20 gauge for trap

oscar123

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I have heard mixed messages about 20 gauge for trap/skeet
Maybe some of you experienced folks can shed some light on it for me.
Is a 20 gauge reasonable to use? I've heard it is "too slow" and underpowered for it?

Any comments?

JM
 
It is not slow or underpowered it simply has less pellets than the 12. I used one for a few years. Most people use the 12 because sometimes one pellet is the difference between a hit and a miss. If you have a 20 and want to use it by all means go ahead. It is better to shoot with a 20 than not at all.
 
The 20 is good for skeet as a matter of fact, in comp. you would compete against other twentys as it is a std. gauge for skeet. Trap is another story, you can use it but it does not have enough payload or pattern to break those birds at longer ranges. For fun shooting yes, competition def. not.
 
Better to have a 20 that fits you that you like as opposed to a 12 gauge that you can't shoot.

I don't accept the suggestion that the 20 doesn't have enough pellets or power to reach the longer targets. International Trap loads, a much tougher game than ATA trap, are 24 grams or around 7/8s of an ounce which is the same weight as 20 gauge target loads.
 
Claybuster said:
Better to have a 20 that fits you that you like as opposed to a 12 gauge that you can't shoot.

I don't accept the suggestion that the 20 doesn't have enough pellets or power to reach the longer targets. International Trap loads, a much tougher game than ATA trap, are 24 grams or around 7/8s of an ounce which is the same weight as 20 gauge target loads.
You could allways go with a 16ga ;)
 
Win/64 said:
You could allways go with a 16ga ;)
Can't. There's an ATA rule about disrupting squad harmony. Showing up with a 16 gauge could cause the rest of the squad to break out in uncontrolled fits of derisive laughter and I'd be disqualfied.
 
Claybuster..... Derisive laughter??? 16 gauge was at one time VERY popular for trap.
The neglect by major manufactures was responsible for the "disappearance" of the Sweet 16. not lack of performance.
I am shocked to hear this from you ,considering that "P" shooter you use with the skinny barrels:p It seems to break birds with much authority using less shot than a 20.
Lots of very competetive skeet shooters use 20ga in the 12 ga event. less abuse, and good performance. If you hit them, they will break.
Use what you have.... shoot often.
Thegunnut
 
thegunnut said:
Claybuster..... Derisive laughter??? 16 gauge was at one time VERY popular for trap.
And the Edsel was one a very popular car. Don't take it too seriously. Win/64 and I have dedicated ourselves to regularly sniping at each over the 16 gauge. He likes it. I think it's a gauge best suited to Bordeaux drinking Parisians wearing berets and shooting Darnes.:p

thegunnut said:
I am shocked to hear this from you ,considering that "P" shooter you use with the skinny barrels:p It seems to break birds with much authority using less shot than a 20.
I have no choice with that gun. Spend that much and I damn well better be able to break targets with it.;)

BTW, are you shooting that match on Sunday? Knowing who is setting the course I'll be bringing my 12 and tight chokes.
 
Anyone that thinks that the 20 is as good as a 12 for trap targets maybe would know how many show up at a trap shoot with a 20.
 
ben hunchak said:
Anyone that thinks that the 20 is as good as a 12 for trap targets maybe would know how many show up at a trap shoot with a 20.
Not many if they are competing. But the original question asked raised the question if the 20 gauge was too slow and underpowered for trap and skeet. It isn't.
 
I had 150, 20ga field rounds to use up 15 or 20 years ago. I took an Itahca model XL900, full choke, to the trap range with all that ammo and it shot very well. However, I did notice you had to be a little faster to shoot as they came from the bird house. If the target flew out a little further I remeber getting more chips than breaks.

Anyhow, ask around at your trap club if anyone owns a 20ga, and if you could try shooting a round of trap with it (you buy the ammo). You'll get a heck'ov a lot of angry faces from the old guy crew, but it's the best way to settle your curiosity.
 
thegunnut said:
Claybuster..... Derisive laughter??? 16 gauge was at one time VERY popular for trap.
The neglect by major manufactures was responsible for the "disappearance" of the Sweet 16. not lack of performance.
I am shocked to hear this from you ,considering that "P" shooter you use with the skinny barrels:
X2 Very shocking! I think Claybuster is stalking me. ;)
 
I use my 20g sometimes for trap practice sessions. I definately hit fewer targets, but not a LOT fewer. The biggest thing I notice is that is messes me up when I go back to the 12g, at least for the first few shots. I guess it's due to the difference in the way the two guns fit, pattern, and shoot etc.
 
I use a 20 at times, still hit as many as my 12 gauge
I shoot with a guy that uses a 12, with a 7/8 payload, he hits 100+ in a row consistently- you gotta have a stock that fits you and practice
 
scanner said:
Anyhow, ask around at your trap club if anyone owns a 20ga, and if you could try shooting a round of trap with it (you buy the ammo). You'll get a heck'ov a lot of angry faces from the old guy crew, but it's the best way to settle your curiosity.

Why would there be angry faces? Is it taboo to use th 20 gauge at the range?
I am looking for a gun for my wife to use that she is comfortable with the size and recoil. Figured the 20 might do the trick.
 
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