Best trap shooting guns are more than just firearms; they’re an extension of the shooter, a precision instrument designed to help you consistently shatter clays and achieve your best scores. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just starting your trap shooting journey, selecting the right shotgun can be a daunting task. The market is flooded with options, each boasting unique features, designs, and price points. This article aims to guide you through the process of choosing the best trap shooting gun for your individual needs and preferences.
We’ll explore the key features to consider, such as gauge, barrel length, action type, stock fit, and overall balance. We’ll also delve into the world of renowned shotgun manufacturers, highlighting some of the top contenders in the trap shooting arena. By understanding the nuances of trap shooting shotguns and considering your own shooting style and budget, you can make an informed decision that will elevate your performance and enhance your enjoyment of this challenging and rewarding sport.
Contents
- 1 Best Trap Shooting Gun: Finding Your Perfect Partner on the Range
- 2 Trap Shooting Gun Buying Guide
- 2.1 1. Gauge: The Foundation of Your Choice
- 2.2 2. Barrel Length: Striking the Right Balance
- 2.3 3. Action Type: The Heart of Your Shotgun
- 2.4 4. Stock Fit: Personalized Comfort and Control
- 2.5 5. Overall Balance and Weight: Finding Your Sweet Spot
- 2.6 6. Chokes: Fine-Tuning Your Shot Pattern
- 2.7 7. Rib: Enhancing Your Sight Picture
- 2.8 8. Budget: Investing in Quality and Performance
- 2.9 9. Top Trap Gun Manufacturers: Brands You Can Trust
- 3 Conclusion: Elevate Your Trap Shooting Game
Best Trap Shooting Gun: Finding Your Perfect Partner on the Range
1 Browning BT99 Micro 12 GA 30″” Adjustable Buttplate & Comb: A Tailored Fit for Trap Shooting Excellence
The Browning BT99 Micro 12 GA 30″” Adjustable Buttplate & Comb is a specialized trap shooting shotgun designed to provide a customized fit for smaller shooters. This single-shot, break-action shotgun builds upon the legacy of the renowned BT-99 platform, offering enhanced comfort and adjustability to maximize performance on the range.
Notable Features:
- Graco Pro Fit Adjustable Comb and Buttplate: Allows for precise customization of the length of pull and comb height, ensuring a perfect fit for individual shooters, promoting comfort and consistent shooting form.
- High-Post Ventilated Floating Rib: Enhances target acquisition and reduces barrel heat, contributing to improved accuracy and sustained performance during extended shooting sessions.
- Beavertail Forearm: Provides a comfortable and secure grip, aiding in recoil absorption and promoting smooth swing control.
- Back-Bored Barrel with Invector-Plus Choke Tube System: Delivers consistent patterns and reduces felt recoil, optimizing shot performance and shooter comfort.
- Satin Finish Walnut Stock: Offers a classic aesthetic and durable construction, adding a touch of elegance to this purpose-built trap gun.
Pros
- Customizable Fit: The adjustable comb and buttplate allow for a truly personalized fit, promoting comfort and consistency for shooters of varying sizes and builds.
- Proven BT-99 Platform: Built upon the foundation of the legendary BT-99, the Micro inherits its reliability, durability, and clay-busting performance.
- Enhanced Target Acquisition: The high-post ventilated rib aids in quick and accurate target acquisition, contributing to improved scores on the trap field.
- Reduced Recoil: The back-bored barrel and Invector-Plus choke tube system work together to minimize felt recoil, promoting shooter comfort and reducing fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
- Excellent Value: Offers a combination of performance, adjustability, and Browning quality at a competitive price point, making it an attractive option for serious trap shooters.
Cons
- Single-Shot Design: Limited to one shot at a time, which may not be ideal for all shooting disciplines or hunting scenarios. However, it is a standard feature for dedicated trap guns.
- Limited Versatility: While excelling in trap shooting, the specialized design may not be as suitable for other shotgun sports or hunting applications.
