Trap & Skeet Shotgun

Sniffer

Sniffer

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I plan to dabble in Trap & Skeet in 2026. At this point I am super green.

I have a good few shotguns but they are all semis and I sense that an over under is a better fit for this type of sport.

Can I start with a semi to see if it floats my boat? The barrels (~21") would be on the short side based on what seems typical (looks like most people are running 28" or 30") - is this a disadvantage?

What ammo is used for this? 7.5 birdshot? And what choke (guessing one of the tighter constrictions)?

Thanks in advance.
 
Trap and skeet are two different disciplines and require two completly different shotguns to be successful at any level.

If there is a trap/skeet range you can go visit, I suggest you do that for half a day when they are active and see what's what. Decide on which interests you the most. Then a choice of gun required.
 
guntech said:
Trap and skeet are two different disciplines and require two completly different shotguns to be successful at any level.

If there is a trap/skeet range you can go visit, I suggest you do that for half a day when they are active and see what's what. Decide on which interests you the most.
Click to expand...

This is what I was hoping to avoid - buying two more guns.

But I appreciate the advice - the proper tool for the job is important.

There is a range locally which is hardcore for both and I plan to visit. One of the leading lights there works with my wife.
 
as stated unless you plan on becoming a dedicated shooter don't buy anything use what you have it will work fine for skeet
if you think you will shoot all types of events you will just be mediocre at all of them
unless you pan to shoot 3000-5000 rounds a summer buying a o/u to make you a better shooter isn't how it works
if you have a good field semi with chokes that's all u need for skeet
 
Any gun will work for both. You can do perfectly well with your semis. Just get a shell catcher or use an elastic to stop the hull from hitting the person next to. Once you learn the sports and find out if you like it than you can decide whether or not you want to invest in a dedicated gun. Until then have fun and dont worry about the old timers at the clubs saying you cant break clays with a field gun
If you're looking for an excuse to buy a new gun than go to a gun make friends and be open about your intentions and surely most will allow you to handle or even shoot their guns. From there see what works for you and what doesn't
Most importantly have fun
 
Sniffer said:
I plan to dabble in Trap & Skeet in 2026. At this point I am super green.

I have a good few shotguns but they are all semis and I sense that an over under is a better fit for this type of sport.

Can I start with a semi to see if it floats my boat? The barrels (~21") would be on the short side based on what seems typical (looks like most people are running 28" or 30") - is this a disadvantage?

What ammo is used for this? 7.5 birdshot? And what choke (guessing one of the tighter constrictions)?

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Your semi with a 21 inch barrel and an improved cylinder choke would be okay for skeet.

For trap you would want a longer barrel choked modified or full with a stock that holds your face up considerably so the gun patterns about a foot higher than the bead.
 
Sniffer said:
This is what I was hoping to avoid - buying two more guns.

But I appreciate the advice - the proper tool for the job is important.

There is a range locally which is hardcore for both and I plan to visit. One of the leading lights there works with my wife.
Click to expand...
I shot trap and skeet for several years with a Rem 870 Wingmaster.

28" barrel with choke tubes. Full for trap, IC for skeet.

8 shot is a good for both trap and skeet.

Once you figure things out, there are lots of different options.

Also, a semi will work. Millions of claybirds shot with an 1100 over the years.

I've been shooting trap with a 20 ga Churchill side by side lately. Certainly not a "trap gun", but when I'm breaking 22-25 a round, no one is saying ####.
 
An O/U with 30" barrels, or a semi auto with a 28" barrels will work fine for both. A sporting clays gun would be ideal, but a heavier field gun will also work fine. Do not buy a trap gun, the high point of impact will be a handicap for skeet. Use skeet chokes or IC for skeet, and Mod or Full for trap. #8 shot will work fine for both games.
 
