I shoot mostly Sporting Clays with an occasional round of trap and skeet. My trips to the range have been infrequent and irregular. I've never made a focused effort to improve my shooting in those sports, but this week's dismal performance is encouraging me to practice more and perhaps buy a dedicated clays shotgun. I have 6 shotguns, four 12s and two 20s. I shoot some better than others and I know I can improve my shooting if I have a dedicated clays shotgun and practice with it. What would you guys suggest? I'll appreciate some dialogue around this question.
Sporting Clays and skeet shotgun recommendations?
- Thread starter Sniper66
- Start date
Hugger-4641
Member
What are the 6 that you have, pumps, auto, O/U?
Here's my list followed by the reason I don't plan to use it as a dedicated sporting clays shotgun
Winchester Model 12 12ga (restored beauty that I'm selling)
Benelli Competition 12ga (This would be my preferred gun if I use what I have, but am leaning toward an O/U)
Benelli Legacy 20 ga (Great dove gun and my 2nd choice, but is a 20ga)
Winchester 101 20ga (fixed choke skeet/skeet, not ideal for SC)
Beretta A300 12ga (This is my turkey and coyote gun, which I could and have used to shoot clay birds, but not as good for that as the Benelli)
Browning Superposed Lightening 12ga (This is a recently completely restored shotgun and would require too much alteration for SC. It's too long for me and is fixed choke full/mod, also for sale. I have used this gun a few times on clays and shoot it OK, given the length and weight)
First decision, auto or O/U.
Do you shoot factory shells or want to reload? Gas auto has less recoil with factory shells and swings "different". Some shoot them better than they shoot a O/U. I have never shot a Benelli but suspect it has more recoil than I would like. You can "adjust" the stock on an auto. I shoot a O/U and needed an adjustable comb to really make it fit. I shoot a Beretta SP1 but had to put the adjustable comb on it. A Browning Citori fits just a little bit different. I cannot see getting anything but a Beretta or a Browning in an O/U unless you have a bit more money to spend. If I wanted to shoot an auto I would look hard at the Fabarm.
Do you shoot factory shells or want to reload? Gas auto has less recoil with factory shells and swings "different". Some shoot them better than they shoot a O/U. I have never shot a Benelli but suspect it has more recoil than I would like. You can "adjust" the stock on an auto. I shoot a O/U and needed an adjustable comb to really make it fit. I shoot a Beretta SP1 but had to put the adjustable comb on it. A Browning Citori fits just a little bit different. I cannot see getting anything but a Beretta or a Browning in an O/U unless you have a bit more money to spend. If I wanted to shoot an auto I would look hard at the Fabarm.
If you are serious about shooting clay games, shotgun fit is important.
I shoot mostly skeet and prefer an over/under. When I was shooting competitive skeet in the 1990's, many of the top shooters would use a semi-auto in the 12 gauge event and an O/U in the other gauges.
If you are only a casual shooter, most any good shotgun will serve you well. But, remember, folks even modestly serious shoot ammunition like someone else bought it. This high round count needs a shotgun capable to absorb the use.
Generally, a Browning Citori, Beretta 686, Remington 1100, or Beretta A300/A400 are considered a minimum for reliable competition guns for entry level shooting. There are some others that would fit that niche.
I shoot mostly skeet and prefer an over/under. When I was shooting competitive skeet in the 1990's, many of the top shooters would use a semi-auto in the 12 gauge event and an O/U in the other gauges.
If you are only a casual shooter, most any good shotgun will serve you well. But, remember, folks even modestly serious shoot ammunition like someone else bought it. This high round count needs a shotgun capable to absorb the use.
Generally, a Browning Citori, Beretta 686, Remington 1100, or Beretta A300/A400 are considered a minimum for reliable competition guns for entry level shooting. There are some others that would fit that niche.
Last edited:
Virginian
Member
It's much easier to waste a lot oh money on an O/U, but you will be in with the "in" crowd.
entropy
Member
The 101 is an obvious choice for Skeet. There's nothing wrong with a Superposed F over Mod. for SC, that's what I used last round I shot. You might want to have the stock fitted for you.
The Model 12 if it is Mod. or IC, would work also.
Out of what you have, these would be my suggestions.
If you want a different gun, then as Bill M. says, semi or O/U?
You can buy a a better quality gun with more options in a semiauto for the same or less money than an O/U.
