Do you use the top barrel or bottom barrel for shooting trap?

[Dexter Morgan]

A question for those of you using an over/under shotgun for shooting trap;
Which barrel do you normally use?

Top barrel only?

Bottom barrel only?

Switch back and forth?

 

[kimmer82]

what ever you want to shoot with is my answer.

i personally use bottom barrel, but i do know many top barrel shooters. Whatever barrel you feel good with is the barrel you shoot with in my mind

 

[doktor]

I shoot bottom, my son shoots top. I've had a few guys tell me o/u's are designed to shoot bottom first. They say o/u's are designed for doubles trap. Saying the bottom shoots a little high for the first shot, and the top barrel shoots straighter. Meaning shoot the first clay on the way up and the second as it peaks.
Others say the recoil of the lower barrel is less as it is more in line with your shoulder etc, making it easier to line up that second shot from the top barrel. Having said all that, barrel convergence varies, and gun fit varies. Shoot what you want, and what works for you.

 

[Maxkeg]

I always shoot the top barrel, it's easier for me to load and remove the shell. I have raised the comb in my sporting shotgun to allow for a 70/30 shot pattern. I like to place my front bead under the flying clay so the high 70% pattern above the line smokes the clays.

Most of Trap shooters prefer the bottom barrel because of its lighter recoil. But then again, if you shoot with a Trap or Sporting gun, the recoil is light due to the proper weight and good balance of the gun (large stock). See what works for you, if you shoot with a field gun then maybe the bottom barrel is better with less recoil.

The best thing is to pattern your shotgun first at 20m then at 35m to find out how the barrels perform. Then you'll see which barrel gives you the pattern you desire for Trap shooting.

 

[fiddler]

Bottom barrel has less muzzle lift and easier to prepare for the next shot. Consequently, the bottom has the more open choke, and the top has the fuller choke.

 

[beretta boy]

Bottom barrel for trap singles, as well as for the first shot on doubles.
Same for Skeet.

 

[Alex_Zues]

I've got double triggers, so I prefer bottom barrel since it's the first trigger and just feels more natural. I'll use top occasionally just to give the other barrel a cooldown.

 

[the spank]

I use my bottom barrel as their is less felt recoil with the bottom barrel.

 

[stubblejumper]

Bottom barrel for trap singles, as well as for the first shot on doubles.
Same for Skeet.

+1 .When I purchase an O/U I move the selector to fire the lower barrel first, and usually it is never changed for as long as I own the gun.

 

[pilon]

Bottom for 16 yard trap singles.
Top barrel for handicap.