Trap Gun for Beginner?

[Ohio Rifleman]

Hello there, I'm thinking about getting into trap shooting. Looks like fun and a good challenge. I've been into the shooting sports for about 2+ years. But so far, I've only shot at stationary paper targets. The only shotgun I've ever fired was a slug gun, and it kicked absolutely horrendously. Any suggestions? I've already got a box full of clay birds (that we got to shoot at, but some over-zealous RO wouldn't let us) I was thinking a used Remington 870. Used because I don't have much money. What do you all think?

PS I'd like to keep the shotgun under $200

 

[Dave McCracken]

Used 870, sounds good. Everyone needs at least one. Shooting clays is fun and aids proficiency.....

 

[Ohio Rifleman]

I'm just concerned about recoil, since I shot that slug gun once, and I could only get 2-3 shells through it before I threw in the towel. I shoot an M44 Mosin Nagant, so I'm not recoil shy, but that slug gun was a monster. Would regular shot recoil less?

 

[Dave McCracken]

Best things to lower recoil are lighter loads, heavier guns and better pads. The Archives have loads of stuff on this.

 

[Ohio Rifleman]

True... I still would like to shoot a bit before I plunk down my money to buy a scattergun.

 

[Ohio Rifleman]

oops...double post

 

[Dave McCracken]

Sure. Hang out at the range, many folks will let a polite new shooter try out their pet for a shot or two.

 

[Whitman31]

An 870 with trap loads will have a very mild recoil, don't be shy. An 870 shooting slugs is a whole other animal.

 

[TnShooter83]

1 or 1-1/8"oz loads in number 8 shot should do you fine.
I've used so called "buffer" wads, but couldn't tell the difference.
No big deal unless you're shooting 200 or more in an hour.

 

[Ohio Rifleman]

I figure if I got into trap, my shotgun should do double-duty for, ah, social work. How much would a good-condition used Remington 870 go for? I just want a shooter, I don't mind if it's seen some hoenst wear. Also, what kinda mechanism do you use to toss the clay birds in the air?

 

[Nomad101bc]

If you can find a cheap over under double barrel shotgun its great for clays. Range masters will like you because its very easy to see if its loaded or not.

 

[ilmonster]

If you're trying to minimize recoil (and who doesn't want to), try and find some 1 oz. target loads, or some of the Win AA featherlite or Rem reduced recoil (1100 fps) target loads. Even in an 870, they're pleasant to shoot and will kill all the clays you can line up the sights properly on. A world of difference from std. slug loads! I shoot mainly skeet and reload a nice 7/8 oz. load at 1200 fps - can shoot these all day long and I'm not exactly a burly guy. Good luck and enjoy!

p.s. used 870's can be found all day long from $175 - $300 depending on condition. Just picked up a 1977 870 for $280 with nice wood in super shape at the local Gander Mtn. for example.

 

[Ohio Rifleman]

I might be heading up to Cabela's in a few weeks. Any good 870 deals there? I'll be going to the one in Michigan.

 

[Nameless_Hobo]

A winchester RR target load load in an 870 doesn't hardly kick at all.
Barely moves the gun, in my experiance with them.