Wanting to get started in Trap/skeet shooting....how much will I be spending?
- Thread starter ian1974
- Start date
"why do more people shoot with break-action?"
In the circles I travel in....the majority of shooters are 40+ years old who reload. At that age we get too lazy to bend over and pick up our hulls off the ground after being spit out by an auto loader. Much easier to catch them coming out of an O/U and pouch them. LOL LOL
You may have heard the old adage..."the only stupid question is the one that isn't asked".
You go right ahead and feel free to ask any question at all that comes to mind. Everyone was a "newbie" at one time...and we've ALL asked our share of "stupid" questions at one time or another.
As to why you see more O/U's than autos...there are a variety of reasons.
Catching and pouching shells is simply more convenient for those of us who reload.
Less maintenance and cleaning with an O/U than an auto.
For those of us who shoot Skeet...we're able to tube our O/U's in order to shoot 4 gauges with one gun
Many who shoot Trap and/or Skeet are in fact a bit older and simply have gotten to a point in their lives where they now have a bit more disposable income and want to get a "###ier" O/U to play with
Many of us have at some point had both at one time or another and we've simply discovered that we shoot an O/U better than an auto. Some....vice versa.
Bottom line....depending on the game you want to play and how you want to play it.....be it an auto loader or a break action gun...get a gun that fits you properly....a gun that you can afford...a gun you can enjoy shooting.
Many people never seem to be satisfied...no matter what gun they have...because they're not improving at the rate they thought they would. Therefore...."it must be the gun". So next thing you know...they're selling what they have and buying something else. End result...their game still doesn't improve. "Must be the gun" again. I've seen many people over the years constantly visiting the gun shop...trying to buy themselves more targets.
Whatever gun you decide to buy...and whatever game you choose to play....LEARN the fundamentals of the game. You'll have a whole lot more success than constantly searching for that "magic gun" that YOU THINK will get you more targets.
As for originally leaning toward an auto loader....there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. The Remington 1100 has been a VERY good gun for a great many years. Many titles have been won with them. And personally...I wouldn't even consider it as simply an "entry level" gun. I personally consider it a great gun...that can last you a lifetime. I've known MANY VERY GOOD shooters over the years who have done very well with that gun. And yes...they can often be had for a very reasonable price if you just keep your eyes open.
Don't know where you are located Ian...but if you frequent a Club near you....I'm quite sure there are guys there who would be happy to let you try their guns. Try as many as you can. Talk with the guys at the Club. Keep asking your questions. Shooters don't mind answering questions at all. You won't be long finding something you like. There may very well be something good for you for sale at your Club.
Good luck.
In the circles I travel in....the majority of shooters are 40+ years old who reload. At that age we get too lazy to bend over and pick up our hulls off the ground after being spit out by an auto loader. Much easier to catch them coming out of an O/U and pouch them. LOL LOL
You may have heard the old adage..."the only stupid question is the one that isn't asked".
You go right ahead and feel free to ask any question at all that comes to mind. Everyone was a "newbie" at one time...and we've ALL asked our share of "stupid" questions at one time or another.
As to why you see more O/U's than autos...there are a variety of reasons.
Catching and pouching shells is simply more convenient for those of us who reload.
Less maintenance and cleaning with an O/U than an auto.
For those of us who shoot Skeet...we're able to tube our O/U's in order to shoot 4 gauges with one gun
Many who shoot Trap and/or Skeet are in fact a bit older and simply have gotten to a point in their lives where they now have a bit more disposable income and want to get a "###ier" O/U to play with
Many of us have at some point had both at one time or another and we've simply discovered that we shoot an O/U better than an auto. Some....vice versa.
Bottom line....depending on the game you want to play and how you want to play it.....be it an auto loader or a break action gun...get a gun that fits you properly....a gun that you can afford...a gun you can enjoy shooting.
Many people never seem to be satisfied...no matter what gun they have...because they're not improving at the rate they thought they would. Therefore...."it must be the gun". So next thing you know...they're selling what they have and buying something else. End result...their game still doesn't improve. "Must be the gun" again. I've seen many people over the years constantly visiting the gun shop...trying to buy themselves more targets.
Whatever gun you decide to buy...and whatever game you choose to play....LEARN the fundamentals of the game. You'll have a whole lot more success than constantly searching for that "magic gun" that YOU THINK will get you more targets.
As for originally leaning toward an auto loader....there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. The Remington 1100 has been a VERY good gun for a great many years. Many titles have been won with them. And personally...I wouldn't even consider it as simply an "entry level" gun. I personally consider it a great gun...that can last you a lifetime. I've known MANY VERY GOOD shooters over the years who have done very well with that gun. And yes...they can often be had for a very reasonable price if you just keep your eyes open.
Don't know where you are located Ian...but if you frequent a Club near you....I'm quite sure there are guys there who would be happy to let you try their guns. Try as many as you can. Talk with the guys at the Club. Keep asking your questions. Shooters don't mind answering questions at all. You won't be long finding something you like. There may very well be something good for you for sale at your Club.
