New Shotgun?

[mistertwister]

I am going to be getting a membership to Elk Creek Sporting CLays in Owenton for CHristmas. Currently, i dont have a shotgun that i would consider adequate for shooting sporting clays. Looking for some recommendations here. I have a browning BPS 12 guage pump, and a mossberg model 835 in camo also in 12 guage pump. I am not looking to spend a tremendous amount of money, but would like to get a good, quality gun for this application.

Looking for advice here?

Thanks
Chris

[billyjimbob]

Look at a 1100 or a good over and under.

[labwild]

I suggest you consider a autoloader, either Remington 1100/1187 or Beretta 390/391. Both companies make sporting models of these shotguns and good used guns are usually readily available. If you want an O/U your might check out Browning Citoris.

[Fat Tony]

If I was in your shoes, I'd probably try to find a used 1187.

[brasskeeper]

I would probably go with a Remington 1100 or 1187

Give your pump a try and see what the other guys are shooting.

[keith meador]

Beretta 390 or 391 would be a good choice, in 26" up to 30" barrel length. Like posted above, you should be able to get your hands on one without too much heartache. The Remington 1100's will work, but IMVHO, are a tad bit heavier, and require a little more maintenance and cleaning than the Beretta's.

I like Elk Creek, it is easy to spend a lot of time up there, as well as money;)

[C.L.Button]

Check out the bulliten boards in all the local trap/skeet ranges. Most times you can find good deals on gently used Trap/Skeet/Clays shotguns.

There are a number of guys that shoot one or two yrs then take up another hobby. ;)

[RDL270]

I'd take Keith's and CL's advice. I mostly see 390's on the sporting clay field in autos and you can pick one up used if you keep your eyes open. Talk to Gary up at Elk Creek he may run across one someone has on trade for a new Ceasur Gurrini (spelling in Italian was never my specialty):D On using your pump, second shot will be difficult.....you can do it.....but you would be handicapping yourself. Autoloader or o/u is the way to go for sporting clays.

Elk Creek is a great place to shoot.......and the winery is not too bad either;)

[The scout'n man]

Check out the Franchi auto's! My dad has an older model AL 12 And that thing is sweet!

[stalkingbear]

I would reccomend a good used Browning or Ruger over under for best balance/handling. If you're set on an autoloader on tight budget, look hard at the stoeger 2000 12 gauge. I recently got 1 as an alternative to scratching up my beautiful Benelli stock and LOVE it. It's the best 439$ I've ever spent/invested! It's lightweight,fast handling, very mild recoiling due to using the exact same type of inertia operating syatem as Benelli. The inertia system also keeps the action MUCH cleaner than gas operated actions such as Remingtons because of total absense of any gas, carbon, or powder fouling going into action. I honestly NEVER thought I would EVER be reccomending an 400$ shotgun but the Stoeger 2000 is 1 of the best shooting/handling shotguns (semiauto) I've ever shot. It performs WAYYY better than it's price would suggest. It also comes with 5 choke tubes, 1 of which is superfull for use on turkey or waterfowl, and actually produces patterns you expect from the respective choke tubes. I've shot everything from the lightest 1oz 2 3/4" field/target load to the heaviest 1 7/8oz 3" magnum shells thru it without the slightest hesitation.

[mistertwister]

Without a doubt, when i want straight shooting honest opinions and answers, this is the place to go. I looked at a Remington yesterday, and agree that this is a little heavy. Plan to look at the Beretta's and Stoegers over the weekend as well. I admit to not being too much into double barrel shotguns, probably should be more interested in them. I appreciate all of your comments and suggestions.

I live about 20 minutes from Elk Creek, dont know that sporting clays will become a big hobby, but figure i better take advantage since it is in my back yard. Have friends that go there and invite me, now i will have an excuse to go.

Thanks
chris

[stalkingbear]

That's another reason why I suggested the Stoeger 2000, if it turns out you decide sporting clays are not for you, you havn't blown a lot more money than neccesary and it'll still be a real good shooting shotgun for hunting or other shooting sports.

[labwild]

Check out www.shotgunworld.com (http://www.shotgunworld.com). Good info on any shotgun you can name and there are forums specific to Sporting Clays.

[duckslayer870]

Remington used to bulid beautiful 870 trap and skeet guns with 28 in and 30 in barrels with chokes and great target ribs. I would look around for one of them. the 870 is hard to beat in any application. Also a nice used browning Citori is hard to beat.

[Georgia Transplant]

I have a Beretta model 390 with 28 inch barrel. I paid $550 for it new back in 2000. You should be able to find a good used one for much less.

[stalkingbear]

Duckslayer-it's kind of awkward using an pump shotgun on shooting sports when multiple shots are required such as skeet UNLESS you're inimately familiar with your gun and good with it. I've done it but I'm lazy-give me an over/under or an semiauto. I highly agree on the citori if he thinks he's going to stick with it.


Remington used to bulid beautiful 870 trap and skeet guns with 28 in and 30 in barrels with chokes and great target ribs. I would look around for one of them. the 870 is hard to beat in any application. Also a nice used browning Citori is hard to beat.

[WBall]

What about one of the many Beneils, should be close in price to the Bretta,and is a world easier to clean. Just my thoughts.

[BShooter]

I shot skeet and sporting clays for several years. The best advice I can give is to go and talk to some of the regular shooters and workers at Elk Creek and you will find a lot of help and knowledge. They will be more than happy to help. When I shot, the Berettas and Browning gas operated guns were by far the most common used in the semi autos. The Beretta and Browning over/unders were probably the most common gun seen at the three places I shot. Most regular shooters would start reloading and the O/U saved them from constantly picking up their empties, plus gave them the choice of using two different chokes. Whatever you decide on just remember the fit of the gun to you is one of the most important things. Good luck.

[Beretta-fan]

I would go with the Beretta 390 but I also agree that the Stoeger M2000 is hard to beat.