another vs question...

9ineMM

9ineMM

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After shooting handguns for years I have finally decided to give sporting shotguns a try (I have always wanted to, but never did), more specifically trap and perhaps skeet. I don't plan to hunt game, but the option is there. After reading some previous posts and various reviews i have narrowed it down to 2 shotguns one pump - Winchester SXP 28" black shadow and the auto - Weatherby SA08 28". I have handled them both at the store (haven't shot them), but not side by side. I am hoping some more experience users can provide some better insight. Thanks!
 
I'd recommend you going to your local trap and skeet club to see what everyone is shooting, so you can get an idea of what you might like. You will see a myriad of different shotguns there from old Model 12s to expensive Beretta and Perrazzi O/Us. One of the good autos is probably what the guys will tell you to look at. Look first, then buy. Ask, someone will let you try their shotgun or the club's shotgun. Skeet and trap shotguns are set up a bit differently than a field gun.
 
The main thing is how well they fit you and handle for you. The next question you need to consider is how much do you plan to shoot?

Neither one of those guns is particularly well suited to shooting trap doubles or skeet. Pumps guns are virtually nonexistent on the skeet fields, at least by any serious skeet shooter. Once in a while you see one when someone wants to have a bit of noncompetitive fun. The same is true of trap doubles and sporting. Pumps are fine if you are shooting trap singles and handicap. I don't believe that I have ever seen a Weatherby semi on a trap field or skeet field, I could be wrong or didn't notice.

As Albertaal suggested, go to your local club(s) and see what they are shooting there. Most folks will let you try their guns, if you approach them properly.
 
Thanks for the replies so far guys. I plan on going twice a month. I have had offers at one of my local clubs to try various shotguns out, but most are higher end o/u etc. I am a total beginner (at sport shotgun) so I will likely stick to single trap etc. for a while. Price is not a priority, but i still need to justify experience vs use vs expense
 
Take a hard look at a used Beretta 391 or a used 1100. Make sure that they are in good operating condition. My personal favorite is the old Winchester Super X-1. Any of the three that I have listed are readily available, there are lots of parts and aftermarket accessories available. If you buy it at the right price and keep it maintained, you can shoot it for a number of years and sell it for what you paid. Currently the Berettas are the most popular semi on the range.
 
I'll put a +1 for the Winchester SXP. I use mine on a regular basis to shoot clays. I'm by no means an expert, but I have a ton of fun at the local outdoor range on weekends blasting clays. The launcher I have can only throw 2 clays at a time, and the SXP pump is plenty fast to shoot both of the clays, so I don't see the need for semi-auto. Plus the pump is just more fun in my opinion. The inertial assisted pump takes a bit to get used to, but with a bit of practice you'll be shooting faster than your friends with other pump action shotguns. Mine also came with 3 choke tubes so you'd be equipped for hunting down the road too.
 
hurrikane18 said:
I'll put a +1 for the Winchester SXP. I use mine on a regular basis to shoot clays. I'm by no means an expert, but I have a ton of fun at the local outdoor range on weekends blasting clays. The launcher I have can only throw 2 clays at a time, and the SXP pump is plenty fast to shoot both of the clays, so I don't see the need for semi-auto. Plus the pump is just more fun in my opinion. The inertial assisted pump takes a bit to get used to, but with a bit of practice you'll be shooting faster than your friends with other pump action shotguns. Mine also came with 3 choke tubes so you'd be equipped for hunting down the road too.
Click to expand...

Actual skeet is a far cry from a portable thrower, throwing two targets at once.
 
Like I said, I'm no expert. If I'm not mistaken I am "Trap" shooting, correct? "Skeet" shooting would be if I had two launchers in separate locations? I only ask out of curiosity because I live nowhere near a range suitable to shoot what you refer to as "actual skeet". The best I can do where I live is throw two clays out of my thrower, or use dove clays for an added challenge. Either way, I have a ton of fun shooting in this way so I thought I'd share my experience with the SXP. I give it a +1 for this type of shooting, whatever the technical term may be. :)
 
So Ive decided to do a try before you buy shotgun course. They will have the various aforementioned shotguns as well as a Rem 1100. I really appreciate everyone's input so far its never an easy decision because really I want them all LOL) :). Please chime in if you have anything further to add. (Hurrikane, I really enjoy the feel of the SXP pump BTW. Havent shot it yet tho).
 
Lots of pump guns on my skeet field. We're not professional but if it fits and pumps smooth you can shoot a perfect score. Remember for years pump guns were the thing. I'd take a pump over a semi personally. However the 390/391 from Beretta are great guns no questions

I've shot a few Sao8 before. I prefer the rem 1100 but I'd love to get my hands on Weatherby s new lil semi auto 28 ga
 
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