Some suggestions for semi;
Beretta A400 Multitarget
Beretta A400 Parallel
Beretta A400 'Smurf gun', the blue receiver A400's; the are a sort of Jack of all trades master of none, The Multitarget is a Jack and master of all.
The Remington 1100 Competition Synthetic; Comes with every choke except IM, has an adjustable comb, and a recoil device already installed (Rucker Auto Buster) Tames recoil down as good as, if not better than a Beretta with the Kick Off recoil device.
The Model 12 if it is Mod. or IC, would work also.
Out of what you have, these would be my suggestions.
If you want a different gun, then as Bill M. says, semi or O/U?
You can buy a a better quality gun with more options in a semiauto for the same or less money than an O/U.
Some suggestions for semi;
Beretta A400 Multitarget
Beretta A400 Parallel
Beretta A400 'Smurf gun', the blue receiver A400's; the are a sort of Jack of all trades master of none, The Multitarget is a Jack and master of all.
The Remington 1100 Competition Synthetic; Comes with every choke except IM, has an adjustable comb, and a recoil device already installed (Rucker Auto Buster) Tames recoil down as good as, if not better than a Beretta with the Kick Off recoil device.
Griffen
Member
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- Dec 8, 2017
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- 144
For me, my favorite is the Browning 725 sporting Citori. Mine is the 12 ga version and 30” barrels. Right next to it is a Benelli Ethos 20 ga with the nickel receiver beautiful shotgun and I shoot it as well as the Browning. I have a 1983 Remington 1100 that shoots well, also, but I hate cleaning gas guns. Another good one that I wouldn’t buy, but shoots really well is a Beretta A400 (gas gun). Great Gun but gas operated. I have shot a Beretta 686 silver pigeon and it is a really nice one as well. So many choices……
I had a Benelli Super Sport that I really liked, but I prefer wood and blue as opposed to black guns, but that’s just me.
I had a Benelli Super Sport that I really liked, but I prefer wood and blue as opposed to black guns, but that’s just me.
RUT
Member
>>I had a Benelli Super Sport that I really liked, but I prefer wood and blue as opposed to black guns<<
Same here, which is why mine's a Sport ll.
Same here, which is why mine's a Sport ll.
I will only shoot factory loads. I reload lots of rifle calibers and don't want to spend the time reloading shotgun too. This dialogue with your questions leads me to thinking that a semi-auto will be the best idea. Toting around and O/U with two barrels instead of just one with the auto adds weight I can do without. I had a Ruger Red Label that was a beast of weight. Was younger then and l shot it well, but oof!...too much for me now. And equally important.....I grew up shooting my dad's Remington 870 Wingmaster with a 30" full choke barrel. I think that barrel length is now hard-wired into my brain. I tried to get used to 26" barrels for bird hunting in brush, but it just doesn't work for me. Never shot a 32", but maybe..... Ok, I'll go in search of a 30" barrel semiauto, such as the Fabarm. I searched for a local dealer and find that Scheel's is a dealer and is an hour's drive from me. Thanks for the help. Tom
If you're a serious competitor, then you want a good quality O/U. Expect to pay well into 4 figures for a good one. You can easily get into 5 figures.
Most casual shooters choose a quality semi-auto. You can get a good semi for around 1/2 what a comparable quality O/U will cost. Plus you get the benefits of recoil reduction.
Either of the Benelli's or the Beretta would make a decent gun. My advice would be to commit to one of those and get better with what you have. By the time you get good with one of those you'll have a better idea what you want. If anything.
Most casual shooters choose a quality semi-auto. You can get a good semi for around 1/2 what a comparable quality O/U will cost. Plus you get the benefits of recoil reduction.
Either of the Benelli's or the Beretta would make a decent gun. My advice would be to commit to one of those and get better with what you have. By the time you get good with one of those you'll have a better idea what you want. If anything.
Barnfixer
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- Jan 25, 2021
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After using my options from pump, auto and over/under, I’ve found I enjoy my 20 gauge Citori the best. Reasons? Light for carry, shells are smaller and don’t fill pockets as much, don’t have to bend over to pick up spent shells with an over/under, hunting practice - its my bird gun. So my suggestion is a 20ga over/under that fits you best and is not to light.
