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Old January 8, 2010, 12:36 PM   #3
oneounceload
Junior member
 
Join Date: April 18, 2008
Location: N. Central Florida
Posts: 8,518
As Jim mentioned, YOUR budget and idea of big bucks might vary from others, so some info will help.

New semi's for these games that will last and run properly tend to start in the $1,000 range and go up from there.

Over/unders like Browning and Beretta in target form tend to start around $3,000 now and go up from there.

Typically a side by side is not used for these games.

While a pump is not a bad choice for trap singles, it can present some issues with skeet or sporting when it comes to shooting true pairs.

Of all the types you mentioned, the pump will be the least expensive. That being said, I would opt for a slightly used Beretta 303/390/391 for starters. O/U and SxS can be expensive for a starter.

The Beretta will LAST far longer than lesser-made guns and your resale value will hold much better than the Turkish/Chinese guns if you decide to upgrade or stop. Shims are available to allow you to adjust the stock somewhat to help make it fit better.

Fit is EVERYTHING when it comes to shotguns for moving targets - be they birds of feather or birds of clay, so the closer you get it to properly fitting, the better your scores will be.

Don't feel that you have to buy some overly powerful shell either. Basic 1oz ammunition, running at 1200 fps or so will do the job for any target out there. I watched a course owner shoot measured trap and crossers that were 50-70 yards using 1oz loads and #8 shot. Granted, he's a M class shooter, but it CAN be done.

Ask at your local club what folks think and try to borrow as many as you can before you buy. Over the long haul, the gun is the least of the costs - so by buying a good one to start with, you'll tend to have more success, which means more fun.

Good luck
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