet on one hand and have fingers left over - try some sporting with your pump - more fun and more challenging. Or, if you really prefer skeet, go shoot a registered tournament - there should be some locally. It adds a new dimension with a little extra pressure......

 

[Deer_Freak]

I do shoot sporting clays with a 20 ga pump. No I don't try the SD shotgun on sporting clays. I have a 28ga citori that I shoot when I reload shells for it. But the 500c is not a handicap by any means. I seldom hunt with a double barrel. Most of my practice should be with a pump since that is what I hunt with.

I have shot my share of skeet tournaments. Like everyone that really got into the game I won some and I lost some. That was 30 years ago. Right now you would have to drag me off the grounds if I shot a tournament.

 

[glock2122]

Beretta Xtrema 2 you will have the best of both worlds.It will shoot anything you will ever want to.Plus if you get into skeet shooting it will handle 7/8oz loads also.I have 2 of them and wouldn't trade them for anything.

 

[frankenstein406]

mossberg 835 pump, its bored out like a 10 gauge and just a great gun.

 

[lekkkk]

870 super mag so that when you're out in the field and you used up all your 2 3/4 and your buddy had 3 1/2 then you could still keep hunting. in terms of clays, i don't get why you'd need another shotgun for it, especially an expensive o/u. i mean if you're honing in your skills with clays then might as well use the same gun because those skills will reflect out in the field when hunting. win/win

 

[jrdolall]

The point about buying a gun chambered fro 3 1/2" shells in duck hunting is valid. On one hunt this year one of the guys in the pit ran out of shells and out of 5 hunters he was he only one with a 3" gun. He was in charge of opening the blind for the last part of the hunt.

 

[jp_over]

I have been offered to participate in both skeet and duck hunting.
While I have done regular training in everything tactical I have never been hunting or shot skeet.
It has been made clear that my Benelli M4 is not going to be allowed at the skeet range or for hunting because it holds too many rounds and it is not long enough.
I would like to buy 1 shotgun for this dual purpose since I may hunt 1-2 times a year and really don't see spending the money twice.
Any advice you can offer would be great help.
Ric

I hunt ducks and shoot skeet. Though I shoot a browning (gold hunter, 3.5 chamber, 26" barrel) I'd recommend handling the big brands (benelli, remington, etc) and see which feels best to you. Note that many of the modern offerings from these folks have an adjustable length of pull if you like the features but don't like the fit.

I use a semi auto but don't frown on the folks who shoot pumps or over/under. I personally like to have the extra shell when hunting ducks and don't enjoy the recoil of a pump. A 28" barrel will do fine for both ducks and skeet but a 26" is a bit loud unless you use an extended choke (I use a terror .675.). Also, a 3.5 inch chamber is a nice option to have so you don't get to second guessing yourself. If 3 inch shells work for you, rock on, but if not, at least you have an option to move up.