Sporting Clays shotgun

[Hunter58301]

I am an older than average shooter. Presently shooting a Benelli 20ga. So I am thinking of getting an new/used OU. Our team is not in a league. A fun group but still serious about shooting good.
What is your SC shotgun?

Whats your budget?

 

[Zogman]

Whats your budget?

It is dependent upon if the Big Beautiful 270 sells.

The 20 gauge has a 26 inch barrel which as I understand and realize is too short.
I have a 12 gauge Beretta 303 which also has 26 inch barrel. I found a 28 inch Modified choke barrel that I will be using soon. I am hoping that will help satisfy my score card. Stay tuned.

 

[Hunter58301]

There are plenty of good clays guns out there. But, are you looking for a dedicated clays gun or a hunting gun that you want to shoot clays with?

 

[snow2]

Skeet and trap game?? Please do explain.

Well two very different games,hard to explain, best view both sports at the range to understand. Competitive trap is a mental game,skeet not so much more of quick reaction shots, competitive shooters use different tools (shotguns) usually but for fun whocares take your 870 and have at it,it's all fun pulling the trigger.

 

[Hunter58301]

Well two very different games,hard to explain, best view both sports at the range to understand. Competitive trap is a mental game,skeet not so much more of quick reaction shots, competitive shooters use different tools (shotguns) usually but for fun whocares take your 870 and have at it,it's all fun pulling the trigger.

Point was that trap and skeet have very little similarity to sporting clays.

 

[Zogman]

There are plenty of good clays guns out there. But, are you looking for a dedicated clays gun or a hunting gun that you want to shoot clays with?

Dedicated for SC. I quit chasing waterfowl 40 years ago. Upland is Ruffed Grouse.
Last night I shot the 20 gauge again. Different choke. Had a great time. Did okay. I am going to stay with an auto. Waiting to try the 303 with the longer barrel and modified choke.

 

[Hunter58301]

Do yourself a favor and search for a Beretta A400 Excel Sporting. Its a 12 ga but will cycle really light loads. If you want 20 ga, they make the A400 in 20 ga as well. While the A303 and 390/391 were great guns they are not made anymore.

 

[Hunter58301]

Do yourself a favor and search for a Beretta A400 Excel Sporting. Its a 12 ga but will cycle really light loads. If you want 20 ga, they make the A400 in 20 ga as well. While the A303 and 390/391 were great guns they are not made anymore.

I have the A400 Sporting and have 30-35,000 rounds through it and doesn't miss a beat. They recommend a service at around 60,000 rounds.

 

[SDMF]

I have a 12 gauge Beretta 303 which also has 26 inch barrel.

Excellent choice!! 26" isn't too short. I'd put the 4-notch (Imp Cyl) or 5 notch (SKT/CYL) choke in it. I've got a fair smattering of 302's, 303's, and 391's in 12 and 20 gauge. Bbl lengths from 24"-30". With the exception of turkeys, I don't ever go tighter than IC for any hunting or targets.

My 1st Beretta semi-auto was an early 303 12Ga w/26" bbl. I got it in the early 90's sometime. It's got an IC Briley extended choke I bought in the mid-90's and it's been in there ever since, for everything.

My 303 is quite slick from having been shot a lot, including LOTS of hunting loads. If yours is well broken in and not stiff, I'd suggest going to the 1Oz shot charge faster Sporting Clays ammo, I use the AA Super Sporting 1Oz. The extra speed and lighter recoil will help you more than than last 1/8oz of shot IMO.

 

[snow2]

Point was that trap and skeet have very little similarity to sporting clays.

Actually skeet helps acquiring tru pairs much like sc only much closer in to shooter much faster action.clubs with sc courses not 5 stand makes for a fun afternoon much like golf only using shotguns hiking thru wooded courses.Most sc course near me are 1 to 2 miles long (100 targets), thankfully clubs have golf carts with gun racks for us old farts with cooler and several boxes of ammo.

 

[snow2]

Dedicated for SC. I quit chasing waterfowl 40 years ago. Upland is Ruffed Grouse.
Last night I shot the 20 gauge again. Different choke. Had a great time. Did okay. I am going to stay with an auto. Waiting to try the 303 with the longer barrel and modified choke.

Good call Zog ,20ga 1oz of shot makes for "Chinese " shooting most often, "chips and chunks" in sc but nice soft shooting thunder stick,good all around choke is ic but often times your sc course will have 40+ yd targets for bragging rights i would change out on longer shots to at least IM maybe full shooting a 20ga. But that's me, every sc station has a variety of target presentation some long shots next station 20yds and or rabbits don't be complacent with just one choke unless score doesn't matter just out for a good time.

Don't rule out 30+ barrel length unless your short in stature,avg size guyz 5'10 + for sc like trap longer barrel = better sight plane and will smooth out your swing on clay targets.

 

[agriffith]

My sporting clays side kick,he doesn't laugh when I miss but known to run out for cripples birds....

Good looking dog, how old is he?

 

[Zogman]

Don't rule out 30+ barrel length unless your short in stature,avg size guyz 5'10 + for sc like trap longer barrel = better sight plane and will smooth out your swing on clay targets.

Would you believe? 5'4"

 

[snow2]

Good looking dog, how old is he?

He is 10yrs,super dooper great pup since my ole lady passed away he does a great job picking up the slack always at my feet,riding shotgun.... never talks back or bitches... godbless our pups.

 

[snow2]

Would you believe? 5'4"

26" barrel.... Just a suggestion, not to wippy like a shorter barrel length for your size. It's all fun, glad ammo cost came down but still spendy my practice ammo went from $3/box ($30/flat) to $100/flat just shoot less.

 

[Zogman]

Shot tonight. Some what improved. 20 gauge, 26 inch barrel, full choke. 1300 fps 7 1/2 shot.
Any thoughts. Am I on the right track?

 

[SDMF]

Shot tonight. Some what improved. 20 gauge, 26 inch barrel, full choke. 1300 fps 7 1/2 shot.
Any thoughts. Am I on the right track?

I’d open the choke way up. IC or Skt. 4 or 5 notches.

 

[Jigaman]

I agree, open up the choke. Personally, I like modified for that course if I'm only shooting a single barrel.

 

[Zogman]

What about shells? A person I shoot with insists on 1300 fps as opposed to the 1200.

 

[SDMF]

What about shells? A person I shoot with insists on 1300 fps as opposed to the 1200.

That’s my general preference as well.