Want to start clay pigeon shooting. Need basics info from all you experts

[Scarab]

What is OU?

Another question:
Like I said I have a Remington semi-auto Versa Max Tactical with a 22" barrel. I called Remington and talked to their product support and got the 5 part numbers for the 5 parts I'd need to change to turn my tactical into a 28" Versa Max. It's going to cost almost $500 (the barrel alone is $350).

So is it worth it to go that route and retain the semi-auto aspect or should I just buy another shotgun (Remington 870 with a 28" barrel is $305 at Wal-Mart)?

All Information and Opinions and Thoughts are WELCOME!

Scarab

 

[Rebelwon]

My advice, and the way I learned, is a good 12 ga., 26" barrel with IC or Skeet choke for skeet, 28" barrel with modified or even full choke for trap; never done sporting clays, but I would think a 28" modified would do. I used a Remington 870 for both skeet and trap; a little challenging for skeet as a beginner, so I would recommend a semi-autp if starting out with skeet is your plan. As others have said, all clays sports are about lead and follow-through - you need to have a smooth swing into, through, and after the shot.

 

[fabsroman]

What is OU?

Another question:
Like I said I have a Remington semi-auto Versa Max Tactical with a 22" barrel. I called Remington and talked to their product support and got the 5 part numbers for the 5 parts I'd need to change to turn my tactical into a 28" Versa Max. It's going to cost almost $500 (the barrel alone is $350).

So is it worth it to go that route and retain the semi-auto aspect or should I just buy another shotgun (Remington 870 with a 28" barrel is $305 at Wal-Mart)?

All Information and Opinions and Thoughts are WELCOME!

Scarab

ou =o/u = over and under
SxS = side by side

I used to hunt with a Browning BPS until I figured out I could not hit a damn thing with the 2nd and 3rd shells. I had been shooting clays for a couple years with an o/u, both trap and skeet, and I killed doves real well with the o/u and tons of doubles with it. Then, one day I decided to go duck hunting in the marsh with a buddy of mine from law school, but I did not want to take the high dollar o/u in the marsh with salt water, etc. So, I dusted off the old Browning BPS and headed out. I was crushing the ducks on the first shot, but the 2nd and 3rd were useless. Taking those shells and dropping them into the water would have had the same effect.

So, a couple days later I decided to take the pump to the skeet field. I was so late on my 2nd shots that the 2nd clay was already headed behind the house by the time I was trying to track it. Then and there, I decided to get a semi-auto for all my waterfowling. Nowadays, I use it for all my hunting and even bought a fully rifled slug barrel for it.

Would I buy the parts to convert your Versa Max to a 28" clay buster. NOPE. I would just go out and buy another Versa Max, but that is just me. For a little more money, might as well buy another gun and not screw around with having to take the tactical gun apart.

While I use the same shotgun for most of my hunting, I don't use it for clay shooting.

 

[Maverick0313]

You do not need a 5k gun to shoot clay sports although I do own a few. I've run 25 with a Winchester 97 and a field Model 12. Clays is not the gun but the proficient use of the gun. One of my favorite sporting clays guns is a vintage Browning A5 with a 26" fixed imp cyl barrel, last time out ran the first 5 stations before I missed, it just works.
Back to the OP, when the weather improves I would be happy to meet you at AGC during public trap and teach you the basics with your gun,as long as it has a full stock you are ok. I've done this with other forum members and several have gone on to really enjoy the clay sports. Then after getting some basics you can decide if you want to upgrade to a more appropriate clays gun.
Fair warning,it gets both addictive and expensive.

If you are open to another person I may want to take you up on this offer - I am a member of AGC as well.

 

[El_flasko]

What is OU?



Another question:

Like I said I have a Remington semi-auto Versa Max Tactical with a 22" barrel. I called Remington and talked to their product support and got the 5 part numbers for the 5 parts I'd need to change to turn my tactical into a 28" Versa Max. It's going to cost almost $500 (the barrel alone is $350).



So is it worth it to go that route and retain the semi-auto aspect or should I just buy another shotgun (Remington 870 with a 28" barrel is $305 at Wal-Mart)?



All Information and Opinions and Thoughts are WELCOME!



Scarab

I'm a little confused about the needing if 5 parts to move to a longer barrel here. The barrel is expensive (for sure) and do not quote me on this but I believe you can use a versamax sportsman barrel on your tactical and they are much cheaper.

