Hey, all. I was thinking of getting involved in casual trap shooting -- like the local rod & gun clubs' Sunday morning open trap, not into a league or anything. Problem is my only shotgun is a 16-gauge bolt-action I use as a beater field gun, which let's just say is less than ideal. I want to go, but I have this "the other kids will pick on me" feeling showing up with the shotgun equivalent of Dollar General sneakers amid the Air Jordans that are $3,000 trap guns, so I guess I'm in the market for a 12 gauge that doesn't suck.

I've been on the prowl locally, but I'm not seeing any used trap guns on the racks, but I've been seeing a lot of reasonably priced classic 12 gauge field grade pumps (Winchester 1897/12, Ithaca 37), and I figured I'd rather have one of those than a $200 Walmart plastic Chinese gun. Could I just show up with any quality field grade pump with a full choke and be OK for a few sessions, and get something fancy if I find out I want to get serious?

I started with a Remington express 870 pump gun. I’d reccomend a mod choke for the 16 yard line to start with (buy a gun with choke tubes)

Your best bet would be a used Remington 870 or 1100. You can get a lot of spare parts for these and if you decide you like trap you can put on a trap stock and you are good to go.
The 1100 has a lot less felt recoil and would be my choice. The Winchesters you mention are very nice machinery but a lot harder to make into a trap gun and the Ithaca 37 while a great hunter will be too light for long strings of shooting and give you lots of kick and also is more cumbersome to load one shot at a time which is what you do on the trap line.

Good advise posted but you only need one (1) shot in Trap.......

so if you are good with that old bolt action and just want some fun, go for it.

If you want to try the other games, you will need two shells, however.

A great sport for some fun, for sure.

The M37 is really a bunch of trouble to shoot as a single. The gun has to be open between shots on a trap field. The bolt has to be closed to load a shell then rack it to load the barrel and this will annoy other shooters on the line. With a M870 the barrel can be loaded with the bolt open. There is a rhythm on a Trap field. Drop in a shell, close the gun, shoot and eject shell. Larry

The Rem 1100 would be my choice between the two. Clays shooting is about birds, and whether you are shooting trap, skeet, 5-stand or a sporting clays course, getting off a second shot quickly is the key. A double or a semiauto are the best choices for a quick second shot; you can do it with a pump, but it takes practice when both birds are coming in different directions (a skeet double, etc). Racking the magazine moves your POA a little, and it takes practice to keep the follow-through swing going as you reload.

There are some nicely made Turkish shotguns out there now, for not a lot of money. CZ-USA markets the Huglu; I have a side-by-side of theirs and it is a quality shotgun. Of course, there are tons of used guns and a pawn shop will usually have a good selection of shotguns at reasonable prices.

Most clays shooters have gravitated to over-under guns if they want a double, but I was raised on side-by-sides and that's what I still use. I'm a "for the fun of it" clays shooter, my only competitive streak is to be better than I was the last time out.

Here's my two clays guns; one is a 55 year-old Savage Fox Model B 12 gauge, the other is a two-year-old Huglu Hammer Classic, and it's no more difficult to shoot an exposed hammer shotgun than one that cocks when you break it open. The Fox has fixed chokes, mod(R) and full(L), the Huglu has screw-ins and is Cylinder(R) and Mod Cylinder(L)

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An 870 is an acceptable starter gun at local trap shoots. A wood stocked Wingmaster won't get a second look. Even a plastic stocked Express is OK.
A modified choke is best for beginners. You won't dust as many birds but you'll break a few more.

A 34" BT99 works for this family.
An 870 can break 25 as well.
Have a top gun teach you the foot positions for each station and other things that will help.

When our 870 went to Colorado I bought an 870 Super Mag.
Nice to break one and then break a big piece.
Full and XFull Briley extended chokes are used once I got the basics down.
Let them fly.

I usually shoot alone and the staff is accommodating for the regular shooters.
Then there is Wobbles fun.

