Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted: Now a little warning, if she is going to shoot on the college teams down the road, she is going to need a O/U. The college teams shoot single-double-wobble trap and American-international skeet. Since she is already used to a high shooting gun (what the 870 is now doing), then a doubles trap O/U will fit the bill nicely. |
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Autoloaders are perfectly good as well, and typically MUCH cheaper than good O/Us if money is an issue. Some of the best collegiate shooters are using Beretta autos. (One of the things I can't stand when I shoot at an open public range are the old-timers that ridicule anyone using autoloaders or pumps of any variety; basically anything other than a several-thousand-dollar break-action)
Also, using a trap gun for other events can be tricky; unless she is sure she wants to pursue trap exclusively, a "sporting" model with a flatter rib is usually a better all-around choice. YMMV.
Of course, if funds are not an issue, then the real thing is to get an O/U with a single trap barrel, a double trap barrel, and a sporting barrel (with a tube set for the sporting configure). |
If you read the original post she is shooting trap.
Go to the grand and see how many auto's you see.
I own 12 auto shotguns.
I own 12 pump shotguns.
If you are going to shoot the clay games seriously you are better off with a good O/U.
Might not be what you wanted to hear, I know I didn't, but it is true.
MIKE.
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Look at what I specifically QUOTED in my post. I was referring to the statement that if she is going to get into more shooting in college - including events such as dobules trap, wobble trap, or even skeet - then a O/U is necessary. I was directly replying first to dano; only the latter part of my post is in direct reply to the OP. (And I can assure you, there are plenty high-ranking shooters in collegiate matches running autos.)
Also, in my experience, the
type of shotgun has little to nothing to do with anything.
It's all about the gun fitting the shooter, and the shooter being familiar with the gun. I can routinely out-shoot people with O/Us using my Benellis. I used to use a O/U, but performed worse than I do with my autos now, as that particular shotgun did not suit me well (as it turned out).
The inherent advantages to a O/U over an auto for clays are:
1) The ability to have different chokes for each shot - of little to no use in American and International events. Of some use in 5-stand and other clay events.
2) The ability to accept tubes - only of use for registered skeet matches with mutliple gauges shot, and similar events
3) Longer barrels with shorter OAL - balance issue more than anything; comes down to the gun fitting a user more than anything
4) Generally improved reliability - no worry of jams or short-strokes, though the possibility of other mechanical malfunctions remains
To the OP:With all of this being said, I again stand by my position.
If she wants to stay with trap, and she feels comfortable with the 870 (and she seems to be doing well - i.e., it seems to fit her well), then buy it.
If she wants to stay with trap, but isn't sure about the 870, shop around some first. As another suggested, look at some of the single-shot trap guns for reasonable alternatives.
If she wants to get involved with other events, but really likes the 870 (and is willing to practice skeet and other events sufficiently to adjust to the higher rib), just get it.
If she wants to get involved with other events, but isn't dead-set on the 870, shop around. Autoloaders are a good way to go if strapped for cash. However, don't skimp; buy something good enough to be reliable, consistent, and last. It's very easy to start shooting a LOT in the clay sports. I was shooting my shotguns many times more than everything through my rifles and pistols combined during my time at UIUC (when I participated in/on the Trap & Skeet Club/Team)
As I said, the ultimate would be to buy an O/U with a full set of barrels and a full set of tubes, though this would likely be cost prohibitive for your situation.