Sporting Clays

G

Georgetown Shooter

Member
EE Expired
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Location
Georgetown, Ontario
My main sport is trap and I have a really nice (Beretta O/U) trap gun. However, I've had an invite to go try sporting clays.

Based on the point of impact I understand that a trap gun is not the best for sporting clays.

For those sporting clays experts out there, if I'm just giving it a try, am I better off with my trap gun or my 870 with a 26" barrel? I'd use my buddies gun but he's a lefty.

Thanks,
 
Shoot the one you can open up the choke some with, if that is an option. Much of sporting clays these days seems to be up close, and I generally shoot IC or skeet chokes.

Trap guns tend to pattern 60/40, where 60% of the pattern is above the line of sight, where as sporting and field guns tend to be 50/50. Do you know if which way your trap gun patterns?

Unless your trap gun is fixed mod/full, and you can put a skeet in your 870, I recommend taking your O/U. If you are not very very comfortable with a pump, the O/U will be handier on true pairs.
 
On most courses you can shoot with IC or skeet choke , so your trap gun might be choked a little tight. Trap guns tend to shoot high. This can be little difficult on arcing targets in sporting clay, as these targets require a compond lead of ahead a below. I have seen some shooter shoot S/C with a trap gun and do very well. Most shooter want a gun the shoots flat like a field gun.
Don't worry about it, couple of times around the sporting clay course, your trap gun will be for sale. Least thats waht happened to me. Have fun.
 
Shoot the gun you are the most comfortable with. Some people shoot also very tight chokes and then don't have to switch choke. Some people also like to see the puff of smoke when they hit the clay. I would suggest to try first and then if you are hooked you can look into a different gun.

Have fun.
 
I have used a Trap gun many times with good effect. Choke is the major factor, much more so than POI in my opinion.
If you're heading off to "Galt" (close to Georgetown) ... I would suggest you try Imp. Cyl. / Lt. Mod.
Light Trap loads of 7-1/2's or 8's will do just fine. At worst, you may have to put just a smidge of daylight under your birds.
Get in front, stay in front. Often a bigger lead than you think on crossers.
 
Depends a bit on ur skill level too. For the average shooter at the average ground you are best off with a mod or ic choke for sporting clays. But all the pros will use extra full in both barrels and 32 or even 34 inch. So basically a trap gun!
 
anorden said:
But all the pros will use extra full in both barrels and 32 or even 34 inch. So basically a trap gun!
Click to expand...
A few do, many more do not.

Shoot whichever gun you are most comfortable with. Theoretically a trap gun has a higher POI, but have you ever shot it at a patterning board too see exactly whete it's shooting? I was really surprised when I tested mine before and after fitting. If you know the gun, shoot it.

You can't go wrong starting with an IC. Clays aren't birds, one pellet can break a clay. If you want more or less choke, that's why they are interchangeable.
 
anorden said:
Depends a bit on ur skill level too. For the average shooter at the average ground you are best off with a mod or ic choke for sporting clays. But all the pros will use extra full in both barrels and 32 or even 34 inch. So basically a trap gun!
Click to expand...

Well & fine for Mssrs. Digweed & Faulds ... who shoot several hundred rounds a week in practice. For the average North American Sporting Shooter, it's my bet that the vast majority
utilize something less than Modified ! And even the pros opt for a "flat" shooting gun, as opposed to the higher POI of a Trap gun.
 
Yes! And I can attest that GD does NOT shoot Full and Extra Full! He has two sets of barrels that are choked, off choke from Perazzi's normal sizes. And GD smokes my Super Partagas after every victory. BTW, Richard gave me nearly two flats of Gamebore after the World at Galt!
Henry
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom