Skeet/Trap/Sporting Clay - Is there a one size fits all solution?

[wilnj]

Brother and I were talking about getting back into shooting, haven’t shot since we were kids with Dads guns.

I don’t want to put a lot of money into a new hobby until I really figure out what I want to do with it.

Are there any good values I should be looking at? I prefer an O/U if that matters.

[Steve Carlton]

Personally, I think this is a lot more fun than shooting at paper targets. It'll be interesting to see the replies. Have fun!

[id10t]

Used to keep up with some of the $5k shotgun guys with my beater Mossberg 500

Equipment - unless totally unsuited - is rarely the solution, though it is fun

If nothing else confirm dominant eye and that you can mount the shotgun into proper shooting position without issues

[Bill Douglas]

Skeet/clays is all about the gun fitting you. Ideally every time you pick up the gun and put it to your shoulder, up down left right, you should be looking straight down the barrel.

CZ make some nice and affordable over and unders.

[wilnj]

Originally Posted by id10t

Used to keep up with some of the $5k shotgun guys with my beater Mossberg 500

I was the same with golf. I was never serious about it enough to spend big money on sticks. Other than my putter and sand wedge, everything in my bag is pre-owned with new grips.

[wdfifteen]

I remember the big Thanksgiving Day Turkey Shoot at the town near our farm. A bunch of local farmers would pay to shoot clay targets to win a turkey. That is a fond memory from my childhood

[Tom '74 911]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

Skeet/clays is all about the gun fitting you. Ideally every time you pick up the gun and put it to your shoulder, up down left right, you should be looking straight down the barrel.

This. It's less about WHAT gun you are shooting and more about how it fits you and how comfortable and familiar you are with it.

I shoot a Browning O/U, but both my son's shoot Beretta Autos... neither are better or worse choices. Doesn't need to be fancy to be good!

Consider a coach or good instructor and most of all, have fun!

Best,
Tom

[Racerbvd]

I'll add that ammunition is also a part of the equation, and as others have pointed out, have a gun fitted to you.

As long as you just keep it "Fun", because if you get the competition bug, you will find it can cost what it cost to run a track weekend.. A few friends who are competitive shooters, one is sponsored by Browning.

[Alan A]

I shoot a beretta.
My kids both started on a $500 Turkish O/U.
#1 at 16 outshoots me now 2 out of 3 times out - but he has a 684 that we had fitted.

If you can’t afford a $500 O/U this may not be the sport for you…
You can easily buy a better gun when you decide you are into it.
All the local places have rentals of decent makes so it’s easy to see if you like the feel of something. I’m going to assume it’s the same by you…

[dmcummins]

I started shooting sporting clays around 5 years ago and enjoy it. I have a Ceasar Guerini and a couple of Beretta O/U’s, but occasionally I’ll bring out my dads old bird gun. A model 12 in 16 guage with a Simmons rib and polychoke.

As others have said, get a gun that fits and have fun. If you really get into it you can always buy more guns.

[URY914]

I bought a CZ 12 ga. auto. I now know I should have bought a O/U.

[wilnj]

I’ll ask around but if anyone has suggestions on where I start for a proper fitting, let me know.

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by wilnj

I’ll ask around but if anyone has suggestions on where I start for a proper fitting, let me know.

Go to a gun shop and pick up a few. Chances are the sales guy will give you a pretty good idea on fit.

A few years back I was just browsing the shotguns and found the Benelli M2 was the most amazing fit. Guy knew who I was and phoned me with a deal I couldn't say no to.

[wilnj]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

Go to a gun shop and pick up a few. Chances are the sales guy will give you a pretty good idea on fit.

A few years back I was just browsing the shotguns and found the Benelli M2 was the most amazing fit. Guy knew who I was and phoned me with a deal I couldn't say no to.

Yeah, I guess I need to poke around. The type of sporting goods stores I grew up with are long gone.

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by wilnj

Yeah, I guess I need to poke around. The type of sporting goods stores I grew up with are long gone.

Is there a gun club near you?
This is the main one we shoot at, one of the oldest in the country and they have a Steak Night every Wednesday.

https://www.jacksonvilleclaytargetsports.com/

[Seahawk]

Today is our Friday after T-Day Skeet shooting extravaganza.

For field guns that et bounced around a lot, I like Stroeger.

https://stoegerindustries.com/shotguns#

You are not going to wow the cognissetti but they are reliable and the two I have fit me well.

I will say that my Browning Citori o/u is everyone favorite!

You can get a little ahead on terms and what to expect here:

https://www.theyorkshiregent.com/shooting/gun-fitting-guide-fit-shotgun/

[Alan A]

Originally Posted by wilnj

I’ll ask around but if anyone has suggestions on where I start for a proper fitting, let me know.

If - as your name suggests you are in NJ and you are in the N half of the state - try a trip to Orvis up in Millbrook. Book a lesson and a fitting at the same time. You’ll be dialed in by the end of it.

[wilnj]

Originally Posted by Alan A

If - as your name suggests you are in NJ and you are in the N half of the state - try a trip to Orvis up in Millbrook. Book a lesson and a fitting at the same time. You’ll be dialed in by the end of it.

Correct on both counts. Thanks.

[Alan A]

Originally Posted by wilnj

Correct on both counts. Thanks.

GL. Orvis is a great place to shoot. It’s where I do 90% of my sporting clay rounds.
They mostly rent Guerinis if you are looking to try something out.

[tops911]

I would recommend a class with a pro. A couple of hours shooting with an instructor will bring out things you never knew. I have been shooting for over 45 years and reciently took a class with an Olympic coach and and gun fitter. it was well worth it.