Hello all, I’m very new to Trap shooting. Been shooting 3 times in the last 7 days. That’s also 3 times in the last 30 years with a shotgun. I’ve been doing mostly pistol shooting and collecting handguns. My friend had been badgering me to go shoot trap and I kept declining. I didn’t need another hobby. I knew if I went it would cost me more money. Lol. I’ve been using his guns. A BT-99 and a Citori CXS he has. I actually liked the CXS better, even if it wasn’t particularly made for trap. It just felt easier to handle. I also hit 18 targets my first try with it. That’s probably the real reason. I have decided on a gun for myself. Here’s where it gets delicate because I know how people respond in forums when it comes to the price on certain things. I want a Citori CXT Trap Max 32”. Is this a foolish choice? Will I regret I didn’t get something costing more? I won’t regret not getting something less expensive even if I barely use it. I’m comfortable with the price. Are there other brands in this price range that I should consider? The bottom line is, I don’t want to get it then be told all the real shooters use something I never heard of. Lol. Thanks
Rich, The price of a gun is not the road to being a good shooter. The saying (it is not the arrow but the indian) is the answer. The the high price of a gun is not the answer, The fit, and reliability is. If you are going to shoot 20000 or more targets a year, a lower priced gun may not be reliable. That is a decision only you cam make. Good luck with your new sport enjoy the competition and the many friends you will make. Roger C.
Try a bunch of different guns, if you can, before you buy one. A used trap gun is a lot cheaper than a new one and will last just as long and every trap shoot I was ever at had lots of shooters selling one of their guns. They will let you try it if they really want to sell it. Don't rush into a gun, shoot a few hundred targets first.
The words written above are of good advice. Most shooters will let you try their gun on targets and then you can make a well informed decision. The cost of the the gun is not important. If you stay with trapshooting you will most likely change guns as you go along. That is when the price of the gun goes up. I, myself started with a Remington 870 TB and over the years bought different guns and worked myself up to a Kolar. I am sure you will enjoy the sport. It is fun and enjoyable and also filled with very good people. ENJOY !!!
Hi Roger I’m a pistol guy, so it might not apply to trap. Do you know how many times I’ve heard “the gun is way more accurate then I am”? A gazillion. And it’s been a lie a gazillion times. Put a Heirloom Precision in a shooters hands that is used to Kimbers, they will see the difference. So, I’m wondering does that apply to shot guns? What makes a Trap gun out shoot the shooter?
A pistol or rifle shoots a single projectile. A trap load is typically 350-450 pellets spread in a 20"-30" effective pattern at the distance most trap targets are shot. ...If you miss, it's not the gun's fault.
RICHUSA, Rifle and pistol require a totally different skill than trap or skeet. How many pistol competitions have moving targets? Long range rifle is a disipline also requiring different body and mind skills. They all require practice and dedication, it's just directed in different ways. Roger C.