Best Sporting Clay Guns in 2025

Best Sporting Clay Guns are essential for enthusiasts who demand performance, reliability, and a touch of elegance in their pursuit of breaking clays. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a recreational shooter, selecting the right shotgun can significantly impact your success and enjoyment of the sport. In the world of sporting clays, the shotgun is more than just a tool; it’s an extension of the shooter’s skill and a key component in achieving consistent high scores. This article will delve into some of the top sporting clay guns available, exploring their features, benefits, and why they stand out among the competition. We’ll consider various factors such as balance, weight, recoil management, and overall build quality.

Finding the perfect sporting clay gun involves a balance of personal preference and technical specifications. Over-and-under shotguns are the most popular choice, prized for their reliability and the ability to use different chokes for varying shot patterns. Semi-automatic shotguns are also gaining traction, especially among those who appreciate their reduced recoil. Ultimately, the “”best”” gun is subjective and depends on individual needs and shooting style. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision and enhance your sporting clay experience. We hope that this information is valuable and makes it easier for you to make the right choice.

Best Sporting Clay Guns in 2025

1 Browning Citori 725 Sporting Left-Hand: A Southpaw’s Dream Shotgun

The Browning Citori 725 Sporting Left-Hand is a finely crafted over/under shotgun specifically designed for left-handed shooters who demand performance and comfort on the sporting clays course. This shotgun is a welcome addition to the market, addressing the needs of a significant segment of the shooting community that is often overlooked. The 725 model improves upon the legendary Citori platform with a lower profile receiver that provides better balance and quicker target acquisition, making it a formidable competitor in the world of clay shooting.

Notable Features:

• Left-Hand Specific Stock: The stock is designed with a palm swell and cast that comfortably fits left-handed shooters, promoting a natural and consistent mount.
• Left-Hand Top Lever: The top lever is configured to open to the left, allowing for smooth and intuitive operation for lefties.
• Low-Profile Receiver: The 725’s streamlined receiver lowers the center of gravity, resulting in a faster-swinging gun with reduced felt recoil.
• Ported Barrels: Barrel porting helps to reduce muzzle jump and felt recoil, allowing for quicker follow-up shots.
• Fiber-Optic Front Sight: Provides a bright and clear aiming point, even in varying light conditions.
• Checkered Walnut Stock: Offers a beautiful and traditional look with excellent grip and control.
• Engraved Steel Receiver: Aesthetically pleasing and adds a touch of class to this high-performance shotgun.
• Mechanical Trigger: Known for its crisp, clean break and reliable performance.
• Invector-DS Choke Tube System: Allows shooters to fine-tune their patterns for different clay presentations.

The Browning Citori 725 Sporting Left-Hand is an outstanding shotgun that finally gives left-handed shooters a high-performance option tailored specifically to their needs. Its exceptional handling, reduced recoil, and proven reliability make it a top contender for serious clay shooters. While the price may be a barrier for some, those who invest in this shotgun will be rewarded with a firearm that is both a joy to shoot and a force to be reckoned with on the course. Left-handed shooters looking for a dedicated sporting clays gun need look no further.

2 Benelli Ethos SuperSport 20 Gauge 28″”: A Lightweight Contender for Sporting Clays

The Benelli Ethos SuperSport 20 Gauge 28″” is a semi-automatic shotgun designed specifically for the sporting clays enthusiast. This 20-gauge offering brings the renowned performance of the Ethos line into a lighter, faster-swinging package, ideal for those who prefer the reduced recoil and nimble handling of a smaller bore. While it’s not as common a sight on the course as its 12-gauge counterparts, the 20 gauge Ethos SuperSport has its own set of advantages for the right shooter in the realm of sporting clays.

Notable Features:

• Gauge: 20-Gauge
• Barrel Length: 28 inches
• Inertia Driven System: Benelli’s hallmark system provides clean, reliable operation with a wide range of loads.
• Comfort Tech 3 Recoil System: Significantly reduces felt recoil, making for a more comfortable shooting experience, especially during high-volume shooting.
• Carbon Fiber Finish: Lightweight and weather-resistant, the carbon fiber stock and receiver contribute to the gun’s overall durability and ease of handling.
• Ported Barrel: Minimizes muzzle jump, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
• Extended Choke Tubes: Includes five Crio chokes (C, IC, M, IM, F) for versatility in different clay presentations.
• Shell View System: Allows for a quick visual check of the number of shells in the magazine tube.
• Beveled Loading Port: Facilitates faster and smoother reloads.
• Fiber-Optic Front Sight: Combined with a mid-rib bead for quick target acquisition.
• Nickel-Plated Receiver: Adds a touch of elegance and corrosion resistance to the receiver.
• Overall Length: 49.5 inches
• Weight: 5.9 lbs

The Benelli Ethos SuperSport 20 Gauge 28″” is a high-performance shotgun that excels in the hands of experienced shooters seeking a lightweight, low-recoil option for sporting clays. Its combination of Benelli’s proven technology, comfortable shooting characteristics, and durable construction make it a strong contender in the 20-gauge market. While the price point may be a barrier for some, the Ethos SuperSport’s performance and features justify the investment for serious clay shooters who prioritize speed, agility, and reduced fatigue.

