930 barrel for trap/skeet

[elnonio]

I recently picked up a 930SPX for HD. But since I have it, I may as well try our a little trap/skeet.

Since I have 0 experience with shotguns, I'd like to tap the collective experience for recommendations.

Which barrel would best serve me for entry-level trap/skeet? I don't hunt (yet?) so this is strictly target driven. 24" (Accu - ULTI-FULL only) or 28" (Accu- Mod only)?

 

[MAKster]

The 28 inch barrel for sure. While it comes with a screw-in Modified choke, you can buy other chokes like Improved Cylinder for less than $20. The 24 inch barrel is set up for turkey.

 

[Jim Watson]

Trap/skeet is not all one word and it is not all one game.
Skeet is shot at close range and all you need is cylinder or improved cylinder.
Trap targets are farther away and you will do better with modified or full choke.

You need a screw choke barrel or two barrels to do best at both.

I would say to get a cyl, skeet, or IC barrel or tube and really learn Skeet before trying to double up with Trap.

 

[elnonio]

The two combinations listed above are the only real choices for the 930 (there are more on the website, but the finish of the barrel is the only real difference, and there are rifled barrels which of course won't do).

Surprisingly enough, I took the 930 to a range set up for Trap-like shooting (a simple throwing machine about 2 feet to the right of the shooter). Didn't do too bad at all, having never done this, with Federal Heavy field 6 shot, 1 1/8 oz shot.

I did come away with a distinct impression that 12 ga may be a bit much for my wife, even with a semi. Starting to think I might get her an 870 in 20ga, maybe the express youth (so my daughter can eventually get into it too.)

Thanks for the input.

 

[MAKster]

The heavy recoil had more to do with the shells you used than the fact it was 12 gauge. Heavy field 1 1/8 oz shot is way more than you need for shooting clays. What you want is a light target load. You can get Remington Gun Club shells that are 1 ounce. That will have significantly less recoil than a field load.

 

[elnonio]

Yes, one of the salesman at the gun store/range did point that out as well. However, seems the recommendation was fairly consistent: break in with "heavier" loads, then dial back to whatever you want to use.

His take on the HD was the same: no need for high power rounds, dial back to low brass. The range was nice and free, but of course you could only shoot ammo bought at the store. Since I had already loaded up with a boxes of different ammo between Gander Mtn, the exchange and Wal-mart, I only bought a couple of boxes of the Heavy Field to get a feel for it.

I think after years of High Power shooting I will enjoy this.

 

[Jim Watson]

I took the 930 to a range set up for Trap-like shooting (a simple throwing machine about 2 feet to the right of the shooter).

In case you are unfamiliar with regulation ATA trap, you start 16 yards behind the machine which is on an oscilating base so the exact angle is not known to the shooter. That is a little different from standing beside a portable thrower.

 

[Capstick1]

If you want to use this gun for clay pigeon games I'd get a 28" accuchoke barrel. Trap and skeet are very different from each other. In Skeet your going to be engaging two targets at the same time at close range. You'll have one going away from you and one coming towards you at some stations. This requres an open choke like Improved Cylinder or Skeet. In Trap all your targets are going to be going away from you. The targets are going to be farther away from you than in Skeet. For this type of shooting you need a Full choke barrel. This comes in handy especially when you get good and have to shoot with a 16 yard handicap.