Shooting Clays in Ohio

[Troyite]

Have had and used a 870 for years as a tactical Shotgun.
Now retired but kept my 870.
I enjoy Trap shooting -
although I have specialized Trap Guns
I enjoy taking my 870 and 1100 to the range occasionally - so the two of us
the 870 and I don't get rusty.

Been thinking of extending the Magazine tube, but thought I would solicit your opinions first.

[Scorpion8]

Welcome! I started trap a few years ago because I got into an 870 and figured I should know how to use it on them durn orange things before I tried it on them durn feathery things. Did me great, except for doubles. Ack! Jump right in and share!

[Chef Duane]

I've shot clays with my 870 but its not what I'd recommend. As mentioned, doubles are pain with trying to get back on sight after the pump. I usually shoot my Charles Daly Moroku Superior 12g but didn't have it with me on our Thanksgiving trip to E. Tennessee. The boys wanted to go to Chilhowee Sportsmans Club to shoot clays and I had to brace up and shoot my 870. I sucked but I still had fun.

[ChillyB]

If goal is to exceed at shotgunning games then there are better shotgun choices.

If purpose is to remain skilled with your 870, which is one of the finest combat shotguns ever designed, then "dance with what brung ya" and drop a double now and then.

I'll stick with the 870 and do the best I can. My O/U stays in the safe.

[Scorpion8]

If goal is to exceed at shotgunning games then there are better shotgun choices.

Maybe, maybe not. Look back at the old record books of trap superstars who shot pump guns especially the 870 Trap Special. I think we're actually kinda wussy relying on O/U's, with unsingles for those who need to cheat on weight, or high-ribs that do the pointing for us.

[ChillyB]

A pump will never outspeed an O/U. In fact, a semi will never outspeed an O/U if one needs only two booms.

[Scorpion8]

A pump will never outspeed an O/U. In fact, a semi will never outspeed an O/U if one needs only two booms.

Speed isn't what wins, it's the ability of the shotgun in the hands of the shooter. Those legends who shot perfect trap scores on doubles years ago with Winchester Model 12's and 870's weren't all about speed. If you can work a pump gun fast enough to get a clean score on trap doubles, then that's "fast enough".

[ChillyB]

Dont disagree,, but most of us arent professional sponsored record setting shooters. For most shooters a well fit gun that DOESNT require one to shuck their support hand will outperform one that does. If speed doesnt matter then we'd all be just as good at doubles as we are at two singles.

I have a very accurate 20 ga bolt. Pretty good with first shot...

[Scorpion8]

I think your obsession with speed will ultimately limit you. A clay shooter shooting doubles has recoil and re-acquisition of the 2nd clay no matter what type of trap gun they're using, o/u, auto, side-by-side, or pump. The skill of the shooter and what they do with that time of recoil is what separates the high-scorers, all else being equal. The semi-auto shotgun is just as capable of being reloaded and ready as is the o/u. Many top shooter use semi-autos for the recoil-reducing effect.

And check the history, the old-timers in the 50's and 60's didn't get huge sponsorships, and they worked day jobs. And probably paid for their own shells.

[ChillyB]

I guess I'll concede the superiority of a pump gun for trap shooting when I see O/U and semis equipped with fake sliding forearms to provide that Olde Tyme ergonomic action that creates champions.

Why no lever gun trap guns?

I'm being snarky for fun, I respect the old-school-cool of an 870 anywhere (that's why we are here, right?) in competition. Same as I dig seeing flatfender Jeep with open differentials pick a clean path through obstacles that hang up a Land Rover. But it takes that Jeep pilot a LOT of experience to eclipse the mechanical superiority of the Land Rover. It's a testament to the driver who learns to do more with less. Same with a pump gun shooting doubles. One can do it. One can do it more easily and with less practice with a semi or O/U.

And that brings me back to my original point. What are your "fixed" and what are your "variables"? For me my fixed is an 870 is my shotgun. My variable is how well I can play a game with it. Because my primary purpose is to be the most effective I can be with a combat shoygun, Heaven forbid I'll need to do so. For other people The Game is the fixed primary priority. The variable is which gun they'll choose. Want to be a terrific game player? Pick a game gun. Want to be a terrific combat shooter? Pick a combat weapon and use games as a means to hone your proficiency. Games are fun and I dont take it so seriously as to let my devotion to the 870 spoil my good time.