Trap Shotgun

[TripleO7]

Ok, here's the scenario.

In mid August I am set to go out to a trap/skeet range with a friend that wants to try them out.

I have never shot any trap, skeet or clays.

I have a Mossberg 500 18.5" cylinder bore brass bead HD 12 gauge. Out of the question. For me anyway. I'd like to maybe hit a few of them.

I want to do trap since it's supposed to be the easiest.

I can buy a field barrel from Mossberg. 28" with Accu-Chokes. Full, Mod. and Imp. $200 and change plus maybe tax and delivery. Does a capacity of 6 mean 5+1 is another consideration if I do that.

I can buy the whole new Mossberg shotgun with a 28" barrel and chokes in 12 gauge for low to mid 300's with wood furniture.

Orrrr....I can buy a Hatfield single shot with I believe a Mod. choke for as low as $115.

If I decide I have found a sport that I can get in to, I can always do a dedicated double barrel break action or maybe a semi-auto. For the time being, I don't want to spend too much on something that would have no other real use for me.

Another question would be maybe going to 20 gauge if I go the whole new gun route. Would it be that much more difficult for an old beginner to hit with? I took the 12 gauge shotgun out the other day and did end up with a sore shoulder. That didn't used to be an issue, and now it seems to be. Time is taking it's toll!

Thoughts?

 

[Matt.Cross]

If you'll be shooting both skeet and trap, you'll want to shoot a cylinder choke for skeet and probably improved cylinder for trap. That's my recommendation.

 

[2slow]

You can certainly shoot what you have. While not ideal, it can be done, especially for skeet. For trap i would want a tighter choke. Your best bet would be to borrow or rent a target shotgun. That would be easier on your shoulder. Also , get some 1 oz shells @1200 fps or slower. They are perfect for clays. And they're soft shooting.

 

[TripleO7]

Thanks for the responses. Life has intervened, so I've been busy.

I know there are guys that can use a 18.5" barrel. I'm just guessing I'm not one of them! When I first bought my shotgun, an RSO at a range I still go to told me that he could take a deer at 100 yds. with his

. When I go I want to be as well equipped as possible as far as entry level stuff is concerned. In the end, if life intervenes much more I will probably use my friends guns. He didn't mention it, but if I use his, I'll pay for something along the way. Or grab a case of shells for us to blast.

Also , get some 1 oz shells @1200 fps or slower. They are perfect for clays. And they're soft shooting.

That's pretty much what I use anyway, they're smooth in a gun like mine. Usually 1145 fps, sometimes 1300. My Shockwave is surpisingly tame with them. They should shoot like butter in a nice long gun.

 

[MacEntyre]

20 ga is fun, but might be difficult... some o' them birds are hard to hit!