Good starter for trap

J

jholder

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I know this has been asked several times but I'm going to ask anyways and hope for some good advice.

I am just getting back into shooting and had a great time at the range shooting trap for the first time a couple of weeks ago.

I attempted it with my own gun a Mossberg 590A1 and not surprisingly did not perform well at all.

One of the range members then let me try their gun, I'm not exactly sure what gun it was, but it was a semi-auto beretta of some variant, and I did much better (not stellar, but definitely improved).

Now I've come to the conclusion that I would like to spend more time at trap (at least to start) and need a gun to get me going.

I've been researching and I am still on the fence as to whether I want a semi or a pump. The gun will likely be 90+% a sporting gun with 10% field use.

I know that you get what you pay for, but that being said, I sadly have a budget. and realistically about $1000ish is where I'm at. So buying a good semi is pretty well out of the question.

Given this constraint here are the guns I am considering, any feedback or other worthwhile candidates would be appreciated.

Benelli Nova/Supernova
Browning BPS
Mossberg 500
Mossberg 930
Remington 11-87

These are all new guns, I am happy to consider used guns as well, I just have not had the opportunity to research prices yet.

Thanks in advance.
 
You can look for a used Beretta 390, or an 1100 trap model, or even something like a BT99. A gas gun is softer to shoot, but a single barrel gun like the BT99 requires about as much maintenance as a rock.
 
Yes, you can get a pretty darn nice gently used semi or over/under for around $1000.00. I would go that route before any of the guns you listed if my main shooting was going to be clays.
 
The bps is smooth reliable pump. Bottom eject as well if your a lefty. The only con of this gun on the trap line is you must close the action load the round in the then work the action. Great gun though. The mossberg 500 also a steller gun. Can be had with a dual bead vent rib barrel and with the side eject proving safe and loading are simplified on the trap line as the action is open drop shell in and close. If you have a 590 already a 500 is much the same and you can get a variety of after market barrels as well. The mossberg 930 is a good value semi. An older wingmaster will do you well in the pump guns. A 1100 rem is a decent buy for a semi.
Beretta makes a great semi that can be had used for less then $1000

You may also want to look at o/u guns as well. If trap is the only game u wish to do bt99 single barrel gun will do nicely used around $800. Baikal makes a single barrel trap gun that sells new $300
 
Out of the firearms you listed, the mossberg 930 is a great overall gun.

With that said, apply for EE access, and find a used beretta 391 for $800-$1000. It is ten times the gun than any of those other firearms.
 
Applied for the EE, just waiting patiently now and window shopping.

After lot of reading I'm thinking that a used 391 or maybe even a 390 will be a good start.

I will see how it goes.

Thanks for all the replies, my mind is still open though, if any one else wants to chime in with other options.
 
Get a Beretta or Remington 1100 in a trap gun version. These are good traps guns, and have been used by many to shoot and win at many trap shoots over the years.

The BT-99 is a good trap gun too, like others have mentioned.

Look and see what the good shooters use. You won't see many of them using a 930 or a BPS.
 
brybenn said:
The bps is smooth reliable pump. Bottom eject as well if your a lefty. The only con of this gun on the trap line is you must close the action load the round in the then work the action.
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Huh, open the BPS action rotate the gun, drop the shell in and close the action. No need at all to load into the mag and then pump the shell to chamber. Bit of a bother rotating the gun but works just fine.
 
For my money, get a BT99. I bought mine in 1975, new, and I still use it. The blueing is mostly gone, the finish on the wood is not great, but it functions like new. Spent $100.00 on it four years ago to put in a new lock to tighten it up. Also, make sure that whatever you buy, the shotgun fits you and mounts properly.
 
starvinmarvin said:
For my money, get a BT99. I bought mine in 1975, new, and I still use it. The blueing is mostly gone, the finish on the wood is not great, but it functions like new. Spent $100.00 on it four years ago to put in a new lock to tighten it up. Also, make sure that whatever you buy, the shotgun fits you and mounts properly.
Click to expand...

Your post brings up a good point and another question. What does a good fit/mount actually mean? When I pick up a gun what am I looking for to know that it fits well? Or do I actually have to put some rounds through it to get a true picture of fit?

I really appreciate the responses guys.
 
Pump/semi

I have used a semi and a pump to shoot trap. I like the pump better. There is something cool about the pump. I really like the physical action of it, and it's very satisfying when you rapidly blast the clays. Semis are almost to easy. Plus a pump makes a great sound that adds to the whole experience.
 
If you are looking to shoot primarily trap, buy yourself a trap gun. A higher comb, mid bead, and heavier weight, are features of a trap dedicated shotgun. They are also designed to handle thousands upon thousands of rounds through them (100k+). Most field and sporting guns, not so much!

I started shooting trap with a Mossberg 9200 semi, and did just fine with it. I soon learned though that picking up all those spent hulls off the ground was a pain. Also, having to do a complete tear down to clean gas and powder residue from the ports every 500 rounds was a hassle as well. (Action slowed right down if it was dirty at all).

Other shooters may not like to be pelted with hulls flying out of a semi as well, although it doesn't bother me a bit.

Get your EE access, and cruise the ads. It is the very best place to get a handle on what guns are available, and how much they go for.

If you think you will like shooting doubles, don't bother looking at single barell guns like the bt-99. Look at semi's or O/U's.

BTW, any "B" gun should be the one you look for. Beretta, Browning, or Benelli.

As far as fit is concerned; the gun that mounts naturally, and shoots where you look is one that fits. Try mounting different makes in the stores. You will discover that some don't shoulder nicely, and if you close your eyes, mount the gun, and open your eyes, the beads should be stacked, and in line. If they are off-set, or there is a gap between them, or no gap at all, this is a sign that the gun might not be right for you.

You will find that trapshooters are a very helpful bunch. Tell them at your club that you are trying to decide which gun to buy, and would like to try some different ones out. I am sure that you will receive many offers to try out thier guns on the range.

Hope this helps! You may want to post your question in the Skeet/Trap forum as well. There are some very knowledgable people there!

Cheers,

James
 
planemaker said:
Huh, open the BPS action rotate the gun, drop the shell in and close the action. No need at all to load into the mag and then pump the shell to chamber. Bit of a bother rotating the gun but works just fine.
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Agreed...not bothersome at all and relatively easy. Love the BPS, very smooth.
 
Don't bypass a Winchester Super X-1 if you get the chance to buy one. This followed me home from a gun show last year. I have the " B " guns but these are still a gem at 30+ years old.

IMG_0058_Medium_.JPG
 
start out with a decent over under first, just a thought. if you get into competition some one please clarify on this but i sxs or o/u is what you need. but pump or semi big bucks don't really mean it is a feel good gun. it is all in what you want and what feels perfect for you.
 
The Weatherby PA08 is a wonderful pump gun and its readily available with a beautiful wood stock for $400. If you want semi-auto, the SA08 is equally wonderful for $600. Chromed barrels and bolts, a silky smooth action and twin action bars make it my favorite gun. It handles everything I've thrown at it without a hitch.

P
 
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