ENTRY LEVEL TRAP GUN

[DLH]

OK I have been bitten!   now what would be a starter single barrel trap gun?  I have tried the Spartan (Bakail). but what else is out there?  what is a good price?


Thanks

[Graybeard]

If you're looking for a break open single barrel the Browning is about the cheapest quality one out there. I had one but couldn't hit a bull in the butt with it so sold it.

Get a Remington 870 Trap Gun, it's got a single barrel. It's what I use.

[jgalar]

The main thing about a trap gun is it needs to shoot high because the birds are rising from the trap.
To go on the cheap you could get a gun like the H&R Topper Deluxe and make some minor mods to it.
You could modify the stock using moleskin in increasing widths to raise up the stock - that works well but looks like cr@p.
The best bet is to install a Morgan pad. Here is a link for one at Cabelas:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0003682220713a&type=product&cmCat=search&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=morgan+pad&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=morgan+pad&noImage=0

Stack a couple of quarters or nickels at the rear of the vented rib and tape down. Adjust the pad (or build up the stock) so the bead sits atop the coins when the gun is mounted. This will be about the right amount of rise to keep the bead just under the bird when shooting.

The nice thing about the morgan pad is you can adjust the gun to shoot high for trap and also adjust it to shoot flat for other uses.

[Bridger]

I can't think of something much worse than an H&R Topper. It will kick the snot out of you and there's no worse adjustable pad than the Morgan. The idea here should be to have a gun that you can expect to do reasonably well with and stick with until or if you decide to upgrade You got good advice about the 870 though. Excellent gun and made in trap configuration plus there are plenty of used ones around that should fit about anyone's budget. Same with BT 99's. Both the 870 and BT are well made guns that will last many thousands of rounds. But.. before you spend your hard earned cash try as many guns as you can. Not everyone can shoot the same gun and that's why you should try before you buy to find one that works for you. Most shooters are very willing to let someone try their gun. Remember a trap gun is going to go through more shells in a weekend than most hunting guns see in years of use. A cheap import is a throw of the dice as to whether it will stand up to that kind of shooting. An 870 BT 99 also will hold their value well.

[Madmark]

I can't think of something much worse than an H&R Topper. It will kick the snot out of you and there's no worse adjustable pad than the Morgan.

Both points are true, BUT.....
I can't think of a cheaper gun to play with than the Topper.
The same holds true for the Morgan pad.
You could conceivably put together a capable trap gun for under $100 using jgalar's tips.

I would take a look for a used 1100 trap. Bang for the buck, it has it all.
Pros: Good construction, known performance, availability of parts, easy on the shoulder AND the wallet.
Cons: gas autos have to be cleaned more than O/U, singles, or pumps. Keep it clean and keep an extra o-ring in your bag, and you will only notice the "pro's" of the 1100. I love mine.
The 870 is a top choice for a pump. I love my 870 too, but my 1100 works better for me.
For a single, the BT-99 is a wise investment. The Spartan is a great bargain and will stand up well, but it's no Browning. That said, as a matter of economics, I bought a Spartan O/U, and was pleasantly suprised.

But like Bridger said, try as many guns as you can before you buy. Whatever you get, it has to fit YOU.

[rbwillnj]

You can use anything for trap, and I see them all at the range.   But, if you really want to shoot trap, you really should buy a dedicated trap gun which shoots higher than point of aim, as any Trap gun will do.   Which one to buy should depend on which one fits you best.   If you can't spring for an over under, than a Remington 1100 or 870 "Classic Trap"  are great guns (Classic Trap, not just any 870 or 1100).   Also, Browning made a limited production run of a "BPS Trap".   They only made 300, but you can still find them on the net.  It's a nice gun with a high rib, and Monte Carlo stock, and has bottom feed and ejection.   There is a new one on Gun Broker for under $600  You can probably find a slightly used one for even less.

[ftlupton]

Newbe on this site but have 130,000 registered trap and shot in many states so maybe I can save you some time and money. If you have the bug make the decision about shooting singles, handicap and doubles. If you are going to shoot doubles get a Browning or Beretta O/U, you can shoot the semi-auto's but soon you will want to switch, guarantee you will. if no doubles then the Rem.870, 1100, Beretta 391 or Browning gold will do just fine. When you are really hooked you can order your Perazzi MX-2000 or K-80, both go for over $10K. Of course you will get your butt kicked by some kid witha a beat up ole 870 so prepare yourself. I have done it all, been on top of the world and humbled by kids and women. I did break my 100 straight(8 of them) and made the 27 yd handicap line(the farthest back you can go). Have fun, keep in good humor and pay if forward with a youngster. Forgot to include one of the all time favorites, the Browning BT-99 and Model 12 Winchester.
ftlupton 

[Hairtrigger]

If you want a single barrel I would look for a used Browning BT99 as others have said.

[Shawnee Gene]

I do not know if you are still looking at this thread, but H&R has a dedicated trap gun in production now.  It is based on the TDC.  I have one on order.