Sporting Clay - Shotgun

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  • Twangbanger

    Grandmaster
    Rating - 100%
    21   0   0
    Oct 9, 2010
    7,062
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    Unfortunately CZ shotguns aren't made by CZ, and don't enjoy the reputation that their pistols and rifles have.

    The hard decision to be made right now is, are you going to reload shotshells?

    If you're going to reload, I would go for a 30 or 32" O/U of an established brand.

    If you know you have no interest in reloading shotshells, as a beginner, it would be a much better avenue to go with one of the Beretta target autos with adjustable target hardware. It will be cheaper, have less felt recoil, and be easier to sell if you decide to move on.

    If I were a newbie starting out now, but had the advantage of my 30 years of clay shooting knowledge, and knew I was not going to reload, I would be getting one of these, most likely the 3rd one:

    https://www.beretta.com/en-us/a400-xcel-sporting/

    https://www.beretta.com/en-us/a400-xcel-multitarget/

    https://www.beretta.com/en-us/a400-xcel-parallel-target/
     

    thunderchicken

    Grandmaster
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    5   0   0
    Feb 26, 2010
    6,436
    113
    Indianapolis
    Unfortunately CZ shotguns aren't made by CZ, and don't enjoy the reputation that their pistols and rifles have.

    The hard decision to be made right now is, are you going to reload shotshells?

    If you're going to reload, I would go for a 30 or 32" O/U of an established brand.

    If you know you have no interest in reloading shotshells, as a beginner, it would be a much better avenue to go with one of the Beretta target autos with adjustable target hardware. It will be cheaper, have less felt recoil, and be easier to sell if you decide to move on.

    If I were a newbie starting out now, but had the advantage of my 30 years of clay shooting knowledge, and knew I was not going to reload, I would be getting one of these, most likely the 3rd one:

    https://www.beretta.com/en-us/a400-xcel-sporting/

    https://www.beretta.com/en-us/a400-xcel-multitarget/

    https://www.beretta.com/en-us/a400-xcel-parallel-target/

    Not sure I see where reloading would make much difference on gun selection. I would agree that the A400- xcel line is about as good as a target grade semi-auto gets. For trap use, a shell catcher would be in order to keep from being a nuisance to others on the line.
    Could be argued that on a sporting course, having an O/U with two different chokes could have an advantage (in some scenarios). But that could be just like the 9mm vs .45acp argument lol. I would however have to disagree on being easier to sell than a quality O/U. There are always people looking for a nice O/U target gun for slightly less than new price. Just my opinion. But, yes it is a solid option
     

    Twangbanger

    Grandmaster
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    21   0   0
    Oct 9, 2010
    7,062
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    I was reacting to the fact he's interested in shooting sporting, a multiple-shot game where a shell-catcher isn't going to help and an auto is going to throw his empties in the bushes.

    You are correct, however, that used O/Us sell well. His budget goes up to 5k, so my comment is along the lines that it will be easier to unload a used A400 for $1,000, than any break-open gun at $2k or higher, when haggling comes into play. (There are still a lot of old phartes who think they should be able to get a used Citori for $800, lol).
     

    Yup!

    Master
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    0   0   0
    Nov 7, 2011
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    Good discussion.

    No interest in reloading.

    Also - I seem to have a “I don’t sell guns” personal policy. So generally when I get something it’s something I’ll keep forever. If I upgrade, the original lives in the safe and collects dust with an occasional use for fun.

    So my thinking here is get a good qualify so I don’t have to upgrade and then have 2 shotguns. I really just want one - my safe is designed around 4-5 long guns total - and I’m getting close with my ARs.

    I bet I’ll use this 10x a year at best. Likely go out once a month or so unless I really fall in love with the sport. My skills need to improve a bit to make it really fun.
     
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    2in1evtime

    Master
    Site Supporter
    Rating - 98.4%
    61   1   0
    Oct 30, 2011
    3,444
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    retired-midwest
    My present trap gun is a cz 612 trap model,32" barrel, has adjustable stock spacers to action, has hundreds of rounds thru it with no issues at all. It is a pump gun not a o/u. For the price i cannot complain!
     

    Twangbanger

    Grandmaster
    Rating - 100%
    21   0   0
    Oct 9, 2010
    7,062
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    My present trap gun is a cz 612 trap model,32" barrel, has adjustable stock spacers to action, has hundreds of rounds thru it with no issues at all. It is a pump gun not a o/u. For the price i cannot complain!
    I have looked at that one a few times. It's a rare pump that can be had with a 32" barrel. I paid stupid-ish money for a used 32" 870 barrel, but it's a fixed full. For the money, that does look like a nice gun.
     

    romack991

    Sharpshooter
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    4   0   0
    May 27, 2012
    707
    18
    I started with a Beretta auto but hated picking up shells when all my buddies with O/Us were ready to move on to the next station. Much more relaxing day when you don't have to think about empties.
     