Good luck.
"My question is, after purchasing a gun (hoping to find a used Beretta 391 since it seems like many people on here speak quite highly of it), how much can I expect to spend monthly on my new hobbie (cost of shells, clays etc.)."
If you get really hooked,you will spend a lot of money. eg:new gun or guns+accessories $1000.00+ ,shotshells $60.00+ per flat(10 boxes),reloading equipment(probably more than one reloader,differant gauges)yearly reloading component bulk purchases,club memberships,ata membership,provincial membership,tournament fees,target fees,fuel costs.Hey guys what did i miss?
I have accumalated thousands of dollars in guns and equipment.Shooting glasses(differrent shades), RX lens are alot more.Shooting vests,gloves and pouches and bags,gun cases,gun beads,all colours(only to find out you dont need beads),choke tubes(different sizes and makes for your different guns)Sub-gauge tubes, adjustable combs,recoil pads,recoil reducers,barrel weights,shotshell reloaders(9)and accessories,20 to 30 flats of factory loads yearly,30 to 40 flats reloads yearly,club fees,league fees,ata fees,provincial fees,approx. $3000.00 in targets,I am going to stop writing now because I am getting really disgusted in myself.I may need an intervention for help
If you get really hooked,you will spend a lot of money. eg:new gun or guns+accessories $1000.00+ ,shotshells $60.00+ per flat(10 boxes),reloading equipment(probably more than one reloader,differant gauges)yearly reloading component bulk purchases,club memberships,ata membership,provincial membership,tournament fees,target fees,fuel costs.Hey guys what did i miss?
I have accumalated thousands of dollars in guns and equipment.Shooting glasses(differrent shades), RX lens are alot more.Shooting vests,gloves and pouches and bags,gun cases,gun beads,all colours(only to find out you dont need beads),choke tubes(different sizes and makes for your different guns)Sub-gauge tubes, adjustable combs,recoil pads,recoil reducers,barrel weights,shotshell reloaders(9)and accessories,20 to 30 flats of factory loads yearly,30 to 40 flats reloads yearly,club fees,league fees,ata fees,provincial fees,approx. $3000.00 in targets,I am going to stop writing now because I am getting really disgusted in myself.I may need an intervention for help
Geez Gooze!!!!! You're gonna scare the guy away before he even gets started. LOL
Ian......go buy yourself a good Rem 1100 for $500.00 (used) and some of the cheapest shells you can find and go have some fun. Learn the game of your choice...perhaps dabble in some of the others now and then and enjoy yourself.
Worry about all the other stuff in the post above AFTER you get yourself REALLY hooked and can't live without shooting every weekend.
Good luck.
Ian......go buy yourself a good Rem 1100 for $500.00 (used) and some of the cheapest shells you can find and go have some fun. Learn the game of your choice...perhaps dabble in some of the others now and then and enjoy yourself.
Worry about all the other stuff in the post above AFTER you get yourself REALLY hooked and can't live without shooting every weekend.
Good luck.
Poor guys..... poised precariously above the 'ol slippery slope.
And this is all just to "get into" trap shooting. Wait till they feel confident enough that they want to go hunting, and need a rifle!
....one for moose....
....and one for deer....
....maybe a magnum or two...
... and varminting.....
....and paper punching long range...
....and handgunning with revolvers, and pistols...
....and ... and ... and ...
By the way, welcome to our sports! You will have a blast, as long as you keep everything safe!
And this is all just to "get into" trap shooting. Wait till they feel confident enough that they want to go hunting, and need a rifle!
....one for moose....
....and one for deer....
....maybe a magnum or two...
... and varminting.....
....and paper punching long range...
....and handgunning with revolvers, and pistols...
....and ... and ... and ...
By the way, welcome to our sports! You will have a blast, as long as you keep everything safe!
HAHAHAHAHAHA....thanks for the input fella's....you haven't scared me off yet, but Neera's advice seems to make sense "buy yourself a good Rem 1100 for $500.00 (used) and some of the cheapest shells you can find and go have some fun. Learn the game of your choice...perhaps dabble in some of the others now and then and enjoy yourself". That's the same thing the fella who took me out shooting said. Perhaps it's time for me to start keeping my eyes open for a good ol' remington 1100.
Hey ian1974, now that you have narrowed it down to the gun you are interested in.... everyone is right about the Rem 1100 - best starter there is out there... You should subscribe to the "Equipment Exchange" form. Someone is always selling an 1100 on there.
Also... not trying to change your mind, but you might want to source out a place locally where you can by parts for the gun - just in case. There are a couple of small parts in the action that could fail. You may never shoot enough to break anything on it, but you never know. Another thing to look for on the 1100 is if it will eject the target loads. I know two people with 1100s and one ejects and the other doesn't. If for some reason the gun doesn't eject the hull this can present a problem if you are going to try Doubles, Skeet, Sporting...
Regarding the comments about catching the shells for reloading - there is a clip that attaches to the outside of the breech that will prevent the shell from hitting the shooter to your right in the head. Might be a nice option regardless... good etiquette.
