New to trap, looking for advice

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DRJS

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So, this last Sunday I was out at the Nanaimo Range shooting trap for the first time. I brought the wrong kind of 12 gauge, short rifled barrel, no choke. After the first round passed a nice guy at the range lent me his Browning BT99. I shot an 18, 19 and 19 over the next few rounds. Was pretty impressed at how it shot.

My question is, how would I find out otherwise which rifle I should buy? Cost is not the first factor that comes to mind... I'm looking at investing in the sport for the long haul. I'm a younger guy, so this will be something I've got for years to come.

Any advice is appreciated:)

Thanks in advance!
 
First off, you want a shotgun, not a rifle (LOL). Cosmic has some pretty good advice. Shoot anything you can lay your hands on. One of the key factors to picking the right shotgun is how well it fits you. The right one will feel much more comfortable compared to others. Also, remember, that this will not be your last target shotgun, no matter what you buy. Look at used guns that you are positive are in good condition. That way you can sell a good used shotgun for around what you paid for it. Some folks shoot semis very well, but the vast majority of clay target shooters prefer hinge (break open) guns.
 
Are there places someone could go and shoot a vast array of shotguns for comparison?

What are the popular shotguns on the market?

Will def. be bringing down a few bottles to the range next time I get the chance;) Good advice!
 
DRJS said:
Are there places someone could go and shoot a vast array of shotguns for comparison?

The Grand American in early August in Sparta, IL.

What are the popular shotguns on the market?

IMHO Browning O/Us followed by Beretta O/Us

Will def. be bringing down a few bottles to the range next time I get the chance;) Good advice!
Click to expand...

That is the best thing to do for the time being.
 
Come on out to the Courtenay Fish & Game, lots of members who would be happy to show & share their guns with you
 
Def do not buy an 870.

If you are serious into shooting clays there is no point in buying a cheap gun that you will just end up replacing.

As others have said, try all sorts of different guns, feel how they mount to your shoulder, swing, etc.

You need to decide if you want an O/U or a semi.

Personally I bought a browning silver because it fits me very well and I can use it for hunting too.
 
My personal experience only, I go to the trap range to practice for hunting. Sporting clays (non competitive) a few times a year to get practice for rabbit and grouse using my Beretta semi. It is my field gun. Also will shoot trap (non competitive) to practice for geese/duck with my Beretta. I do this to get a feel for my field gun.

When I want to only shoot trap or skeet as part of an event, or recreational, out comes the Browning O/U.

My point, fit the gun to your intended purpose. Like Shep546 said, there are different guns for different purposes.

Should you look at only trap, I would recommend a quality O/U with proper choke tubes, like the Browning BT99 you shot

If you want to use the gun for hunting as well, look at a gun like the Browning 625. Its chambered in 3-1/2 inch and will shoot any shell you put in it.

Welcome to the sport!
 
Shep546 said:
Def do not buy an 870.

If you are serious into shooting clays there is no point in buying a cheap gun that you will just end up replacing.

As others have said, try all sorts of different guns, feel how they mount to your shoulder, swing, etc.

You need to decide if you want an O/U or a semi.

Personally I bought a browning silver because it fits me very well and I can use it for hunting too.
Click to expand...
My point was not so much to specifically buy an 870 but to shoot a lot before committing to a good trap gun. A Perazzi will not shoot 25 out of the box anymore than an 870 will without practice.
 
I did just that. Bought an 870 to see if I like the sport. I actually shoot it fairly well normally shooting 21 or higher. But with the lack of adjustments consistency is not always there. This is why I npw in the market for new shotgun. I want one that I can adjust to fit me perfectly . An 870 is not a terrible gun to start out with. It's simple and will take a beating. It kicks like a mule though and you will get fatigued shooting multiple rounds
 
bdft said:
Buy a cheap 870 and shoot it. A lot. Cases and cases of ammo. By then you will know what kind of shotgun you want. Gun fit is important but, IMHO, not nearly as important as rounds down range.
Click to expand...

I'm very new to this sport and very interested in the suggested method. Please elaborate a bit more.
 
A rifled barrel? Shooting trap? What you using, slugs? Lol shot wont pattern worth anything in a rifled barrel, and best to buy a " good" over under to shoot trap, pump is more a hunting gun
 
mcmack said:
My personal experience only, I go to the trap range to practice for hunting. Sporting clays (non competitive) a few times a year to get practice for rabbit and grouse using my Beretta semi. It is my field gun. Also will shoot trap (non competitive) to practice for geese/duck with my Beretta. I do this to get a feel for my field gun.

When I want to only shoot trap or skeet as part of an event, or recreational, out comes the Browning O/U.

My point, fit the gun to your intended purpose. Like Shep546 said, there are different guns for different purposes.

Should you look at only trap, I would recommend a quality O/U with proper choke tubes, like the Browning BT99 you shot

If you want to use the gun for hunting as well, look at a gun like the Browning 625. Its chambered in 3-1/2 inch and will shoot any shell you put in it.

Welcome to the sport!
Click to expand...

The BT99 is a single barrel trap gun and not an O/U
Dave
 
Ahsan Ahmed said:
I'm very new to this sport and very interested in the suggested method. Please elaborate a bit more.
Click to expand...
My two posts in this thread pretty much says it all. Rather than spend a lot of money on a high end trap gun buy a cheaper gun and spend the money on ammo. Once you shoot a bunch you start to understand what kind of gun is right for you. Spend some time at the trap range and you will get to see some different guns as well. Ultimately though, the only way to be a good trap shooter is to shoot a lot of trap.
 
I started with a 870.....did some shooting,I liked it...tried different guns(go to a local PITA,ATA shoot) I have never found someone who will say no to an opinion!!

After that....open your wallet and let the spending begin!!!
 
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