New to skeet shooting. Am I looking at an ok purchase or is there better?

[Thisisyourcaptin]

Last time I shot Skeet or Trap was in counts 30 years ago. However my rather liberal wife has express interest in getting into skeet and trapshooting. She does not mind shooting my browning SA-22 but most everything else is a no go for her. However she tried 4 rounds of skeet and loved. Did ok too. Her only complete was the 12 gauge Winchester model 1897 was unwieldy and a bit much for her to handle. I would like to purchase something in a smaller gauge that is less intimidating for her to shoot.

We both saw these Turkish imports at a local shop and she she felt much more at ease with them. Not to mention they are a lot lighter for her.

I am looking at two of them. One 20 and the other 28 gauge. The sales guy does not do any shot gun sports and was of little help.

They don’t break the bank and it’s nice buying new knowing that if there is an issue there is a warranty as well. Plus if it does not work out we are not out a lot of money.

Is there a better of the two gauges to look at between the 20 and 28 gauge for skeet and trapshooting?

I know there are better guns, but let’s assume we are just trying to get someone to cross the liberal fence and get them into fire arms. Her liking a gun was already a massive step.

They come with five chokes, of which I know nothing about chokes. However, one is designed specifically for skeet and trap it looks like.

Thoughts?

Nate.

TriStar Bristol SxS 20 Gauge 28 2rd 3 Silver Engraved with 24K Gold Inlay R - Side By Side Shotguns at GunBroker.com : 1026921572

Buy TriStar Bristol SxS 20 Gauge 28 2rd 3 Silver Engraved with 24K Gold Inlay R: GunBroker is the largest seller of Side By Side Shotguns Shotguns Guns & Firearms All: 1026921572

www.gunbroker.com

 

[MEHavey]

If any of the skeet/trap/sporting clays.. . or just field work... go w/ an over/under, not side-by-side.
And if staying w/ TriStar shotguns for moderate use (and with which I've had no particular problems)
consider this:

TriStar Arms Announces Trinity Over/Under Shotguns Now Available - TriStar Arms

Award-winning TriStar Arms is pleased to announce the arrival of its new Trinity line of over/under shotguns. These beautiful shotguns offer CNC-machined aluminum or steel receivers hand detailed with old-world craftsmanship. Both the lightweight-aluminum frame and 24-carat gold inlayed...

www.tristararms.com

(stay steel frame)

A little more....

TT-15 Sporting - TriStar Arms

RELIABLE, FUNCTIONAL AND HARDWORKING TT-15 Sporting 3” Chamber Over and Under. The Sporting O/U features a solid frame for durability and strength, sealed actions to keep dirt out, self-adjusting locking lugs, top tang barrel selector and safety, and steel mono-block barrel construction, Turkish...

www.tristararms.com

"Skeet" chokes come with both of them.

Consider 12ga still if within realm of reason. Light skeet loads aren't gong to beat anyone up
Definitely stay away from 28 gauge starting out if you want to preserve your dignity/self-respect.

 

[cfullgraf]

For serious skeet shooting, an over/under is the gun required for the most part although a good semi-auto will do well for 12 gauge.

Browning Citori or Beretta 686 is considered the minimum gun of choice.

Remember, shooting skeet is like someone else bought the ammunition and serious shooters shoot ammunition by the pallet load whilke someone else bought it.

Of course, there are other guns that are more expensive and provided moire reliability.

Guns with sub-gauge tubes fitted are the way to go. The same gun but different gauge. When I was shooting competitive skeet in the 1990's, some of the top shooters would shoot a semi-auto in the 12 gauge event but would shoot a tubed over/under in the sub gauges. See what the top shooters are shooting today.

At the level of averages I was shooting at, my tubed Citori worked well. I shot 20 gauge in the 12 gauge events as my 20 gauge averages were better than my 12 gauge averages.\
28 ga and .410 bore worked well with the tubes in my 12 ga Citori.

If starting out in skeet, about any gun will work. You get a time to learn what is needed and what works. But, you need to work at what folks are using to be successful.

