Sporting Clays and a Shotgun

[Bobson]

A while back, I set a goal for myself with the reward being a new Colt LE6920. I'm closing in on that goal now, but I'm thinking of dropping that money (plus a bit more) on a Browning Citori instead. The thing is, I don't know if its what I'm looking for (and/or necessary). Here's some backstory...

My brother and I went and shot clays about a week ago. It was, for all intents and purposes (I dabbled with backyard clays as a teen, about 12-13 years ago), both of our first time shooting them. We used his Benelli Supernova. My only shotgun is a Maverick 88 (which is what I used on clays in my teens), but its not in my personal possession currently. At the range, it was recommended by staff that we stick to the "sporting clays" stations on our first visit, rather than skeet or trap, because the sporting clays range would give us a variety of both types, and add in the ground rolling clays as well. I really enjoyed it, to the point that my interest in other types of shooting has all but dissipated for the time being. So I need to either get my shotgun, or get a new shotgun, which is where the Citori comes in.

The thing is, I don't really understand the benefit of using an O/U shotgun on clays. The Supernova pump we used worked fine, as far as I could tell. We each scored around 50% hits, which we took to be more a reflection of our inexperience than the shotgun's fault. All the same though, I like the idea of having a dedicated gun suited to the purpose; and everywhere I look, people are saying, "stick to the 'B' shotguns and you're good to go." So I looked to the Citori, which I'm led to believe is Browning's entry O/U.

So I don't really have a specific question, because I'm not exactly sure what to ask. Is the Citori an exception to Browning's otherwise quality shotguns? Is it something I should look into more seriously? Or is the benefit insignificant at this point, and I'd be just as well off sticking with a pump shotgun on clays? Or something I may have not even thought to ask... just looking for some direction here. Thanks folks.

 

[Virginian]

A semi automatic or a two barreled gun is generally preferred because you do not have to pump, but a pump will certainly work for Sporting Clays. IF you are going to get serious about it, I would not be set on getting the be-all end-all gun to start with, because your tastes may well change as you gain experience. And, you need enough experience to know if a gun fits, because changing fit on an O/U can get expensive fast. Finally, with a new gun you take a depreciation hit as soon as you fill out the paperwork.
I would get a good name brand USED semi auto, and if you take care of it you won't lose a dime down the road if and when you decide you want to change.
O/Us are the "in" guns these days, but I personally do not like them. I have never felt handicapped in the least by shooting a semi.

 

[oneounceload]

I am at my State's Sporting Championship as I write this
The only pumps here are used for the pump gun side event
In the Main event, O/Us rule and semis are in distant second
I shoot the cheapest gun on my squad, a Browning Gti, but my scores are typically higher
The over under gives you the choice of using two different choke if need be. It also means a nice smooth swing on the target path, something that is hard to do well with a pump, but not impossible

 

[PJR]

The main benefits of using an o/u are the ability to have two different chokes for a varied presentation, more durable and reliable than a semi-automatic, less dependent on ammunition and, if you reload, not having to chase your hulls.

Pump guns are fun. I typically shoot an o/u or semi if I'm serious about breaking clays. Taking the pump out is a good way to relax and keep me in tune with pumping between shots.

The Citori is a good gun so are the Berettas. They are proven designs and models that have withstood the test of time. But in the meantime why not stick with your pump for now and try some different types of o/u if you get the chance.

 

[Old Unc']

I would be more than happy to show you how well you can do with a Browning Citori target gun live and in person! There is NO COMPARASON with any pump shotgun! Come to think of it, there's not much comparason to other O/U's either...

 

[Hotshot10]

Having to pump in between shots (with skeet and sporting clays) can be a real disadvantage, especially if you're not used to shooting a lot of clays.

On the skeet range earlier this week, I used my pump instead of my O/U. I usually break every pair of doubles; this time, I only broke one pair on the first round. It's definitely more of a challenge, but whether you want that or not is up to you.

The over under gives you the choice of using two different choke if need be.

If you're planning to keep shooting sporting clays -- which is more habit-forming than morning coffee -- oneounce is right. You often want a tighter pattern for one shot and a more spread out one for the other.

By the way, the Browning Citori is a fine gun.

 

[MarcoPolo]

I have a Citori I shoot skeet and trap with. It is a great gun with feel and reliability. For the amount I shoot clay’s I wish I would have gone with a semi. The price would have been half of my Citori. The O/U advantage is the ability to have two chokes. A semi-automatic will do just as good and once you find you are addicted to clay’s then you can look for a good O/U.