It is because of snobbery that I haven't gotten into shotgun shooting sports.
I have a friend who is really into trap and skeet shooting, but I was taken aback when I wanted to get into those things and she told me that while my woodland camoed Mossberg 835 is nice to start out with, a good over-under would be better suited.
I overheard a trap and skeet shooter in a gunshop a few days ago talking about wanting a certain over under to improve his score. He went on to say that he wasn't too keen on those who used semiautos or pumps on the course because they weren't as nice as an over under. He then went on to say that he wondered where all the trap and skeet shooters were. He said that it seemed like every year there were fewer and fewer.
I never said a word to either one about what I thought of their statements. I just know that I can take game out to 40 yards with my shotgun and its extra full choke. I also know that I can take a deer down with a slug out of my fully rifled barrel.
My short 24 inch barrels don't get hung up on brush, the woodland camo finish is dull and is like multicolored parkerizing and keeps bumps, dings and scratches from standing out. The synthetic stock is unaffected by the weather.
Maybe my gun isn't the fanciest, but it works for me. I like a gun that I can use, not pamper. I also prefer to do things, like getting into highpower shooting, where I can be around people who warmly welcome new shooters even if they don't have the most expensive or newest gear.
Just my view...