[Hosted]

I'm new here and new to trap shooting so please be nice. I'm looking to get my first trap gun. I do not personally own a shotgun yet and am borrowing a neighbors 870 right now and am doing fine with it but need to get it back to him. I know I should try out as many guns out as possible but I'm not finding a good way to do that. I also know most people say buy once and cry once but I want to get an inexpensive gun to get me going for a few years and prove to myself I'm going to stick with it. I have been looking at 1100's, 870 traps, mossberg 500aht's, Stoeger Condor competition, H&R topper trap, tristar trap, and other along these lines but am not sure what to do. So if anyone has some advice and/or a shotgun sitting in their safe that they wouldn't mind passing on please let me know. Thanks

Nick
[email protected]

 

[Butler]

you can't go wrong with a litely used 1100,beretta automatic, trap grade should be able to buy one for 500 to 650, spend much less on something else and it will cost you a lot more Jim

 

[mimitrap]

I can't help you because I am in the same boat you are. But I do have a question have you shot are seen person the Stroeger Condor Competition? I have only seen picture on the net. I'm using a 870 too that isn't mine!! We need our own guns!!! Help! LOL

 

[Avatar]

I recommend the Remington 1100 Classic Trap (semi-automatic) with 30" barrel. Made since the '70s, still being made, and hard to beat as an inexpensive but very servicable trap gun. Because it's gas operated and of a good weight, it is nice and soft shooting. Parts are easy to find if ever needed. New about $1000; and you can buy an older used one in good condition for several hundred dollars up. Note that if possible, you want the "Trap" rather than field version as it has the trap stock and 30" barrel with rib that will cause it to shoot slightly high (desirable for trap).

 

[elmo]

Friend bought the condor combo for his son in the 4-H shooting program. Nothing but problems. Have heard the same on this site from many others.

 

[Dukefan]

A friend I shoot with bought a stoeger condor competition last fall. He shot trap with it for 4 months and it developed a small split where the barrel meets the receiver. He sent it back and stoeger said it could not be fixed and sent him a new condor competition. As soon as he received the new one, he sold it. He will not trust that model again. I would stay away from that model! Dominick

 

[wolfram]

Get a used 870 Remington and make modifications as you go. Lots of aftermarket goodies available for this gun and you will never wear it out. If you don't want to stick with the game you will be able to resell the gun for about what you paid for it.

Do not even consider the Stoeger or any similar pile of junk.

The thing to remember when starting out is your money is better spent on ammo and targets. The high buck guns are for when you wear out the lower cost gun or 'outgrow' it. The 870 isn't a cheap gun and many great shooters have used them for the trap game.

 

[mimitrap]

Thank you for the info on the Stoeger. I have been reading more and more bad things about them.

 

[canthitthem]

Cant go wrong with a winchester model 12.

 

[Martinpicker]

You will find lots and lots of opinions on this topic. Each of us has his or her own ideas about beginning trap guns. Some like the automatics because of soft recoil. My opinion is the cleaning and care of these guns requires a more experienced shooter. To keep your budget under $1000.00, I would take a serious look at the following guns:

1.) Used Browning BT-99 (If you don't shoot doubles.)

2.) Used Winchester 101, double or single.

3.) A good used Model 12 or 870 set up for trap.

4.) New or used Browning BPS Trap. (Be sure it has the single shell option to make loading easier.)

5.) Older model Browning Citori Trap or a Charles Daly Trap.

These guns should be a reasonable price, have proven their durability, and will maintain the price that you give for one. IMHO...Martinpicker

 

[drejw2]

I have 2 870s.
1- 870 TB with a Monte Carlo stock, it is an early 60's that looks like 1 year old, fixed full choke.

2- 870 Classic trap with Graco comb, trigger work, ported and lengthened forcing cones, comes with a remington case and 3 remington chokes and 2 extended chokes.

Obviously 2 different price ranges. I started with those, now I have a k80 combo. Still shoots the classic trap from time to time. Email me if interested.
Emil

 

[Barrelbulge(Fl)]

The first response was probably your best. The Rem. 870 or 1100 can't be beat for a first time gun. Bulge.

 

[perazzidb81]

Go with a Browning BT99. One of the best trap guns out there for the dollar.

Tom

 

[shoot em all]

I have a 12 ga remington wingmaster magnum 30 inch fixed full choke with vented rib that I will sell for 375 shipped to lower 48. The bluing is not perfect and stock is ok but has dings. PM if interested and I can do email pics. jim w.

 

[Bkp2024]

If you can find a bt99 in your price range buy it. There's a Hugh difference in 870's and such and specific trap guns.

 

[Hosted]

Thanks for all the help so far everyone. I think I'm further from knowing what I want now than from when I started. One moment I am just thinking I should get a bt-99, then I switch and say get an 1100 because it's more versaitle, then switch to an 870 because I could save a few bucks and I know they're tanks. I guess I'll just keep looking until I find a deal I can't pass up. Went to half a dozen gun shops this week hoping just to be able to hold some different guns and get a feel, but the only trap guns anyone had were $2000+ and that's definitely not an option.

Nick

 

[coveybuster]

I would look for a 1994 or older BT99. These are the long tang guns that will eject empties. They can be had with fixed, Invector, or Invector + chokes and beavertail or competition forends to suit your specific tastes. Lots of good ones out there in the $1,000.00 or less price range.

If you want a O/U, look for the Miroku made Charles Daly Venture or Superior Trap.

 

[hmb]

Make sure you shoot the gun before you buy it. That way you will know if it is user friendly. Check the bulletin board at you local range for guns for sale. HMB

 

[Coffee Creek Shooter]

It might be a good idea to go to any or all of the local gun clubs and inquire about buying a good used trap gun. You will probably do much better there than at any of the gun shops. Trap shooters are generally very good people and will usually treat you right on a used gun.