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Have Fun/Stay Safe

Lots of good advice above regarding the 870 Remington with interchangeable chokes. I personally use a Winchester Model 12 in 12 gauge.

Your bolt 16 gauge will work fine, but... Unless you reload, you'll find that 16-gauge shells are frightfully expensive and largely unavailable right now. That being the case, a 12 gauge will be your best choice for trap shooting using 7 1/2 shot field load for the best economy and thus allowing for more bang for the buck on the range.

Once you get hooked, you'll find that reloading will become a useful addition to your trap hobby.

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Keep your powder dry.

Every trap club I have ever been affiliated with has at least a couple of seasoned shooters who would be willing to let you try out one of their older guns to see what you might like. If you find one that suits you, see if it might be for sale, or find a similar one. Unless you are really strapped, go with a decent quality gun, used if possible. If you develop a real nterest, you will soon graduate to something you like better. I have a host of friends who started on weekend breakfast shoots, then leagues, and finally registered shoots.

The gun you choose should be reliable--there is no better starter than an 870. You could shoot one (or several over a career, they are durable, and highly repairable, but don't last forever) but if you are cut out to be a trap shooter, you will get the itch to trade long before you could wear it out.

One caution if you decide to eventually buy a high end used trap gun. Trapshooters are notorious for altering their guns to get that extra bird or two out of 100 and a lot of alterations can de-value the gun. Altering the stocks is one thing since they can be replaced easiest but altering the metal of the gun like chokes, forcing cones, porting etc, are not reversible and not necessarily good. Make sure you have that expensive used trap gun checked out by a reputable gunsmith to be sure it is in original condition, otherwise buy a new one. Trap is very addictive and you may find yourself doing this way sooner than you think.

Many good shooters started with the Remington 870; with choke tubes they are extremely versatile. An advantage to buying an 1100, 11-87, or another semi auto is if you want to shoot skeet or sporting clays you are set. If you decide to get more serious later on the Browning BT99 is an excellent place to start, I shot my first 100 and 200 straight with a 34" full choked version. But above all, have fun.

The Rem 1100 is a great shotgun, but right now I would stay away from buying one only because parts are beginning to be very difficult to get. Those that are around are being sold at crazy prices in most instances.

Common 1100 parts that were always available are now valuable rare items when you go to buy them it seems.
Retailers have gotten the word, Remington hasn't made any spares for the gun since suspending production of it. No one seems to have a grasp on wether they ever will or not.

If you go the Midwest Gunworks website,,parts for Rem 1100
28 pages of Model 1100 parts..
The first 10 pages are accessory parts. Choke tubes, sling swivels, recoil pads, different sight beads, etc. That stuff they have
Pages 10 thru 28 are the real 1100 parts
All Sold Out. Every one.

If I were getting into the trap game again, I’d opt for an 870 Classic Trap.

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Some Might Say.

Lot's of good info here. I always tell a new trap shooter to get the gun that fits You the best.Try several. Pick it up and shpulder it and drop Your head. If You are looking off to the side of the barrel, or the middle of the barrel, move on. Remingtons and Model 12 Winchesters seem to be easy fits for lots. Remember, if You use a field gun it shoots straight on. In other words cover the target. Trap guns usually shoot high and You see the bird clearly. Kind of like using a 6 o'clock hold. Whatever You end up with, You are in for some fun.

Even an old 12 ga H&R single shot will work fine for Trap, although it may kick a bit since it is a light weight gun.

Any decent pump gun will be fine too, except the bottom ejection guns since it is harder to load a single shell (Ithaca and Browning BPS).

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My sgntr is mor thn 30 chrctrs

I too think an 870 would be more than fine for trap.
One of the best trap shooters I know shoots one on occasion just to humble the high-dollar guys a little. He has no trouble breaking 25 straight with it.
Semi-auto’s on a trap range need to have a shell catcher so the shooter on the next station is not getting hit with your empty’s. It is considered good etiquette.
As many have said it is a lot of fun and quite addictive. Like a lot of the shooting games it can be as cheap or expensive as you want it to be.
Have fun and just enjoy getting better each time.

