Trap shooting shotgun?

[Golddollar]

The most important thing most have eluded to indirectly is the stock fit. There is a difference between a Trap gun and a field/skeet gun. It's the fit of the stock keeping your head more erect.

Don't be afraid to use a field model shotgun if it fits you. I bought a used Remington 870 back in 1966. I started shooting trap with it at my dad's club. The shorter stock of the field gun compared to a trap gun was a better fit for me because my arms are an inch shorter than the arms of the average guy my height. I shot a lot of trap with that gun through junior high and high school and was fairly respectable as a trap shooter. i still have that gun and it's going nowhere.

 

[chief38]

I use a vintage (late 1950's) 12 Ga. Browning Superposed but a modern Citori is also a fine Trap gun.

Some have suggested Pump's and I'd recommend staying away from them not because I dislike them for hunting and/or HD - but for Trap and Skeet why beat yourself up with more recoil than necessary? They do tend to have much harder hitting recoil IMO and you will be firing quite a bit at the Trap game.

The Remington 1100, 11-87 or similar are great guns, but since you will be loading only two rounds at a time, a semi auto has little real advantage other than light recoil.

Just my opinion of course - YMMV.

 

[2152hq]

The most common difference in a Trap gun vs a Field gun is that Trap gun is made so the shooter purposely shoots 'high'. That's done by the stock comb being high by design placing your line of sight above the guns rib.
You see the bead at the end of the bbl AND you see plenty of bbl rib.
You are pointing the gun high and it shoots and hits high.

Thats a built in function to more easily hit the Trap target which is always rising as it is going away.

Some shooters like more,,or less of that to be built into their particular gun. Along with Length of Pull (LOP), cast off (or cast on) on the stock, and a few other measurements that shooters can call on to make changes to up their score.

Trap shooters gun stocks are much like Bullseye shooters pistol grips.
Altered, spliced in, rasped down, taped up, lengthened, shortened, canted, all sorts of adj trying to find that just right fit.

You don't absolutely need any of these. Just a well fitting stock that doesn't beat you up when you shoot plus it doesn't require you to assume a yoga position to cheek the gun and sight the target.

Learning the different leads and basic shotgun wing shooting techniques go a long way to success.
1oz loads in a 12ga will do just fine. Even the 7/8 oz in #8.
Full chokes print a dense pattern out there and unless you are going to buy tickets and ride those targets till they nearly hit the ground before taking a shot, the lighter loads will do. They are much easier on the shoulder.

I wouldn't recommend a specialized 'Trap' gun to start out with. If you have or have access to most any well made repeater in Full or Mod choke, take it out and give it a try.
You'll soon know if the sport is what you think it is. Or maybe it's not and something else may be a better fit like Sporting Clays or Skeet.

 

[D Brown]

My choice would be either the Browning BT-99 or the XT Trap. I have both and think they're perfect for Trap Shooting.

Top: Browning BT-99 Grade III, Bottom: Browning XT Trap

 

[Bob L]

I started my trap shooting with an old Monkey Ward double barrel 12 gauge. Went from there to a Winchester 1200 pump before moving to a Remington 1100. Shooting the 1 oz. loads is real easy on the shoulder regardless of what you are shooting. If it was me, I would find a Remington 1100 of any vintage and start there. The biggest difference between trap guns and hunting guns is the trap guns allow you to sit the bird on top of the sight and the hunting versions you need to cover the bird. Start this way and and it will take care of you until start breaking 99% then start asking all of your new shooting friends to try theirs out and deciding what you really want. Just relax and have fun.

 

[Rocket3]

No problem if you go semiauto but be sure you can outfit a good shell catcher or deflector. There are folks that don't care if their ejected shell hits a the person next to you. Most of them are all about themselves. Respect the game and fellow shooters and you will have a lifetime of fun.

 

[HKB]

HKB what's your budget? Trap guns range from $500 - $25K+
I'm a die hard Browning guy. I have Gracoil recoil reducers on both of my regularly used trap guns, I really like them.

Highly recommend trapshooters.com

I want to keep it under $3,000.