Don't expect to win the "grand pubar" right off the bat. But lower class wins are possible if you realize what your limitations are.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I wouldn't want a 28 gauge due to the lesser availability and higher price of ammo compared to a 12 or 20 gauge.

I would rather have a well-used Browning Citori than a brand new Turkish O/U by any manufacturer.

 

[kudu]

Back in the day my skeet averages were highest with 28ga, but the shells cost almost twice what 12 and 20 cost. Go with a 12 and buy ultralight target loads, still a premium price, but much less than 28 gauge. 20 gauge will work fine, but ultralight loads in 20 are also expensive.

O/U guns way to go for clay games, although many like an autoloader for skeet. Th good old Rem 1100 was a go to and Beretta target autos like the 400 many are shooting. Very low recoil on autos with the gas recoil system.

 

[Jim Watson]

Caution, skeetandtrap is not all one word and it is not all one game.
Purpose built guns are different.

The typical Skeet gun has little choke and more drop to the stock. Old time shotgun coach Fred Missildine said 20 gauge was the ideal Skeet gun.

Tournament Skeet is a four gun event, 12, 20, 28, and .410; usually with sub-gauge tubes in a 12 gauge O/U but I have read that a lot of ladies shoot a 20 in the 12 ga race. That is a whole different world from recreational Skeet which can be shot enjoyably with a regular field gun.

Trap targets are headed generally away from you and are shot at longer range. More choke - Modified, Improved Modified, and Full are usual. With normal timing you will be shooting at the target while it is still rising so stocks are straighter to give a bit of upward lead without having to blot out the target. 12 gauge is standard but target loads are pretty mild.

Over-unders are kewl but a gas operated automatic costs less and kicks less. Beware of the inertia operated autos, they are reliable and light weight, great for hunting, but are kickers when shot 25 at a time.

 

[MEHavey]

ALCON . . .
the OPerative condition here:

I know there are better guns,
but let’s assume we are just
trying to get someone to cross
the liberal fence and get them
into fire arms.

Her liking a gun was already a massive step

Let's not get too far over our skis.

The OP's inexpensive TriStar option is 'OK' for that purpose, although I would
strongly recommend an over/under for suitability/simplicity/usability all round

(and at least 20ga, not 28)

 

[Barnfixer]

I’ll go with the guys recommending over/unders and to hold off on the 28ga for now. Brownings and Berettas are the mainstay but may be priced more than you want to spend right now. You could check out a Franchi Instinct L maybe. I’d stay away from the Instinct SL though, too light for clay games in my opinion. Nice guns for the money and some good prices on gunbroker.

 

[entropy]

I normally don't recommend the TT-15 line, as the earlier ones were of dubious quality. Newer production guns do look well made for the price, but they still won't hold up like a Browning or Beretta. But if she's only going to shoot say two rounds of Skeet a week, It'd be a good starter gun. I recommend a Trap or Skeet specific model over the Sporting shown. TT-15's tend to have more drop than needed or wanted for either Skeet or Trap. Many Sporting shooters don't put the cheek on the stock at all, so more drop really doesn't affect them.

I think Barnfixer's suggestion of the Franchi Instinct L is a good choice. The CZ Quail is a little on the light side, but has a shorter stock if she needs that. Both in 20 ga.

 

[Lo-Profile]

While the price point of the Turkish guns are attractive, the durability isn't. They aren't really made to shoot thousands of rounds.
I would look for a used Beretta or Browning. Should be able to find one for less than $1200.
For both Skeet and Trap look for a 30" barrel one.

 

[Barnfixer]

While the price point of the Turkish guns are attractive, the durability isn't. They aren't really made to shoot thousands of rounds.
I would look for a used Beretta or Browning. Should be able to find one for less than $1200.
For both Skeet and Trap look for a 30" barrel one.

I think Brownings with choke tubes for $1200 or less are a thing of the past for now. About four years ago I picked up a very clean Citori Hunter with invector chokes for $900, probably pull a EZ $1500 now from what I’ve been seeing. Fixed choke guns go for less.

 

[entropy]

A couple years ago I picked up a Superposed combo, 30" Full over Mod and 26" Mod over IC, for $1200. The stock had been cut, then a 1" plastic filler added at some point. I see Citori 26" Skeet/Skeet choked guns for under $1000 occasionally, but 28or 30" Full/Mod usually come closer to that $1200 mark.