It's really hard to find a gun that really fits unless it is really expensive. A buddy bought a Kohler and you don't want to know how much he spent. But it fits him perfectly and he shoots good with it. Most of my life I was a one person shotgun. "Beware of the guy who shoots one gun". Truth is with your collection, all those shoot differently and it's hard to remember how to shoot one, one way and then a little different with the next one. I can't remember when I bought a Beretta Urika, 12 gauge, back in the 90s? It was on the sale rack at the club and I shot a turkey shoot with it and beat the owner with his own gun and bought it right then on the spot. Since then, I added a Morgan adj. pad, a Beretta poly sticky comb and a Briley IM ext. chock tube. I do reload. When needed I make spreaders. I've also developed a favorite load that I and my son love to shoot. He has Beretta A390 Ducks Unlimited 12 gauge with a Briley ext. choke too. I just turned 70. I haven't shot trap in almost 5 years. I went out a month ago and shot 23 straight at 16 yards and dropped the last two. 2 birds were low line drives hard lefts from station five on a windy day. I should have had them. Please take this info to heart. You have the gun. Pick just one and play with it until it likes you. Annie Oakley said how she got to be a great shot: Practice, practice, practice.
dh1633pm
Contributing Member
As a newbie to Sporting Clays, I shoot once a month with those I work with. And sometimes, I just can't do that because my work travel schedule is too heavy. I would really like to get better at it, but can't see spending a lot for something I will use little. My scores reflect what I put into it, which means they suck big time. So I am reading this with interest and absorbing what I can. I take whatever shotgun I have or feel like at the time. My best scored round was with my FN SLP with it's 18 barrel. I got laughed at, but I was respectable that day. And I think I know the answer, it's what I have practiced with the most.
When I was shooting competitive skeet in the 1990’s, my 20 gauge averages were higher than my 12 gauge averages. This was in part due to my Citori not swinging the same with tubes (20 ga) versus without tubes (12 ga).
I shot 20 gauge in 12 gauge events as a result.
In the long run, I would have needed to get better with a 12 ga gun. But as a C or D class shooter, I could place well shooting the smaller gauge in the 12 gauge event.
I'm thinking about this model as a possibility.......not a plan yet, just a possibility. Haven't totally given up on an O/U.....decisions, decisions.
https://www.benelliusa.com/shotguns/ethos-supersport
https://www.benelliusa.com/shotguns/ethos-supersport
A 1 ounce load in a 20 gauge is the same as a 1 ounce load in a 12 gauge. Now a 12 gauge can have a little more velocity depending upon the load, but most target loads are in both gauges are in the neighborhood of 1200fps. If that is your "cup of tea", drink up and enjoy the sport.
Seedy Character
Member
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- Sep 6, 2021
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The 3 most important items for precision shooting are:
1. Fit
2. Fit
3. FIT
O/U, SxS, semi-auto or pump are PERSONAL PREFERENCE.
12 or 20 ga is personal preference
$$, $$$, $$$$, $$$$$$ is personal choice.
A gun that does not fit, you will not shoot well and not be fun.
Whether you choose to buy a dedicated SC or use what you have; get it fitted to you. You will be amazed.
1. Fit
2. Fit
3. FIT
O/U, SxS, semi-auto or pump are PERSONAL PREFERENCE.
12 or 20 ga is personal preference
$$, $$$, $$$$, $$$$$$ is personal choice.
A gun that does not fit, you will not shoot well and not be fun.
Whether you choose to buy a dedicated SC or use what you have; get it fitted to you. You will be amazed.
entropy
Member
An excellent choice also!
Griffen
Member
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2017
- Messages
- 144
That is a great choice. I had one and really liked it, but I like wood and blue. If it fits you, this one will not disappoint. As someone said above, the fit is key. The Benelli offers shim adjustment and comb adjust to get the fit correct, if at first you have issues. I will say this: I have bought and sold several shotguns before I realized the problem was me.
GE-Mini-Gun
Member
Take this for what you paid for it. What are you looking to do, get better or just have fun? If better, a gun really isn’t the answer…PRACTICE is what you want, then at some point the gun will come into play. If you are looking to have fun, get whatever blows your skirt up…life’s too short to not shoot what you want. I’ve shot skeet for 35+ years with 5-stand and sporting the last 5. The best guy I have ever shot with ran a set of Remington 870’s (12, 20, 28 and 410), I never seen him miss less than 2 birds per round (skeet) and I cannot count the number of 25’s he ran…guy could shoot. I run a Beretta O/U for two reasons…(1) I’m lazy and do not like picking up my hulls, plus I think its rude to not police your empties – (2) I reload, so out of the gun and into the pouch. Again the gun isn’t your answer if you’re looking to get better…PRACTICE is…