 

[HKB]

I'd look for a used Remington 1100 if recoil is a big issue or if you're going to shoot doubles.

Alternatively, a Winchester Model 12 or an older Remington 870 (pump guns) are great trap guns. Folks usually want full choke on a trap gun and there are a ton of them available in these models.

You can spend a ton on a new gun, but your score won't be any better than your score with the guns I've listed here.

As you gain skill at the trap game, you may want more expensive guns, but by then you won't be looking for advice on the internet.

Thanks, I don't have high expectations; I just want to have fun.

 

[Iframe32s]

Not an ardent target shotgunner per se, but have been known to show up at the trap and skeet ranges now and again. Remington's 11 (ca. 1939), 870, 1100, & Win 97 have impressed some of "pros" on both ranges. Have gotten lucky in breaking 25 straight (O.K., only once).

The problem I've noted as of late is the availability of factory ammo. Plenty of 12 & 20 ga. loads were available in my local Walmarts until recently...shelves were bare last visit; only a few boxes of 28 ga.

Future is very uncertain at best.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I have used both the Remington 870 Marine Magnum and the Beretta Silver Pigeon. Try them out and see what you like. Several friends use and say the inexpensive Yildiz models are just as good.

 

[LostintheOzone]

I want to keep it under $3,000.

Oh boy, the world is your oyster. Get yourself to a range that has someone that can fit you for the stock dimensions you need. Everyone is different just like buying a pair of shoes. The stock dimension you are looking for is drop at heel, drop at comb, cast and LOP.

Once you have that you can start looking for a shotgun. Be aware that most people don't have a clue about that and wouldn't know how to measure stock dimensions. You need to avoid those individuals when purchasing a shogun. Buy one from someone who understands what you need.

Good luck.

 

[RayRay7]

HKB,

Read as much as you can, shoot as many different ones as you can, and join a local trap club or league/hang out at an ATA shoot.


Assuming that you'll be wanting one gun to eventually shoot all three disciplines in American trap (singles, handicap, doubles) even for fun...

New:
You can't go wrong with the numerous cx and 725 offerings from Browning, a Beretta 682/686/687 O/U or the like, especially when fitted with an adjustable comb.

If you're wanting singles/HC only, a single barrel trap gun like a BT99, or used options like a used Perazzi TM-1 or TMX are Also good choices. Remington's old 90T is another good gun in your range.

A used combo set can be had for around 3k if you look in the right places.

Last, but not least And in echoing The others - older or even newer Remington 870 trap models (TB, TC, All American Trap), the 1100 in its various trap grades thru the 1100 Competition Sporting, Beretta 303/390/391/ in trap configurations (don't forget a shell catcher if you're next to people and/or are competing), the Beretta A400 in step rib or multi-target variations, and the old Winchester Super X1 And Model 12.

Even in an age of high dollar SBTs and O/Us, Pumps and autos will serve you well for singles and handicap, and doubles if you've got the will to practice with a pump and a deflector on the auto. If it works for you, it works for you.

Like the others said, fit plays a big role in the shotgun sports. And if buying used/older, know what to look for.

Fun sites to drool:

Joel Etchen Guns
Pacific Sporting Arms


For what it's worth, my first 25 was with a stock Benelli Montefeltro, and my 1st 100straight was with a simple, stock 2008 manufactured BT-99 I also like flatter shooting guns up to about 60/40 since I also shoot sporting and skeet and I don't like high patterning guns.

 

[bushmaster1313]

A basic Browning BT99 with a 34" barrel works for us as does an 870 with a long barrel.
Trap loads are light and lotsa 12-15 year old kids have no issues with the 12 gauge.
An O/U has advantages as do the pumps for more than one shot when playing different games.
You can break 25 with an 870.
Trap can get expensive in ammo and range fees.
28" minimum barrel length might be required at some ranges.

Pic of BT99 and 870 Super Mag.... which with 3.5" HV shells is brutal... but fun.
The only downside to the pumps is the extended position of the left hand, for righties, compared to the BT99, O/U and SxS guns.

