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Silver_wlf

Silver_wlf

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Hi All!

After giving trap a go last night I realized that I need a break-action 20ga shotgun for trap. And since I'm still waiting for my license I have time to research things... :p

I'd prefer not to spend a fortune - but I'd like to know what I should be looking at or if there are any suggestions. Or things to definitely stay away from?

Thanks so much!
Stef
 
First of all, trap is almost always shot with a 12 gauge. A 20 gauge may not be able to carry the required payload for reliably shooting targets in handicap trap, or at least, not with commonly available target ammo. In other words, if you want to shoot 1 1/8 oz @ 1300 fps out of a 20 gauge, you can, but you will pay the price in $$ and in increased felt recoil, because of the lighter gun. Second, there are no dedicated trap guns in 20 gauge, that I know of.

A good trap gun is first and foremost, one that fits you correctly. Second, it should be reliable, as it will be asked to shoot thousands of shells a year, if you get the bug. Thirdly, it should be heavy enough to be pleasant to shoot repeatedly without beating you up. Finally, it should have a sloping rib, so that it shoots a bit higher than your point of aim, because trap targets are rising targets.

If you are only going to shoot ATA trap, a single shot is OK. If you wish to eventually try double trap, or olympic bunker trap, a repeater is required.
 
I also think you are going to want a 12 guage, more lead flying at the target, I don't think I have even seen a 20 guage used at my club. Use light recoil loads if recoil is the reason you are thinking of a 20 guage. I have a browning bt-99 right now and love it. I used to have a browning bps trap wich was also good. They retail for about $1250 and $700. I only shoot singles and handicap so these guns work great for me. If you want a good quality double barrel it's going to cost more then $2000, probably north of $2500. good luck with your shopping :)
 
You can shoot a 20 gauge for trap, but I agree with the above posters ... 12 gauge is the way to go. You have a far greater supply of guns to choose from and way more availability of target loads. You need to determine your budget and then shoot everything you can lay your hands on ... most trap shooters that I know will be very happy to let you shoot their gun.
 
Alright. I have shot a couple 12ga and I shot the 20ga last night about 15x. I honestly can't imagine shooting the 12s 25x in a row .... But maybe I should look at trying lighter loads.

I was looking at the 20 because of the recoil... I'm not a big girl and I would prefer not to have my shoulder all mashed up... I have to race triathlon too. ;)
 
Silver_wlf said:
Alright. I have shot a couple 12ga and I shot the 20ga last night about 15x. I honestly can't imagine shooting the 12s 25x in a row .... But maybe I should look at trying lighter loads.

I was looking at the 20 because of the recoil... I'm not a big girl and I would prefer not to have my shoulder all mashed up... I have to race triathlon too. ;)
Click to expand...

What were you shooting?
 
20ga over-under break action. Don't know what it was - small enough that it fit me. I'm lots of help eh? *frown* I should have asked I didn't even think. It was so much fun just shooting at clays!

I've shot 3 different 12s - none of which I know what they are. All three produced more recoil than I'd want to shoot repeatedly. I'll ask next week at trap.

I like the breaks - I like that it's easy to operate and easy to see everything.
 
A 20 ga, can do everything a 12 ga will do, provided the shooters make his part. And, the recoil is really less than a .12 ga....
I hunt with a SxS 20 gauge, Fox sterlingworth and it's the best for me: light, less recoil and fabulous handling
Just my 2 cents.........
 
I see that you like the break actions Stef, but being so new to the trap game, try someones semi-auto in a 12 or a 20 just for some comparison shooting. It will help you get a better feel for what fits you, which in turn will make you more comfortable on the line.
 
20 gauge target loads are typically 7/8 oz. @ 1150 to 1200 fps

12 gauge target loads are typically 1 1/8 oz @ 1200 to 1300 fps

Since E= 1/2 mass X velocity squared, the faster, heavier 12 gauge load will carry more energy, and since every action creates a corresponding reaction of opposite direction, more total recoil. However, if both guns shoot the same load at the same speed, both will have the same amount of recoil, but the lighter gun, typically the 20 gauge, will have greater felt recoil, because the gun will accelerate quicker, because of its lighter weight.

