Clays newbie - which gun shops?

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Mark S.

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Hi guys, this is my first post here but I've been reading for a little while. I live in Calgary, Alberta. To make a long story short, I recently went trap shooting and it was one of the most fun things I have ever done - so fun, in fact, that I would like to get my own equipment. I have already read the CFSC manual, and hope to take the test soon so I can apply for a PAL.

After reading on these forums and others, it seems the Beretta 391 Urika II is one of the best choices, assuming it fits me nicely. Keep in mind I will only ever be using it for clay shooting, as I am not the least bit interested in hunting. I am willing to spend roughly $1,000 on a gun however it seems prices vary significantly. Wholesale Sports sells it for $1,570, but after conducting a search on this website it appears a gun shop in Lloydminster, AB was advertising them for $1,199 last year. Are there any "go-to" shops that everyone generally considers the best for pricing? I'd be happy to buy online too, assuming that is legal. Also I would check the for sale section of this website, however I don't think I've been a member long enough to gain access.

Thanks in advance for any input!

Mark
 
Be assured that your first trap gun won't be your last. Buy a used one and get someone knowledgeable about fit and trap guns to help you. Try shooting everything you can lay your hands on. Most of us will let you shot our guns, just ask first.

Almost everyone that I have introduced into clay target shooting just had to buy a gun right away. Then they bought something else within a year. Good luck and welcome.
 
Mark S. said:
Hi guys, this is my first post here but I've been reading for a little while. I live in Calgary, Alberta. To make a long story short, I recently went trap shooting and it was one of the most fun things I have ever done - so fun, in fact, that I would like to get my own equipment. I have already read the CFSC manual, and hope to take the test soon so I can apply for a PAL.

After reading on these forums and others, it seems the Beretta 391 Urika II is one of the best choices, assuming it fits me nicely. Keep in mind I will only ever be using it for clay shooting, as I am not the least bit interested in hunting. I am willing to spend roughly $1,000 on a gun however it seems prices vary significantly. Wholesale Sports sells it for $1,570, but after conducting a search on this website it appears a gun shop in Lloydminster, AB was advertising them for $1,199 last year. Are there any "go-to" shops that everyone generally considers the best for pricing? I'd be happy to buy online too, assuming that is legal. Also I would check the for sale section of this website, however I don't think I've been a member long enough to gain access.

Thanks in advance for any input!

Mark
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Pop up the hill behind Wholesale Sports to The Shooting Edge as well. They always have a decent selection of used Semi's and O/U's in most makes. Canadian Tire in the south end has a decent supply and often unusualy good deals.

And in addition to the box stores, check out the web sites from P&D and Milarm in Edmonton too.
 
On a side note:
Buying online is 100% legit
and to get on the EE boards it doesnt matter how long you've been a member, you just need to request it
Go into User CP, then I think there is a section called groups or something, and select the EE forums

And if you're a young un, ask to get into the youth forum too, it's fun, turning into a bit of a ruckus there
 
Beretta687EELL said:
Be assured that your first trap gun won't be your last. Buy a used one and get someone knowledgeable about fit and trap guns to help you. Try shooting everything you can lay your hands on. Most of us will let you shot our guns, just ask first.

Almost everyone that I have introduced into clay target shooting just had to buy a gun right away. Then they bought something else within a year. Good luck and welcome.
Click to expand...

I totally agree! Find yourself something used in decent working order that you feel fits you and go from there. Like said, many will let you try their gun to help give you a feel for what might work best for you. Doing so can save you hundreds (if not thousands :)) in the long run.
Good luck and good shooting!
 
Thanks for the replies guys.

So, would you all recommend I buy something other than the Beretta 391 to start? I see that Prophet River in Lloydminster is selling them (Urika II) for only $999. Assuming I like the fit, I thought that was pretty good based on my research thus far. I've also read (on ChuckHawks.com) that the 390/3901 is a superior product because of just how much of a pain it is (apparently) to clean the 391. On the flip side I've read it isn't as bad as its made out to be.

Lots of people seem to be picking up Remington 1100's as their first guns for $500-600 used, however I also read about poor quality and reliability issues there. I don't mind spending a little bit more for something I will keep for a long(er) time. I tried both O/U and semi-auto at the range when I went, and had no preference really. I don't know exactly what guns I was shooting, however. The low maintenance aspect of O/U guns appealed to me, but they kick harder and are extremely expensive.

