Can I use a 20 gauge shotgun at trap?

Question

I've been told that a 12ga is preferred for trap, but I thought getting a 20 gauge would allow me to also shoot skeet with it. If a 20ga is ok for trap, should I opt for a 32" barrel, or will 30' be alright? Also, any specific shotgun recommendations for skeet or trap would be appreciated. I don't have enough spare cash to buy two guns for clay sports, unfortunately.

Answer 1

20 gauge will work fine
for gun suggestions I'm not sure how much cash your willing to part with so it is hard suggest any
but you will probably want an over under
I love my Beretta silver pigeon II/20 with 28" barrels but they are pricey
my buddy that shoots skeet with me has a stoeger condor that works well for him and is a lot less pricey his is the Condor Competition combo it comes with 20 and 12 gauge barrels i think he said he paid about $700 for it
here is a link to stoeger
http://www.stoegerindustries.com/firearms/condor-comp.tpl
and a link to Beretta
http://products.berettausa.com/frame_tabellaprodotti_2002.asp?sgmt=4&Model=Silver%20Pigeon%20II

Answer 2

I shoot trap, I have both a 12 gauge and a 20 guage. I use my 12 guage for trap. the shot string is much better, and if you intend to shot competitively opt for the 12 gauge.

I use my 20 gauge when hunting it's a bit more sporting as I am used to shooting a 12 when I shoot trap.

Generally the 12 gauge trap loads are 1-1/8oz where the 20 gauge loads are 7/8oz.. You have far less BB's going down range with the 20. If you are new to the sport, the 20 gauge would get you discouraged especially shooting leagues where guys/gals are busting 20 or 23 clay while you are just learning and hitting 4 to 8 with 20 and maybe 15-18 with a 12.

Answer 3

You can use a 12ga for both skeet and trap - you could also do the same with a 20ga.

Just something with changeable chokes - skeet for skeet, modified or full for trap.

The longest barrel you'll probably find is 28" in a 20ga and maybe 30". Nobody makes 20ga trap guns with 30-34" barrels because trap is a 12ga game.

Answer 4

I've shot trap & skeet with a 20...it worked very well for me, I hit all my targets with no problem. (I liked it because it was lighter that a 12 gauge) I've also shot with a 12 gauge and did just as well. A 12 gauge has more power, but either one is good. See if you can go to a gun store with a range and test them out and see which you are more comfortable shooting. (We have a few places here in Illinois that will let you rent guns at ranges) I say go with what is most comfortable for you to shoot, and in your price range.

Answer 5

20 Gauge is an excellent choice.* Barrel length isn't that important, but choke is>>> Full or modified for Trap>> Improved cylinder & Modified for Skeet.*

Answer 6

You're better of with a 12 ga for both games. You can shoot trap w/ a 20 ga but your chances of breaking birds is significantly reduced.
A 12 ga shell simply holds more shot, ergo, higher chance of hits.

Answer 7

Either one is fine, as they are both built by Mossburg. And yes the chokes interchange. NEF has always built good quality inexpensive guns with few frills. Another option would be the Stoeger line, My wife uses one for trap and loves it.

Answer 8

It depends. The size of your slugs on your 12g will be bigger and will put more of an impact on your shoulder. A 20g will be easier to shoot and less stress on the recoil. A 12 is a really strong gun scatter shot or slug. I would go with a 20g because a 12g is just pointless unless you are hunting. I have a glock 19 and I use .09 mm ammo. I could have got a glock 32 and used .357 ammo, but I just shoot at the range whats the point for me to get that, see the analogy? bad one maybe lol

Answer 9

You might even be able to do better with the 20 ga. ,because recoil is much lighter than the 12 ga.

Answer 10

absolutely...you'll have a smaller pattern than with a 12 gage but less recoil too....

I have shot trap but I never could find a recipe that made them decent to eat....