Where to buy in Alberta

Mandrusiak

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I'm new to trap and completely obsessed which of course has turned into an obsession about finding the right shotgun. Everything I read points me to finding the right fit and try before you buy but where can I do that?
I feel like you need to be in the "club" to figure this out. I'm short (5'3), female, and left handed. My budget isn't firm but I also know that buying top of the line as a first gun isn't a great idea.
Anyone of recommendations on where to go to make a purchase? I'm willing to travel.
 
prophet river, Clay and his crew are great at directing people to the best gun for them. but ultimately you won't know until you shoot it.
Being short doesn't always mean that a standard length gun won't fit. One of my cousins is just under 5' and shoots a standard length Benelli Vinci very well, i'm 5'11 and cant bring the gun up.
most manufacturers make female specific guns now. typically have shorter length of pull and slightly different wrist and grip design. Also consider youth stock guns if you are on a smaller budget, Winchester pumps and automatics are a good option too, they are slim and shorter profile.

Good luck and enjoy your search, it won't be your last, clay shooting is very addictive.
 
I'm new to trap and completely obsessed which of course has turned into an obsession about finding the right shotgun. Everything I read points me to finding the right fit and try before you buy but where can I do that?
I feel like you need to be in the "club" to figure this out. I'm short (5'3), female, and left handed. My budget isn't firm but I also know that buying top of the line as a first gun isn't a great idea.
Anyone of recommendations on where to go to make a purchase? I'm willing to travel.

my wife is 5'2' I bought a bps because i am left she is right, a youth version would've fit her better.


I'm not sure who might specialize in the guns you are looking for but the local trap clubs should be able to recommend someone. Send some emails or drop by and chat maybe.

https://aheia.com/calgary-firearms-centre

I second this.
 
Since your in Calgary I'd recommend AHIEA at Dewinton or Silver Willow Sporting Clays at Carstairs, both places have people that are very knowledgeable about Trap and other shotgun sports as well as gun fit. Prophet River is a great place to buy guns if you know what you want but it's a long way to go see if something fits you.
 
As mentioned Clay at Silver Willow. Mossleigh Gun Club run Tuesday night trap in the spring and summer and had a fairly well attended women's portion (I would guess it's the same I moved away a few years ago)
 
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Thanks for the response. I participated in the AHEIA women's league this fall which is what got me hooked and I've just signed up for lessons at Silver Willow so I guess I'm on the right track.
 
Thanks for the response. I participated in the AHEIA women's league this fall which is what got me hooked and I've just signed up for lessons at Silver Willow so I guess I'm on the right track.

Talk to Bob at AHIEA for gun fitting, he's the manager and he may get a guy named Les involved, both are very good at fitting and Les is a gunsmith who can do alterations to the stock if need be. They're both usually hanging around there on Sundays.
At Silver Willow you want to talk to Don or Josh, if any alterations to the stock are needed then they will probably refer you to Les!
 
My gf took up trap shooting in 2019. She tried several guns offered her by other members at the club and for her first season ended up really liking a Beretta A400 in 20ga so I bought it for her and we had the stock cut to length for her and spent some time at the pattern board adjusting the stock with the supplied shims until we got the poi to her liking. This past season she decided she wanted to get into registered trap and started looking for a dedicated trap gun. She ended up purchasing a fellow shooters nearly new Browning BT-99 Micro he had for sale. He was a level 2 NSCA instructor and spent an entire day with her letting her shoot the gun and tweeking it with the adjustments on the stock until it was hitting where she was looking and hitting targets with authority. She could not be happier with the purchase and I forsee many happy seasons ahead for her with that gun. She regularily breaks in the low 20's now and is knocking at the door of her first 25 straight. Hopefully in this upcoming season. You might consider something along those lines? She is 5'4" tall but has a very short reach and lop as a result. We even had to remove 3/4 inch from the Micro!
 
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