Clays - What Shot Gun?

[dapper]

OK this might sound a silly dumb question, but please bare in mind I am totally new to shot guns!

 

I have tried a little research on the net, not to much luck, Ive read about the different types of clay shoots, the way they come at you, side to side etc.

 

So whats the difference in a Skeet Gun, Trap Gun, Game gun other guns?

 

I am purchasing either this week or at Detling Game fair on the 28th a shot gun. 12g O/U. But wondered what advice you guys could kindly give me in what type to buy. Does it really make a difference with barrel length?

 

To be honest I will probably purchase a used gun. Some where around the £350 - £500. I could spend more but as its my first gun I want to see if I am cut out for shooting first.

 

What about chokes, Did want a gun with a choke? Semi Do i want one of those?

 

thanks

 

 

Dave

Edited March 19, 2009 by dapper

[Fatcatsplat]

Dave - Don't get your hopes too high for Detling - Last year there was only a very small shotgun selection. It's still worth going though - Very good day out (loads for the kids and missus to do as well).

[dapper]

Oh no I am not banking on Detling.. I am going to see Chris Potter on Saturday - T.Wells in Kent and also a few at East Grinstead, w.sussex so just looking for advice before taking the plunge.

 

Dave

[Beardo]

Ashford Guns & Tackle had a nice selection last time i was in there

[poontang]

Dave,

 

If you're looking for an 'all rounder' your best bet is probably a multi choked sporter. Barrel length won't make a huge difference to you whilst learning, 30" would be a good starting point. You'll have no problem shooting skeet/sporting targets and with a bit of practice trap targets too (though a dedicated trap gun would be better if that's the route you choose). If i was you i'd spend as much as you can comfortably afford, even though it's a first gun, but more importantly make sure the gun fits you or can easily be fitted. There are plenty of decent guns around in your price range, you shouldn't have too much of a problem finding one to suit you. Get a few lessons with a good coach and the world's your oyster!!

 

Good luck

[clayman]

A Sporter will be an all rounder, preferably with M/C, but if not 1/4 and 1/2. Typical spec is 14 1/2" pull, pistol grip, SST, 70mm chamber, and a stock with drop to the heel. Barrel lengths are usually 28 or 30".

 

Skeet and Trap will be dedicated guns for the disciplines.

 

The trap gun will have a str comb if its Monte-Carlo, usually be longer in the stock as you shoot gun up. Vari-combs are popular with trap shooters.

 

The trap gun is always fired bottom first ( str pressure line to shoulder so less muzzle flip on bttm barrel) so they often don't have a selector. The comb is high , and / or the rib tapers down to the muzzle so that the gun shoots naturally high. Often a high rib is used as its easier to see a clay rising under the barrels in the configuration, but its going a bit out of fashion other than Kreigoff who do it to the extreme. Almost all trap targets are shot rising, but watch out for the low away in ABT, you'll miss over the top if you are not careful!

 

Trap barrel lengths are usually longer than sporter, 30" - 32" even 34". Most are fixed choke, some have vari-choke on just one barrel. 3/4 full; or 1/2 3/4p; are the usual chokings - the former for O/T D/T etc, and 1/2 3/4 for DTL ABT.

 

The gun cannot have ventilated additions, ie Cutts Compensators or wad stripping exposed chokes, but manufacturers barrel porting is allowed ( much confusion over this rule, its only screw out ported chokes that are not allowed, ports permanently in the barrel are fine).

 

A trap configured gun can make a good sporter, particularly for FITASC and more distant targets, and you can get M/C trap barrels so the trap gun can double for sporting - this is when the vari-comb comes useful as you can change the height to alter the point of aim.

 

The dedicated skeet gun will have a flat rib, shorter stock for fast clean mounts ( O/S), be set choked as any of Cy, Sk1, Sk2, 1/4 depending on the preference of the manufacturers or buyer. Porting is allowed in both chokes if you have them, and the barrels.

 

You can get gun systems, where bits fit in place of others to convert guns.

 

I my self have a sporting stock, a vari-com, and a skeet stock, an MX2 action and an MX* action, and ported skeet 28", Teague choked sporters 30" and dedicated high rib trap 32", plus two different fore-ends. The beauty of Perazzi is all the bits fit each other and theoretically I can assemble 36 unique guns from the bits and make something to suit any course or discipline.

 

Drop by us, we at Kent, gladly give you a static gun fit and show the differences in the guns

Edited March 22, 2009 by clayman

[dapper]

Hi Clayman, Poontang

 

Thanks for the dedicated replies,

 

Well I have read your replies with enthusiasm and thank you for taking the time to explain.

 

I have also spoken to various other people, also giving similar advice.

 

I have now purchased a shot gun today, but I will be adding more shot guns to my cabinet! So Clayman I will have a look to see what you have. I purchased a used 12g Rizzini O/U MULTI - CHOKES 30" comes with 4 chokes and from what I have seen after visiting a few shops. Its in very good condition compared to what I have seen on offer.

 

The shop I purchased it from East Grinstead Guns the guy to me was very helpful and you could barter with him, many of the other shops would not budge! He even gave me some gun oil, gun slip, and a cleaning kit. All thrown in.

 

Now I just gotta learn to use it!

 

 

Dave

[clayman]

I'm a Senior CPSA Coach, ex Senior Staff Tutor and Assessor, and 5yrs as the Training and Safety Manager at Bisley HQ.

 

If you need method to your shooting, I teach nr Reigate or by appt other places.

 

Jerry