3 Mossberg & Sons Gold Reserve Polished Silver 12 Gauge Shotgun: A Touch of Class for Clay Busters

The Mossberg & Sons Gold Reserve Polished Silver 12 Gauge Shotgun is an over-under shotgun that attempts to bridge the gap between affordability and the features typically found on higher-end sporting guns. While it doesn’t quite reach the refined heights of some Italian or Japanese counterparts, it presents a compelling option for clay shooters looking for a touch of elegance without breaking the bank.

Notable Features:

• Polished Silver Receiver with Scroll Engraving: The Gold Reserve’s standout feature is its polished silver receiver adorned with detailed scroll engraving, adding a touch of class and visual appeal.
• Grade A Black Walnut Stock and Schnabel Forend: The shotgun features a select black walnut stock, although some reviewers have noted it lacks the figuring found on premium guns. The Schnabel forend provides a comfortable and secure grip.
• 24-Karat Gold Inlay: A distinctive 24-karat gold “”M”” inlay on the underside of the receiver adds a unique touch of luxury.
• Selective Ejectors: In contrast to the Silver Reserve’s extractors, the Gold Reserve boasts selective ejectors for faster reloading.
• Five Extended Choke Tubes: The shotgun comes with a set of five extended, color-coded choke tubes (CYL, IC, MOD, IM, F), providing versatility for various sporting clays presentations.
• Mechanical Trigger: The Gold Reserve features a mechanical trigger, ensuring that you can still fire the second barrel even if the first shell fails to fire.
• Ventilated Rib: A ventilated rib aids in heat dissipation and provides a clear sight picture.
• 3-Inch Chamber: The 3-inch chamber allows the use of a wider range of loads, adding to the gun’s versatility.

The Mossberg & Sons Gold Reserve Polished Silver 12 Gauge Shotgun is a solid choice for recreational clay shooters who prioritize aesthetics and value. While it may not be the best choice for serious competitors due to the trigger pull and potential recoil concerns, its attractive design, reliable ejectors, and versatile choke system make it a worthy contender in the sub-$1,000 over-under market. However, potential buyers should be aware of the reported issues and consider whether a trigger job or other modifications might be necessary to fully realize the gun’s potential. The access to the official website is blocked, so it might be hard to get detailed information and proper support for this product.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Sporting Clay Gun

Selecting the right sporting clay gun is crucial for both your performance and enjoyment. With numerous options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide breaks down the key factors to consider, helping you navigate the choices and find the perfect shotgun to elevate your game.

1. Action Type: Over-and-Under vs. Semi-Automatic

The first major decision is choosing between an over-and-under (O/U) or a semi-automatic shotgun. Each has its own set of advantages:

Over-and-Under Shotguns

• Reliability: O/Us are known for their simple, robust mechanism, making them highly reliable and less prone to jamming.
• Two Chokes: The primary advantage is the ability to use two different chokes simultaneously. This allows for quick adaptation to varying target presentations, a significant benefit in sporting clays.
• Balance and Swing: Many shooters find that O/Us offer a smoother swing and better balance, contributing to improved accuracy.
• Safety: With the action broken open, it’s immediately clear that the gun is unloaded, enhancing safety on the range.
• Simple to Maintain: Less moving parts means less cleaning and upkeep to ensure the shotgun runs smoothly.

Semi-Automatic Shotguns

• Reduced Recoil: Semi-automatics typically use gas or inertia-operated systems to cycle shells, which significantly reduces felt recoil. This can be a major advantage for recoil-sensitive shooters or during high-volume shooting.
• Faster Follow-Up Shots: The automatic cycling of shells allows for quicker follow-up shots, potentially beneficial for rapid pairs.
• Cost: Semi-automatics can sometimes be more budget-friendly than high-end O/Us.
• Requires More Maintenance: More moving parts and a more complex design means more time and effort cleaning and maintaining the shotgun.

2. Gauge: 12 Gauge Dominance

While shotguns come in various gauges, 12 gauge is the undisputed king of sporting clays. Its versatility and wide availability of ammunition make it the standard choice.

