Budget 12g Trap Gun which one?

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gdrew

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I want to start doing some fun non competitive trap shooting at our club.

Was hoping to get some insight regarding value for money on some of the entry level O/U 12 gauge guns available.

I like the idea of adjustable trigger and LOP with ejectors and perhaps a 30 inch barrel, but not sure what other features may or may not be desirable on a budget gun.

Been looking at Huglu on Prophet River's website, selection seems to be quite limited on the trap models right now. I have shouldered several guns at the range but many of them were expensive models and others were set up for different size people so getting a feel just wasn't working for me. I'm going to purchase online so that's one reason I was hoping to get an adjustable LOP.

I would like to hear from clay shooters of entry level guns, what make/model and features you like and don't like based on your experience.

I'm not a hunter so don't require a duel purpose gun. If it matters, I'm 6'1" and about 210lbs over 60 years old. The budget is sub $2000. I'm sure I could get by with a $800/$900 gun but the adjustable LOP seems desirable.

Thanks for your time!
 
With a $2000 budget you could buy a really good condition used older Browning Citori or Beretta 680 series(682,686,687) and if they don't have the adjustable features you want buy the hardware and have someone reputable install them and come in within your budget easily and you'd have a much better quality gun that will retain its value and has parts readily available should you ever need them. I've handled the new Huglu trap models and have to say I was not impressed. They are very off balance and feel heavy and sluggish to move because of that poor weight balance. The centre of gravity is not between the hands where it belongs. As well I did not care for the overall ergonomics or aesthetics. It felt cheap and the mono-bloc etc looked "unfinished" in comparison to an entry level B gun.
 
the spank said:
With a $2000 budget you could buy a really good condition used older Browning Citori or Beretta 680 series(682,686,687) and if they don't have the adjustable features you want buy the hardware and have someone reputable install them and come in within your budget easily and you'd have a much better quality gun that will retain its value and has parts readily available should you ever need them. I've handled the new Huglu trap models and have to say I was not impressed. They are very off balance and feel heavy and sluggish to move because of that poor weight balance. The centre of gravity is not between the hands where it belongs. As well I did not care for the overall ergonomics or aesthetics. It felt cheap and the mono-bloc etc looked "unfinished" in comparison to an entry level B gun.
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i agree completely with that budget you should consider a used B gun. to answer your own question go toa trap competition and see how many Huglus you see on the line.
 
I'm another guy recommending a lightly used Browning or Beretta, whichever comes closer to fitting you.
If you find that you need an adjustable butt or comb, you should just about have the money left over to install one.

Usually, club members are pretty generous in letting someone try out their gun, for a round of Trap. There's nothing like shooting a gun to bring out the features that you like or dislike.
 
Another vote for a used Browning or Beretta. You mention an O/U, if you're not going to shoot doubles, and intend on it only for trap, you will also find a nice BT-99 in that price range.
The less expensive imports will not hold up over time. You will find it addictive and end up shooting way more than you think you will so a quality gun represents a much better value.
 
I haven't had much luck locating a nice used B gun at a reasonable price, that's why I started looking at the new offerings. I don't spend enough time on the EE or really have the knowledge to confidently purchase something used, sight unseen. The best offerings get snapped up instantly, which isn't a surprise to anyone.

Some of the reviews I saw on the low end Turkish / Italian guns seemed positive. In a few cases the reviewer couldn't say anything critical at all, which made me wonder if it was an honest assessment. That's why I came here to hear from people who are actually using them, which seem to be few so far...lol.

Thanks for the input! I'll keep my options open as I'm not in a rush. I feel more likely to go the used B gun route now if I can snag something tight and in good condition at a reasonable price. Going to have to do my homework!
 
