Sup fellas. What advantages do the over/under style shotguns provide for trap shooting. This is going to sound retarded but no word of a lie I performed tenfold better shooting my buddys O/U versus the other times I have went to the range using someones pump or semi. Is weight a factor? Sights? Vented ribs? What shotgun would you fellas recommend for a noob looking to getting into clay shooting as apart of my firearms hobby. My budget is ideally under 1.1k
Stupid question incoming.
- Thread starter skatemike77
- Start date
Gun fit is very important, it's quite likely that the O/U that you used fits you better than the other shotguns that you tried. I lent a new shooter my SX-3 and he broke 13 targets his first round of trap. Then he switched guns with his father and used his father's 870, and broke zero clays. Then they switched back and he broke 12 clays with my SX-3. He went out and purchased an SX-3 of his own. As fo why I use an O/U I don't like picking up hulls, and I don't like the extra action happening with a semi auto, so I choose an O/U. I still use my SX-3 for waterfowl, for recoil reduction, and because I don't want to beat up a higher priced O/U waterfowling.
You are comparing apples to bananas, you really need to decide what type of shotgun you want, and then go and find one that fits you.
bdft
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I have seen this too. A guy shooting an 870 doing okay gets handed a BT99 or other purpose built trap gun and breaking targets like he knows what he's doing. Seen a complete novice pick up and shoot a Citori with all the bell and whistles, adjustable comb, rib, recoil reducer, the works. It made a huge difference for him over the 1200 Winchester he started with. I would think weight and fit had a lot to do with it.
Maritime Storm
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Riverview, NB
The fundamental problem with buying a shotgun sight unseen is the fact you have no idea if the gun will fit you, a shotgun has to fit in order to hit anything with it. Trap guns by their nature designed to pattern high, they are purposely set-up with a higher comb and rib to provide a more appropriate sight picture for shooting trap, whereas a field gun is set-up to shoot flat in order to be adaptable to the varying shooting conditions it will see. Just because an it is an O/U doesn't mean it set up for trap, this where fit and a pattern board come into play.
the spank
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Planet Earth Wearing My Tinfoil Hat
As mentioned above I'd say the over/under you tried fit you better hence the improved scores. I own and shoot primarily over/unders for all my shotgunning pursuits as they are my preferred style of shotgun but that being said I own pumps and semi's as well. Each has it's place in my different pursuits. For hunting my preference goes to my over/unders for a number of reasons the first and primary reason being safety. In a group setting such as a field hunt for waterfowl from layout blinds I like the fact that I can leave the action open with ammo in the chambers and be safe yet ready to go into action by simply closing the gun. Also my partners can see when shooting has ceased my gun is open and safe. Secondly I like the idea of having two choke choices at any given time and being able at the flick of a switch to select the barrel with the preferred choke on singles. There is also the fact that nothing is quicker for a fast follow up shot. There is no pump handle to work or wait time for an action to cycle and chances of a misfire are much reduced as there is no option for jamming or failing to eject spent cartridges. As well the shorter overall length makes for a much easier to fit in a layout blind gun and quicker shouldering and target acquisition.
For clays I shoot an over/under, single shot or combo gun 99.9% of the time and for some of the same reasons listed above especially safety(again an open and empty gun is highly visible and proven safe). There is also the ease of carry along the range and for doubles presentations a double barreled gun is much faster at the second shot and much quicker to move to the second target and get on target with. The other preference for me though not in the realm of performance is simply esthetics. They look damned good!!
For clays I shoot an over/under, single shot or combo gun 99.9% of the time and for some of the same reasons listed above especially safety(again an open and empty gun is highly visible and proven safe). There is also the ease of carry along the range and for doubles presentations a double barreled gun is much faster at the second shot and much quicker to move to the second target and get on target with. The other preference for me though not in the realm of performance is simply esthetics. They look damned good!!
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Good point on safety. I walk with my gun open and over my shoulder whether hunting or shooting sporting clays. Our dog club only allows break action shotguns in the field during our events.
browninggold
CGN Regular
- Location
- Essex County, Ontario
So where'd the OP disappear to? And if he was talking about how well he shot an o/u, and looking at getting into clays, why on earth is he looking at a single shot Baikal?! Yikes
It's not stupid. I started trap with a semi-auto Maxus. I was very inconsistent with it. Picked up a used Citori XT trap, and scores and consistency improved almost immediately. The weight is a factor. Helps with a smoother swing. 32" barrel gives longer sighting plane as well. Fit is a big factor, and with adjustable comb, cheek weld can be tailored to fit. Stock has a right hand swell, again helps with the fit and feel.
The pumps and semis were likely field guns, lighter and less likely to have a good fit. My Maxus was really just a dressed up field gun. Lots of guys do well with them, but the dedicated guns are more likely to fit better.
If you are going to shoot often, do yourself a favour and save up until you can buy a decent used trap gun. Find a model that fits properly, and watch the EE. A Baikal won't serve you very well.