• Versatility: 12 gauge offers a wide range of shot sizes and loads, suitable for various target presentations.
• Availability: Ammunition and components for 12 gauge are readily available and generally more affordable.
• Recoil: While 12 gauge can have more recoil than smaller gauges, modern recoil reduction technologies and proper gun fit can mitigate this.

Although less common, 20 gauge and 28 gauge shotguns can be used in sporting clays, especially for recreational shooting or by those particularly sensitive to recoil. However, ammunition choices are more limited, and the smaller shot patterns may be less forgiving.

3. Barrel Length: Finding the Sweet Spot

Barrel length significantly impacts a shotgun’s swing, balance, and overall handling. In sporting clays, longer barrels are generally preferred.

• 30-32 Inches: This range is the most popular for sporting clays. Longer barrels provide a smoother swing, a longer sighting plane for improved accuracy, and help reduce perceived recoil.
• Shorter Barrels (28 inches): These may be suitable for smaller shooters or those who prefer a quicker, more responsive gun. However, they may have more muzzle jump and a less stable swing.

The ideal barrel length is a matter of personal preference and should be chosen based on your individual shooting style and physical build.

4. Gun Fit: The Key to Consistency

Gun fit is arguably the most critical factor in choosing a sporting clay gun. A properly fitted shotgun will point naturally, recoil comfortably, and allow for consistent shooting.

Key Aspects of Gun Fit:

• Length of Pull (LOP): The distance from the trigger to the butt of the stock. It should allow for comfortable mounting and a natural cheek weld.
• Drop at Comb: The vertical distance from the rib to the comb of the stock. It affects the vertical alignment of your eye with the rib.
• Drop at Heel: The vertical distance from the rib to the heel of the stock. It influences the overall pitch of the gun.
• Cast: The lateral deviation of the stock from the centerline of the barrels. It aligns the gun with your dominant eye.
• Pitch: The angle of the buttpad relative to the rib. It affects how the gun recoils into your shoulder.

Ideally, you should have a professional gun fitter assess your dimensions and shooting style to determine the optimal fit. Many high-end sporting clay guns offer adjustable stocks or come with shims to fine-tune the fit.

5. Weight and Balance: Finding the Right Feel

The weight and balance of a shotgun contribute to its handling characteristics and overall feel.

• Weight: Sporting clay guns typically weigh between 7.5 and 9 pounds. Heavier guns tend to absorb recoil better and provide a smoother swing, while lighter guns may be quicker to mount and maneuver.
• Balance: The balance point should be somewhere near the hinge pin or slightly forward. A well-balanced gun feels lively in the hands and promotes a fluid swing.

6. Other Features to Consider

• Adjustable Rib: Some high-end guns offer adjustable ribs, allowing you to fine-tune the point of impact.
• Chokes: Most sporting clay guns come with interchangeable choke tubes, allowing you to adjust the shot pattern for different target distances and presentations.
• Trigger: A crisp, consistent trigger pull is essential for accurate shooting.
• Recoil Pad: A good recoil pad can significantly reduce felt recoil, especially during extended shooting sessions.
• Wood Quality: While primarily aesthetic, the quality of the wood stock can indicate the overall craftsmanship of the gun.
• Porting: Some shooters believe that porting helps reduce muzzle rise and felt recoil, while others find it makes the gun louder. It’s a matter of personal preference.

7. Budget: Setting Realistic Expectations

Sporting clay guns can range in price from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands. It’s essential to set a budget before you start shopping and stick to it.

• Entry-Level: You can find decent entry-level semi-automatic shotguns for under $1,000. Entry-level O/Us typically start around $1,500.
• Mid-Range: This is where you’ll find the majority of sporting clay guns, with prices ranging from $2,000 to $4,000.
• High-End: High-end guns can cost $5,000 or more, with some bespoke models reaching into the tens of thousands.

Remember that a higher price doesn’t always guarantee better performance. The most important thing is to find a gun that fits you well, feels comfortable, and meets your specific needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right sporting clay gun is a significant decision that can elevate your shooting experience. Throughout this article, we’ve explored various top-tier options, each with unique features and advantages. Ultimately, the best gun for you depends on your individual preferences, shooting style, and budget. However, based on its exceptional balance, craftsmanship, and versatility, the Browning Citori 725 Sporting Left-Hand stands out as a top recommendation, especially for left-handed shooters seeking a premium over-and-under shotgun.

While the Browning Citori 725 is our top pick, the Benelli Ethos Supersport 20 Gauge and Mossberg & Sons Gold Reserve Polished Silver also offer compelling features for those seeking a different type of action or gauge. Remember to consider factors like fit, balance, recoil management, and your intended use when making your final decision. Investing in a quality shotgun tailored to your needs will undoubtedly enhance your performance and enjoyment of sporting clays. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a weekend enthusiast, the right gun can make all the difference in your shooting journey.