Recommend a trap/skeet gun

[JLaw]

I have very little shotgunning experience, what I do have is with my 18.5" 870 used for home defense. I mainly shoot SSR or SSP in IDPA, but am becoming interested in beginning trap or skeet shooting. So I'm looking into something I know little about.

Here's my thoughts...

I don't know which I'd enjoy more, trap or skeet. I am willing to invest a little bit of money in a new shotgun, certainly can't invest big $$$'s in a high quality shotgun, not sure I'd want to either since I'd be a newbie at the sport. I've looked at a few shotguns locally, all entry level. These have been Stoeger 12 ga. over-under, Yildiz 12 ga. over-under, and Maverick 12 ga. pump with 26" (??) barrell. I know none of these are very high quality guns that will last many tens of thousands of rounds, but that's not what I'm looking for at this time. Which of these guns (or feel free to recommend another in the same price range) would offer me the ability to participate in, and learn how to shoot, trap and skeet?

Thanks,

JLaw

 

[kentucky_smith]

The Yildiz comes closest to what you want. Highly recommended.
Don't forget the other fees:
100 rounds of trap: $20 ammo/$20 fees.
Gas to get there

 

[Jim Watson]

Trapandskeet is not all one word, it is not all one game, and they are best shot with somewhat specialized guns.

A 28 or 30 inch modified or full choke barrel for your 870 would get you started in Trap at the lowest cost. A recoil pad and a cheek pad would help.

I am not familiar with a Yildiz shotgun. In general, I would prefer a gas operated auto to a cheap o/u for Skeet. Choke will be skeet or improved cylinder.

I think you would do better by starting in Skeet. I shot Trap for a long time and Skeet is still a challenge to me. Skeet shooters seem to pick up Trap easier than vice versa.

 

[huckster]

I've seen trap and skeet shot with just about every kind of shotgun imaginable. Both sports are doable even with an 18 inch side by side coach gun with external hammers. So if you just want to try them out, use your current shotgun.

I've seen guys shoot both doubles trap and skeet with a pump shotgun. It doesn't look like a handicap for the folks that are practiced at it.

On the other hand, if you really do want a specialized gun for the games, I'd suggest either a 12g over and under or an auto. Having said that, guns set up specifically for either trap or skeet (or even 5-stand or sporting clays) are usually very different animals. Trap guns tend to be higher shooting (because the targets are rising as presented) and tend to be longer (mainly because the ranges in trap are usually longer than in the other games). Skeet and sporting guns are generally shorter (for quicker movement) and slightly flatter shooting.

That's not to say you can't play all four games with a single shotgun... just that you'll see a lot of specialization out on the range.

Having said all that. I'd say the yildiz you mention is probably one of the two best budget O/Us out there. If you can, check out a Lanber - they are also pretty highly reviewed.

If you want to look at an autoloader I'd probably look at a Remington 1100 or a Berretta 391.

If you decide you just want to shoot singles trap then you might want to look at a used Browning BT99 single barrel. Of course, if you're willing to look used you can sometimes find a very good buy on a Browning 525/Citori O/U in the $900 to $1200 range.

 

[Dave McCracken]

If you use your 870 or get another with a longer, Remchoked barrel you'll improve your handling of your defensive shotgun. Practice with one is practice with all.

Trap and Skeet doubles with a pump really aid gaining proficiency of handling your shotgun well and fast.

 

[ArmedBear]

A 28 or 30 inch modified or full choke barrel for your 870 would get you started in Trap at the lowest cost. A recoil pad and a cheek pad would help.

Yeah. I shot Trap with a 30" Wingmaster on Saturday, and it shot about as well as anything I've owned or used. My 28" Express does well, too. Never shot any better with a BT-99.

Skeet is probably best shot with an O/U, but you can start out with the 870. 870s balance as well as most anything out there, regardless of prices.

Some serious Skeet shooters can and do use their bird guns for skeet. Serious Trap shooters, however, tend to have specialized guns that are useless for anything else. Don't get caught up in that BS unless you want to be. A regular 28" 870 will do fine.

 

[JLaw]

Hmmm, okay. Sure does sound like you can get caught up in specialized guns for each if you choose to. I don't think I need to since I'll be new at it. Suppose I'll spend a little money on a recoil pad and a cheek pad, any recommendations? Very true about using my 870 to become more proficient with it, guess I'll invest the money in a choke and lots of ammo instead.

Thanks for the advice.

JLaw

 

[ILLINI]

How about a nice used Remington 1100 semi-auto with Remchoke tubes? A semi auto makes skeet a lot easier. If you decide to go with the 870 then you should consider a Limbsaver recoil pad-- they make a world of difference...Illini

 

[RKellogg]

You don't want to buy anything cheap for shooting either one , take my word for it . I bought a Silver Reserve to shoot skeet with and it lasted about 10 rounds . When you start shooting 100 - 200 rounds a weekend ( and you will ) a cheap gun isn't the way to go . And that is just for starters . There are guys are our club that do that a day .