Trap/Skeet/Clays - How to get started

Big_Z · Apr 22, 2020

Hi all,

Not sure if this is the right subform, but i'm hoping for a little advice on getting started in Trap/skeet/clay sport.

I don't have a shotgun I can use, but have this fat stimulus check burning a hole in my pocket, and am looking for a decent but not super high end over under to get started with. Any recommendations?

Edit: rough budget is $1000 to 1500. Flexible on either side for the right gun.

Jimboh · Apr 22, 2020

Budget?

Big_Z · Apr 22, 2020

Jimboh said:
Budget?

Good point!.

I was thinking $1000 to $1500. Could go a little higher if the extra cost is worth it.

Jimboh · Apr 22, 2020

If you like over under (I do) and you’re willing to spend a bit more go with Browning Citori or beretta Silver Pigeon. If you’d prefer to stay in that price range check out the Franchi Instinct (I love mine.)

Melnic · Apr 22, 2020

Where are you and are you already a member of a gun club?

BlueHeeler · Apr 22, 2020

Depending on where you live, Prince George's county trap and skeet has both rental guns and excellent instruction. It is better to start with instruction before you develop bad habits.

After you try it, you will know if you want to continue and a better idea what kind of gun will suit you.

SkiPatrolDude · Apr 22, 2020

Look for a Browning Cynergy CX. They can be had new for just about $1500 exactly, and then you have something you won't be chasing to replace after you inevitably get hooked.

I love my Cynergy CX. Alot of gun for the money with some of the newer tech and a low profile receiver. No fancy engraving which is why some of these guns are so expensive in the first place. I shoot extremely well with it.

Or a used and well kept Browning Citori or Beretta.

Big_Z · Apr 22, 2020

Melnic said:
Where are you and are you already a member of a gun club?

I am not a member. I was planning on going to PG Trap/skeet, which I believe is open to all?

Open to other better options in within a ~45 min drive of Ft. Meade.

Big_Z · Apr 22, 2020

BlueHeeler said:
Depending on where you live, Prince George's county trap and skeet has both rental guns and excellent instruction. It is better to start with instruction before you develop bad habits.

After you try it, you will know if you want to continue and a better idea what kind of gun will suit you.

Ah Great! Didn't realize they did rentals. I'll definitely check them out. Thanks!

SkiPatrolDude · Apr 22, 2020

Big_Z said:
I am not a member. I was planning on going to PG Trap/skeet, which I believe is open to all?

Open to other better options in within a ~45 min drive of Ft. Meade.

I got started at PG trap. I live in Baltimore County now, so I go to Loch Raven.

Never had issues with the facility. It's a great spot, IMO.

Here's a link to a new Cynergy listing online. Can prob find a place to do a 25-$35 transfer.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/866107585

Big_Z · Apr 22, 2020

SkiPatrolDude said:
I got started at PG trap. I live in Baltimore County now, so I go to Loch Raven.

Never had issues with the facility. It's a great spot, IMO.

Here's a link to a new Cynergy listing online. Can prob find a place to do a 25-$35 transfer.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/866107585

Thanks! I'll check out Loch Raven too

BlueHeeler · Apr 22, 2020

Big_Z said:
Ah Great! Didn't realize they did rentals. I'll definitely check them out. Thanks!

They rent Beretta guns, specifically 686 Silver Pigeon over/under and A400 Xcel semi auto. Both are pretty nice guns. The rental fee is completely reasonable.

Pinecone · Apr 22, 2020

NO ONE else can tell you which gun to buy.

Shotguns are all about how they fit YOU. And that can only be figured out by trying them out.

Beretta and Browning make high quality, but somewhat reasonably priced shotguns. Cheaper ones tend to not hold up to serious clays shooting. For reference, the first year I shot sporting clays, I fired around 8,000 shells. That is about 20 lifetimes for a field/hunting shotgun.

As others have pointed out, get lessons, BEFORE you build in bad habits. It is MUCH harder to correct a bad habit that to learn the right habits in the first place.

