which one for trap/clay games

[JO JO]

my budget is $600 I know to stay away from o/u in that price range so I am
thinking pump or semi, i like the 870 express sportsman 2 beeds new $389 , also local shop has 11 87 sportsman on sell for $499 also thinking of 1100 rem to. would like to buy new if possible any opinions help thanks
will use for trap and doubles also a range gun have also thought about mossberg 930

 

[bejay]

you will probably want a semi auto would just go look at several and get the one you preffer im sure any you mentioned should do fine.
pumps are decent but not as well suited for any sport that requires alot of shooting so do your shoulder a favor and get a semi.

 

[BYJO4]

I also recommend getting a semi over a pump. If you shoot any games that require a second shot, your score will be better with the semi. Very few people can shoot the second round with a pump as quick or accurately as they can with a semi. The Remington 1100 is an excellent choice and nice used ones can be found at decent prices.

 

[vaherder]

Beretta 3901

For clay games the Beretta is better gun the 1187 and 1100. More reliable too.
Thats new shotguns not used ones.

 

[Snarlingiron]

Beretta 3901

Yep, that would be my choice too for your budget. Totally reliable, adjustable stock so it can be made to fit most people of average proportions, will probably outlast you with some minimal maintenance. Well proven design that has been around for many years, and finally, it is made in the USA.

 

[Dave McCracken]

The 3901 is one of the best options, but don't buy anything yet. A polite newbie at most ranges will get tons of advice ( some of it excellent) and some shotguns to try.

Think of it at a series of blind dates. Eventually, you'll find the right one and meanwhile, you'll have fun and get better at the game....

 

[Red Cent]

All the above will work for skeet and SC. You are going to struggle for a while with them shooting trap

 

[451 Detonics]

For trap a pump is fine but when shooting doubles in skeet, doubles trap, or sporting clays pumping the action makes smooth swinging much harder than it would be with a semi auto. Yes you can learn to do it but a semi-auto will do the job much easier.

 

[JO JO]

looks like the semi auto is the way to go, now to pick remington 1100 /11-87 or the
Beretta 3901 any one with experence to compare these, as far as function and quilty ?
I will need need to feel how these fit me at local store first
thanks for all advice

 

[vaherder]

3901 vs 1100 and 11/-87

First let me say I am comparing a current model new Remington 1100s and 11-87 and not 20 or 30yo Remington's. The Beretta 3901 is a better built gun with superior QC. The 3901 is slightly better balanced in my opinion then the two Remington's and the trigger is superior. The 3901 doesn't have the O ring issue and i find it easier to clean. The 930 should also be considered since it is better built then the Remington.

If you compare the 3901 to the 1100 you can feel the superior workmanship. A Remington 1100 from 20 years ago was probably equal in workmanship and QC. However this is not the case today.

The 3901 can also be adjusted to fit you easier then the Remington.

i considered all three and purchases a 930. I am now happy Maxus owner although the 930 still gets a work out a couple times a month.

 

[451 Detonics]

Tom Knapp? Who is he....oh yea...he's the Herb Parson's wannbe...

As a general rule a 28 inch O/U is very feasible for all clays games. What is important is finding one that fits you well. Go to clays fields and talk to shooters, most will happily show you their guns and help explain fit . Some may even offer to let you shoot theirs.

Semi-autos do well also, I have shot 1000's of rounds of skeet and sporting clays with my 1100 and done extremely well. They are a bit tough if you plan on reloading tho...most clays courses have a rule that if the hull hits the ground it belongs to them. The reason is it slows down the rest of the shooters who have to wait for you to pick up your hulls. And when the round ends you will have another squad waiting...can't pick them up then either.

Of course with a semi yo do have some great options. It is easy to change barrel lengths going from 26 for skeet to 28 for sporting clays and a 32 for trap. You can also add a mag tube extension if you do want to play like Herb Parsons.

 

[Daniel.woodall]

Very interesting topic. I am in the same position, looking for a good shotgun for clay. If the same question was posted with a budget of upto $1200 what would I be looking for? Do the twin barrelled give any better options over a pump?

 

[451 Detonics]

Pumps are going to interrupt your swing unless you plan on spending a ton of time practicing. Even then when shooting doubles having to rack the action tend to slow the swing and pull the shotgun down.

Any gun you use for live game will work well for skeet and sporting clays. Trap is where you see one major difference. In trap you are always shooting at a rising target moving away from you. Most trap shooters prefer a target that shoot a full pattern high. This means if you pull the trigger when the clay is on top of the bead it will fly up into the pattern by the time the shot gets there. Skeet guns tend to shoot flat as do most shotguns which is why so many have problems with rising targets in sporting clays.

I recently bought a beautiful Valmet 412 foe a very low price...all you have to do is keep your eyes open, often good deals can be found at you local clubs. You might also look for a shotgun dealer near you like Jaqua's in Ohio...they are a gunshop that concentrates on shotguns for clays.

 

[mgkdrgn]

The 1100 would be a fine choice, and many nice used ones can be had in your price range. Just make sure it accepts choke tubes.

The 870 is also another fine choice ... but will make those doubles a bit more of a challenge! Lot more of them around, can be had cheaper, and again you want a barrel that will accept choke tubes.

I use to shoot in a trap/skeet league ... and all I had at the time was an 870 with a plain bead sight modified choke barrel. Was not the -perfect- gun for either Trap or Skeet. But, the trophies on the wall behind me don't seem to know the difference. ;-)