Shotgun Advice

[MakAttak]

I am a new Sporting Clays shooter. Last week I picked up a shotgun for the first time in over twelve years and discovered I have a real talent for it.

As such, I hope to develop that talent. Now, I plan to take some training if I can find it and begin practicing at a local clay course, but I have a problem.

Currently, I have two shotguns: Winchester 1897's that were my grandmother's and her brother's (from ~1920). I REALLY would prefer not to shoot those. I plan on saving up to purchase a nice Over-Under (I shot a Caesar Guerini and just loved it) but, for now, I need something with which to practice.

I would appreciate some advice from those with far more experience than myself:

Should I just purchase an 870 (as I have read a great deal of good reviews for it) in order to practice or are there better inexpensive shotguns for my purpose?

(I have perused the "Inexpensive Over-Under" thread already and seen the responses for that category, I would appreciate any other ideas people may have.)

 

[redneck2]

Depending on what your current budget is, you might consider getting something O/U that's used. I suspect you could get an SKB (what I have) in the $1,100-$1,300 range. When you're ready to move up, you'll get most or all your money back if it was a good deal.

Other alternative is an auto. Again, get a good deal on a used one and you'll get your money back. That's probably what I'd do in your situation.

I tried using an 870. My scores went from 40-50's to 70-80's when I went to a O/U. The guys that tell you an 870 is just as good as an O/U spend too much time typing and not enough shooting.

 

[Dave McCracken]

I have to admit I like the idea of shooting SC with a 97, but I've been called anachronistic more than once.

An 870 is a good answer to most shotgun questions but not the only one.

A suggestion. Hang out at the range and try some different shotguns. Get whatever feels best.

Bruce Buck, the Shotgun Technoid, has a different idea. Sayeth the noid....

Get a gas gun like a Beretta 391.

Get it fitting you.

Shoot it for a year.

Then pick your forever gun.....

 

[rcmodel]

Get a gas gun like a Beretta 391.
Get it fitting you.
Shoot it for a year.
Then pick your forever gun.....

Now that right there is awful good advice!

I'd pay attention to it!

I know for a fact as I get older, the better gas-guns feel to the poor old shoulder bones after a few rounds of clays!

rcmodel

 

[throdgrain]

Get the gun that fits you, it could also be said. I shoot sporting clays all the time, week in week out. You could do it with a 870, hell I intend to soon if mine ever turns up, but pairs will be a bit of a task.

However you'll do a lot better with an 870 that shoots where you want it to than with a DT10 that points in the wrong direction! Try a few, get the one you like checked for fit, and away you go

 

[Jason M]

There are always two schools of thought here: expensive and inexpensive. Baikal (currently "Spartan" under Remington) shotguns can be had for $359 at Wal_Mart and they are a semi-automatic Remington 1100 copy of sorts. I'ce also seen some nice plain Beretta 391's at Wal-Mart for about $539 (synthetic stocks).

Last year I found a 33 year old Beretta AL-2 for $250 in a gun shop. She has a 30" barrel and a fixed full choke and she shoots like a dream. Hands down, my favorite shotgun in my collection.

You simply need to decide if you are on a Superposed budget or a Spartan budget at the moment and go from there. If your intention is to become a regular clay shooter or even compete, I would suggest a fitted O/U with a delicious selection of Briley or TruChoke tubes on hand.

But, keep in mind that price doesn't break clay, either. I have shot my Traditions (Fausti) O/U that cost me $450 against a $12,000 Kriegoff and he only broke more because he's been shooting for 40 years. I broke about 80% compared to him. Technique is key.

It is a great sport and I wish you good luck!

-Jason

 

[Capstick1]

The Beretta AL390 is also an excellent shotgun. I've probably put over 1500 rds through mine, haven't cleaned it and this thing still rocks jamfree. It's been shot through countless rounds of trap and skeet.