I am a beginning skeet shooter, and I have been using a Remington 870 Express with a 28 inch barrel. I am looking for suggestions as to what a good skeet gun for under $1000. would be. Also, should I stay with a 12 gauge gun? And is 28" too long a barrel? Thanks for any advice.
Advice for beginning skeet shooter
- Thread starter RM
- Start date
- Status
Assuming you want another gun for under a $1000, I would buy an autoloader in 12 gauge.
I would buy a "sporting clays" model since it will have choke tubes. It gives you more options in other clay target games and hunting, since you are begininng in skeet you may change or add sports- who knows. If not, they are basically skeet guns with chokes .
The trend is towards longer bbls now, but whatever feels better to you. 28" is a good length overall.
Your best bet is trying different guns if you can.
If you can't try many, then I would suggest either the Remington 1100/1187 or the Beretta. The Beretta is probably more trouble free than the Remington over the long haul.
Good luck, and emphasis on trying as many as you can before you buy. Nothing wrong with a good used one either.
I would buy a "sporting clays" model since it will have choke tubes. It gives you more options in other clay target games and hunting, since you are begininng in skeet you may change or add sports- who knows. If not, they are basically skeet guns with chokes .
The trend is towards longer bbls now, but whatever feels better to you. 28" is a good length overall.
Your best bet is trying different guns if you can.
If you can't try many, then I would suggest either the Remington 1100/1187 or the Beretta. The Beretta is probably more trouble free than the Remington over the long haul.
Good luck, and emphasis on trying as many as you can before you buy. Nothing wrong with a good used one either.
ysr_racer
Member
Here's a helpful web site: http://www.vaskeet.com/skeet101.htm
I got into the very high 90's for a skeet average with an 870 express w/28" barrel when I started.............. Drag it out once in a while yet and shoot 23-25............
If you are not reloading yet THAT needs to come first. To shoot enough to get decent without being independently wealthy means reloading your own, you have a budget on your new skeet gun so you are not wealthy. $2.15 per box for 12 ga AA equivalent shells will help stretch the shooting dollar, and PRACTICE makes you good, not new shotguns.
The gun really is secondary until you can hit EVERY single presentation on a skeet field 99% of the time. If you shoot low 5 (just for example) for a full round every week for a month to get the 99%+ on that presentation then that is what you do. When you KNOW every target on the field the doubles become very simple, and you will realize you have a ton of time to get the second target on every pair thrown. Most people hurry unneccessarily and it hurts their scores.
I prefer a 20 gauge for skeet nowadays, but there are a ton of good skeet guns out there. You have one already, but if you are serious about getting better as fast as possible an auto will let you shoot a TON without getting beat up badly from the recoil. An O/U or a pump will need lighter shells to keep from beating you up. If you are not recoil sensitive in the least an O/U is the best choice, but keep in mind that 2 cases of shells per week is about the minimum if you want to get really good and not take 3 or 4 or 5+ years doing it.
Guns to look at are the Winchester SuperX2, Beretta 39X series, an 1100 that is not used up (don't buy one from a trap or a skeet shooter
), same for a SuperX1. Guns to avoid are the 11-87, russian and chinese imports, and recoil operated autos. Barrel length is pretty personal. If you reload the ONLY advantage to 12 gauge over the 20ga is hulls are easier to get, a 20 is every bit the equal of the 12 on the skeet field. The 20 also has the advantage of being cheaper to reload. I like 30" and LONGER barrels, but a 28" works fine. I can and have shot straights with 18" barreled 870s but it makes me work to do it. I prefer the longer barrels but have no advantage ballistically over an 18". The guys that tell you 26" is the ONLY barrel for skeet are DEAD WRONG, same for anyone that tells you any other barrel length is what you need. The barrel length that YOU like is the one for you. You may go through a few shotguns finding out what exactly the combination is that you like, and if you don't stay with quality shotguns it will get really expensive when you sell them.
Wow, getting long. Holler if you have any questions, I have been there and done that with the skeet shooting and would be happy to help if possible.