If I were to be getting into trap I’d be looking for a modern semiautomatic 12 gauge. The modern semiautos are much more reliable, lighter weight, softer shooting, have removable chokes and most often come with shims. Those guys with their $3000 over/under shotguns won’t be laughing when you bust just as many clays without a sore shoulder and aren’t tired from lugging around a heavy over/under. The models I’d be looking at are the:

Winchester SX4 3”
Franchi Affinity 3”
Beretta A300 Ultima

For a little less money you can get into the Stoeger M3000 or Tristar Viper.

For a little more money you can get a Browning Maxus 3”, Benelli M2, or Beretta A400 3”.

It took me a while to get used to shooting an auto loader from my many years with a pump but I can say with certainty that my accuracy while bird hunting has become significantly better.

I started in my 20's with a used 870 wingmaster full choke that I could not afford. Got some scoffs and looks from the old guys shooting Benelli's and Perazzi's. I loaded light 1 oz to save money on lead. When I busted 24 or 25 some would come over and ask what I was shooting, then they would walk back to their guns and try and figure out what was wrong with theirs. Others would just offer advice or shake their heads. Kind of fun. One time I took my grandfather's OC choke over-under bird gun. Couldn't hit anything. My father said told you that was a bad idea.

Lots of good advice here. I used an 870 Wingmaster for trap for years; a good, reliable gun. So I say, yes, show up with a decent 12 GA with interchangeable chokes, and have fun. My club has some shooters with higher end shotguns, but I've never known anyone to look down on what someone else was using, so maybe try your 16 GA the first time and see what happens...

[QUOTE=drumminor2nd;141469873 Could I just show up with any quality field grade pump with a full choke and be OK for a few sessions, and get something fancy if I find out I want to get serious?[/QUOTE]

I think that is a good idea.
I think what is most important is to learn the rules and etiquette before you get on the firing line. Practice loading the gun and simulate shooting at home instead of fumbling and breaking the rhythm on the firing line.
I can't remember anyone making fun of someone because their gun was less expensive than someone else. I can remember many times when people get annoyed at a beginner because they didn't follow rules and etiquette and had guns that would not work properly. Larry

If you go with a semi auto like an 1100 or 11-87 don't forget a shell catcher. Bouncing shells off the guy to the right of you will not be proper form.

PS: I would go with a semi auto. Less recoil and more flexible for other games.

Another vote for the Remington 1100. I use one with 30 inch barrel for Trap myself. However you might consider the new Rem.870 Fieldmaster just out now this year. Walnut stock with 28 inch barrel with screw in chokes. Seen them going for $519 lately. Got my eye on them myself.

Be careful, you don’t know just how far you can go down that rabbit hole…
There is no bottom to it. Way back when, I started the clay target games with a left-handed Remington 870 TB. It would break clays like they didn’t belong in the sky!

Over the years I located several 3” model 12’s and had Wrights gunsmithing turn them into trap guns for me. They worked well, smoked targets with his choke work etc. He didn’t kill you with prices either, but idk if he’s still alive.

Ended up with an American made trap combo, un single and o/u combo. Two or three wood stocks, pfs stock. 4-barrel sub gauge set and tubes for skeet and sporting clays. Pull AND release triggers, it was a $20,000. 00. Total.

Any Model 12, or early 870 field gun and you can get started “casually”!

Enjoy whatever you choose, but beware the rabbit hole.

Regards, Rick Gibbs

I started with a Remington 870 as well. I was never competitive to the "top guns" but slowly improved and had a lot of fun and met new friends. I eventually bought a Berretta Silver Pigeon over under and I really like it, but the pump was fun too. Whatever gun you choose, including your own bolt action, just go.

