Sporting Shotgun Suggestions?

The Sand Man

The Sand Man

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Victoria, BC
Hi everybody,

I'm interested in taking up trap and skeet. I'm currently trying to identify what would be a good first shotgun. I might eventually use it for hunting small game and fowl, but practice shooting is my primary need.

Of all the variety of actions available, break seems the most appealing, particularly O/U. My spending limit would be at around $500.

I realize that the EE is a good source of potential shotguns; but, I've had my eye on one of the Baikal shotguns from TradeEx (IZH 12 or 27). Like any Russian firearms, the Baikal shotguns seem very practical and functional, perfect for my applications.

What would people suggest, single or double trigger?

Should I get one with Ejectors or Extractors?

What would be a good choke combination, full over modified?

Would you say that getting one of those models be a wise choice? Or, should I start out with something else?

Cheers,
Sand
 
Don't waste your money on a Russian or Turkish cheapie, unless you aren't going to shoot very much. Cheap guns break, and then you have a problem getting them fixed in a timely fashion.

A used Browning or Beretta in O/U will last most shooters a life time. These usually come with choke tubes, so you don't have to make a choice. For skeet, skeet/ skeet are good. Light modified is a good all round choke for 5 stand, trap and most sporting clays.

If you are in to semis, Beretta 391 is probably the gun of choice.

Probably the most imp[important thing is whether the gun fits or not. Adjustable comb is a good idea for that, although a Jones or Morgan pad is a cheap alternative.
 
I agree with most of what Doug replied. The Baikal isn't a bad piece, I used one for a season (IZH-27) and never a failure of any kind. The extractors could be switched to ejectors in seconds. Single trigger and also came with 5 chokes. Only reason I sold it was the fit just wasn't perfect for me. Other than that, it was a well made, solid O/U. Like said, an excellent fit is your number one priority for the clay games.
A used semi or pump may be a better way to go since you are just starting out. Besides the Beretta, look into the Rem 1100's and 870's. Lots of good used ones go in and out of the dealers and here on EE.
Head to your local range and I'm sure you will get lots of offers to try the different models and brands.
Good luck and good shooting!
 
It doesn't look like anybody posted their opinion

1) Do you prefer Single or Double trigger?

2) Which do you like more Ejectors or Extractors?

Cheers,
Sand
 
I shoot a Citori XS speacial. I just bought a second one with high post and 32" barrels, very nice gun. My first XS has a round count of 40,000 with out a problem of any kind.
Of course you need a gun that fits you. If you get a adjustable comb that goes along way in helping you fit your gun.
My gunsmith told me that beretta seem to fit smaller shooters better and Browning fit bigger shooters. I supose not always the case ,but most of the time.
Single triggers are the way to go, and this is one area where the cheaper O/Us have problems.
I don't claim to be any expert, I just run our sporting clay course and see many shotguns every week.
 
Thank you for the replies.

As much as I would like to invest into a better shotgun, I don't know how involved I will be with skeet and trap. If it becomes a sport that I enjoy, I'll likely get a few more shotguns.

I don't want to spend a huge sum of money on a fancy shotgun that I'll rarely use. I want something that is of good value, and meets my basic requirements.

As for the reason why I have such a particular affinity for the Baikal IZH-27, well, I am of Russian heritage. I figure if the shotgun was made by Russians for Russians, it'll probably fit me. :p

I'd also like to ask, what are typical prices you pay for #7 1/2 and 8 shells?

Cheers,
Sand
 
Pick up a nice used Remington 1100 off the EE and you'll thank yourself. :stirthepot2: Super easy on the shoulder, fires as fast as you can pull the trigger and is good for hunting or clays. VERY reasonably priced compared to many other options and has been on the market forever so you know parts etc are no problem. Sure an O/U is classy but the 1100 has an almost cult following too! You'll see them on just about any trap range. Just my $0.02 worth:D
BTW, yes I own an 1100 & an O/U (& too many other shotguns to list) and am often torn between the two :D
 
boltonscouter said:
Pick up a nice used Remington 1100 off the EE and you'll thank yourself. :stirthepot2: Super easy on the shoulder, fires as fast as you can pull the trigger and is good for hunting or clays. VERY reasonably priced compared to many other options and has been on the market forever so you know parts etc are no problem. Sure an O/U is classy but the 1100 has an almost cult following too! You'll see them on just about any trap range. Just my $0.02 worth:D
BTW, yes I own an 1100 & an O/U (& too many other shotguns to list) and am often torn between the two :D
Click to expand...

Or better yet pick up a used Beretta 300 or 390 series. More modern design than the 1100 and no "0" rings to fiddle with.
 
sherlockbonez said:
So are you looking to shoot trap or skeet?
Click to expand...

I actually don't know, I got to take two shots of both at a nearby club's open house. I got to shoot two shots out of an O/U for skeet, and a pump action shotgun for trap.

I had fun, I think I'll go and take a look at a practice at my local club. That way, I'll know what I want to do.

My dad was quite good at skeet and fowl hunting in his younger days. But, I think I'll start out with trap. It seems easier :nest:

I think I will go with the Baikal O/U, I just don't have the time to do it professionally (read: retired :p). I can't see myself spending a larger sum for something used or new, of better quality, for more professional needs.

I have yet to hear somebody give the IZH-27 a bad review, for the money it's quite a good shotgun, so I hear. I just want something that goes bang, I figure that's half the work to down a clay. :)

Cheers,
Sand
 
I shoot one of those baikal. I think it was an older model that's only 2 3/4. It's been chunky, but shoots fine. If you only plan on going out a few times a year I dont see why it won't work.
 
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