I got on the EE boards and did a search for Beretta in the last 6 months, and everyone seems to want the same money as a new 391 costs for their used ones. Perhaps there is something I am not understanding, but from what I gather, there seems to be no advantage to buying one of those used. I will also check at Canadian Tire, as they don't seem to list firearms online. I'll pop into the shooting edge as well, I'm near there often.

I don't know a single person already in the sport, so it's difficult for me to get much guidance but I'm finding the internet and forums to be very good.

Anyways, thanks again for putting up with my questions, you probably get them a lot.

PS: I'm 24 so I will stay out of the Youth section =).
 
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I'm an 1100 fan Mark. Have been since my Dad got me started in hunting long before I was able to actually go with him. I've got a few of them including his first which he handed down to me. A 1963 model year. Other than usual cleaning, it's still going strong with (to date) zero replacement parts.
Other than replacing an O-ring just because I thought I should, I replaced my very first 1100 broken part tonight on the 1973 model in which I use specifically for trap. No big deal, after so many thousands of rounds, things will happen to any brand and model of shotgun. The piece which broke is the fore-end support and costs a grand total of $5.85.
Yes, IMO for $500 you should be able to find a dandy 1100 in what I would hope is excellent working condition. I bought one last week for $165, but it was in rough shape wood wise. I see lots of good used ones in the $350 to $600 range. All had the removable Rem Choke barrels as well.
Don't overlook the 870 or the Mossberg 500. These are VERY reasonably priced and you will see many of them at your trap range, although more-so the 870 out of the two. Benelli is another fine shotgun. Then there's Browning's also.
Don't get me wrong, the Beretta's are a great shotgun. They just don't feel right or fit me in a sense that I'm comfortable with them. 1100 fits me like a glove. Mount, point, shoot. It's just right.
I know what you mean about EE here, but there are decent deals now and then. Right place, right time sort of thing. Any local gun shops with web pages you can surf for used guns Mark? Keep going to your range, get to know the regulars. Let them know you're new and wanting to get into the sport. I'm sure the majority of them would be more than happy to help you with what you want to know.
No need to try and rush a purchase and end up with one you can't shoot worth a darn. Believe me, you'll know when you find the shotgun that suits you.
 
Mark S - Welcome!

Admittedly, I'm not much of a target (clay) shooter since my frequency of such activity is about twice a month on average.

Nevertheless, from what very small bits of experience that I've acquired so far - it may not be out of place to mention that someone new to the game, looking to acquire a shotgun only for the purpose of clay shooting maybe better served via selecting a "sporting model" instead of let's say a dedicated trap gun - if that is your intent at this point in time?

As you may be aware, the sporting model shotgun will be compatible and so enable you to effectively participate and "grow/merge" into other types of clay shooting in addition to trap, for example - Skeet, Sporting Clay etc. Those are activities that you may find much more challenging/fun once you've shot a few rounds.

A trap model, on the other hand, is simply designed to shoot trap only and you may not wish to become constrained with such limitations via your initial purchase.

If your preference is for a Beretta Urika 391 then you are definitely on the right track as that would be one of the most appropriate model for the kind of functionalities that you've in mind presently. Personally, I do not prefer a Beretta semi-auto but for entirely different reason(s). Having said that, I also believe that is the best semi for the task of clay shooting and have observed that as the most dominant among semis at the range.

Best of luck in your quest.
 
sledman & Ahsan Ahmed - thanks for the replies.

It sounds like the 1100 isn't as bad as some were making it out to be, although I've also read the new ones aren't build like the old ones and are now outsourced to China? Not sure if that's true or not.

I see the 870 and Mossberg 500 are priced very well but I'm not sure I want a pump gun. I have a habit of buying something slightly cheaper to save a few bucks, and then upgrading ASAP, losing money on my initial investment. My goal is to buy something that will satisfy me for a good while, even as I get more experienced. That was kind of why I was leaning toward a 391 but I am open to other options as well. Also, Ashan, you make a good point that buying a more versatile gun will be an asset if I want to try out anything other than trap shooting.

I do agree that I need to try out the gun first and make sure I like it, but I don't have my PAL just yet and instructor company at the range I was at is $50/hr which is too much for me to just try out a gun. I suppose I can't buy anything without my PAL anyways haha. I could also try and find someone with a PAL to come with me I guess.

