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rawfuls

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
A little background, I've been shooting trap for a good bit now, getting consistent 22/23s. I'm paying rental fees to rent their local 870, but started looking into my own.
I'm also getting consistent enough with the trap, that I might start looking into trap doubles and/or skeet, where a pump (I would assume) would be detrimental when compared against a semi-auto.
With that being said... I'm still a little unsure between pump vs. semi-auto.
I have roughly ~$300-500 for a pump budget, and about $500-700 for a semi-auto budget.

Finally got a chance to check out some local gun shops and check out what they had to offer & also chat with a couple of them. Really gotta say, I was pretty intimidated but once I started spitting out my thoughts, there was some pretty good advice being spread into my head.

Surprisingly, one LGS had a couple Wingmasters (Trap 30" for $495 and a Skeet 28" for $350). The Trap felt a little long, though I know it's meant for trap.. The swing felt a little slower, so the 28" would be what I'd pick up.)

The Weatherby PA-08 was a nice contender, but when compared against the Wingmaster 870 and the CZ612, the synthetic just didn't do it for me. They had a standard 870 for sub $300, which was interesting. Had the CZ612's (which felt amazing) for sub-$400...
If I were to go pump, it'd definitely be between the Wingmaster 870 and the CZ612. Both felt natural and smooth.. Both were absolutely beautiful and stunning.

However, it was the semi-auto's that have started to impress me. I still have yet to use a semi-auto for trap/skeet, but now I'm heavily considering one.

Bullseye had a Browning Gold Unlimited for $600.00 that felt pretty good. One of their guys swears by the CZ's, and would probably prefer the CZ712/CZ912. Now I haven't heard much about the CZ712/912, though I'd entertain it if I heard some feedback on them.

Regardless, it's a cheaper option, but most likely going to be a backup. What I'm really liking.. is the Remington 11-87 and the Beretta A300 Outlander.
Both feel great, I prefer the wood furniture on the 11-87, but the price point is right outside my budget, with tax taking it heavy into the 830s. (If I'm right, it's 8% tax + dealer fees?).

So, tl;dr: -Wingmaster 870 for a pump, ~$400? (Not sure if I want a pump, since I could always rent/if I ever go trap doubles/skeet). -Beretta A300 Outlander, ~800 -Remington 11-87 (with wood!), ~$850 Don't want to do gunbroker online order/used because I'd like to inspect it prior to purchase- plus ensure it feels right in my hands.
Thoughts? I really wish I could shoot either, but don't think my local ranges stock the 11-87 or A300 Outlander.
 
Your hooked, take your time choosing a gun, or you will be buying two.
 
I'd look for a designated trap or sporting clays gun if you're considering buying a field gun. You say you like the 1187 and A300, I'd look at a used Remington 1100 Trap or Sporting or a used Beretta 390,391.

Get what feels good, but don't be afraid to buy used. My 3 trap guns have all been used. My A400 Xcel Parallel Target, Ljutic Mono, and XT were all used and still run strong
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
I ended up purchasing an 870 Wingmaster 26" barrel.
Looks pretty decent and I'll be picking it up this coming Friday!

I'll have to break it down and see if I can YouTube some videos on how to clean it and all!
 
Ok, so now you've got a field gun that should be pretty good for skeet. One of the really great things about Wingmasters is all the extra barrels and stocks available for them. Take your savings and shop for a trap barrel and maybe even a trap butstock. Pump guns were the standard for both trap and skeet for several decades.
 
rawfuls said:
I ended up purchasing an 870 Wingmaster 26" barrel.
Looks pretty decent and I'll be picking it up this coming Friday!

I'll have to break it down and see if I can YouTube some videos on how to clean it and all!
Congrats on your new 870! That's a true classic and probably my all-time favorite shotgun. I've put more rounds thru the 870 than anything else by far. It's very simple, incredibly reliable and easy to maintain. Parts and accessories are plentiful to say the least.

Pics? :)
 
sedae said:
Your hooked, take your time choosing a gun, or you will be buying two.
We all know he'll be guying two at some point regardless.... :mrgreen:
 
Discussion starter · #8 ·
Thanks y'all!
Absolutely you were right about me being hooked.. I already purchased my second.. this time a rifle, though :mrgreen:

Picked up a Remington 783 to get some rifle/paper shooting in.
Can't wait until I'm 21 to start exploring the handgun world :)

Here are those pictures!
Can anybody spot the year this guy was produced in?
I tried looking for the stampings, but can't determine which is the date code.

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image
 
The date code letters are on the opposite side of the barrel from the view you showed here. Two or three small stamped letters.

Beautiful 870 you've got there! A deluxe model or commemorative. That 26" IC barrel is a great all-purpose set-up.
 
DallasCMT said:
jcs266 said:
Beautiful 870 you've got there! A deluxe model or commemorative. That 26" IC barrel is a great all-purpose set-up.
Curious, how do you know he has an IC barrel, and won't that be a bit open for trap?
He followed up with saying he found a nice one with a 26" IC.

True, for Trap shooting the IC choke is NOT what you'd choose, but for many other short to modest range applications I like open chokes.
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
Thank you!

Is it on the left side of the barrel, or the receiver (serial number)?

My barrel has no choke, unfortunately; one of the biggest downsides of this purchase.
However, it's a dedicated skeet barrel, so I assume the open choke is mostly good enough.
It seems to work for me in trap, so I don't have too many complaints.
If I end up being serious enough to purchase a dedicated trap barrel; I'm sure that's a discussion for another time.
How much are additional 28" trap barrels? ~$100 I presume?
 
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