Got invited to a sporting clays match

[kd7nqb]

So a very good family friend of my girlfriend whom I have met and hung out with many times, invited me to go shoot a sporting clays match with him in a few weeks. Personally I feel pretty honored for him to ask, although he has also been a very generous man towards me this means a lot.

But there is a big problem, I don't shoot shotguns on a regular basis. I first learned to shoot shotguns when I was in scouts about 10yrs ago and since then I have never owned a shotgun and my only shotgun experience has been when one of my shooting buddies brings a shotgun to the range I might shoot a couple of clays but I can certainly say I am not nearly as good as I would like to be.

Second (smaller problem) I don't own a shotgun, the man who invited me offered to let me use one of his (which judging by his collection would be a very nice gun) also there is a gun show this weekend here in Portland and I could justify looking at a shotgun since I want one anyway.

So long story short,

- Sporting Clays sounds like a ton of fun even though I dont expect to score well
- I would have a really great oppurtunity to bond with somebody that will soon be part of my extended family

- I am looking for suggestions on what a decent shotgun for sporting clays would be, I really like how the mossburg 500 and the Remington 870 both handle, I assume if I go with a longer barrel that they would work fine for this sport, any other suggestions?

 

[Howard Roark]

Look into a Beretta 391. An autoloader will be easier to shoot than a pump and used ones are fairly affordable.

 

[Leafy Cronmer]

Yes they make guns more specific to the sport, but with an adequate barrel an 870 or 500 would work well for your situation. Plus either one would double as a great home defense weapon.

I have shot trap on multiple occasions with an older Remington 870 and it is a blast.

 

[Sam1911]

Personally, I'd take him up on his offer to borrow a gun. He's probably got a couple that would be reasonably well suited to the game, and if you're just buying a shotgun for the first time, you won't be any better with your brand new gun than you'd be with his borrowed one.

Further, if he has a nice autoloader or even a good over-under, you'll be much more successful than if you're trying to learn both the fundamentals of wing shooting AND natural, instinctive operation of a pump shotgun at the same time. As a casual or brand new clays shooter, there is a LOT going on and each shot is different. Each station will show you three or four things that you haven't trained to handle before. (And everyone will be giving you advice that sounds a lot like Greek the first few times.) It is a humbling experience, though a HUGE amount of fun. Plenty enough to have on your mind that, if you can let the gun handle the ammo cycling for you, it takes a load off.

Second, a pump shotgun is very intuitive but it isn't foolproof. Short-stroking or just plain forgetting to cycle the action are things that just happen when you're new. Why spend your first gift-outing sorting out those skills? And, as mentioned, it is another thing to manage while you're trying to get on a bird or remember to lead it, and how much, and is it rising or dropping, and wow those are fast, and what's up with these little ones, and ...etc.

Third, if you're shooting his gun, he's going to be very familiar with it and quite involved in making sure you're handling it correctly and know how to operate it. If something doesn't go right, he's going to step up to explain and sort it out for you -- because it's his gun. If you show up with a brand new gun of your own, you may get some advice if you really start to look like you're drowning, but no one has an investment in (and experience in) making that gun work for you. You're on your own.

Use his gun. Ask for his advice. Thank him often and graciously. Have a great time!

-Sam

 

[atblis]

Forget the pump unless you are severely constrained on budget (or just really do like them).

30" barrel. Wouldn't go shorter than 28". 30" seems about right.

AL391 is a very good choice. I have a much more expensive over and under, but I can pick up an AL391 and blast them just as well (and enjoy it). Very pleasant and easy gun to shoot. They work just fine for hunting too (even the target models). This is not the usual "buy this because I own it and it must be the bestest". I have in fact never owned any Berettas. I have shot the AL391s a good bit, and worked on them for people. They are the best target auto on the market.

But, definitely borrow a gun if you can. In fact, before purchasing anything, shoot as many guns as you can. 99% of shotgunners will happily let you shoot their guns as long as you are polite about it. Some will even insist on providing the ammo.

 

[kd7nqb]

Got a screaming deal on a 870 Express Magnum today at the gun show, I am going to go shoot some clays with it it tomorrow morning. As for the sporting clays match I will likely use my gun but may end borrowing his. Anyway I am very happy with my 870 for a whole host of reasons.

 

[jeepmor]

Good to hear you got something your happy with. I'm in the same area and close to the Hillsboro skeet club if you ever hankering to shoot with fellow THR members. I've shot with a few at Brown's camp, always been a lot of fun meeting like minded folks.

 

[kd7nqb]

Jeepmor funny you mention Hillsboro skeet club oddly enough I might be going there tomorrow to check out the shotgun if we cant get up to browns camp. The match I will be shooting is actually up in Tacoma Washington my girlfriends family all lives up there so we spend a lot of time up there.

 

[oneounceload]

If all you have is a pump, use the 28" barrel and go have fun. If this is something you want to pursue, you might want to start thinking about a good semi (Beretta), or over/under (Browning or Beretta).

Don't use a 18" HD barrel - you won't get the swing momentum you need to be smooth.

See my other notes in your other post about the game

 

[d2wing]

Sporting is not like trap. A long heavy gun might not be right for most shooters. Depending on the course a short light gun might be better. An 870 is a solid shotgun. You may want to practice pointing it a moving target in a safe way. you might try having someone beam a flashlight at a wall in a slow arch and follow it with you unloaded shotgun. Also work the action as you practice as some stations require doubles. A bore light or tactical light may help in indoor practice as well.

 

[Sunray]

This may be belated, but accept his invitation and don't worry about anything else. Ask him what ammo you should bring, but don't be surprised if he says don't bother. Take him and his other half out for dinner.
"...the man who invited me offered to let me use one of his..." Most shooters are just like that. Usually includes the ammo too, but offer to pay for it.