 

[JJFitch]

Let her pick "her" shot gun!
Turkish guns are just fine especially if they are lighter in weight. And look out you may be surprised at how quickly she will excel at "her" new sport!

 

[entropy]

Newtonian physics being what it is, light guns kick more. The Stevens 555, a popular choice for HS Trap shooters, is way too light for anyone shooting more than 4 rounds of clays a day.
She probably will progress rapidly, the girls I've coached advanced a lot faster than the boys, because they listen and don't have overinflated egos.

 

[GE-Mini-Gun]

“rather liberal”…get the cheapest thing you can find, I think this might be a “phase” and will pass, so you’re not out a lot of money

 

[jmr40]

The Weatherby SA-08 in 20 ga is a good choice. Very light with a 24" barrel made just for smaller people. I have one that I use for turkey hunting. The shorter barrel won't be the best all around for all of the clays games but is ideal for skeet.

They are made in Turkey, but sold by Weatherby. This is the best budget gun IMO for your needs.

If you're really serious then a O/U is the gun of choice, but many more casual recreational shooters choose a gas operated semi-auto.

SA-08 - Weatherby, Inc.

GAS OPERATED SEMI-AUTO SMOOTH. RELIABLE. EASY ON THE SHOULDER. Smooth cycling and manageable recoil – truths every gas-operated shotgun owner knows. Weatherby SA-family shotguns are known for their rugged reliability paired with the soft shooting characteristics inherent in gas-operated systems...

weatherby.com

 

[Barnfixer]

I’m not dissing autos, I do like them for hunting. But with an over/under there’s no bending over to pickup hulls. Bad knees ya know.

 

[eastbank]

if she gets into the clay games, a starter o/u may be a good idea. if she stays a better shotgun maybe in order. over all 99 precent of thoses who stay with the clay games seriously spend much more on the fees charged to shoot and ammo than a very good shotgun will cost, so you will want one with a proven record on longevity.

 

[GE-Mini-Gun]

.....seriously spend much more on the fees charged to shoot and ammo than a very good shotgun will cost,.....

Truer words about shotguns and clay shooting have not been spoken!!!

By a $15,000 shotgun and over the life of the shooter, that price will be chump change, compared to targets, range fees, ammo, etc.

 

[Armored farmer]

I would try to cleverly work in a way to illuminate the fact that liberal politicians aren't pro 2A, generally speaking.
This may sound harsh.
It is a harsh reality for citizens of some states.
Gun owners who vote for politicians who support anti-2a legislation are harsh.

 

[eastbank]

and if you want to, you will be able to sell it most likely for what you paid for it down the road. i know i can sell my browning bt-100 for more than i paid for it to several shooter friends. it has over 40,000 shells thru it with no problems at all only cleaning it after use.

 

[Jim Watson]

it has over 40,000 shells thru it with no problems at all

When I was active in trapshooting, Trap & Field magazine had an article about the guy with the most registered targets on record, 950,000. He said he got tired of wearing out Superposeds, lifetime guarantee or not; so he went to an Ithaca single barrel which only required a new mainspring every once in a while.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I’m not dissing autos, I do like them for hunting. But with an over/under there’s no bending over to pickup hulls. Bad knees ya know

A magnetic pick up tool takes care of that.

 

[Lo-Profile]

I think Brownings with choke tubes for $1200 or less are a thing of the past for now. About four years ago I picked up a very clean Citori Hunter with invector chokes for $900, probably pull a EZ $1500 now from what I’ve been seeing. Fixed choke guns go for less.

Guess I'm lucky living where I do.
LGS has 10+ on a regular basis.

Last summer I bought was a 26" Beretta 686 Onyx for $695. Great Skeet Gun
But yeah, things are getting higher in price.

 

[PapaG]

Buy the best you can afford. You will soon realize that after a couple years you've spent more on shells and targets than on the gun. If not, you'll probably get a higher percentage of your money back when you sell it. This doesn't apply to Turkish guns, Stevens, or SXP Winchesters