jaredm1
Ultimate Member
Ok, so I've seen some good advice and information spread around the shotgun section of the forum by blackthorne, cirlceshooter, and others, but I can't seem to find a thread that consolidates it in one place. If there is one, point me to it...I don't want to end up in the next Hitler video
Basically, I've done enough informal clay shooting (just throwing the clays up off the stand at Elk Neck) along with a round or two of sporting clays at a private club to know that it's a lot of fun. Also enough to know that my SxS coach gun or my brother's 870 express is not going to get me the most enjoyment out of the sport.
So I'm down to choosing a semi-auto or a used O/U with a budget of just north (or south) of $1000. Seems doable to get me into the sport with a decent gun? I was looking at the Beretta 391 and the Benelli M2, but the M2 seems like more of a hunting/field gun than a sporting model (I'm not sure on this, correct me if I'm wrong). Is the O/U preferred by most for the balance, simplicity, and reliability? I'm confused on "fit" and don't know how the gun is supposed to feel in my hands.
Can anyone in the know comment? Is Loch Raven going to be the closest facility where I'd be able to rent/try out a few different models? Is there a shop you'd recommend that has a good inventory for this type of shotgun? Does anyone want to give me a serious lesson, or recommend someone who can?
Almost goes without saying, but please don't post if you're going to tell me how you can shoot a perfect round of trap with your Mossberg 500 with the chainsaw grip shooting from the hip.
Basically, I've done enough informal clay shooting (just throwing the clays up off the stand at Elk Neck) along with a round or two of sporting clays at a private club to know that it's a lot of fun. Also enough to know that my SxS coach gun or my brother's 870 express is not going to get me the most enjoyment out of the sport.
So I'm down to choosing a semi-auto or a used O/U with a budget of just north (or south) of $1000. Seems doable to get me into the sport with a decent gun? I was looking at the Beretta 391 and the Benelli M2, but the M2 seems like more of a hunting/field gun than a sporting model (I'm not sure on this, correct me if I'm wrong). Is the O/U preferred by most for the balance, simplicity, and reliability? I'm confused on "fit" and don't know how the gun is supposed to feel in my hands.
Can anyone in the know comment? Is Loch Raven going to be the closest facility where I'd be able to rent/try out a few different models? Is there a shop you'd recommend that has a good inventory for this type of shotgun? Does anyone want to give me a serious lesson, or recommend someone who can?
Almost goes without saying, but please don't post if you're going to tell me how you can shoot a perfect round of trap with your Mossberg 500 with the chainsaw grip shooting from the hip.