One has to bear in mind that the firearms (shotguns) coming out of Turkey are mostly field models (for hunting use) and built at a certain price point. The Weatherby SA-08 is also one such shotgun.
While the semi-auto may work well for informal (read occasional) range duties, however, subjecting the firearm to very high volume clay shooting may result in rapid wear, and consequently, may shorten longevity considerably.
Weatherby does claim that they have designed the SA-08 models to stay compatible with scenarios like the dove shoots in Argentina. From that point of view, those shotguns should need to be in sync with requisite levels of quality standard (hopefully). The product is quite new. Therefore, only a passage of time coupled with vigorous use could effectively validate such claim.
Keeping in view that the shotgun isn’t a Trap model – one could still use that for just not only Trap but other types of clay shoots i.e. Skeet, SC etc (and hunting obviously) as long as one is aware of the potential constraints of a comparatively lighter (6.25-6.75lbs in 12ga) field model shotgun in such a role.
On the other hand, if one is simply looking for a dedicated Trap gun then the SA-08 won’t be the appropriate tool. It may not be entirely out of place to also mention that a Trap model shotgun will impose restrictions, in the sense, that the shotgun cannot be effectively used for the other clay games.
Should the intent be to also participate in a variety of clay games (perhaps starting initially with Trap) then it would be to one’s advantage in the long run to invest into something such as a base sporting model shotgun – O/U or Semi-Auto.
Needless to mention, the selection process will be heavily influenced by budget, personal preference of action type and most importantly, by proper gun fit.
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