My brother has shot Sporting Clays with me since 1996, about 8 years ago, he decided to become a Trap shooter. So he bought a $1500 single barrel SKB trap gun and "out grew" it in a few months. It became a constant arms race to acquire a better gun! Trade in and selling some guns allowed him to raise his scores. But after 8 years and several thousand round and several thousand dollars, he isn't any better that when he started shooting trap! I'm not sure what you call fun, but you get sucked in to paying pretty good money for "Fun"

Ivan

A lot of people spend tons of $$$ on their trap shotguns, which is fine
but I do love to use my old Stevens Mod 311 SxS 20 Ga, and match or beat their scores
and see the looks on their face, when the smoke settles.

I cut my teeth on that weapon when I was a teenage and only have around
58 years of learning how to shoot it, plus a little stock work and stuff.

If it goes "Bang" there is a good chance that the clay might break, with
all those pellets in the air, coming at it.

You most certainly can show up with a good field grade pump 12 gauge and you can keep using it for a long time. I bought a used Remington 870 back in 1966 for the princely sum of $40. It was a field gun, but it became my trap gun for decades because my arms are an inch shorter than average and the field gun turned out to be perfect for trap for me.

To show the capabilities of this gun, I harken back to a club turkey shoot based on 5 shots on the trap range. One fellow and I were tied and so the club decided on having sudden death shootoffs at increasing distances for the tiebreaker. Each of us got to shoot at 1 bird at 22 yards (or something like that) and then 27 yards, the last step on the trap range. We were both still tied. So we were placed back at the control box, which was probably 30 yards or so behind the trap house. The other fellow called for his bird. He shot and missed. Then I called for my bird and fired. We all watched my bird keep going farther and farther out for what seemed like a long time, and then it turned to powder. As a kid with an old field gun, I felt pretty good.

I still have the gun.

Thanks, all. I sat this one out to soak up the knowledge. I've only ever shot at flying clay pigeons once (at a church event I stumbled upon for work years ago), and they handed me an 1897 trench gun as a gag. Hurt like hell, but I busted a few. So my experience is very limited.

Looks like a Remington 1100 or 870 (the new Fieldmaster is getting some good better-than-Express reviews. Just got home from the LGS and handled one -- it's no Wingmaster, but it sure ain't a Walmart special Express) would be good choices to start with. I kinda like the idea of something with a 3" chamber so I can help a bit with the Canada goose population in September -- they're evil, but crunchy and taste good with ketchup. The Winchester SX4 also looks promising.

I have been involved in the scouting ranks for years. Camps and troops. We normally will have a troop shoot once or twice a year. I have been using my sons Stoeger 20 gauge over and under. I am decent with it. Not great but decent. I have went thru the Shotgun instructor course with a friend of mine from scouts. They use Benelli Montefeltro's for the kids at camp. I have shot one and they are awesome. I recently purchased a used one and didnt break much of the bank. I have spent more on this gun than I had hoped BUT if you ever shoot one then you will understand. The difference is in the recoil. The lower cost guns are good BUT if you spend a little more it does make a difference. I am not talking the 20-30 thousand range but in the 1200-1500 range. Just a little knowledge from a tightwad when it comes to guns.

I'm one that started with a 870, mod choke. after about a year it was traded for a SKB O/U which I shot for several years, but traded for a Remington O/U that I didn't really like, and it went in trade for a Browning Special Sporting Clays O/U (that I still have) and it worked for a couple more years, then I went for a Browning BT99+ 32" with all the bells and whistles. I still shoot it, and the Sporting Clays mod is my Skeet gun and I like it so much I bought a 20 Gauge the same.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Trap shooting is interesting, you see all kinds of guns and people. Some guns are pretty expensive, some are not. It is all about what you can afford. I have seen guys hit 25 straight with a 870, or model 12. I think the most popular trap gun out there is the Browining BT99, with a 34in barrel. I own quite a few trap guns. But I keep coming back to the BT99+, it just shoots good. You can get a good used BT99 for between 800 to 1200 dollars. Keep your eyes peeled. The most important thing is how the gun feels and fits YOU! Make sure you have a friend that knows something about trap guns to go with you to buy one. Good luck.

