sporting clays

[dmcummins]

As if I don’t already have enough hobbies to spend my time and money with, I’m thinking sporting clays looks like fun. One of my golfing and flying buddies convinced me to come out and watch and now I’m thinking I need a new shotgun.

They generally shoot on Wednesday and that works for me. I gave most of my shotguns to my kids when I moved to Florida, but I kept an old browning 20 guage O/U that has choke tubes so I guess I’ll start up with that. But knowing me I’ll have to get a dedicated sporting clay model.

Most are shooting 12 guage O/U. I sure some are pretty pricy as well. Any idea on what a decent sporting clay model would run? Will $2000 to $3000 get me something that I won’t be wanting to upgrade soon?

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

Saw the thread title and had to check it out! For $2-3k, you'll be very very happy with it. I bought a CZ Wingshooter a few years back and it was a grand - excellent quality and an overall pretty o/u in my opinion. Let us know what you decide to go with and enjoy!

[Bill Douglas]

Two to three thousand if you are going to get serious and put millions of rounds through it.

I would be more inclined to go to a number of gun shops and select a 12g over and under that FITS really well. Better a cheap gun that fits and will work for you.

[id10t]

While I know that having a properly fit shotgun w/ risers, adjustable comb, etc. can make a difference in hits - especially on a clays game (skeet, trap, 5 stand, sporting clays, whatever) - I have a hard time not recommending that you shoot what ya' brung, and shoot it a lot. Beware the man that owns only one gun - he might know how to use it really well.

So I'd say spend $500 on ammo, round fees, and a shooting coach before you break down and spend $2k+ on a shotgun. You'd be amazed at what shooting 10-20 rounds with an experienced shooter can do for your hit rate.

If you are near the Gainesville area Gator Skeet & Trap is relatively cheap to shoot at, has 5 stand (closest to SC w/o an actual SC setup), and very experienced employees as well as a great community of veteran shooters who are always willing to help.

[berettafan]

No one has bettered the Beretta 390 for a sporting clays gun. You can find them on gunbroker and elsewhere for maybe $600-$800.

Put IC or LM (light mod) choke in the gun (or both if an over under) and enjoy.

It is a very fun hobby. Careful as it can lead to bird hunting which gets expensive and time consuming.

To me you already have an awesome clays gun. Just shoot it and enjoy.

My latest thrill in shotguns is the 28ga. A total hoot. Your 20ga will break any target you might see. No need to go 12ga since you’ll eventually just come back to the 20.


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[berettafan]

Btw a $4,000 beretta over under will not last any longer than a 2,000 beretta over under. It’s been shown over and over again. You want a dead reliable nicely built over under you spend $2k on a B gun and you’ve got it. Every dollar beyond that is for show.

I read good things on some lower tier brands like cz as well.




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[berettafan]

Edit: if your 20ga is a ‘feather’ model with aluminum receiver you might get tired of the kick. The key to sporting focused guns is enough weight to a-smooth the swing and encourage follow through and b-mitigate recoil.


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[dmcummins]

I bought my Citori, a lightning model about 25 years ago because I wanted a lighter gun to carry while quail hunting. I did order one with slightly longer barrels than usual, I think they are 28” instead of 26”.

It’s probaly been 15 years since I’ve even shot the gun. I gave up quail hunting when my last bird dog died. Took up other hobbies.

I’m going to start with it, but im still thinking I’ll want a new gun.

[Eric 951]

Absolutely nothing wrong with a Citori Lightning for sporting clays, start with Improved and Modified and go from there. I have seen guys using old 20 GA semi's smoke guys with Krieghoffs. As was posted, beware the man with (1) gun.

I have shot everything from a fixed choke Itahca SKB 20 to no-name 28 gauges. The key is the shooter.

Have fun--it is a really enjoyable hobby--and who knows, once you start shooting again and realize how much fun you are having, you may get back into quail hunting.

[Seahawk]

Concur on the Citori.

All you need to get started.

[berettafan]

how about some pics of the Browning!

They surely do know how to put a pretty finish on a gun. Even my BPS Stalker (black synthetic) has a stunning quality finish.

[aigel]

Shoot what you have. Just like you can catch a Corvette in a Miata on the track.

I am not a great shot, but was very consistent with a $200 pump. As good as many with $4000 guns. It is the same in all hobbies. Some need "the best" to compensate for practice and skill. Often it is people that make a lot of money but don't have a lot of time.

G

[M.D. Holloway]

My Son shoots competitively - low 90s for sporting clays and he shoots a Citori. Just remember if you shoot past 5000 rounds to replace the pins. He found out the hard way one year during regionals if you don't.

Use good shells too. No Rios. Go with Fiacchi (sp) or Clever, very consistent.

[M.D. Holloway]

Originally Posted by aigel

Shoot what you have. Just like you can catch a Corvette in a Miata on the track.

I am not a great shot, but was very consistent with a $200 pump. As good as many with $4000 guns. It is the same in all hobbies. Some need "the best" to compensate for practice and skill. Often it is people that make a lot of money but don't have a lot of time.

G

Stay away from semis and pumps - semis will jam way more and a pump...well ... ah...ya. No.

[vash]

I wished we all lived closer together. We could go shoot some clays.

I went quail hunting with my sxs. I hit one bird. That double trigger messed with my mind big time. I was too stubborn to walk back to my truck for my Citori.

[rfuerst911sc]

I say take your 20 gauge and go shoot , you may find you love it or may find you don't care for it . Why buy an expensive gun and possibly find out you don't like the sport , you are no good or that it just doesn't do anything for you ? When at the range I'm sure other guys would be willing to let you try their shotguns , another good way to weed out what you like vs. don't like .

I know this article is 5 years old but I found it to be a good read when I was looking for an O/U . I ended up with a Stevens 12 gauge from a local gun retailer . I don't spend big money on guns but big money is a different amount for everyone . For me 700.00 - 800.00 is the limit . Good luck and hope you enjoy the sport .


https://www.outdoorlife.com/photos/gallery/guns/shotguns/double-guns/2012/11/best-over-under-shotguns-less-1000

[dmcummins]

Thanks, I’m definatly planning on starting with the 20. Just wondering what’s out there and I generally don’t need much of an excuse to buy a new toy.

I’ve even thought about having tubes put into a Winchester 101 I have. It’s currently choked FULL/FULL. I think I’d rather spend the money for a dedicated gun though.

I plan on giving it a try in the next week or two. Hopefully I won’t embarrass myself to bad.

[cabmandone]

If you don't want to embarrass yourself, let me know where the shoot is going to be and I'll come along. No one will even notice how you're doing because they'll all be laughing as I miss every single one.

[targa911S]

I'm in the start with the Browning camp. Lots of choices out there in your price range. The important thing, as other have mentioned, is fit. You can spend a ton of money but still hate then gun if it is not fit right. Go to a high end gunshot that can actually fit you. Yes there are tools for thant. CZ makes great guns for the money.

[berettafan]

can anyone else see his pics of the Browning?