<edit> I had a versamax tactical and when I called Remington they specifically told me I could use the 28" sportsman barrel and simply swap them out. The barrel was much cheaper for sure than the standard versamax barrel. I'm sure other mods were needed, I just happened to sell my tactical (with the extra barrel) before doing the swap. Never really shot it. <end edit>

I bought a sportsman synthetic with 26" barrel then bought a 28" barrel (on sale) direct from Remington for under $200 shipped. For less than $1k I have a gun I can beat the crap out of and use multiple barrels as needed. The 28" barrel worked well for clays. I know it's not a fancy gun but it works damn well for me. Was out shooting ALL day in the big snow storm the other day and we had 1 benelli semi freeze up and a beretta SP1 trigger freeze (I had never seen that before). My stripped down VM kept on going

In that weather my o/u stayed in the case. It's good to have options

As stated above, I've only got about 25 rounds of clays under my belt now after catching the bug. I hooked for sure!

 

[Augie]

If you are open to another person I may want to take you up on this offer - I am a member of AGC as well.

No problem,when the weather gets better PM me and we will set something up.
Don't blame me when your checking account empties

 

[Redcobra]

The classes at Loch Raven include a rental gun, shells, safety equipment and instruction.
You can choose Trap or Skeet.
Classes fill up quickly (usually within a day of being posted on the website), but they are on the 4th Wednesday of the month for adults, and the 2nd Wednesday for youth and families. (6PM -8PM) Cost is $35/person.
http://www.lochravenskeettrap.com/introcourse.php
You do need to do the new shooter registration and safety quiz prior to the class if you have not shot at LR before.

ps: I am always willing to help people at Loch Raven when I am there as a shooter or a RSO. However, the classes are better as the range is closed to other shooters during class times. It can get pretty hectic during normal hours and it is tough to instruct new shooters when there are regular squads shooting on the fields.

 

[jimbobborg]

You do not need a 5k gun to shoot clay sports although I do own a few. I've run 25 with a Winchester 97 and a field Model 12. Clays is not the gun but the proficient use of the gun. One of my favorite sporting clays guns is a vintage Browning A5 with a 26" fixed imp cyl barrel, last time out ran the first 5 stations before I missed, it just works.
Back to the OP, when the weather improves I would be happy to meet you at AGC during public trap and teach you the basics with your gun,as long as it has a full stock you are ok. I've done this with other forum members and several have gone on to really enjoy the clay sports. Then after getting some basics you can decide if you want to upgrade to a more appropriate clays gun.
Fair warning,it gets both addictive and expensive.

I easily have $3000 in CAS guns and $6000 in 3-Gun guns, if I get involved in clay sports I WILL drop $5000 on a good OU, which is why I'm avoiding it as much as possible.

 

[Scarab]

That's the trick isn't it. Deciding what to spend up front to even see if you enjoy it. But if you do and you previously bought a cheaper gun then you have to spend even more money to get a good gun as opposed to just buying a good gun up front.

I'm probably going to either go cheaper or just buy the parts for my Versa Max.

Currently looking at:

Stoeger Condor Competition - O/U
Tristar Viper G2 Sporting - Semi

Both of those are more expensive then just buying the 5 parts for my Versa Max.

Dilemmas Dilemmas

Scarab

 

[Scarab]

No problem,when the weather gets better PM me and we will set something up.
Don't blame me when your checking account empties

I may take you up on that as well. Perhaps Maverick0313 and I can come look really bad learning together and missing. Save our egos a little bit.

Scarab

 

[jimbobborg]

Stoeger Condor Competition - O/U
Tristar Viper G2 Sporting - Semi

Both of those are more expensive then just buying the 5 parts for my Versa Max.

Dilemmas Dilemmas

Scarab

I would never discourage you from buying more firearms, that'd be unAmerican

 

[fabsroman]

I easily have $3000 in CAS guns and $6000 in 3-Gun guns, if I get involved in clay sports I WILL drop $5000 on a good OU, which is why I'm avoiding it as much as possible.

Only $5,000 on a good clays gun. lol

Just kidding, but seriously. Like anything else, there is only so much time for so many hobbies. If I got involved with 3 gun, that would mean less cycling, hunting, and clays shooting. My issue isn't the money, but the time. That is why I am not even going to attempt a 3 gun match, until my brothers really, really, really twist my arms, both of them, while stomping on my toes.

 

[fabsroman]

That's the trick isn't it. Deciding what to spend up front to even see if you enjoy it. But if you do and you previously bought a cheaper gun then you have to spend even more money to get a good gun as opposed to just buying a good gun up front.

I'm probably going to either go cheaper or just buy the parts for my Versa Max.

Currently looking at:

Stoeger Condor Competition - O/U
Tristar Viper G2 Sporting - Semi

Both of those are more expensive then just buying the 5 parts for my Versa Max.