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As a side note. Check with the club you plan on shooting at to see if there is a minimum barrel length restriction. The one club I used to belong to had a 26" min length on the trap, skeet and sporting fields. The club I am at now has a 26" min on the sporting clays field.
With skeet targets being closer in than trap , you'll benefit from #8 or #9 shot . Finding #9 shells is a bit tougher tha 7.5 or 8's . Rio's 24 gram #9 were popular around here for a bit and pretty available.
If you want to nerd out on shot sizes for Skeet . There are ~ 345 to 358 pellets in a # 7.5 1oz 12 ga
~ 404 to 421 pellets in a #8 1 oz 12ga
~ 575 to 580 pellets in a #9 1 oz 12ga
 
G_Alan said:
As a side note. Check with the club you plan on shooting at to see if there is a minimum barrel length restriction. The one club I used to belong to had a 26" min length on the trap, skeet and sporting fields. The club I am at now has a 26" min on the sporting clays field.
With skeet targets being closer in than trap , you'll benefit from #8 or #9 shot . Finding #9 shells is a bit tougher tha 7.5 or 8's . Rio's 24 gram #9 were popular around here for a bit and pretty available.
If you want to nerd out on shot sizes for Skeet . There are ~ 345 to 358 pellets in a # 7.5 1oz 12 ga
~ 404 to 421 pellets in a #8 1 oz 12ga
~ 575 to 580 pellets in a #9 1 oz 12ga
Click to expand...

Thats a good idea. Maybe I will email the club I am thinking of and ask.

I mean having to buy a new gun isn't a terrible problem to have :D, if that is the case then I would like to buy something that is a good fit for at least one of the disciplines.
 
stubblejumper said:
An O/U with 30" barrels, or a semi auto with a 28" barrels will work fine for both. A sporting clays gun would be ideal, but a heavier field gun will also work fine. Do not buy a trap gun, the high point of impact will be a handicap for skeet. Use skeet chokes or IC for skeet, and Mod or Full for trap. #8 shot will work fine for both games.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info.

Any examples? Yes, I am that clueless.
 
brybenn said:
Any gun will work for both. You can do perfectly well with your semis. Just get a shell catcher or use an elastic to stop the hull from hitting the person next to. Once you learn the sports and find out if you like it than you can decide whether or not you want to invest in a dedicated gun. Until then have fun and dont worry about the old timers at the clubs saying you cant break clays with a field gun
If you're looking for an excuse to buy a new gun than go to a gun make friends and be open about your intentions and surely most will allow you to handle or even shoot their guns. From there see what works for you and what doesn't
Most importantly have fun
Click to expand...

Thats the plan.

Thanks for the info on the semi chucking hulls. Makes sense. Etiquette is important (reminds me of turning up to an F Class session with a muzzle brake - heavily frowned upon and to be avoided).
 
struff55 said:
So much to learn grasshopper
go to trapshooters . com
u will find all the info u need on both trap and skeet
mod & full for trap and imp cyl & skeet for skeet
if you plan on rec shooting just use what you have
i would recommend skeet shooting and not trap it will make you a better shotgun shooter over all
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Thanks for the info. I will go have a look.
 
21" bbl is extremely short even for skeet. Short barreled shotguns lack the smooth flowing swing characteristics needed for these games. 28" is about as short as I would recommend on any action for either game. I shoot a 28" Browning Maxus Sporting on both games but honestly when I'm shooting my assigned handicap yardage(25.5) the 28" barrel is becoming a disadvantage again due to swing on the longer shots. If I'm going to get "serious" about my trapshooting the 34" barrel singles come out for singles & handicap.
On the skeet field the 28" bbl on the semi is a great combination imo. I don't feel I need an O/U any longer for either game so I no longer own any dedicated o/u target guns. My lone o/u is an older Winchester 101 28ga.
 
the spank said:
21" bbl is extremely short even for skeet. Short barreled shotguns lack the smooth flowing swing characteristics needed for these games. 28" is about as short as I would recommend on any action for either game. I shoot a 28" Browning Maxus Sporting on both games but honestly when I'm shooting my assigned handicap yardage(25.5) the 28" barrel is becoming a disadvantage again due to swing on the longer shots. If I'm going to get "serious" about my trapshooting the 34" barrel singles come out for singles & handicap.
On the skeet field the 28" bbl on the semi is a great combination imo. I don't feel I need an O/U any longer for either game so I no longer own any dedicated o/u target guns. My lone o/u is an older Winchester 101 28ga.
Click to expand...

Interesting.

My semis are gas operated which typically shoot "softer" than other types of shotguns - is that a factor for these types of competitions at all?
 
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