    Cameramonkey

    www.thechosen.tv
    Staff member
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    35   0   0
    May 12, 2013
    31,688
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    Camby area
    Granted I dont shoot but maybe a round every couple years, But I found that since sporting clays are analogous to hunting, I do pretty well (85+/100) with either my Stoeger Condor or Mossberg 500.

    Now I wouldnt put that Condor to work every weekend, but for a casual guy like me, it works.
     

    flightsimmer

    Master
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    6   0   0
    Dec 27, 2008
    3,943
    149
    S.E. Indy
    I was fortunate enough to shoot skeet at the Sarasota skeet & trap club down in Florida for the last two years and loved it.

    I want to shoot at the Indiana Gun Club this coming summer, it's about 25 miles from me, I live near Beech Grove, Ind. and with gas prices the way they are I might not be able to go very often but I'll try as often as I can.

    What I really like is shooting with other sportsman. I always enjoyed our conversations and fellowship. Hope to see others there this year.
     

    Cameramonkey

    www.thechosen.tv
    Staff member
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    35   0   0
    May 12, 2013
    31,688
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    Camby area
    I was fortunate enough to shoot skeet at the Sarasota skeet & trap club down in Florida for the last two years and loved it.

    I want to shoot at the Indiana Gun Club this coming summer, it's about 25 miles from me, I live near Beech Grove, Ind. and with gas prices the way they are I might not be able to go very often but I'll try as often as I can.

    What I really like is shooting with other sportsman. I always enjoyed our conversations and fellowship. Hope to see others there this year.
    I'm more worried about shotshell availability/cost than gas prices.
     

    Yup!

    Master
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Nov 7, 2011
    1,547
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    I was fortunate enough to shoot skeet at the Sarasota skeet & trap club down in Florida for the last two years and loved it.

    I want to shoot at the Indiana Gun Club this coming summer, it's about 25 miles from me, I live near Beech Grove, Ind. and with gas prices the way they are I might not be able to go very often but I'll try as often as I can.

    What I really like is shooting with other sportsman. I always enjoyed our conversations and fellowship. Hope to see others there this year.
    I’m looking forward to meeting new friends as well and just enjoying the fellowship - and I don’t want them to make fun of my shooting AND my gun. One is enough. Lol.
     

    thunderchicken

    Grandmaster
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    5   0   0
    Feb 26, 2010
    6,436
    113
    Indianapolis
    Good discussion.

    No interest in reloading.

    Also - I seem to have a “I don’t sell guns” personal policy. So generally when I get something it’s something I’ll keep forever. If I upgrade, the original lives in the safe and collects dust with an occasional use for fun.

    So my thinking here is get a good qualify so I don’t have to upgrade and then have 2 shotguns. I really just want one - my safe is designed around 4-5 long guns total - and I’m getting close with my ARs.

    I bet I’ll use this 10x a year at best. Likely go out once a month or so unless I really fall in love with the sport. My skills need to improve a bit to make it really fun.

    So I looked again at your original post that started this thread and the post above. Here is what I'm picking up so please correct me ig I'm wrong at all.
    The intended use would be Sporting Clays and trap/skeet.
    You would prefer an O/U
    You are comfortable with a $2k-$5k budget and are ok with new or a nice used gun.
    Since it most likely won't be sold or traded, you prefer quality upfront.
    Likely use..until you really fall in love with clays games is probably about 10x /year.
    Right?

    Based on that info you have shared, I would be looking real hard at the Guns Unlimited exclusive Browning universal hi-post with parallel comb, Citori CX, 725 (maybe even a combo), also look at some Berettas or maybe a Caesar Giurini. A CG would be a great option but I wouldn't spend that kind of cash unless I was sure I would shoot it a lot.
    In any case, I would get one with an adjustable comb and recoil pad plate. That can always be done after the purchase. That will ensure the gun will fit as you age and if you gain/lose weight and can be adjusted to get POI where you want it.
    Go to Indiana Gun Club and put your hands on some guns and see what you like and what seems to fit you best.
     

    Yup!

    Master
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Nov 7, 2011
    1,547
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    So I looked again at your original post that started this thread and the post above. Here is what I'm picking up so please correct me ig I'm wrong at all.
    The intended use would be Sporting Clays and trap/skeet.
    You would prefer an O/U
    You are comfortable with a $2k-$5k budget and are ok with new or a nice used gun.
    Since it most likely won't be sold or traded, you prefer quality upfront.
    Likely use..until you really fall in love with clays games is probably about 10x /year.
    Right?