Dilemmas Dilemmas

Scarab

Buy the 5 parts for your Versa Max, see if you like shooting clays, and then look at a dedicated clays gun and using the Versa Max as a backup.

Neither of those guns you listed would be my choice for a dedicated clays gun IF I was going to shoot clays a lot.

 

[jimbobborg]

Only $5,000 on a good clays gun. lol

I know, it's on the low side

Just kidding, but seriously. Like anything else, there is only so much time for so many hobbies. If I got involved with 3 gun, that would mean less cycling, hunting, and clays shooting. My issue isn't the money, but the time. That is why I am not even going to attempt a 3 gun match, until my brothers really, really, really twist my arms, both of them, while stomping on my toes.

3-Gun in this area runs outside of hunting seasons and outdoor cycling. It helps if you are in shape, as there is running involved. No need to jump in with both feet like I did

 

[fabsroman]

I know, it's on the low side



3-Gun in this area runs outside of hunting seasons and outdoor cycling. It helps if you are in shape, as there is running involved. No need to jump in with both feet like I did

I can see 3 gun running outside of hunting season, but it is impossible for it to run outside of both hunting and outdoor cycling or hunting and clays shooting. I am usually shooting clays and cycling from April 16th to about the end of September and I start to get going with hunting on September 1 and that runs right to about the end of January, when tax season comes in. Life is good. One season leads to the next. Hunting season leads to tax season which leads to clays and cycling season, which leads back again to hunting season. Never a dull moment. Mix in lacrosse and soccer season, a little bit of Girl Scouts, work that isn't tax related and other fun stuff, and the calendar is packed.

Life was so much simpler when I was in law school. Then again, the struggle back then was trying to afford the gun. Plenty of time to shoot, but not enough money. lol

There is always something to complain about, like missing targets.

 

[max111]

That's the trick isn't it. Deciding what to spend up front to even see if you enjoy it. But if you do and you previously bought a cheaper gun then you have to spend even more money to get a good gun as opposed to just buying a good gun up front.

I'm probably going to either go cheaper or just buy the parts for my Versa Max.

Currently looking at:

Stoeger Condor Competition - O/U
Tristar Viper G2 Sporting - Semi

Both of those are more expensive then just buying the 5 parts for my Versa Max.


Dilemmas Dilemmas

Scarab

YOu will enjoy claybusting
I just got into it recently and basically started like you but with a 24" beretta 1301. Now shooting an O/U.
Id recommend going to your local Trap and Skeet club and check the bulletin boards. Eg. here in PG trap/skeet there is an older but clean beretta 680 O/U for $650. You will meet and talk to people and find out how helpful other shooters can really be especially if you are out there shooting. etiquette, etc.

 

[Pinecone]

That's the trick isn't it. Deciding what to spend up front to even see if you enjoy it. But if you do and you previously bought a cheaper gun then you have to spend even more money to get a good gun as opposed to just buying a good gun up front.

Just go to PGT&S and RENT nice shotguns.

Try it out. If you don't like it, you are out a few bucks for each day you shot.

 

[BigSteve57]

Just go to PGT&S and RENT nice shotguns.

Try it out. If you don't like it, you are out a few bucks for each day you shot.

This is a great idea. We didn't know about this.

We've been shopping for Trap/Skeet/Clays guns and have been going nuts "trying on guns" at stores like Bart's.

We found my wife is very sensitive to length of pull and length of trigger pull. If either is too long she is very uncomfortable.

I seem to have an issue with drop at comb, at least for rifles.

 

[fabsroman]

This is a great idea. We didn't know about this.

We've been shopping for Trap/Skeet/Clays guns and have been going nuts "trying on guns" at stores like Bart's.

We found my wife is very sensitive to length of pull and length of trigger pull. If either is too long she is very uncomfortable.

I seem to have an issue with drop at comb, at least for rifles.

A lot of shotguns come with an adjustment nowadays for drop at comb and cast. I know the Benelli and Beretta semis do and the new Benelli o/u does too. LOP is a little trickier, but the upper end Beretta o/u's have an adjustable trigger for length of trigger pull.

I'd guess there are other guns out there with similar adjustments on them.

 

[BigSteve57]

A lot of shotguns come with an adjustment nowadays for drop at comb and cast. I know the Benelli and Beretta semis do and the new Benelli o/u does too. LOP is a little trickier, but the upper end Beretta o/u's have an adjustable trigger for length of trigger pull.

I'd guess there are other guns out there with similar adjustments on them.

For my wife we found the Beretta with adjustable length of trigger pull and the Benelli with the right length of pull (or was it the other way around LOL).

I guess there's no "off the rack" fit for her so it's going to be a custom stock. We just haven't gotten around to doing it yet.