Having a coach/teacher to get you started is prudent.

A pump for singles trap can be a bit of a pain carrying it around the trap range as a break open single barrel shotgun is much easier on the hands and forearms

I would go with a used BT 99. Just make sure that it is comfortable when you shoulder it.

BTW -- The cost of target shotshells is quite high right now.

 

[Drm50]

I would buy a 870 or 1100 trap. You can pick up one reasonable and if you find you like the game, upgrade. The 870 /1100 will be easy to sell if you decide to upgrade or don't get involved. Trap guns can be hard to move unless there are a lot of ranges and shooters in your area.

 

[Houndog]

With a $3000 budget, the world is your oyster.

Again, my preference would be for an O/U or single barrel. And if it will be used exclusively for trap, get a trap gun. As others have explained, it will be designed to shoot a rising bird - i.e. if you were to put the front bead in the center of a bullseye 60, 70 or 80% of your pellets would be above where you were aiming.

If you're going new I would focus on Brownings and Berettas. If you're willing to buy used you might be able to step up to a Browning 725. You could also probably find a Perazzi TM-1 or a Ljutic Mono.

And I'm going to respectfully disagree with one poster about the risks of getting a "worn out" shotgun. My main shotgun is a Ljutic that I bought used a couple of years ago. The gun is 30 years old. I suspect the prior owner put tens of thousands of rounds through it. I've put 7-8000 rounds through it. I have had zero issues with it and suspect the gun shoots as well today as when it was new.

One of the guys I shoot with has a Beretta DT-10. He has probably put 100,000 rounds through that gun. Another guy shoots a Perazzi. Again, he shoots about 15,000 rounds a year and has owned the gun for approx. 10 years. Other than a couple of minor parts he has replaced himself the gun has been 100%.

That's part of what you're paying for when you spend $2-3000 on a shotgun, particularly a single barrel or an O/U - quality and reliability. And if you want to go used take a look at Joel Etchen, and Indiana Gun Club (a guy named Michael Gooch). Both will have a very good selection of high quality used guns.

 

[Houndog]

Oh and others have said, the three most important things to consider in buying a shotgun are fit, fit and fit.

 

[HenryT]

I am surprised no one have mentioned the Winchester Model 12. In trap configuration many can be found at a good price...

 

[s&wchad]

Plenty of good advice. Don't spend a lot on a trap gun, until you decide if you really enjoy the game. Nothing wrong with buying used, if you're able to evaluate the condition. It common to find used trap guns advertised on the bulletin board at clubs.

Trap shooters can be a serious and fickle bunch. If you start with an autoloaders, invest in a shell catcher. You won't make a lot of friends if your empties bounce around at their feet! Socializing is fine in the clubhouse, but they don't like distractions on the line.

If you get hooked on the game, you'll probably go through a number of guns looking for an advantage. You'll also want to get into reloading, because factory shells get expensive. If you want to get really good, you'll need to shoot tens of thousands of shells a year.

About 15 years ago, a "kid" won the Grand American shooting an 870. That's a good way to really tick off the competition shooting $20,000 Perazzi's and Kreighoff's!

 

[Doug44]

Good luck with you selecting a trap gun. Very seldom will you wear out a shotgun. If you a used one you like don't be afraid to buy it. With a used one should be able to try before purchasing. Take your gun to the range and check the pattern on large piece of paper. Most of pattern should centered right to left and above center.
Back in my day I was fairly decent shooter at handicap. Bought a new gun and could not get a decent score. After checking pattern I found the thing was shooting way left. Had it replaced.

 

[tops]

Thanks, I don't have high expectations; I just want to have fun.

High scores are more fun than low scores!
I have Beretta O/U field and sporting clay guns and the best scores that I ever shot at trap were with a borrowed Kriegoff unsingle. For me the high rib makes it easier to focus on the target. I still couldn't shoot a straight .
I will agree that you can shoot trap with any kind of gun and you can enter a mule in a horse race but the chances of doing good at anything without the proper equipment are slim and none. Larry