Skeet/Sporting Bbls?

[Fly'nBuff]

Howdy all,

I've been introduced to the "joys" of clay shooting recently and am looking at investing in a new shotgun. I've shot a number of different sporting guns (Citori, Cynergy, Benelli SS, etc...), but I think I am zeroing in on a used O/U (read: I'm on a budget). A Ruger Red Label, perhaps a Citori, are the front runners as of yet. My question for the forum is what barrel length is best suited for skeet and sporting clays. I've been led to believe that an open 26'' is great for skeet and a longer, say 32'' bbl, is better for sporting clays and five stand. I'm a beginner and I want to play as many different games as possible with one gun while still being able to "be competitive" and grow into the gun. Is a 30'' a good compromise? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks-
FnB

 

[esheato]

Years ago the shorter lengths were popular. Current trends fall towards the longer barrels (32 and 34"), especially for sporting clays.

One gun for skeet and sporting is easily accomplished. Trap can be a bit different in gun fit and stock requirements.

Velocity with the longer barrels really isn't a concern as the gains aren't much. The big thing would probably be gun swing...how it feels to you. Do you like a fast gun (short barrel)? Or do you like a smoother swing (longer barrel)? As with any shotgun sport, gun fit is paramount so take your time to find one that feels right...even if it costs more. Your scores will reflect the difference between a poorly fit gun and properly fit gun.

The only other thing is to ensure you get screw-in chokes to maximize the games you can play. Porting, while cool looking, is subjective. Some like it, some don't. Without a doubt it increases the report though.

If I may provide some gun suggestions...O/Us tend not to break often. There's not a whole lot to go wrong. You can get a nice used O/U for the price of a new auto these days. I'd recommend a Ruger, Browning or Beretta two barrel gun. .

Ed

 

[HSMITH]

Ed is spot on with his advice.

I shot a LOT of skeet with 30" and 32" barrels, and shot skeet well. They won't hold you back at all. Trap and Sporting are easier with longer tubes for most if not all shooters.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Shorter barrels used to be chosen because they were lighter, not because the shorter length had any intrinsic advantage.

Technology has marched on. Now, longer barrels of the same weight are both possible and common.

An all around clays o/u would probably have 30-32" barrels these days.

 

[RUT]

30" is a good compromise.

 

[hoghunting]

I agree, 30" or 32" will be just fine. A Red Label will be even better.

 

[Fly'nBuff]

Cool, thanks for the advice. I think that a 30'' O/U is going to be the gun for me. As far as which shotgun, I'm going to keep looking. I've been impressed with the ones I've handled, but I want to look under as many rocks as possible. The Ruger Red Label is really calling out to me, but I'd like to handle/shoot one first. I'll check my local sporting club. Thanks again for all the responses. I'll let y'all know what and when I buy.

FnB

 

[PJR]

Try every gun that you can. The Ruger Red Label is a good looking gun but until you put one in your hands you don't know if it will work for you. Try the Brownings, Berettas whatever you can convince someone to let you try.

I shoot a couple of 32" o/u and a 30" semi for sporting clays. I like the longer guns and don't feel they are a handicap on close targets.

 

[mswestfall]

If you go with a two bbl. set, I'd be sure to try out both bbl's before buying.

I would agree with the 30" suggestion too.

Borrowing is cheep.

 

[SShooterZ]

If you go with the Ruger I think 30" barrels are your only choice. Good gun though. I have one in 20 gauge and I like it alot.

Take a look at the Brownings, Berettas and even SKB/Weatherby. All good guns. I would also shoulder and if possible, fire each one. A gun that recoils too much will be no fun to shoot.