Shotgun opinions?

T

TrxR

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Looking at getting into trap for fun . I shot a Beretta A390 sporting on the weekend that i felt comfortable with.

Whats everyones opinion on a A400 Xcel sporting in 12g 30" barrel for an all around shotgun? It will be my only shotgun.
 
I have a 30", A400 Xcel Sporting that I use as an all around gun and loaner (I also had a 32" version but preferred the 30" so it's the one I kept). My trap, skeet or 5-stand scores are the same as when I use a more dedicated gun for each. It works with every load I have ever tried, has never had any issues or problems (round count is now in the 5K range), and it would be my recommendation for a quality semi-automatic (I've also had Remington, Browning, Winchester and Benelli), as long as, like Falconflyer mentioned, it fits you. The only thing I don't/didn't like about it is the factory bolt release button ! That thing got really annoying in colder weather where it was actually painful to use. I replaced mine with an extended one from Briley and I'm much happier.
 
A400 is a great shotgun, however, when you say all around shotgun, It will be great for all the clay sports, but might not be the best option if you hunt. the A400 Xplor or the Unico might be a better option.
Also, if you can find a 391 used in good shape they are the Beretta Autoloader to have IMO.
Best bet for shotgun selection though is go to your local clays club and ask some people to try their guns. It will help you avoid buying the wrong gun. This time of year, a lot of the guys will be using their autoloaders for trap and skeet, as duck season is well underway.
Good luck
 
jewman22 said:
A400 is a great shotgun, however, when you say all around shotgun, It will be great for all the clay sports, but might not be the best option if you hunt. the A400 Xplor or the Unico might be a better option.
Also, if you can find a 391 used in good shape they are the Beretta Autoloader to have IMO.
Best bet for shotgun selection though is go to your local clays club and ask some people to try their guns. It will help you avoid buying the wrong gun. This time of year, a lot of the guys will be using their autoloaders for trap and skeet, as duck season is well underway.
Good luck
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Thanks. I dont do much for hunting . It will be mainly for clay sports.

Whats the difference between the A400 Xcel and the A400 Xcel Sporting?

Also were there different models of the 390 and 391? Im assuming they both had a sporting model as well ?

Thanks
 
The difference between sporting and field models is usually in the stock if there is any, in the case of the 390/391's I couldn't see any difference except that the sporting model had "sporting" written on the barrel and they're were 391's with parallel combs to make them appeal to trap shooters. In general terms, the actions and barrels normally are the same but the stocks are often heavier for target guns to increase the weight to mitigate recoil for long shooting sessions.
 
All you would need is a Remington 870 (wingmaster, sportsman or express) the sportsman model only made a couple of years and is slightly better than express. Upgrade the extractor change out a couple springs and get ready to hit 25 clays. Someone on EE is selling a sportsman - I own one and love it. Recently purchased a wingmaster receiver 2 3/4 which I am going to use to build a period correct wingmaster.

cheers
 
TrxR said:
Thanks. I dont do much for hunting . It will be mainly for clay sports.

Whats the difference between the A400 Xcel and the A400 Xcel Sporting?

Also were there different models of the 390 and 391? Im assuming they both had a sporting model as well ?

Thanks
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The Xcel is a bit heavier and has a straighter comb i believe, as well as a slightly wider rib. Beretta is really gimmicky with their lineup. overall not a lot of difference, the action will be essentially the same, the piston might be lighter or heavier depending on model. ie. duck gun would have a heavier piston and spring to accommodate heavier shells.
the 391 sporting was called the Teknys i believe. they are fantastic guns.
I switched over to Fabarm and won't consider any other autoloaders.
 
Would a good used O/U maybe be a better option for something dedicated to range use and no hunting? If so what should i look at?

Also how much difference in recoil between the semi and the O/U?

Thanks
 
Recoil is different between a gas operated semi and an O/U, yes. A dedicated trap O/U will set you back 2-4 times what a target semi will. Semi's on a trap line without a shell catcher have a habit of annoying people, so keep that in mind. If you're not shooting doubles, the BT-99 would be worth a look. I peronally shoot a Browning BPS as a dedicated trap gun.
 
I’ve owned several semi autos and settled on the following two. Liked the 391 Berettas and Browning Maxus Sporting but not for me. Haven’t shot the A400.

Benelli Supersport - Great gun easily adaptable for fit with shims and comb risers. Easy to maintain and clean with inertia action and won’t let you down on a rainy day Sporting Clays course. Added a Briley weight and medium comb riser.

Winchester SX3 Ultimate - Great gun adaptable for fit with the Briley accessories.
 
TrxR said:
What do you all think of a Browning Citori CX or CXT?
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Again, I’ve gone through several O/U’s and settled into 32” barrels in a Guerrini Ellipse Evo Sporting and a Browning CXS with adjustable comb. The Browning is all the gun you’ll ever need but I got consumed with the shotgun sports. The CXS with the adjustable comb will let you play all the games be it Skeet, trap or sporting.

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TrxR said:
What do you all think of a Browning Citori CX or CXT?
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I shoot a CX 30" for skeet, trap and sporting clays. I find the stock fit is perfect with the medium height rib. I swap out a skeet choke for a modified for trap...
 
If you decide to go the Browning route, the CX will also be an excellent choice. They fit most people reasonably well, and they're pretty much a work horse that rarely fails (nothing is ever 100%). If you don't like how the Browning feels when you shoulder it, take a look at the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon line.
 
TrxR said:
What do you all think of a Browning Citori CX or CXT?
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I have a CXT 32" with adjustable comb. Browning states it shoots 70/30....it shoots all of that (bottom barrel with modified choke) . If you shoot on the clay or over you miss, you have to be under to hit it. how far under you have to find that our yourself depends on how fast a load is like 1145 or 1200 fps and all other factors etc.
 
All great suggestions. I would add that this may be your only shotgun, it will likely not be your last shotgun.

Also, you mentioned fun. Trap is not fun. Sporting Clays is fun. :stirthepot2:
 
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