Over and Under for International Trap

[BobFromBucks]

I'm going to be in the market for an over and under shotgun soon. I actually want to shoot both trap and International Trap (modified). I think a gun that works for international will work for regular trap too.

What do you suggest for my first over and under? I'm a pump Model 12 trap guy from years ago but I need the o/u for this game. I want to be able to change the chokes too so that one barrel is mod and the other is full.

I also don't want to spend thousands. Hundreds are more of what I have in mind. I have no problem with buying used. There just seems to be so many different manufacturers and half of them are new to me.

Your suggestions are appreciated.

[BobFromBucks]

Since nobody has responded, I am changing my request to over and unders for trap. If you have suggestions about any O&U for trap, I'd appreciate hearing them. Thank you.

[WVBob]

To keep it in the hundreds you can look at a Stoeger or Mossberg. I don't have a Mossberg but know they are good guns for their price range. I do have a Stoeger and like it. Neither are top trap guns but they work.

Look for a used Browning. You might get a good deal on one.

[MOUNTAINORACLE]

I'll reply to thread, but your wallet won't like my response.

For shooting international trap I prefer a bear bones Perazzi with 30 inch barrels.
Perazzi specializes in guns for International competitions.

The Air Force team uses Krieghoff. You can't go wrong with that choice either.

The Army team uses the Browning Broadway.

These are three good choices and will lighten your wallet.

[BobFromBucks]

I'll reply to thread, but your wallet won't like my response.

For shooting international trap I prefer a bear bones Perazzi with 30 inch barrels.
Perazzi specializes in guns for International competitions.
The Air Force team uses Krieghoff. You can't go wrong with that choice either.
The Army team uses the Browning Broadway.
These are three good choices and will lighten your wallet.

Thanks Oracle. I'm not familiar with the Perazzi so I'll check them out. I realize that I either have to spend more or perhaps just start with a basic trap gun. It's been a lot of years for me since I shot any kind of trap so while I tend to go "all in" I need to move a bit more slowly here. The club I belong to has members with pretty much all types of O&U's including Kriefhoff's that cost twice what I paid for my first home.

[BobFromBucks]

To keep it in the hundreds you can look at a Stoeger or Mossberg. I don't have a Mossberg but know they are good guns for their price range. I do have a Stoeger and like it. Neither are top trap guns but they work.

Look for a used Browning. You might get a good deal on one.

Thanks Bob. I think if I keep my eyes open and let people know I'm looking, I can probably find a good gun that someone is selling in order to move up.

[BobFromBucks]

These are three good choices and will lighten your wallet.

Wow! That's the truth! What makes them worth $10, $20, $30,000 and more?

[Hawk]

If you're planning on putting the time and effort into this sport, then a few things come to mind. Don't waste your time on "cheap" O/U's, you'll end up buying twice, or three times before you end up with a gun that you're happy with. The expense of the gun is nominal compared to the cost of shooting. You can easily spend $2000-5000 a year just on ammo and range fee's.

IMHO, when it comes to shotguns there is a point of diminishing returns. If you have the money and need the bragging rights, go ahead and spend your money on a Perazzi or a Krieghoff. They won't break any more birds than the mid range O/U's like the Beretta or the Browning.

To do well in this sport you'll need three things, a gun that fits you, lessons, and most importantly, lots of practice.

Look for a used Browning or Beretta. Make sure it's a "trap" O/U. Have the gun professionally fitted to you, or in a pinch get and adjustable comb and recoil pad.

Here's a favorite site of mine to give you an idea of whats available (shotgun wise) for trap/skeet.

http://www.higradeshooters.com/


I'd recommend something like this one:

Browning Citori Trap Combo ($1895)

http://www.higradeshooters.com/item-details.php?ID=1011

Or if you want to go "New":

http://www.higradeshooters.com/item-details.php?ID=460

http://www.higradeshooters.com/item-details.php?ID=134

[BobFromBucks]

Thank you for the great information, Hawk. I can appreciate what you say about buying 2 or 3 guns to get one that I like and fits if I don't do it right the first time. I'll take the time to do that and will use the resources you supplied.

The shoot international at my club and there are a bunch of guys who have been doing it for many, many years who will be willing to give me some instruction.

Again, thank you.

[Pete D.]

not familiar with the Perazzi so I'll check them out.

Perazzi has dominated the International skeet and Trap scene for years. Even the German National team uses Perazzis instead of the home grown Kreighoffs.
Our recent gold medalist in Olympic Skeet, Kim Rhode, shoots a Perazzi.
What makes such a gun worth the dollars? Rhode's first Perazzi (stolen and then recovered and returned to her) had over a million rounds through it. That kind of durability/dependability is what you are buying with a top shelf gun.....along with accuracy, fit, finish, balance, et cetera.
Note: Rhode shoots 500 to 1000 shells a day.
Yes, an O/U suitable for 16 yard Trap will also work for International/Bunker Trap.
There is a Bunker Trap facility at the North Mt. Sportsman's Club in Beech Glen.
Pete