What shotgun to buy for trap/keet and sporting clays??

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cayden

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Hi guys.

Looking at getting into the trap/skeet and sporting clay fun. My thing is that I can't decide what shotgun best fits my need. I already am into target shooting and such with my rifles and did alot of research on getting the right gear there. Doesn't seem to work for me this time. Here where I live is only trap shooting at the local club but want something to suit both skeet and sporting clays too when it may arise. I have looked at the Winchester SX3 which I like alot and seems to fit well, also the Mossberg Silver Reserve o/u, and the Browning BT99. I know they are different in their types but am leaning more towards the Winchester SX3 to better suit it all.

Am I on the right page atleast?????

Also is the Winchester SX3 suited for trap and such.

Thanks

Paul
 
get browning or beretta over ,under 30 to 32 in barrels. adjustable comb and pad . bt 99 good trap only gun .go too club and ask to try some , most people happy too let you try
 
First and foremost, you need to determine what will be your main clay activity and how much you plan to shoot.

Next look for the gun that fits you best and feels most comfortable to swing and shoot.

BTW, a BT-99 is a single shot.

If you already have a shotgun that you are using, keep using it for a while, until you can personally determine what works best for you.

Be advised that your first clay target gun won't be your last.

Semis ... look at the Beretta 391s. They are generally considered "The" semi today as they don't break much and will take the punishment, lots of aftermarket parts and accessories are available, including a very important shell catcher.

O/U lots of choice, but generally, try to stick to Beretta or Browning because of durability, parts and accessories like I mentioned above.

A good used target gun is the best way to go to keep the cost down for your initial gun. Make sure you have someone knowledgeable look it over before you buy used as these guns may have shot 500,000 or more targets. They may look and feel great, but be worn out and in need of major repairs. Remember, if the price is too good to be true, then it probably is, unless you are taking advantage of a widow.

If you can't shoot a used gun before the deal is final, then don't buy it.
 
Pretty simple. Get the one that fits you best. And make sure after your purchase that you have enough money left over for ammo. My advice, go to the range and shoot as many different guns as you can so you can get a feel for what works for you.
 
Of the three you mentioned, IMO the SX3 will serve you best. If you are going to bite the bullet for an o/u, buy a Beretta and it will last you your lifetime (personal bias). In other words, don't waste your money on the Mossberg; the pumps are fine but not in an o/u.

Other semi's would work as well: 391, Silver, etc., just make sure you pick up a shell catcher if your gun chucks empties a ways. Nothing makes the guy to your right grumpier then dodging ejected shells all day.
 
Pudelpointer said:
Other semi's would work as well: 391, Silver, etc., just make sure you pick up a shell catcher if your gun chucks empties a ways. Nothing makes the guy to your right grumpier then dodging ejected shells all day.
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Only the grumpy D class shooters minds the flying hulls. Being a reloader who is an unapologetic hull scrounger, I love to see those Federal Gold Medals and Winchester AAs fly:D
 
Thanks for the replies guys. I do have a budget for sure and I can't really afford the expensive o/u's but was definately not willing to throw away money on junk. I have heard the Mossberg's o/u's aren't the best anyways. I think I am going to look at buying the SX3 and hope it serves me well at all the clay sports events, as I do need an all-arounder.

Cheers

Paul
 
I bought the new Browning citori 625. And I LOVE it I shoot everything Trap /Skeet /SportingClays and I do well on all of them. If you get a gun try an get one with the adjustable comb it give's you the chance to fine tune it to what your doing. Take care
 
New Winchester guns are not made nearly as well as the old ones. Not the same company any more. The old guns have been shot for 40 years and many are still being shot daily. I've seen many comments to the effect that the new ones are not standing up. A good used SX-1 can be bought for under $500 plus $100 for an update kit from the US. Barrels and wood are readily available.
 
Beretta687EELL said:
New Winchester guns are not made nearly as well as the old ones. Not the same company any more. The old guns have been shot for 40 years and many are still being shot daily. I've seen many comments to the effect that the new ones are not standing up. A good used SX-1 can be bought for under $500 plus $100 for an update kit from the US. Barrels and wood are readily available.
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Readily available? I think the SX1's are great guns too, but I wouldn't say they were "readily available". Maybe in the U.S. Like you say they are getting on in years and parts eventually will be a problem.
 
The SX1 is a classic shotgun but I wouldn't recommend one for a new shooter just starting out in clay games. By the same token I wouldn't suggest a first time duck hunter buy a Model 12 before a Wingmaster.

For all the games the Beretta 391 is an excellent choice. In a close second would be the Browning Gold and the Winchester SX3 which are almost the same gun.
 
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