gun/gunshow advice

[runswithscissors]

Hi all, I first want to say great site. You guys and gals give great feedback and make a great community. I would like some advice on what type of shotgun to buy.
I would like start shooting skeet/trap. There are a few things I don't know that are hindering my shotgun decision. I noticed that most people shoot single (breach?) shot guns or over/under. Are pumps/semi's frowned upon? Are they less accurate? I also noticed that they all wear aprons to keep empty shells in. Would ejecting shells from a semi or pump distract other shooters and clutter up line?
I have been to some local gunshops to hold various guns to see what feels nice to me. I think I am leaning toward a 1300 or an 870. I didn't really want an 870 because everyone and their grandma owns one. Nothing against the gun, I just like to be different
What length barrel would be most appropriate for skeet/trap? Do I want a ribbed sight? Semi, pump, single (breach?) loaded, or over/under? Different choke options?
Also, I will be going to a gun show this Sat to see whats available. I have never been to one so I'm not sure what to expect. Unfortunately my only gun savvy buddy has to work so I will be going this one alone. Do they take cash/check/credit card? Do they give cash discounts? What should I look out for? Can I take the gun home with me that day or is there a background check/waiting period time? Not sure if this was best place to post but I know I just needed some shotgun advice and ya'll seem like the people to ask. I look forward to many more posts and advancing my gun knowledge. Thank you very much. Any help ya'll can give me will be greatly appreciated.

Some info to better help me.
I live in VA. 5'10" w/ small hands. I can take a beating from just about any gun so 12 ga won't bother me. The gun will be strictly skeet/trap. Sorry for any misspellings, I have the spelling capability of a four year old.
And don't worry Dave, whatever I get (with all of ya'lls help of course) I will practice. I buy my ammo by the 1000's so don't worry about practice, just my shoulder.

 

[bamf]

First of all skeet and trap are two different games. The person who can run perfect in skeet with a single shot shotgun, I would give him a million dollars, cuz thats crazy good. The really nice single shot shotguns are an exclusively trap gun and are very specialized, not really good for anything else.

For your first shotgun, get a good utility length, 28in barrel but a 26 or 30 in would be fine, good for skeet and trap or really any shotgun work with the exception of maybe HD or IPSC style shooting.

Pumps are great shotguns to start out with, my preference would be the 870 (thats what I started with) but any of the big 4, Remington, Winchester, Mossbery and Browning would be a fine choice.

Once you get proficient with the pump, you can choose whatever type of shotgun you'd like, auto, especially if you are recoil sensitive or O/U just cuz they look pretty and are very reliable (O/U was my next shotgun choice)

A vented rib is nice, especially if you a lot of shooting in short amount of time. Interchangeable chokes are the best option, gives your shotgun more utility.

The payment option is dependent on the particular vendor, but I prefer good old cash.

What you should look out for, really depends which gun you want, if you get a better idea what you'd like, I'm sure someone will tell you what to look for. Don't know the gun laws of VA, I'm sure someone here should know.

Good luck...HTH

 

[Dave McCracken]

Some people use pumps and autos for the clay sports. Some top shooters too.

Everyone has an 870 for one simple reason. They're THAT good. Any good pump is a good start to a battery.

A vent ribbed barrel with choke tubes and 26-30" long works for most anything. I suggest you get the shorter barrels if you're less than average in height, the 30" if you're average or taller.

Three choke tubes like IC, Mod and Full will do most anything.

As to gunshows, I've seen few bargains of late. YMMV. Good luck.

 

[Jeff Timm]

Please to remember ancient wisdom:

"Shotgunners are rich."
"Pistoleros are poor."
"Riflemen do their best work lying down."

Geoff
Who is too poor to shoot trap and skeet. A matched set of Browning Superposed shotguns with four sets of barrels EACH? I'd rather spend that kind of money on shelter!

 

[Jeff Timm]

Please to remember ancient wisdom:

"Shotgunners are rich."
"Pistoleros are poor."
"Riflemen do their best work lying down."

Geoff
Who is too poor to shoot trap and skeet. A matched set of Browning Superposed shotguns with four sets of barrels EACH? I'd rather spend that kind of money on shelter!