I need Trap advice.

[Arizonan]

I have two pump 12ga. One is a Winchester 1200 with 28in MOD barrel. The other is a S&W 1000 with 26in IC. Which one should I use for Trap shooting. I am not looking to get a different weapon. Just which one best to use. I have only shot trap a few times. I really enjoy it.
I use my S&W for Pheasant hunting. And my 1200 for Turkey.

 

[Jim Watson]

Modified is a good choke for trap singles.

 

[n6yga]

1200 for sure. Longer barrel and modified choke. That's the ticket for trap.

Just remember: in trap lead is your friend. The only shots with no lead are straight outs on station 3.

Have fun and kill some clay for us!

Mark.

 

[mgkdrgn]

You want the tighter pattern, so go with the 1200 mod.

Also, a little shim under the buttpad so you will shoot high to POA will help too!

 

[oneounceload]

Remember to POINT that thing, NOT aim it; keep your head down, keep the gun moving, focus on the bird NOT the front bead

 

[jaguarxk120]

If you want a Full choke barrel, Corson's has a 28 inch Full choke barrel with vent rib right now.

 

[eastbank]

how do you float the bird right over the bead if you don,t know when the bead is? i don,t aim the shotgun, but i know where the bead is in relationship to the bird and adjust for it. i know i,ll never be a expert at any of the clay games, but thats just the way i see it. eastbank.

 

[kudu]

I'd go with the 1200 and modified barrel. As oneounceload said, focus on the target not the bead, and try to keep both eyes open when shotgunning. There has been more than one occasion where I have lost the front bead on my shotguns and never even noticed it until after the round of clays was over.

 

[clang]

Mod is a good choke for Trap shooting at 16 yards but Imp Cyl is OK too, especially if you like to hit them quickly. In general, Imp Cyl is optimal for 35 yard targets and Mod is optimal for 40 yard targets. This is just a general rule, things change from gun to gun and can be dependent on ammo used.

Most trap shooters prefer a longer barrel because the extra weight at the end smooths out their swing. 30" and longer is very popular for trap.

At least as important is how the gun fits you. I suggest you take both guns and see which one you score higher with. A good fit will trump the difference in choke or barrel length between the 2 guns mentioned. If both are similar fit, then the 1200 is your best bet.

 

[oneounceload]

You point your offhand finger, and trust your hand eye coordination the same way you do a tennis racquet, baseball bat, golf club, etc.......

 

[John3921]

You use the bead to make sure you're mounted correctly. Once you have the gun mounted to your shoulder forget the bead and focus on the target. If your head, shoulders, gun and upper body are all locked in - then your targeting computer will work. Think of it as a fancy heads up display targeting system - where your eyes go - so does everything else. You'll see the bead in your fore-vision anyway - you can be aware of it - just don't focus on it. Especially in a game like skeet where there is a lot of swing I just about guarantee if you look at the bead, you will stop the gun, and you will shoot behind the target.