RegularJay · Apr 22, 2020

I have a Victory Grade Ithaca single barrel trap in super condition for its age. No, it's not the gun for sporting clays but most everyone at the trap range is gonna be envious. If you're have appreciation for fine classic guns let me know.

Jay

jimbobborg · Apr 22, 2020

I got a nice Browning Superposed made in the 60s with 30" barrels for under $900. It's pretty awesome.

travistheone · Apr 23, 2020

spend around 500 on a cheap gun and take some lessons. you can do it with a pump gun for years before your skill outgrows your gun

slsc98 · Apr 23, 2020

Used Browning. Be patient, haunt certain shops (Millers in DE is where I picked up TWO used Brownings (a 28” Special Sporting Edition AND a 30” Ultra XS) for less than one new o/u and both are still,going strong today, going on 20 years now!

Be patient and eyes open head on a swivel; great deals on Browning o/u’s DO come up and no telling what is going to be available in the coming months.

Also, haunt / call the shops across the MD / PA line. Some great deals to be had in used gun racks across the PA border ... (I couldn’t believe it when I found a pristine BT-99 on the consignment rack at Shydas - for 800 freakin’ bucks. Store employee who helped me with the paperwork just shrugged and said deals like that off their consignment racks are not uncommon)!

Best of success!

Pinecone said:
Shotguns are all about how they fit YOU. And that can only be figured out by trying them out.

^^^This is true and reminds me I left out the fact that, when I went to Millers I called ahead and had the employee hand me just about every used o/u they had on the racks (IIRC it was on the order of 30 or more) and I shouldered each one w my eyes closed. I had a buddy who was a Level II coach with me and, the ones that fit me went onto the countertop to our left and the ones that didn’t went back on the rack. When “the smoke cleared” I had about a dozen used o/u’s that fit me remaining on the countertop. I started the whole process over and wound up with 2 used that fit ME for the price of 1 new.

Pinecone said:
As others have pointed out, get lessons, BEFORE you build in bad habits. It is MUCH harder to correct a bad habit that to learn the right habits in the first place.

A retired MD I shoot clays with down here in N.C. who is also pretty good at golf repeatedly says, “one thing clay sports have in common with golf is that, if you get a good instructor when you get started right off the bat your learning curve and progression is steady; if not, you spend LOTS of years fighting and then having to overcome self-defeating technique / bad habits which could’ve been easily avoided in the first place.” FWIW ...

trap · Apr 23, 2020

Big_Z said:
I am not a member. I was planning on going to PG Trap/skeet, which I believe is open to all?

Open to other better options in within a ~45 min drive of Ft. Meade.

PG Skeet &Trap has been closed for a few weeks now due to COVID 19. Same with Tuscarora Range.

John from MD · Apr 23, 2020

travistheone said:
spend around 500 on a cheap gun and take some lessons. you can do it with a pump gun for years before your skill outgrows your gun

I second this. Buying an expensive gun and having no experience is a waste of money. For all you know, you may not like the sport. I suggest getting this Remington 870. You can buy additional barrels if you want to shoot skeet and sporting clays.

https://www.remington.com/shotguns/pump-action/model-870/model-870-express-trap

Here is Buds guns shop .com price.

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product...0+4+1+3+275+black,+hardwood+monte+carlo+stock

PapiBarcelona · Apr 23, 2020

I'd at least try a few disciplines out before committing.

Location helps with this hobby. I'm right at the Mason dixon line so theres dozens of clubs in PA open to the public and it's the same amount of drive to the clubs around the Eastern shore of MD.

If you have to drive hours and hours just to go somewhere different, meh.

Trap/Skeet/Clays - How to get started

The #1 community for Gun Owners of the Northeast

Member Benefits:

Member

Member

Member

Member

Ultimate Member

Ultimate Member

Ultimate Member

Member

Member

Ultimate Member

Member

Ultimate Member

Ultimate Member

NRA & SAF Life Member

Oddball caliber fan

Usual Suspect

Ultimate Member

Active Member

American Patriot

Ultimate Member

Users who are viewing this thread

Log in

Forum statistics