To summarize, there are two factors that influence recoil: shot payload, and load velocity. Other factors, such as gun fit, gun weight, action type, and overboring also affect felt recoil.
 
Silver_wlf said:
Hi All!
I'd prefer not to spend a fortune - but I'd like to know what I should be looking at or if there are any suggestions. Or things to definitely stay away from?

Thanks so much!
Stef
Click to expand...

Hi Stef,

Look for a used Browning Citori. Although I'm not a Browning fan I cannot argue with the fact that the Citori has proven to be a fine o/u and used versions can be found for reasonable prices.

I would suggest trying a 12 ga again but use the reduced recoil target loads. Recoil should be similiar to or only slightly more than regular/heavy 20 ga target loads. If the 12 ga is still too "uncomfortable" get the 20 and learn shoot it well!
 
Before you buy a 20 guage try winchester winlite low recoil in 12 guage or federal top gun load # TGL 12. The winlite is softer than the top gun but cost more. If the recoil is still too much then maybe a 20 guage is the right gun for you. Shorter barrels, ported barrels, gel packs for your vest and stocks with recoil absorbers or reducers will also help. Good Luck :)
 
Silver_wlf said:
Hi All!



I'd prefer not to spend a fortune - but I'd like to know what I should be looking at or if there are any suggestions. Or things to definitely stay away from?
Click to expand...

Stay away from cheap Stoegers, Boitos, Stevens and Baikal O/U. If you prefer an O/U, find a used Beretta or Browning Citori or an old Remington 3200. If looking for a semi auto: recommendations include the Beretta 300 series, the 390 and 391, and the Remington 11-87.

As mentioned earlier, get something that fits you and that means more than length of pull. Stock cast and drop must be adequate for your physique or you will not shoot to point of aim. The best thing is to try multiple guns, and find what you shoot best with. Gun clubs are a great place to try out guns of other shooters. Often also, club members may have used guns for sale.
 
I ran my only 25 with 24gram 8 1/2's in an old hump back 12 guage franken gun. If you load one oz loads in a 20 guage you can break trap targets all day long. 1 1/8's ounce loads are going the way of the dodo.
Shoot what makes you happy. I would be happiest with a Holland and Holland, but I would still shoot one ounce loads or lighter.
 
Silly Girl, 12 gauges are for Boyz ;)
Seriously, there are lots of choices when shooting trap and the gauge of the gun that fits you is as important as what loads are available for you to shoot.
pacobillie has made some good points too "To summarize, there are two factors that influence recoil: shot payload, and load velocity. Other factors, such as gun fit, gun weight, action type, and overboring also affect felt recoil. "

One brand of O/U may feel and fit differently than the next one.
So, if you have a few friends with guns, ask if you can try theirs as well and see how
they work for you.

Then again maybe someone has an auto loader that might work for you as well.
I hope you will forgive my silly opening comment too.
Welcome to the World of Smok'in Clays.
Rob
 
Most trap guns are made for men, and an "average" man is bigger than 80% of all women. Most specialty trap guns will be too big and heavy for you.
If you find you are more comfortable with the weight of a 20 ga. I think that's what you should use. It's all about fun. If you try a lightweight 12, consider the 7/8 oz loads that are on the market. There is certainly no real need to use 1-1/8 oz loads. Less shot = less recoil. A 12 ga. would likely fit you better with a shorter than standard barrel. Try 26" - That goes against tradition, most trap guns have 28" or 30" barrels. But a smaller shooter will swing shorter barrels better, and you will need a shorter stock. I agree with the comment about looking for a decent used Browning or Beretta, most "cheap" over/unders stop being a bargain the first time they need to visit a gunsmith.
 
My daughter shot trap from age 10, using regular 12 guage trap loads. The big thing is fit. She used a Browning single shot that was modified to fit her.
 
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