Also... not trying to change your mind, but you might want to source out a place locally where you can by parts for the gun - just in case. There are a couple of small parts in the action that could fail. You may never shoot enough to break anything on it, but you never know. Another thing to look for on the 1100 is if it will eject the target loads. I know two people with 1100s and one ejects and the other doesn't. If for some reason the gun doesn't eject the hull this can present a problem if you are going to try Doubles, Skeet, Sporting...
Regarding the comments about catching the shells for reloading - there is a clip that attaches to the outside of the breech that will prevent the shell from hitting the shooter to your right in the head. Might be a nice option regardless... good etiquette.
Thanks for the tips smokem_all...when looking for an 1100 I'll defnintely make sure they will eject the target loads. I'm going into my local gun shop next week to get fitted for a gun to make sure I am looking for a gun that will fit me....I'm really hoping the 1100 or the Beretta 391 fit the bill since they seem to come up from time to time on the Exchange.
Poor guys..... poised precariously above the 'ol slippery slope.
And this is all just to "get into" trap shooting. Wait till they feel confident enough that they want to go hunting, and need a rifle!
....one for moose....
....and one for deer....
....maybe a magnum or two...
... and varminting.....
....and paper punching long range...
....and handgunning with revolvers, and pistols...
....and ... and ... and ...
By the way, welcome to our sports! You will have a blast, as long as you keep everything safe!
guilty of these charges!
- Location
- Ft. Mac. Alberta
This is interesting.
I own 5 different 1100's and have never seen an 1100 that would not cycle light loads unless it was dirty!
Maybe something to do with the gas ports on the one gun?
There are a couple of nice ones on the exchange right now, come to think of it!
Cat
I shot my very first round of skeet with a borrowed 1100,but after shooting a round with a borrowed Beretta o/u.and another with a borrowed Citori Skeet,I immediately ordered a Citori Skeet for myself.Over the years,I have owned two Citori Skeet guns,and I just ordered a Citori Field to be my only shotgun for both clay targets and for hunting.
Ian
There is some good advise in these posts....here is my 2 cents
Try as many guns as you can before you buy
Do NOT buy a field gun - buy a trap gun - there are usually lots of used ones - ask around at the club. Trap guns have higher/straighter stocks.
A good used Rem 1100 or (My fav) BT 99 is not too exensive
Go to remingtons website and download their trapshooting manual - or PM me back and I will email it to you if it is not still on their site.
The most important thing is - the gun has to fit you. You should be able to keep your head upright, neck straight, arms not too far away, firing hand thumb should not be in your face, etc
Have fun - its about $10 a round to shoot. targets&ammo
Marty
There is some good advise in these posts....here is my 2 cents
Try as many guns as you can before you buy
Do NOT buy a field gun - buy a trap gun - there are usually lots of used ones - ask around at the club. Trap guns have higher/straighter stocks.
A good used Rem 1100 or (My fav) BT 99 is not too exensive
Go to remingtons website and download their trapshooting manual - or PM me back and I will email it to you if it is not still on their site.
The most important thing is - the gun has to fit you. You should be able to keep your head upright, neck straight, arms not too far away, firing hand thumb should not be in your face, etc
Have fun - its about $10 a round to shoot. targets&ammo
Marty
I think a lot of the bad press Remington 1100's get is caused by new shooters taking their 3" magnum duck guns out to the range and trying to shoot light target loads.
Thats where the 1100 gets the nickname 550 because it only works "half the time."
A single malfunctioning autoloader of any type can slow down the entire field at a sporting clays shoot.
Make sure your gun shoots doubles,first time everytime.
Thats where the 1100 gets the nickname 550 because it only works "half the time."
A single malfunctioning autoloader of any type can slow down the entire field at a sporting clays shoot.
Make sure your gun shoots doubles,first time everytime.
I shoot a 391 sporting clays and it works great with 1 1/8 oz loads at 1150 fps I can shoot 100 sporting clay targets with no recoil pain. If you plan on getting a o/u it should be in the 8 lb or over area heavier the gun the less recoil and the less chance of flinching(most brownings are).Most of the top shooters here at oshawa have o/u in that weigh range but are also big money.
Well, 2 weeks later, but I'll add my 2 cents....
To the original question as to how much..... that is really up to you. You can (almost) spend as little, and definitely as much as you want. I don't even want to think about the money I've spent on it over the last 10 years (equipment, ammo, tournaments, traveling) but I'd have to guess it is about $100k.
A solid autoloader is a great way to get started. I picked up an 11-87 when I started. I wish I would have held out for a 391. Overall it would have been a much better value and a much better choice.
Brad.
To the original question as to how much..... that is really up to you. You can (almost) spend as little, and definitely as much as you want. I don't even want to think about the money I've spent on it over the last 10 years (equipment, ammo, tournaments, traveling) but I'd have to guess it is about $100k.
A solid autoloader is a great way to get started. I picked up an 11-87 when I started. I wish I would have held out for a 391. Overall it would have been a much better value and a much better choice.
Brad.
