Those old bolt action shotguns are a sad excuse for a wing shooting shotgun.
I suggest that you buy better to shoot Trap with. You would be far ahead with an inexpensive pump shotgun, or even a modest semi-auto.
There's lots of inexpensive used guns out there.
If you get really serious about Trap, you can step up to a gun designed for Trap.

 

Those old bolt action shotguns are a sad excuse for a wing shooting shotgun.
I suggest that you buy better to shoot Trap with. You would be far ahead with an inexpensive pump shotgun, or even a modest semi-auto.
There's lots of inexpensive used guns out there.
If you get really serious about Trap, you can step up to a gun designed for Trap.

I have to agree, a bolt action design isn't the best gun for wing shooting! However, some things defy logic. Why can I hit running targets so consistently with my Ruger M77? . I live in fear that when Karma sets in, I will never hit another anything ever again!

 

I do have a VRPA40 20" mag-fed pump that seems like it might do okay since it has 3 screw-in chokes (F, IC, M), but I was thinking the bolt gun would swing and point better since it has a 28" barrel and a bead sight (plus a fixed full choke).

The pump also has a ghost ring which sounds like it'd just obscure my vision. I was thinking I could mount a red dot to use instead but from what I read simple beads are best? The balance on it also isn't ideal since it's mag-fed, not to mention the looks 😅

Hoping one of these guns are usable for a first timer; if not maybe I'll just rent one (an over/under?) at the club. Still new to shooting in general and want to keep my collection simple for now.

 

I do have a VRPA40 20" mag-fed pump

Before you take this gun to any club I would call them and ask if they allow them. I know we dont.
Steve

 

(5) JC Higgins bolt action shot guns recall.... the truth... | Shotgun Forum

JC Higgins bolt action shot guns recall.... the truth...

Artical found on internet....... Back when they were having the recall I was sending in all the bolts that came in the store in these guns until they notified me that I had reached my limit of 10 per year....huh???? Some recall huh? I still didn't want to sell anymore considering that they may...

www.shotgunworld.com

 

I agree with your idea to rent a gun until you get a feel for the game and a bit of experience. The two guns you describe could be used, but would not help you perform well as they are ill suited for Trap.

Another intangible reason is that as a new comer to trap, you will want to "fit in" well so I don't recommend showing up to shoot with magazine fed or bolt action shotguns.

As stated before, you can after shooting some, narrow your choices to some good used guns. There are many to choose from and where you shoot will probably have some listed for sale. You should still first figure out what you want & what works for you.

Finally, I agree no sights needed other than a bead on a sporting shotgun. Good luck and welcome!

 

I have my dad’s 583.10 20 ga. Sweet shooting light handling bolt action gun that he used to hunt quail back in the 40s-50s. We ate lots of birds that fell from the shells from that gun and it still works perfectly. Woodsie131