- Weight: At approximately 7 lbs 12 oz, it may be considered slightly heavier than some other shotguns, potentially impacting maneuverability for some shooters.
The Browning BT99 Micro 12 GA 30″” Adjustable Buttplate & Comb is a top-tier trap shooting shotgun tailored to provide a customized fit for smaller shooters. Its combination of adjustability, performance features, and Browning quality make it a compelling choice for those seeking to excel in the sport of trap. While the single-shot design and specialized nature may limit its versatility, its strengths as a dedicated trap gun are undeniable.
2 Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I 12 Gauge Shotgun: A Classic Over/Under for Trap Shooting
The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I is a renowned over/under shotgun that has earned its place as a favorite among trap shooters and upland hunters alike. This beautifully crafted shotgun combines elegant aesthetics with reliable performance, making it a top choice for discerning shooters.
Notable Features:
- Exquisite Craftsmanship: The Silver Pigeon I showcases Beretta’s legacy of fine craftsmanship with its oil-finished walnut stock, intricate engraving, and a seamless wood-to-receiver fit.
- Durable Construction: The receiver is built with thick walls, providing a solid feel and ensuring long-lasting performance. The cold-hammer-forged barrels are made from a blend of steel, chromium, and molybdenum, offering strength and longevity.
- Legendary Pointability: Beretta’s slim receiver design, combined with the Silver Pigeon’s balance, allows for instinctive and accurate shooting. The gun mounts naturally, promoting quick target acquisition.
- Reliable Action: The dual-conical locking system ensures a tight and secure lockup, minimizing recoil and facilitating rapid follow-up shots.
- User-Friendly Features: The easily accessible release lever, automatic safety reset, and barrel selector switch enhance the overall shooting experience.
- Variety of Configurations: Available in 12 gauge (as well as other gauges), with various barrel lengths and options for engraving and wood grades, the Silver Pigeon I can be tailored to individual preferences and needs.
Pros
- Exceptional Balance and Handling: The Silver Pigeon I’s weight and balance make it a joy to swing and shoot, promoting smooth and controlled movements.
- Beautiful Aesthetics: The classic design, fine wood, and detailed engraving make this shotgun a true head-turner, both on the range and in the field.
- Reliable Performance: The robust action and high-quality barrels ensure consistent performance, shot after shot.
- Low Recoil: The tight lockup and well-designed stock help to mitigate felt recoil, making it comfortable to shoot even for extended periods.
- Versatility: While renowned for trap shooting, the Silver Pigeon I’s handling characteristics also make it suitable for various upland hunting disciplines.
Cons
- Price: The Silver Pigeon I is a premium shotgun and carries a price tag that reflects its quality and craftsmanship. It may not be accessible to all shooters on a budget.
- Limited Customization (on some models): While higher-grade models offer options for custom engraving and wood selection, the entry-level models may have fewer customization choices.
- Maintenance: As with any fine firearm, proper maintenance is essential to ensure the Silver Pigeon I’s longevity and performance. Regular cleaning and oiling are necessary.
The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I is a classic over/under shotgun that excels in trap shooting and upland hunting. Its combination of beauty, performance, and handling make it a highly desirable firearm for shooters who appreciate quality and tradition. While the price point may be a consideration for some, the Silver Pigeon I’s reputation for excellence and enduring value makes it a worthwhile investment for serious shotgun enthusiasts.
3 Blaser F3 Competition Sporting 12Ga: A Review
The Blaser F3 Competition Sporting 12Ga is a premium over-under shotgun designed for competitive clay shooting disciplines, particularly sporting clays. Renowned for its exceptional build quality, adjustability, and performance, the F3 Competition Sporting is a popular choice among discerning shooters seeking a competitive edge.
Notable Features:
- Blaser Balancer System: Allows for precise weight adjustment in the stock and barrel, enabling shooters to fine-tune the shotgun’s balance and feel to their individual preferences.
