Advice for first sporting clays shotgun

Aeroguy

Aeroguy

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Ok so I know I will get all kinds of different opinions on this, as well as a few rants, but I'm having a hard time making a decision here, so a little input from the more experienced shooters would be greatly appreciated.

I'm looking to get into sporting clays / skeet / trap, probably going to be going out a couple times a month and putting about 100 shells minimum through each time. That number will probably go up depending on how things go. So probably between 1500 - 2000 a year.

However, I am trying to decided on getting either a semi-auto or an O/U in 12g. For the semi I was looking at a Beretta A400 explor Action or a Benelli Montefeltro. For the O/U I am looking at a Winchester 101 or a Browning Cynergy CX. They are all about the same in pricing with the Winchester coming in as the lowest of the bunch.
I don't want to go with a super budget shotgun, but then again I don't want to have to sell my kidney for one either. I also don't want a used gun as I feel that its like buying someone elses' problem. And pump guns aren't even being considered. Personal preference here.

Any other suggesting or ideas?
 
Fit is very important with shotguns, and some of the guns you listed fit very different. Pick each gun up, close your eyes, shoulder the gun, and without moving, open your eyes.if you aren't looking along the rib, with it centered left to right, it doesn't fit you. If the drop at comb is wrong, you may not see the front bead, or you may be looking at the rib, rather than along it. If the cast is wrong, the rib won't be centered left to right. This method is far from perfect, but it will show you if the gun doesn't fit you.
 
stubblejumper said:
Fit is very important with shotguns, and some of the guns you listed fit very different. Pick each gun up, close your eyes, shoulder the gun, and without moving, open your eyes.if you aren't looking along the rib, with it centered left to right, it doesn't fit you. If the drop at comb is wrong, you may not see the front bead, or you may be looking at the rib, rather than along it. If the cast is wrong, the rib won't be centered left to right. This method is far from perfect, but it will show you if the gun doesn't fit you.
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Thats a great idea, thanks! I'm going out with my buddy this weekend, who is an avid shotgunner, and going to try a few on for size at basspro. I will definitely use that method on each of the ones I'm interested in, and a few more as well.
Thanks for the tip.
 
The Beretta A400 Xplor and the Benelli come with a shim system that will allow you to adjust for fit. It works for most shooters. So even if it doesn't fit precisely in the store you can adjust it.

IMO the A400 with a 3" chamber is best of the options you mentioned. You might also look at the Xcel which is the target version of the same gun.
 
Stubblejumper has the most important point covered. Another consideration might be chasing yur empties around. Pretty easy to keep them under control with an O/U
 
Claybuster said:
The Beretta A400 Xplor and the Benelli come with a shim system that will allow you to adjust for fit. It works for most shooters. So even if it doesn't fit precisely in the store you can adjust it.

IMO the A400 with a 3" chamber is best of the options you mentioned. You might also look at the Xcel which is the target version of the same gun.
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Having owned an A400, I found that even using the shims, I could not get enough drop at comb to fit me properly. If you are going to rely on the shims making the gun fit, have someone in the store try and fit the gun to you using the shims.
 
I'm also a fan of the A400 platform. Another option for a semi is the Remington 1100 Competition. They are reasonably priced and with the adjustable cheekpiece you should be able to get it to fit. I shoot mostly O/U's but really enjoy a semi for Sporting Clays /5-stand.
 
stubblejumper said:
Having owned an A400, I found that even using the shims, I could not get enough drop at comb to fit me properly. If you are going to rely on the shims making the gun fit, have someone in the store try and fit the gun to you using the shims.
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I doubt any store is going to take apart a gun and adjust the shims for anyone. The OP mentioned he was going to Bass Pro where the people behind the counter would probably even know how to do it.

The Beretta/Benelli shim system might not fit all comers but to get the correct fit on the o/u he's considering would require either the installation of an adjustable comb or major work to the stock.

FWIW, the shims work fine for me and every other shooter I know using the Beretta/Benelli system.
 
Claybuster said:
I doubt any store is going to take apart a gun and adjust the shims for anyone. The OP mentioned he was going to Bass Pro where the people behind the counter would probably even know how to do it.

The Beretta/Benelli shim system might not fit all comers but to get the correct fit on the o/u he's considering would require either the installation of an adjustable comb or major work to the stock.

FWIW, the shims work fine for me and every other shooter I know using the Beretta/Benelli system.
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Oddly enough, I have been in a store where the clerk did take a shotgun apart to use the shims to set up the gun for a prospective customer. Then again, I don't purchase firearms at Bass Pro shop
 
New shotgunners have a tendency to shoot way less than they think they will. Particularly if you have kids, job etc.

With numbers like that, I would think you can get away with a nice 12ga field gun, which wont kill you when sporting, but will also allow you to actually use it in the field if you go uplanding etc.

Maybe widen your search?

Food for thought.
C
 
Cardamonfrost said:
New shotgunners have a tendency to shoot way less than they think they will. Particularly if you have kids, job etc.

With numbers like that, I would think you can get away with a nice 12ga field gun, which wont kill you when sporting, but will also allow you to actually use it in the field if you go uplanding etc.

Maybe widen your search?