I've searched any local online for sale sections that I can find, without much luck, but I am keeping an eye out.

Thanks again for all the help.
 
Since you live in Calgary, why not drop by the Calgary Firearms Centre? It is open Wednesday to Sunday. They have a selection of rental guns and most members are always willing to let you try their guns. WSS, Cambodian Tire and TSE are good places to look, but I would suggest good used instead of new. The 391 you mentiion is a fine choice, but not for everyone. No matter what you choose, after shooting a while you will probably want to try something else.
 
Covey Ridge said:
Since you live in Calgary, why not drop by the Calgary Firearms Centre? It is open Wednesday to Sunday. They have a selection of rental guns and most members are always willing to let you try their guns. WSS, Cambodian Tire and TSE are good places to look, but I would suggest good used instead of new. The 391 you mentiion is a fine choice, but not for everyone. No matter what you choose, after shooting a while you will probably want to try something else.
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I was just looking at the Calgary Firearms Center actually, I may head down there this weekend if the weather holds up, especially if they have a large variety of rental guns. Will it be a problem if I don't have my PAL yet? I know I can't buy anything, but will I have to pay an instructor to stand beside me the entire time?

Thanks!
 
Alberta Hunter Education Instructors Association runs the Calgary centre. 403 256-0665
You might want to give them a telephone call. Ask for Martin or Graham. My understanding is that instruction is free, but if you are not a member, the price per round is more and their price for ammo is more than you pay at WSS or the Tire. I would give them a call today. They're probably just sitting arouind and watching the snow fall.

If you can make it next Wednesday or Thursday afternoon and I can get caught up with my honey do list, you could shoot as my guest and I could even bring a couple 391s along for you to try. PM me if you are interested.
 
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Covey Ridge said:
Alberta Hunter Education Instructors Association runs the Calgary centre. 403 256-0665
You might want to give them a telephone call. Ask for Martin or Graham. My understanding is that instruction is free, but if you are not a member, the price per round is more and their price for ammo is more than you pay at WSS or the Tire. I would give them a call today. They're probably just sitting arouind and watching the snow fall.

If you can make it next Wednesday or Thursday afternoon and I can get caught up with my honey do list, you could shoot as my guest and I could even bring a couple 391s along for you to try. PM me if you are interested.
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I will give them a call when the weather gets a bit better, I am very excited to go out again though. And your offer is very kind, I normally am not free those evenings due to work but if I am I will get in touch.

Thanks,

Mark
 
Thought I would post as this is not that old.

But I like the remington 870 pump. My scores where not always perfect but still pretty good. Not as nice as the o/u's that the old guys where useing, and its a very versatile weapon. Oh it was amercain trap not internation.
 
Mark,
I am new to Calgary but love to shoot and get out as much as I can. I shoot mainly sporting clays but am ussually up to some trap for practice. Feel free to send me something via this discussion and maybe we can go out and grind up some clays.

By the way i agree try all the guns you can and try something used. I have bought and sold too many guns that I thought would be it forever. Most of which i lost on.
Secondly the fitting part is probably the most important element and I recently had a fitting at the shooting edge and they did a great job reasonably.

Happy shooting

Brady
 
brady-24-7 said:
Mark,
I am new to Calgary but love to shoot and get out as much as I can. I shoot mainly sporting clays but am ussually up to some trap for practice. Feel free to send me something via this discussion and maybe we can go out and grind up some clays.

By the way i agree try all the guns you can and try something used. I have bought and sold too many guns that I thought would be it forever. Most of which i lost on.
Secondly the fitting part is probably the most important element and I recently had a fitting at the shooting edge and they did a great job reasonably.

Happy shooting

Brady
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestions, sounds like fitting is very important (makes sense). I won't have my PAL until probably the end of June, but before I buy something I do plan on doing whatever I can to try a wide variety of guns. Both my research and my budget are pointing me towards a Beretta 391 synthetic so far, but I haven't been able to shoot one yet. I'll let you know next time I am planning on heading out!

Mark
 
I just got a used Baikal SxS from TradeEx......Only shot trap a handful of times before and shot 17 & 18 out of 25 the first time out with it.

It was $160, so I ordered two (shortened the second one for the GF).
 
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