Ditto the Beretta A300 "clays" with a 30" barrel. I have one as a backup to my Winchester 101clays. That longer Barrel is the trend allowing for a finer sighting with the longer sighting plane. Mine has also killed a wild pheasant or two. Watch out for the guys getting over a grand for them. Shop around a bit and you should be under around 900 before tax. You can get the 28" hunting versions at RK for around 700$.Skeet, sporting clays and trap all have different requirements for shotguns. If you want one shotgun that will do all three well, you are looking at a over/under or a semi-auto with removable choke tubes. A pump will work well for trap, but will be a little more challenging for skeet and sporting clays. My skills hold me back enough, so I didn’t need any additional “challenge” when I was shotgun shopping.
As Bigtanker said above, fit is the most important thing to take into consideration. I was in the same position as you and ended up buying a Beretta A300. I had no plans to get seriously competitive in any of the shooting sports, so I wanted one gun that would do it all well. The Beretta has performed flawlessly. Good luck in your search!
I looked and looked for one that liked the taste of pitch and limestone...
^^^^^^ This. Indiana Gun usually has a good selection, even in these times. And they are knowedgeable and will help you form your short list of guns to consider. I have known their staff for years and think you would benefit from a visit there even if you dont buy anything from them. And they can help fit the gun to you.I'd recommend stopping by Indy Gun Club and talk to the guys there. They'll help you build a short list based on what you want to get into.
I looked and looked for one that liked the taste of pitch and limestone...
Great choice and if you got that in your budget you got a good dealAgain,many thanks to INGO for the advice and recommendations. Definitely pushed me in the direction that I ultimately went. After a good bit of experimentation and budget rethinking, ended up with a used, older Beretta Silver Pigeon in 12 gauge. The LOP is nearly perfect and for some reason, I'm able to mount the gun more consistently than anything else I shot.
It was, admittedly, just a bit outside my original budget. But most importantly, my better half believes it came in under budgetGreat choice and if you got that in your budget you got a good deal
You are a quick learner!It was, admittedly, just a bit outside my original budget. But most importantly, my better half believes it came in under budget
Again,many thanks to INGO for the advice and recommendations. Definitely pushed me in the direction that I ultimately went. After a good bit of experimentation and budget rethinking, ended up with a used, older Beretta Silver Pigeon in 12 gauge. The LOP is nearly perfect and for some reason, I'm able to mount the gun more consistently than anything else I shot.