If you are not reloading yet THAT needs to come first. To shoot enough to get decent without being independently wealthy means reloading your own, you have a budget on your new skeet gun so you are not wealthy. $2.15 per box for 12 ga AA equivalent shells will help stretch the shooting dollar, and PRACTICE makes you good, not new shotguns.
The gun really is secondary until you can hit EVERY single presentation on a skeet field 99% of the time. If you shoot low 5 (just for example) for a full round every week for a month to get the 99%+ on that presentation then that is what you do. When you KNOW every target on the field the doubles become very simple, and you will realize you have a ton of time to get the second target on every pair thrown. Most people hurry unneccessarily and it hurts their scores.
I prefer a 20 gauge for skeet nowadays, but there are a ton of good skeet guns out there. You have one already, but if you are serious about getting better as fast as possible an auto will let you shoot a TON without getting beat up badly from the recoil. An O/U or a pump will need lighter shells to keep from beating you up. If you are not recoil sensitive in the least an O/U is the best choice, but keep in mind that 2 cases of shells per week is about the minimum if you want to get really good and not take 3 or 4 or 5+ years doing it.
Guns to look at are the Winchester SuperX2, Beretta 39X series, an 1100 that is not used up (don't buy one from a trap or a skeet shooter
), same for a SuperX1. Guns to avoid are the 11-87, russian and chinese imports, and recoil operated autos. Barrel length is pretty personal. If you reload the ONLY advantage to 12 gauge over the 20ga is hulls are easier to get, a 20 is every bit the equal of the 12 on the skeet field. The 20 also has the advantage of being cheaper to reload. I like 30" and LONGER barrels, but a 28" works fine. I can and have shot straights with 18" barreled 870s but it makes me work to do it. I prefer the longer barrels but have no advantage ballistically over an 18". The guys that tell you 26" is the ONLY barrel for skeet are DEAD WRONG, same for anyone that tells you any other barrel length is what you need. The barrel length that YOU like is the one for you. You may go through a few shotguns finding out what exactly the combination is that you like, and if you don't stay with quality shotguns it will get really expensive when you sell them. Wow, getting long. Holler if you have any questions, I have been there and done that with the skeet shooting and would be happy to help if possible.
sm
member
HSMITH, as usual, nailed it.
What goal do you have in shooting skeet?
Some shoot to improve hunting skills, others have that itch to compete. I started out with the former in mind--ended up doing the later.
I prefer the 12 ga, with a 28" bbl or longer. Reloading allows for tailoring loads. One can load 7/8 oz loads--which will run fine in an shucker, might not in an auto. Just a bit more versatile if one only has one gun, IMO.
If you hunt , decide to try other clay games etc, the extra payload of a 12 can have an advantage. That said I've shot a bunch clays with 20 ga-- heck even 28 ga at S/C and Trap.
Gun fit is most important --regardless of platform. Gun fit, practice, asking for/getting quality lessons ,dry fire and swinging the gun.
I used to swing through all the stages in my garage/ extra bedroom. I'd add weight to strengthen/gain staimina. Yeah, my ex thought I was nuts too...she changed her mind though...err on my practice anyway.
Be careful in getting caught up with the gun buying/switching/shooting the brand name/platform...etc. One cannot 'buy targets", its the shooter with a gun that fits and practices that hits--always.
Some rationalize a new gun/platform--because so and so uses it. Others want "this" new gun/platform and rationalize/need others to shoot "this" gun/platform . Qualifying a purchase.
My shooting partner ( personal DR also) is an example of one whom though he has won a bunch of medals at the World Shoot,doesn't compete anymore. He shoots a pump, with the same gun he still runs straights at skeet/trap. Kills ducks and geese, even took a deer last season.
I have a lot of people I know that use pumps.