    Based on that info you have shared, I would be looking real hard at the Guns Unlimited exclusive Browning universal hi-post with parallel comb, Citori CX, 725 (maybe even a combo), also look at some Berettas or maybe a Caesar Giurini. A CG would be a great option but I wouldn't spend that kind of cash unless I was sure I would shoot it a lot.
    In any case, I would get one with an adjustable comb and recoil pad plate. That can always be done after the purchase. That will ensure the gun will fit as you age and if you gain/lose weight and can be adjusted to get POI where you want it.
    Go to Indiana Gun Club and put your hands on some guns and see what you like and what seems to fit you best.
    Correct - good summary.

    I think my strategy at this point is to schedule some instruction at IGC - use a variety of their used guns to develop a feel then pull the trigger on my own.

    This makes more sense to me at this point. I do think the B family is where I’ll end up and allow the folks at IGC guide me to a more specific model.

    This thread has been super helpful - thank you all for the input and education.
     

    sportsman223

    Marksman
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    1   0   0
    Aug 7, 2010
    267
    28
    Passing on Doe's
    Good luck to ya just remember to look at all the angles before you buy. Lots of nice used stuff out there if you know where to look to save some money. I have seen several deals out there now that shell prices are what they are
     

    thunderchicken

    Grandmaster
    Rating - 100%
    5   0   0
    Feb 26, 2010
    6,436
    113
    Indianapolis
    Correct - good summary.

    I think my strategy at this point is to schedule some instruction at IGC - use a variety of their used guns to develop a feel then pull the trigger on my own.

    This makes more sense to me at this point. I do think the B family is where I’ll end up and allow the folks at IGC guide me to a more specific model.

    This thread has been super helpful - thank you all for the input and education.
    Sounds like an excellent plan. At this point getting instruction on shooting trap with them setting the machine to throw straight away targets and shooting from station 3 would be a good way to get acclimated to properly mounting the gun, focusing only on the target etc will help develop good fundamentals. And gives you an apple to apple comparison to find what you like
    Good luck and break 'em all
     

    LarryC

    Master
    Rating - 100%
    1   0   0
    Jun 18, 2012
    2,418
    63
    Frankfort
    I would certainly try out whatever configuration shotgun you are interested in purchasing. I, for some reason cannot use a double barrel shotgun with any accuracy! I do pretty well with pump or semi-auto but ALWAYS shoot in front of clay's (or live birds).
    As far as brands, I recall several years ago when my son and I joined the Wildcat club. Son and I were given a tour of the facility (Awesome club), while viewing the trap range, my son said "doubt I can do much good, all I have is a Mossberg 500".
    The gentleman escorting us said "yeah, well I have about $1100 in my shotgun (I don't remember the maker). However the man that beat me out here also won the Indiana state championship last year - he uses a Mossberg 500!

    Personally I have a Browning semi-auto, a Winchester and a couple Mossberg's. Do like my Browning.
     

    Mark-DuCo

    Master
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Aug 1, 2012
    2,265
    113
    Ferdinand
    I have an ATI Cavalry 12 guage O/U, and it has been a great gun. I think I paid a little over $500 for it so I know some would consider it cheap Turkish junk, but it has been flawless for me. I probably put about 1500 rounds through it a year. Practice is way more important than the gun.

    One of the things I like is a model with extractors instead of ejectors, pulling shells out of the gun is way nicer than picking them up off the ground.

    Just want to add before someone takes my post the wrong way, there is nothing wrong with the more expensive guns. I would love to have one myself, but my money is going more towards Class 3 items right now. Just don't expect them to magically make you shoot better than with a cheaper gun.
     
    Last edited:

    Yup!

    Master
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Nov 7, 2011
    1,547
    83
    I have an ATI Cavalry 12 guage O/U, and it has been a great gun. I think I paid a little over $500 for it so I know some would consider it cheap Turkish junk, but it has been flawless for me. I probably put about 1500 rounds through it a year. Practice is way more important than the gun.

    One of the things I like is a model with extractors instead of ejectors, pulling shells out of the gun is way nicer than picking them up off the ground.

    Just want to add before someone takes my post the wrong way, there is nothing wrong with the more expensive guns. I would love to have one myself, but my money is going more towards Class 3 items right now. Just don't expect them to magically make you shoot better than with a cheaper gun.
    I’ve always said I’m sure Tiger Woods could still beat me at a game of golf using rental clubs on a municipal course. … it’s not the clubs…
     
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