Smurf or O/U for short range trap

J_Scott

J_Scott

Regular
Rating - 100%
24   0   0
Location
Whistler, BC
So my friends and I shoot a lot from a hitch mounted manual thrower, and we are going to get a whirlybird this year, so its a lot of shorter and slower clays. Currently I'm using my 870, or borrowing a friends 1100 comp. But I want to get back into trap and sporting clays when I visit the city so I'm investing in a better gun.

Questions I have are these:
1.) Best chokes and barrel length for short range clays? Still full or IM? We do end up playing "pieces" or "chips" so we're often shooting clays further away that are going down.
2.) Xcel 400. Personally I love the smurf gun, and I can get them used in my price range of $2000 or less, would the parallel target comb hurt me with dropping clays? Don't really want a rising comb as I'm planning on shooting clays a lot this year and the multitarget is out of my price range.
3.) What O/U would you buy for $2000? Ideally I want ported 30" barrels with an adjustable comb and nice wood. Seems I can't get all of that unless i go to $3000 or up, even used. Thoughts?


Thanks guys! Here's a pic showing me using a very unique trap gun ;) And, no we're not usually THAT far forward, was just playing around.

12669598_10153407550611235_1982068545447380275_n.jpg
 
For short range clays IC works fine. Do yourself a favor and avoid ported barrels, they just make the gun sound louder. Find a good used Browning or Beretta, and have an adjustable comb installed.
 
Q1; For sporting clays I shoot Skeet and Light Modified in the O\U. "Short Range Clays" I would probably choose IC if only one barrel. If you miss, it wasn't because of the choke.

Q2; Parallel comb won't hurt anything. Might help with inconsistent mount. That is not necessarily an error in mounting. A very high bird might well put your face on a different position along the comb.

Q3; Can't answer that. Way too personal decision. Personally, I dislike Browning - and Beretta dislikes me. I am in the minority. Just try to shoot one before you buy one. Some clubs have many of their available guns in their rental rotation. Big advantage over on-line purchases.

Rob!
 
As always you guys are very helpful. I had no idea about the ported barrels. I thought it was better to control muzzle jump.

Unfortunately no one had an A400 xcel here with a raised comb for me to try. I may just go for it and see if it fits.
 
Is it in the EE?

EDIT: yeah I had a look at yours a couple of times. Great gun for the price. I'm looking for something I can hand down to my kids, and something with beautiful wood in great condition. I like your gun but I'm willing to spend a bit more for one in new condition. Thanks though Scott!
 
ht tps://www.alflahertys.com/collections/firearms/products/browning-cynergy-cx-composite-stock-12-gauge-3-32-018710302

i will check for this one when they are in stock
 
I disagree with the idea that porting serves no useful purpose on a shotgun. It's true that it has only minimal effect on rearward recoil to the shoulder, if you want to decrease that, use loads wilth less shot wright, less velocity or both. Some reduction is possible with larger bore diameters as some makers have promoted ( Invector Plus, etc) but a heavier gun is more effective. Properly done porting is very effective at reducing muzzle jump which can cause the comb to bump under the cheekbone for some people leading to discomfort and bruising, especially during a major match where you may shoot 500 - 1000 shots over a weekend. Because it reduces muzzle jump, porting is a big help in quick target aquisition for the second shot in trap doubles, skeet and sporting clays. I've used many over/unders, both ported and not ported, including one Beretta that I used for several years unported, then had Pro Ported and used it for a few more years. It definitely made a difference in reducing muzzle jump and this was reflected in my scores. Don't knock it if you ain't tried it.
 
I was going to post in jest saying a blue gun.... but look at that what do ya know. Some pics of it on google show it brighter / darker, curious if there is much difference to them in person.
 
I for one absolutely love it. I know I’m in the minority here though.

Ideally I want a cynergy cx. But can’t find them right now in a nice wood.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom