[IowaShooter]

I’m a very occasional, recreational only, trap shooter but want a trap gun (vs field gun)… in other words a gun that has either a raised or adjustable comb plus the rib/beads combo designed to make the gun shoot high.

I’m indifferent to brand, and don’t shoot doubles… a single barrel break open trap gun or a SAS would work.

Thinking of a 20ga vs 12 because they are lighter and I’m becoming a whimp-ette when it comes to using a heavy gun. Of cource, recoil on lighter guns is generally heavier… but I only shoot 50-75 at most rounds when I shoot.

Looking at this Stevens 555 trap gun in 20 ga with short (26”) barrel.

Anyone have thoughts or experiences you wish to share? I need to do some research and unfortunately I cant find any trap guns anywhere to even pick one up to see what fits me.

 

[Zhills]

These are my Fausti O/U's I've had for 30 years. Top one is a 12 ga and bottom is a 20. I've used both for sporting clays, but love the 20.

 

[Speed]

Budget?

 

[IowaShooter]

Budget?

Just beginning to look at options and prices... And reviews of course

My early thoughts... I'm not willing to spend over $1000 on a gun I'll shoot/use 5 times a year at most

 

[Square target]

What speed said, what's your budget?
I would go with 12 over 20. Trap can be very difficult and every time you drop your shot capacity you make it even harder. I see very few people shoot anything other than 12 and most of them time when they do it's just for fun and games.
Do not buy a gun without being able to hold and shoulder it.
You may have to settle for buying a gun that fits nicely and sending the stock out to have an adjustable comb and but pad installed. Makes it more expensive but worth it. If you find a gun that fits really nice it also may not be needed. I have several trap guns and a couple have adjustable combs. The one that works the best for me doesn't have one and just has an adjustable but pad.
Also check with the guys who shoot at your club. Most of the people I shoot with have multiple guns because they play "keeping up with the Jones's" and they may be willing to sell one of their guns they don't use anymore.

 

[Stamps6]

TriStar has trap guns but they are all 12 ga. and $1200 and up. If you want a OU then look at their Setter ST in 20 ga with the 26” barrels. It lists for $600.+ but should be a good starting gun for what you’re use would be.

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[Moark Willy]

Years Ago....maybe 20 I bought a Remington Spartan SPR310 in 12 ga.
A nice over and under, nothing too fancy or expensive. I believe I paid about $500 for it.
I had shot a Ruger Red Label and wanted a similar shotgun.
The Ruger was well over $1000 at the time and out of my price range.
The Spartan is every bit as good of a shotgun without the notoriety the Red Label has and just as good of a shooter.
Maybe you can try a few different guns before you decide.
I didn't see the need for adjustable comb for my occasional trap shooting.....but that's just me.

 

[Harrys]

🤣Sorry Could not resist

 

[IowaShooter]

No joy, yet, looking for trap gun to examine and hold/shoulder

going to look at one or two more LGSs tomorrow

as someone mentioned above… it’s not the comb height that important (I can always add height with a riser)… but I am looking for a shotgun that is exclusively setup for trap (shoots high)

 

[Square target]

Just thought I would add this. You don;t necessarily need a O/U either. I still see a few people use semi auto's and most are veteran shooters who shoot very well. One guy at the club I go to has a Remmy 1100 and another lady uses one of those Beretta's with a blue receiver(forgot the model). <--- pretty sure that's a pricey gun though. A few others use various semi's or pumps as well. Unless you plan on shooting doubles a O/U isn't needed unless you;re dead set on having one.

 

[IowaShooter]

Just thought I would add this. You don;t necessarily need a O/U either. I still see a few people use semi auto's and most are veteran shooters who shoot very well. One guy at the club I go to has a Remmy 1100 and another lady uses one of those Beretta's with a blue receiver(forgot the model). <--- pretty sure that's a pricey gun though. A few others use various semi's or pumps as well. Unless you plan on shooting doubles a O/U isn't needed unless you;re dead set on having one.

Absolutely agree…

not set on any except a gun that shoots like a trap gun (setup to shoot high with appropriate sighting/rib to do so)

will consider a single shot barrel break open, a pump action or a SAS

I won’t be shooting doubles

 

[IowaShooter]

Found one (and purchased it) today at an LGS in a nearby rural town.

Savage (Stevens) Model 555 single barrel break open
12 ga. 2-3/4 - 3" chamber
30 in. barrel
14.75" LOP
Trigger pull is exactly 5lb per my Wheeler gauge
Weighs in at 7.5lb on my scales
Has adjustable comb
Has mid-bead on rib (plus one at muzzle obviously)
Comes up nice to my shoulder
Nice squishy butt pad to protect my girly old age shoulder!
Savage has these guns made in Turkey

Should be more than adequate my only occasional (5 x yr) trap shooting excursions.

Plus the guy gave me $150 for my Hatfield SAS... which I hated

So I'm a happy camper (clay shooter) today!

Oh... And don't swing a 30" barrel in the kitchen... I broke one if the light fixtures

 

[Stamps6]

Nice looking shotgun.