- Adjustable Trigger: The trigger can be adjusted for length of pull, cast, and drop, ensuring a comfortable and customized fit for optimal shooting performance.
- Adjustable Comb: The adjustable comb allows for precise cheek weld and eye alignment, promoting consistent target acquisition and accuracy.
- Triplex Bore Design: The barrels feature a unique Triplex bore design that reduces recoil and felt muzzle jump, leading to faster target acquisition for subsequent shots.
- Ejection System: The F3 Competition Sporting employs a reliable ejection system that forcefully expels spent shells, ensuring smooth and efficient reloading.
- Interchangeable Chokes: The shotgun comes with a set of interchangeable chokes, allowing shooters to tailor the shot pattern to different target presentations and distances.
- High-Grade Materials: The F3 Competition Sporting is crafted from high-quality materials, including a durable steel receiver and finely finished wood stock, ensuring both performance and aesthetic appeal.
Pros
- Exceptional Build Quality and Reliability: The Blaser F3 is renowned for its robust construction and meticulous engineering, ensuring long-lasting performance and dependability.
- Highly Adjustable for a Customized Fit: The extensive adjustability options allow shooters to achieve a truly personalized fit, promoting comfort and control for enhanced shooting accuracy.
- Reduced Recoil and Muzzle Jump: The Triplex bore design and overall weight distribution contribute to a significant reduction in felt recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots and reduced shooter fatigue.
- Excellent Balance and Handling: The Blaser Balancer system enables shooters to fine-tune the shotgun’s balance point, resulting in exceptional handling characteristics and smooth swings.
- Consistent and Reliable Performance: The F3 Competition Sporting is known for its consistent performance, delivering tight patterns and reliable ejection, crucial for competitive shooting success.
Cons
- High Price Point: The Blaser F3 Competition Sporting is a premium shotgun with a price tag that reflects its quality and features, making it a significant investment for most shooters.
- Weight: The F3 Competition Sporting is a relatively heavy shotgun, which may be a consideration for shooters who prefer a lighter and more nimble feel.
- Limited Availability: Due to its popularity and handcrafted nature, the F3 Competition Sporting can sometimes be difficult to find in stock, potentially requiring a waiting period for delivery.
The Blaser F3 Competition Sporting 12Ga is a top-tier competition shotgun that offers exceptional performance, adjustability, and build quality. Its high price point and weight may be deterrents for some, but its strengths make it a compelling choice for serious competitive clay shooters seeking a shotgun that can elevate their game to the next level.
Trap Shooting Gun Buying Guide
1. Gauge: The Foundation of Your Choice
Gauge refers to the diameter of the shotgun’s barrel and dictates the size of the shotshells it can fire. For trap shooting, the 12 gauge reigns supreme. Its versatility, wide availability of ammunition, and manageable recoil make it the preferred choice for both beginners and experienced shooters. While 20 gauge shotguns offer reduced recoil and lighter weight, they may lack the power and shot pattern density ideal for consistently breaking targets at longer distances common in trap shooting.
Recommendation: Start with a 12 gauge unless recoil is a major concern. Its power and versatility are unmatched for trap shooting.
2. Barrel Length: Striking the Right Balance
Barrel length plays a crucial role in a trap gun’s swing dynamics and sight picture. Trap guns typically feature longer barrels, ranging from 30 to 34 inches. These longer barrels offer a smoother swing, increased sight radius for more precise aiming, and reduced muzzle rise for quicker follow-up shots. While shorter barrels offer maneuverability, they can be less forgiving in terms of swing consistency, which is paramount in trap shooting.
Recommendation: Opt for a barrel length between 30 and 32 inches for optimal swing and accuracy in trap shooting.
3. Action Type: The Heart of Your Shotgun
The action is the mechanism that loads, fires, and ejects shells. For trap shooting, the most common action types are:
* Single-barrel (break-action): Simple, reliable, and widely used in dedicated trap guns like the Browning BT99. They offer excellent balance and are easy to maintain.