I was doing the same search last year. Luckily I was able to shoot several different makes and models of O/U at our local club. I eventually found and 1976 Citori that had been modified so screw in chokes could be added ( Briley thin walls). The price was well below your top budget number and it came with an adjustable comb and recoil pad that had been added by the person I bought it from. The wood was in great shape and had been redone and the bluing was in good shape considering the age. I've shot 2500+/- target round through it and have had no problems - except Station 8 low house, but that's not the gun! It is a bit heavier than newer models, but not so much that it's noticeable. I picked the Citori mainly because of the price and adjustable comb, but there were other decent shotguns out there on various forums. Patience pays off in the used gun market!
 
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Toodoggone said:
I was doing the same search last year. Luckily I was able to shot several different makes and models of O/U at our local club. I eventually found and 1976 Citori that had been modified so screw in chokes could be added ( Briley thin walls). The price was well below your top budget number and it came with an adjustable comb and recoil pad that had been added by the person I bought it from. The wood was in great shape and had been redone and the bluing was in good shape considering the age. I've shot 2500+/- target round through it and have had no problems - except Station 8 low house, but that's not the gun! It is a bit heavier than newer models, but no so much that it's noticeable. I picked the Citori mainly because of the price and adjustable comb, but there were other decent shotguns out there on various forums. Patience pays off in the used gun market!
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Well done!! You'll never be unhappy with that gun!
 
Spank is offering sage advice. If your game is trap only, then an older fixed full choke Browning trap gun fits the bill. They go for cheaps (+/- 1000$) because nobody wants a trap only gun these days. There was even a 30 in Browning Superposed with the adjustable buttpad on the EE listed very recently for about that price. Unfortunately, it was opened up from full chokes to I/C.
 
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cosmic said:
Spank is offering sage advice. If your game is trap only, then an older fixed full choke Browning trap gun fits the bill. They go for cheaps (+/- 1000$) because nobody wants a trap only gun these days. There was even a 30 in Browning Superposed with the adjustable buttpad on the EE listed very recently for about that price. Unfortunately, it was opened up from full chokes to I/C.
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They go cheaper because most want screw chokes nowadays. Personally though I prefer fixed choke trap guns. I find the older fixed choke barrels if left alone pattern nicer.
 
Every Turkish gun I have seen on the trap range has developed problems very quickly. Light primer strikes appear to be common and one guy had his almost brand new Churchill break the stock at the wrist. I seen one that the top barrel would shoot one place and the bottom would shoot somewhere else entirely. If you just want to shoot singles then any used BT99 would work for you or even an 870 to start with. They will shoot thousands of rounds without needing any repair and when they do break you can get parts to fix them. When Turkish guns break you might as well throw them away.
 
What do you think of a Browning BPS trap gun?

I didn't really want a pump, was more into a O/U but I've been offered a nice plain one in great condition at a affordable price. Cleaning a pump gun is one reason I find them less appealing but for my casual use it might work...

Thoughts?
 
Shot trap a couple times before using other peoples shotguns. This past Friday I picked up a used BT99, fixed full chokes, 34" barrel, and surprisingly ejectors. I plan to get good at it and if I need to upgrade, I can recoup the majority of the cost. Did 2 rounds of trap yesterday and I am ready for next Saturday.
 
It's been my experience that "budget" and "Shooting Trap" don't usually go together.

But, my vote would be for a used Brno O/U, they are cheap and are usually full/full with chrome lined barrels. They recoil like a pig, so spend a bit on some sort of pad and recoil reducer.

Alternately, a Beretta semi is hard to beat. I had a 301, and I had a little gizmo that clipped in the port so you could save your hulls. Saving hulls not much of a thing anymore. They were stocked for trap.

Real budget: An old Wingmaster, install a trap stock, add better beads to the rib and have fun. Real old school.

Trap is a rising bird game, your combo should have a tendency to pattern high.

I would stay away from any used trap gun, most will have reached their end of life long before they are sold.

I've been out of the game for 50 years, my advice may be older school than even I think it is. Do they still make Perazzi's, back in the day they were a go to for the top shooters. IIRC they weren't for the faint of wallet crowd.

Nitro
 
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