Food for thought.
C
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I am wide open to suggestions. Being new to the sport I don't really have any pre-conceived notions.
That being said, I went and checked out a bunch shotguns with my friend, and found that the berettas I tried didn't quite feel "right". I tried a few different benellis as well and found that the Ethos fit me the best. The $2700 price tag however made me gag.
And to be completely honest as well, when shouldering the Browning cynergy, it felt great. It shouldered in the same place every time, and my eyes immediately lined up with the rib and sights perfectly each time. Same with the Ethos, but a whole lot cheaper by about $900.

However, at the end of the day.... I'm still confused !
 
Two of the clays facilities around here rent shotguns and that's an important part of finding the right gun for you if at all possible. Also, don't be afraid to ask around local clubs where you are.
 
I once had a Browning Sporting Clays 20 gauge and after the second round the gun was effectively a single shot didnt like to be shot dirty at all.
Shot premium Remington ammo and cheap white box, no diff after 30-35 rounds she was a single shot.
Dont buy a gas gun...
Rob
 
Aeroguy said:
I am wide open to suggestions. Being new to the sport I don't really have any pre-conceived notions.
That being said, I went and checked out a bunch shotguns with my friend, and found that the berettas I tried didn't quite feel "right". I tried a few different benellis as well and found that the Ethos fit me the best. The $2700 price tag however made me gag.
And to be completely honest as well, when shouldering the Browning cynergy, it felt great. It shouldered in the same place every time, and my eyes immediately lined up with the rib and sights perfectly each time. Same with the Ethos, but a whole lot cheaper by about $900.

However, at the end of the day.... I'm still confused !
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Don't worry about being confused. Happens all the time. ;)

The good thing is that you are not in a hurry. You seem to have ruled two out of contention and appear to be leaning toward the Cynergy. They are well regarded guns although perhaps not as popular as the Citori.

The best way to decide on a shotgun is to shoot one. Most clay shooters are pretty good about letting others try their guns. The best way to approach someone is to notice their gun and start asking their opinions about it. More often than not you'll be offered the chance to shoot it.
 
Aeroguy said:
I am wide open to suggestions. Being new to the sport I don't really have any pre-conceived notions.
That being said, I went and checked out a bunch shotguns with my friend, and found that the berettas I tried didn't quite feel "right". I tried a few different benellis as well and found that the Ethos fit me the best. The $2700 price tag however made me gag.
And to be completely honest as well, when shouldering the Browning cynergy, it felt great. It shouldered in the same place every time, and my eyes immediately lined up with the rib and sights perfectly each time. Same with the Ethos, but a whole lot cheaper by about $900.

However, at the end of the day.... I'm still confused !
Click to expand...

Maybe a Franchi Instinct? can be had for about 1k and is a nice firearm. Comes in a good case too.

There is a CZ O/U on the EE right now, I'm sure it could be had a great price.

C
 
Ok, so I bit the bullet and bought my first shotgun. I went with the Benelli Ethos. One hell of an expensive piece of hardware for sure, but I did it for 2 reasons.
Number 1 reason was my buddy went back to the store afterwards and bought one. Guess he thought it was amazing enough to get one for himself. So anyways, the next day we went out and shot a few boxes, and I was just amazed at how nice it was.
Number 2 reason, I have another friend that works for Beretta, and he gave me the most amazing deal on it. If my buddy hadn't already bought and shot his I could have gotten him the same deal. Tough luck for him, but he should have told me he was going to get it.

Anyways, thanks everyone for your input, it helped me out !

Another quick question, while I was at bass pro I picked up a case of winchester dove and clay shells. FPS 1350, 1 oz., 7.5, 2.75. They were on sale. $65 for a case of 250.
Anyone ever used these before?
 
Aeroguy said:
Ok, so I bit the bullet and bought my first shotgun. I went with the Benelli Ethos. One hell of an expensive piece of hardware for sure, but I did it for 2 reasons.
Number 1 reason was my buddy went back to the store afterwards and bought one. Guess he thought it was amazing enough to get one for himself. So anyways, the next day we went out and shot a few boxes, and I was just amazed at how nice it was.
Number 2 reason, I have another friend that works for Beretta, and he gave me the most amazing deal on it. If my buddy hadn't already bought and shot his I could have gotten him the same deal. Tough luck for him, but he should have told me he was going to get it.

Anyways, thanks everyone for your input, it helped me out !

Another quick question, while I was at bass pro I picked up a case of winchester dove and clay shells. FPS 1350, 1 oz., 7.5, 2.75. They were on sale. $65 for a case of 250.
Anyone ever used these before?
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Good choice. Can't go wrong with that gun.

I've only shot the Dove and Clay in an o/u and they work fine. They appear to be a hotter version of the Winchester Super Target. Recoil is more noticeable but they break targets well enough.
 
Cardamonfrost said:
Maybe a Franchi Instinct? can be had for about 1k and is a nice firearm. Comes in a good case too.

There is a CZ O/U on the EE right now, I'm sure it could be had a great price.

C
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Good luck finding a Franchi Instinct for $1000 nowadays. Probably closer to $1500 in the used market. And given the gun's light weight, not one I would recommend for clays
 
1963beretta said:
Good luck finding a Franchi Instinct for $1000 nowadays. Probably closer to $1500 in the used market. And given the gun's light weight, not one I would recommend for clays
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Agreed on the price, but - with the exception of the lightweight, the Instincts weigh about the same as the much vaunted Beretta Silver Pigeon. Not as light as reputed - but still way lighter than the log with a barrel that Browning offers. :)

Rob!
 
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