* Over/Under (O/U): Versatile shotguns with two barrels stacked vertically. Popular for various disciplines, including trap, skeet, and sporting clays. Provides the option for two quick shots.
* Semi-automatic: These shotguns cycle automatically after each shot, offering faster follow-up shots. However, they may be perceived as having a less refined feel compared to break-action or O/U shotguns for trap.
Recommendation: Consider a single-barrel or O/U shotgun for trap shooting. They offer the balance and feel preferred by many experienced trap shooters.
4. Stock Fit: Personalized Comfort and Control
Stock fit is arguably the most critical aspect of choosing a trap gun. A properly fitted stock ensures comfort, proper eye alignment, and consistent gun mount, all of which contribute to accuracy and success on the range. Factors like length of pull (distance from the trigger to the butt pad), comb height (distance from the top of the stock to the center of the rib), and cast (angle of the stock relative to the barrel) must be tailored to your individual body dimensions and shooting style.
Recommendation: Get professionally fitted for your shotgun stock or choose a model with adjustable features to achieve a personalized fit.
5. Overall Balance and Weight: Finding Your Sweet Spot
The balance and weight of your trap gun significantly influence your swing and ability to track targets smoothly. A well-balanced shotgun feels natural in your hands and allows for effortless movement. The weight should be comfortable for you to hold and swing repeatedly without fatigue.
Recommendation: Handle and shoulder different trap guns to find one that feels balanced and comfortable for your build and shooting style.
6. Chokes: Fine-Tuning Your Shot Pattern
Chokes are interchangeable constrictions at the end of the barrel that control the spread of your shot pattern. Trap shooting typically requires tighter chokes to produce denser patterns at longer ranges. Common trap choke constrictions include Modified and Full.
Recommendation: Ensure your trap gun comes with interchangeable chokes or has a fixed choke suitable for trap shooting (Modified or Full).
7. Rib: Enhancing Your Sight Picture
The rib is the raised surface along the top of the barrel that aids in aiming. Trap guns often feature ventilated ribs to dissipate heat and reduce mirage. Some ribs have a stepped or tapered design to provide a clearer sight picture.
Recommendation: Consider a rib design that suits your preference and provides a clear, unobstructed sight picture.
8. Budget: Investing in Quality and Performance
Trap shooting guns range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Set a realistic budget before you start shopping. Consider factors like your level of commitment to the sport, desired features, and long-term goals.
Recommendation: Invest in the best quality trap gun you can afford. A well-made shotgun will provide years of reliable performance and enjoyment.
9. Top Trap Gun Manufacturers: Brands You Can Trust
Several reputable manufacturers are known for producing high-quality trap shooting guns. Some of the leading brands include:
- Browning: Renowned for their iconic BT99 single-barrel trap gun and other reliable models.
- Beretta: Offers a wide range of over/under shotguns suitable for trap, including the 686 Silver Pigeon series.
- Blaser: Known for their innovative F3 series, featuring adjustable features and exceptional performance.
- Krieghoff: High-end German manufacturer producing some of the finest trap guns available.
- Perazzi: Italian manufacturer specializing in custom-built competition shotguns, including trap models.
Recommendation: Research different manufacturers and their offerings to find a brand that aligns with your needs and budget.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Trap Shooting Game
Choosing the best trap shooting gun is a crucial step in maximizing your potential on the range. By carefully considering factors like gauge, barrel length, action type, and fit, you can find a shotgun that feels like an extension of yourself, enabling consistent accuracy and improved scores. Don’t forget to factor in your budget and individual shooting style. For those seeking a top-tier recommendation, the Browning BT99 Micro 12 GA stands out as an exceptional choice, offering a perfect blend of performance, reliability, and adjustability to suit a wide range of shooters.
Ultimately, the best trap shooting gun is the one that allows you to confidently approach each target, knowing you have the right tool for the job. Invest wisely, practice diligently, and enjoy the thrill of shattering clays with your perfect partner on the range.
