been watching this a while now, great read , the guys really interesting
http://www.trapshooters.com/cfpages/threads.cfmscroll down , its call H&R trap gun part 1
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Subject: H&R Trap gun, part 1
From: Tron
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Date: Sat, Oct 04, 2008 - 05:35 PM ET
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http://tronspace.com/default.aspx My Topper Trap gun FINALLY arrive and I picked it up this morning from Guns Galore in Fenton. After taxes, the gun cost $339, which I didn't think was bad, slightly below where I've seen them eslewhere. While there, I opted to purchase a Briley extended full choke tube (Browning Invector), being that the gun come with only an improved modified (I'm partial to full choke for Trap).
Now, you must understand, I'm not working for one of those bias shooting mags that give EVERY gun they test a flowery two thumbs up even if it's a polished turd. I'm being completely and utterly impartial here, but we must keep in mind that this gun is what it is....a Topper. It's a very cheap, simple, basic design that has been around for many decades. That being said, it does have a very good reputation and a place in the hearts from the many of us who may have broken our first hand thrown clays in a nearby field.
My first impressions? I was personally very impressed with the vent ribbed barrel complete with center bead and screw in choke system. The thick Decelorator pad was a great feature, but is very sloppy where it meets the butt. The wood is a low grade walnut with what appears to be a lacquer finish, not great, but I have seen worse on more expensive guns. I like the cut checkering and it has a very nice pattern with a diamond area in the mid point. I don't think that the guy who worked on the forearm even knows the person who did the stock because the finish appears to be a bit different and the two pieces are likely not even from the same tree.
At the patterning board, I checked from a rest at 13 yards and then at 30. The ammo was Federal Top Gun 3 1/4dr 1 1/8oz. Now, here is where I was impressed. THE GUN SHOOTS STRAIGHT. I was a bit surprised. It's flat as hell, but straight. I've patterned my share of guns and have always been amazed at how many high production guns (and even some mid range target guns) fail this first step in checking POI. If the dang thing doesn't shoot straight, you got a problem and fitting from that point is a waste of time.
Typical 13 yard pattern:
30 yard (sorry, I didn't trace a 30" circle, but you can get the point):
At the range, we didn't have a lot of time left, but me and my buddy were SMOKING the targets all the way back to the 27. I will do this properly later and post scores for you, but like I said...ran out of time. The recoil was no issue what so ever with my buddy, but it was a bit much for me. That being said, it was far less than I thought it would be. We both were anticipating that the hammer pull was going to be an issue, but it was actually VERY light and easy with no pain or fatigue developing on the thumb. The gun broke open very crisp and smoothly and shells ejected back approx. 2 feet. So far, our impression is VERY favorable. This really isn't a bad little gun and when you consider the money a real bargain. More in a week. I'm installing a Adjustable LOP Gracoil unit, and adjustable comb, adding weight to the forearm and stock to bring it up from the current 6 3/4 lbs up to around 8 1/2lbs.
If you have any suggestions or ideas, please post them!
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