Instead of spending $ 1k on a gun...many would be better off with an 870 Express ( or a used pump/auto) and using the balance left over to purchase a Mec single stage , lessons, and getting a proper gun fit--IMO
Another thing, don't take it (skeet) or yourself too seriously. Sometimes one has to have fun, poke fun at oneself.For instance- One can bang/shove/curse a door that won't open--step back and realize duh...turn the knob, laugh at yourself and go through the door
"Beware the man whom shoots one gun". Is a very true statement.
What goal do you have in shooting skeet?
Some shoot to improve hunting skills, others have that itch to compete. I started out with the former in mind--ended up doing the later.
I prefer the 12 ga, with a 28" bbl or longer. Reloading allows for tailoring loads. One can load 7/8 oz loads--which will run fine in an shucker, might not in an auto. Just a bit more versatile if one only has one gun, IMO.
If you hunt , decide to try other clay games etc, the extra payload of a 12 can have an advantage. That said I've shot a bunch clays with 20 ga-- heck even 28 ga at S/C and Trap.
Gun fit is most important --regardless of platform. Gun fit, practice, asking for/getting quality lessons ,dry fire and swinging the gun.
I used to swing through all the stages in my garage/ extra bedroom. I'd add weight to strengthen/gain staimina. Yeah, my ex thought I was nuts too...she changed her mind though...err on my practice anyway.
Be careful in getting caught up with the gun buying/switching/shooting the brand name/platform...etc. One cannot 'buy targets", its the shooter with a gun that fits and practices that hits--always.
Some rationalize a new gun/platform--because so and so uses it. Others want "this" new gun/platform and rationalize/need others to shoot "this" gun/platform . Qualifying a purchase.
My shooting partner ( personal DR also) is an example of one whom though he has won a bunch of medals at the World Shoot,doesn't compete anymore. He shoots a pump, with the same gun he still runs straights at skeet/trap. Kills ducks and geese, even took a deer last season.
I have a lot of people I know that use pumps.
Instead of spending $ 1k on a gun...many would be better off with an 870 Express ( or a used pump/auto) and using the balance left over to purchase a Mec single stage , lessons, and getting a proper gun fit--IMO
Another thing, don't take it (skeet) or yourself too seriously. Sometimes one has to have fun, poke fun at oneself.For instance- One can bang/shove/curse a door that won't open--step back and realize duh...turn the knob, laugh at yourself and go through the door
"Beware the man whom shoots one gun". Is a very true statement.
Dave McCracken
Moderator In Memoriam
H and 73 speak Gospel. Spend money on ammo, reloader and lessons. You have enough gun.
Right now, the only gun upgrades you should do, IMO, may not be needed. If your shotgun fits you well, had a clean sub 4 lb trigger,you're all set.
Right now, the only gun upgrades you should do, IMO, may not be needed. If your shotgun fits you well, had a clean sub 4 lb trigger,you're all set.
Clemson
Member
I'd suggest you buy a "skeet" choke tube if you haven't already. You can shoot with an Improved Cylinder, but Skeet will get you the most birds.
Keep your current gun. Buy a used MEC Grabber or 9000G for under $200, and shoot 5,000-10,000 rounds. Get some lessons to avoid the bad habits that will certainly creep in.
After that, you will have a much better idea of what you need, gun-wise, and you will have the skills where the gun will make a difference. There are a lot of used skeet guns out there. A 12 ga. O/U, tubed gun, between $1,000 and 2,000 is easily had.
After that, you will have a much better idea of what you need, gun-wise, and you will have the skills where the gun will make a difference. There are a lot of used skeet guns out there. A 12 ga. O/U, tubed gun, between $1,000 and 2,000 is easily had.
Brad Johnson
Member
I thought I'd like shooting skeet, but I quit after I found out they taste awful (even with hot sauce).
Brad
Brad
Clemson
Member
You're using the wrong recipe, Brad. Marinate them overnight in Jack Daniels, then strain them and drink the gravy.
Clemson
Clemson
sm
member
Agree with Clemson---but since I don't drink I use Cranberry juice instead. I still think the "White Flyers" work better than the"Blue Rock" species for all recipes
- Status