The Browning Citori CX is a great bargin. Good for all the clay games.

I shoot trap 3 times a week. I started out with a Remington 1100. You can get a real 30" trap barrel for it with choke tubes. The rib is what makes it a trap barrel. You can also upgrade the stock to trap grade. Get a shell catcher. I'm not a fan of getting hit by hulls flying out of the gun next to me. haha I now have several Beretta's & two Trap Grade Ithaca 37's. One from 1948 & the other new out of Sandusky Ohio. I shoot the Beretta's mostly.

You don't need a 'Trap' gun to shoot trap any more than you need a 'Skeet' gun to shoot skeetor a 'Sporting Clays' gun to shoot that course.

To get yourself started, have fun and even shoot 24 or 25/25,,most any field gun will do the trick.
All you need to do is be able to shoot.

A vent rib, or a particularly fitted stock, a special front bead,,none will make you a good shooter.
Any of those make help a good shooter be a better one on any particular course. Gaining one more target over a hundred or 200 target course makes a big difference when you are in that level of the game.
When $$ is at stake,,it means everything.

But for the average weekend shooter , most any plain field gun will do.
Pick a gun that you like, feel comfortable with.
You won't break the targets if you're not on them,,no matter what the gun and how expensive it is nor the brand name.

You must still learn target lead to the left and right even with a Trap Rib which places the shot pattern high for the rising Trap targets.
Each station of the 5 presents it's own different target flight picture.

The gun isn't going to do it for you.
Some days it will seem as so and everything you point at breaks into powder.
Got this game down!

Then the next time you may leave the Trap Field thinking you'd have a hard time hitting them placed on the ground in front of you.

Start with something friendly to you, handy, you feel comfortable with.
Pump, semiauto, O/U, whatever. Don't be Brand conscious. You'll get looks from othr shooters no matter what you bring to the line.
Don't let gadgets clutter your shooting. Gloves, special glasses w/ varying colored lenses, interchangeable front sight beads and such other sighting gadgets,
Choke tubes are common (now), but don't fret over changing them if you start missing a few targets thinking it's the problem.
Before choke tubes were around,,....

If you get stuck with a group that isn't the most friendly to shoot with,,and it happens,,,find another group. You only need 4 plus yourself for a Trap squad.
Some shooters can't seem to shoot with a newer shooter to the sport and that can place a lot of pressure on that new guy.

Above all,,you are there to have some fun.
The ATA stuff comes much later.....

Well, the best laid plans of mice and men...

Went to buy the Remington yesterday, and it was out of stock. However, there was a used-but-not-abused Winchester SXP Trap for $350 (retail about $500 the next shop I visited). So that came home with me instead. Figure I can donate it to a school trap team if I end up not liking trap all that much.

For beginner basic trap shooting, any (preferably 12 gauge) shotgun that fits you reasonably well will be adequate. The choke should be full, but modified will work for non-handicap shooting. No barrel rib is needed but it is nice if there is one. I wouldn’t worry at all about the high-dollar guns the other guys use, most of them are just showing off anyway. I once had a friend who was a top-flight trap shooter who seldom shot any worse than 24x25 from the 15 yard line, and he used an ordinary field-grade Mossberg 500.

As mentioned, all kinds and styles and Ga. of shotguns work in trap, skeet and sporting clays.

I like my O/U when shooting skeet, since I can use two different chokes
to help with close and medium shots.
However, there is less recoil and I do a little better with my Auto loader
however, it tosses the cases away.
This can be a problem at some clubs, where if the case hits the ground
they claim it and you loose a hull, that could have been reloaded.......

(They do make a shell catcher, if you are just shooting a single round, though)

but that is why they make Estates, Rio's and Rem. trap clubs, (black) so you don't feel bad, letting the club couse claim them......

instead of my good "Uni Hulls".

I am hoping that our stores start to have sales on "Flats" of ammo again,
to help out in these times.

Tight patterns.