Hey guys i purchased my first rifle a few months ago and now i have a desire to shoot something other than paper. I want to get into trap shooting and am looking for advice on what type of shot gun to purchase. What is the learning curve like in trap? Is there any advantage in buying a begginers shot gun over something more expensive? Any advice would be much appreciated as i have zero experience with shot guns. Thanks .
newbie to trap
- Thread starter dozer
- Start date
If you get addicted to trap shooting like so many of us have, you may want to buy a good trap gun right from the start. You can't go far wrong with a Browning BT99. This is designed for nothing else but trap shooting. Dosen't even have a safety. You can use this for shooting the singles, and handicap events. If you want to get into double trap, (shoot 2 targets at a time) which I find to be the most fun, you'll need a double barrel, pump, or a semi-auto in 12Ga. Preferably with removeable chokes These shotguns can also be used for skeet, and sporting clays, and trap singles.
Over/unders are the most popular double barrel. The Browning Citori XT Trap model is a very good, reliable shotgun. Easy to use, and maintain.
As semi's go, the Beretta AL391 seems to fit the bill, and is liked by all that I have talked to that own one. A little more maintenence required than the O/U's but light on recoil.
Pumps. Lots of choice. Classics like the Winchester Model 12, Remington 870's are favorites. Pumps do take a little practise though for a new shooter, to get good scores in double trap, but many a champ has used them.
These are just my opinions, others will have preferences of thier own. Something to give you some ideas anyway.
Trap is not hard to learn, although it would be best if you could get some instructions from an experienced trap shooter, or instructor first. You will likely start breaking targets your first time out, and then with practise, getting higher and higher scores. To get to the level of the Big Dogs though, takes a lot of work, mentally as well. If you get serious it can start costing a few bucks to "play" in the competitions, but you can win money, and/or trophys.
Have fun, and check out the Trapshooters topic threads on this site.
Over/unders are the most popular double barrel. The Browning Citori XT Trap model is a very good, reliable shotgun. Easy to use, and maintain.
As semi's go, the Beretta AL391 seems to fit the bill, and is liked by all that I have talked to that own one. A little more maintenence required than the O/U's but light on recoil.
Pumps. Lots of choice. Classics like the Winchester Model 12, Remington 870's are favorites. Pumps do take a little practise though for a new shooter, to get good scores in double trap, but many a champ has used them.
These are just my opinions, others will have preferences of thier own. Something to give you some ideas anyway.
Trap is not hard to learn, although it would be best if you could get some instructions from an experienced trap shooter, or instructor first. You will likely start breaking targets your first time out, and then with practise, getting higher and higher scores. To get to the level of the Big Dogs though, takes a lot of work, mentally as well. If you get serious it can start costing a few bucks to "play" in the competitions, but you can win money, and/or trophys.
Have fun, and check out the Trapshooters topic threads on this site.
I second rifleman's idea. I got hook up and try some of the gun from those trap shooters. to have a right gun will get you step on the right foot and improve much faster than a problem gun. screw in choke system is a must. Try some before put your green on the table.
Edmond
Edmond
The problem for the trap gun is the sheer number of shells it must digest. Trap shooting uses a lot of rounds. Gas guns make good trap guns for a while, and then they succumb to all of the carbon they eat, or break springs, or both. Pump guns fare much better, but are at a slight disadvantage in the 2 shot events. Not as disadvantaged as a BT-99, for instance, but not as fast as a double. If all you are going to shoot is ATA singles trap, then the BT-99 and its single shot brethren will do very well. You get a well made gun for a decent price. If doubles or continental (wobble) or international trap are in your future, get an U/O, one designed for trap. New ones run about $2,500 and the sky is the limit. Used ones can be half that. Caveat Emptor. If that is outside the budget, go with the pump.
Sharptail
Sharptail
On top of the already good advice you have may I suggest that you go to the range where you expect to be shooting trap and talk to the guys there. Most trap shooters I have met are always willing to talk about the sport and everyone has an opinion of what's the best trap gun. Some of these guys will have suitable guns for sale as trap shooters seem to be always changing guns. I have to echo everyone elso though a good used bt99 is an excellent choice. Good luck
hey thanks for al the advice guys, i appreciate it. Unfortunately the trap club has packed it up for the winter so i wont have a chance to check it out for a few months. Luckily this gives more time to save for a sweet gun! I will keep reading the trap threads and hopefull will be smashing clays by spring!
