Can I use a pump shotgun for clay shooting?

Question

I'm a beginner at clay shooting. I looking to buy a new shotgun for this purpose, but the sources I've seen recommend an autoloading double barrel (side by side or o/u) shotgun for trap shooting. But these are generally a lot more expensive than pump shotguns. Can I just get a pump shotgun for trap shooting?

Answer 1

To answer your question bluntly, yes.

But there is no such thing as an "autoloading double". A double is a double (SxS or O/U) - an autoloader is an autoloader. Most trap models are Over/Under (aside from a couple odd-balls)

Any kind of target model or hunting/field gun will do (sawed offs, and riot guns obviously not a realistic choice for clays).

Trap guns are generally long, heavy, shoot high, and have straight or high Monte Carlo combs on the stock - not to mentioned choked at least Modified, but usually tighter. Skeet and sporting clays on the other hand, tend to use a field-type gun, that shoots flat with a drop comb, and open chokes.

There are actually trap-model pumps. Look for a Remington 870 trap, or an old Winchester Model 12 trap. Many a champion trapshooter won with a pump, be it singles, doubles, or handicap.

Whatever you get, make sure it has changeable chokes and comes with, or is fixed Full, Improved Modified, or Modified for trap.

What you gain with a double (Over/Under) is two different choke contrictions (one in each barrel), no possibility of jams, no cycling, and very fast lock-time.

With an auto or pump you either have to get used to pumping it, or letting it cycle (Remington 1100 semi-auto's can be very slow and clunky - I can't shoot one for doubles because I find myself waiting for it to feed the second shell in when I'm going for my second target). Then you have the problem of hitting the next shooter over with your empties (something that does not bother me, but does most people), and the possibility of jams, failure to feed, and the old double chuck on doubles.

Regardless, a pump is a fine choice for trap shooting. They are inexpensive compared to other guns, simple, durable, and work fine.

Once again I suggest looking for a Remington 870 TRAP, Winchester Model 12 TRAP, or even a Browning BPS TRAP. The more you shoot, the more you'll appreciate the features of a trap specific gun.

Answer 2

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RE:
Can I use a pump shotgun for clay shooting?
I'm a beginner at clay shooting. I looking to buy a new shotgun for this purpose, but the sources I've seen recommend an autoloading double barrel (side by side or o/u) shotgun for trap shooting. But these are generally a lot more expensive than pump shotguns. Can I just get a pump shotgun...

Answer 3

I think "Autoloading double barrel" is simply missing punctuation....Autoloading, double barrel (SxS or O/U) ...

yes, you can use a pump.

Shooting Trap you generally shoot singles only, so Pump, Auto, Double, Single really doesn't matter. You'll never shoot more than Doubles, and I've never been at a trap range/gun club that would let you load more rounds than the number of targets you are about to be presented.
Skeet, you'll see one target or two, so ditto any type of gun will be fine, once you've had some practice with your pump you'll be great.
Sporting Clays or similar I've likewise never been presented more than two targets at once. A pump will be fine once you're used to it and can get the second shot off smoothly.

I recommend for a beginner a Mossberg 500 with the 28" Ported, multi-choke barrel, should be available at your nearest gunselling Wal-mart or similar for under $200.

Answer 4

Pump Shotgun For Skeet

Answer 5

Looks like mountain man and I are the only ones who actually read the question Like him I can't recommend any of your choices. As clays are your priority you should avoid anything with a pump action or a single barrel. It will always screw up your second shot as your cannot change the choke between shots. Side by side, over or under, single trigger or dual, are all a matter of personal preference. From the targets point of view it does not matter. You will need a tighter choke in the barrel that fires second to maintain your shot pattern. For security and hunting it's just a matter of selecting the correct shot size or maybe a slug. 20 gauge is small for clays and I suggest that a 12 gauge is the better choice. Remember the second shot. For home defence either will suffice. Ian

Answer 6

If you are in it for fun, use the pump-gun and enjoy yourself.

If you are going to get into serious competition, spend the money to get a good Over/Under shotgun, a Browning Citori or Ruger Red Label being good choices.

Browning also made, or might still make, what they called an automatic double. This was nothing more than a semi-automatic shotgun with a two round capacity. It did not / does not have two barrels.

My personal preference is for SxS doubles, but I'm not a serious trap / skeet / sporting clays shooter. I doubt if one serious competitor in a hundred uses a SxS gun.

Doc

Answer 7

Yes you can, and I don't believe there is a double barrel auto-loader. Pump action, single shot, or double barrel shot guns are the the most reliable shot guns to buy. They will not freeze up like a auto-loader can in freezing temps.

I know your clay shooting, but some day you most likely will go duck or goose hunting and of course it is wet and cold out (In Canada it is, most times in the fall during hunting season). It really sucks when you take a shot and your gun froze up which stops you from taking a second shot. This has happened to me more then once which made me sell my Auto-loader and now I just use my trusty Mossberg 500 pump action 12 gauge shot gun.
Or Doc Hudson has a good answer
But to each their own

Answer 8

The BEST for that kind of thing is an over under double barrel. Both barrels are aligned on the same sight line.

Next best is a double barrel. One is slightly off to the left, the other to the right.

Both allow one kind of choke in the first barrel, a second kind in the second, thus giving a better hit rate on targets that change distance.

A pump or semi auto is the third choice. Watch out for old models as you can keep the trigger pulled and it will go off with the second shot as fast as you pump it. You do not want any kind of gun that goes off WITHOUT a trigger pull. Any decent pump or semi auto will allow you to get into the sport and see if you like it.

Do not go spend thousands of dollars on a gun before you decide you like the sport....

Have fun..

Answer 9

I have seen many clay shooters using pump shotguns with great success. If you can shoot it well, there's no reason to pay $1000, $2000 - up to $5000 (and more) for a fancy O/U.

Certain competitions may restrict you to loading only two shells. Practice, practice, practice. Just practicing - even if you never compete - is where the fun is. Enjoy.

Answer 10

Most of the time yes, most of the time it only limits how many shells you can load.
I shoot sporting clays for fun, with friends.
I have never had a desired to get in to competition, other then for just fun.
In sporting clays I shoot either a pump or an O/U.


D58


Hunting with Rifle, Pistol, Muzzle loader and Bow for over 3 decades.
Reloading Rifle, Pistol and shotgun for over 3 decades.