?? about trap shotguns

BR549 · October 19, 2000, 08:54 PM

Hi, all. I shot trap for the first time this past weekend (at a Ladies day at the Range), and I'm hooked. Caught on pretty quick, and surprised myself. I used a 20 ga. Beretta AL390 Gold Mallard, and did well with it, but then we were shooting from short distances. Am I at a real disadvantage using a 20 ga.?? I've heard pros and cons on this, and would like some input from those of you who shoot tra. One of the instructors mentioned the disadvantage of a 20 ga. during the day, and it got me to thinking about a 12 ga. Course, it's always just a really good reason to buy another gun, I 'spose!! Thanks for any help you can provide.

PJR · October 19, 2000, 09:21 PM

It's really only a disadvantage if you think it is. The benefit to a 12 gauge is heavier shot loads in target rounds 1 ounce to 1-1/8 versus 7/8 to 1 ounce in the 20. If recoil is an issue you may be happier sticking with the 20. I don't know of a single trap shooter who prefers the 20 but many shoot lighter loads in the 12 to reduce recoil.

But if you really need an excuse to buy a new gun then this is definitely it. If you like your 390, Beretta makes the new 391 in a trap configuration. I shot one recently with a high stock and a stepped rib and it was very nice.

Dave McC · October 20, 2000, 07:11 AM

PJR is correct, If the mission is to break ALL the clays,use a 12. If the mission's to have fun shooting, get what you want.

I've used a Beretta 390 on trap, did OK. Nice shotgun.

Arizona Eric · October 21, 2000, 01:23 AM

My Sig Other has a 390 12 gauge and I can't pry it out of her hands. I still outshoot her on the trap range, but I am hearing footsteps . . .

Bobshouse · October 22, 2000, 11:59 AM

Wait a minute...there are loads for the 20 gauge that weigh exactly the same as a 12 gauge and have the same velocities but yet your recommending a 12 gauge? Shooting a 1 ounce load at 1200 fps from either a 12,20, or a 16 will get the job done. Also have to figure in the advantage of a lighter gun.

Dave McC · October 22, 2000, 04:27 PM

It's not just the shot weight,Bob. The larger the bore, the shorter the shot column. The shorter the shot column, the more pellets in the pattern,if all else is equal.

And 1 oz loads in light 20s are punishers to many people,specially in the high volume of shots games like clays,skeet and trap, tho the shotguns are a joy to carry in the field. Tradeoffs..

OTOH, my bird 870 weighs around 7 1/4 lbs, and 1 oz loads are easy kicking.So are 1 1/8 oz trap loads,my usual choice for clays and casual trap.

I think the idea is to shoot what you want to, just be aware of the choices.

Bobshouse · October 22, 2000, 08:00 PM

Thanks for explaining that Dave, appreciate the feedback, never thought of the shot column having anything to do with it.

Bob

Dave McC · October 23, 2000, 04:43 AM

Glad to help, Bob.

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October 19, 2000, 08:54 PM	#1
BR549 Member Join Date: June 30, 1999 Posts: 20	Hi, all. I shot trap for the first time this past weekend (at a Ladies day at the Range), and I'm hooked. Caught on pretty quick, and surprised myself. I used a 20 ga. Beretta AL390 Gold Mallard, and did well with it, but then we were shooting from short distances. Am I at a real disadvantage using a 20 ga.?? I've heard pros and cons on this, and would like some input from those of you who shoot tra. One of the instructors mentioned the disadvantage of a 20 ga. during the day, and it got me to thinking about a 12 ga. Course, it's always just a really good reason to buy another gun, I 'spose!! Thanks for any help you can provide.

October 19, 2000, 09:21 PM	#2
PJR Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2000 Posts: 1,127	It's really only a disadvantage if you think it is. The benefit to a 12 gauge is heavier shot loads in target rounds 1 ounce to 1-1/8 versus 7/8 to 1 ounce in the 20. If recoil is an issue you may be happier sticking with the 20. I don't know of a single trap shooter who prefers the 20 but many shoot lighter loads in the 12 to reduce recoil. But if you really need an excuse to buy a new gun then this is definitely it. If you like your 390, Beretta makes the new 391 in a trap configuration. I shot one recently with a high stock and a stepped rib and it was very nice.

October 20, 2000, 07:11 AM	#3
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	PJR is correct, If the mission is to break ALL the clays,use a 12. If the mission's to have fun shooting, get what you want. I've used a Beretta 390 on trap, did OK. Nice shotgun.

October 21, 2000, 01:23 AM	#4
Arizona Eric Senior Member Join Date: June 22, 1999 Posts: 125	My Sig Other has a 390 12 gauge and I can't pry it out of her hands. I still outshoot her on the trap range, but I am hearing footsteps . . .

October 22, 2000, 11:59 AM	#5
Bobshouse Senior Member Join Date: September 29, 2000 Location: CalaBANALLGUNSifornia Posts: 336	Wait a minute...there are loads for the 20 gauge that weigh exactly the same as a 12 gauge and have the same velocities but yet your recommending a 12 gauge? Shooting a 1 ounce load at 1200 fps from either a 12,20, or a 16 will get the job done. Also have to figure in the advantage of a lighter gun.

October 22, 2000, 04:27 PM	#6
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	It's not just the shot weight,Bob. The larger the bore, the shorter the shot column. The shorter the shot column, the more pellets in the pattern,if all else is equal. And 1 oz loads in light 20s are punishers to many people,specially in the high volume of shots games like clays,skeet and trap, tho the shotguns are a joy to carry in the field. Tradeoffs.. OTOH, my bird 870 weighs around 7 1/4 lbs, and 1 oz loads are easy kicking.So are 1 1/8 oz trap loads,my usual choice for clays and casual trap. I think the idea is to shoot what you want to, just be aware of the choices.

October 22, 2000, 08:00 PM	#7
Bobshouse Senior Member Join Date: September 29, 2000 Location: CalaBANALLGUNSifornia Posts: 336	Thanks for explaining that Dave, appreciate the feedback, never thought of the shot column having anything to do with it. Bob

October 23, 2000, 04:43 AM	#8
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	Glad to help, Bob.