shotguns, trapI have a Mossberg 20 gauge (pump) bought for other reasons. My club has regular trap shoots, and I’d like to try to see if this is a type of shooting that I would like. My family shot skeet during a vacation, with my wife and youngest son using a 20 gauge. Is it totally beyond the pale to show up with such a gun at a public shoot, understanding that I’d upgrade to a dedicated gun if trap fits my interests?
If approaching any new shooting event, I think you should start with shoot what you already own. Bringing a 20ga is completely acceptable. Many high-end trap guns are sold in 20ga. It’s far more important that the gun fit you.
The 12ga shells will have more pellets, but it’s not so much to make that big of a difference. You’ll basically miss some targets that you really would have just barely hit with a 12ga. If you shoot doubles, you could be at a disadvantage with the pump action. vs. a semi-auto or double barrel. But if you’re already shooting skeet with this gun then you’re likely good enough working the action for it not to be an issue.
20 ga. is fine for trap - not even a disadvantage really, since many shooters will be using very light ‘target’ loads in their 12ga. What is important is the choke on your shotgun. If it’s a Modified or Improved with a standard length barrel you’re good to go. If it’s a minimum length barrel with a Cylinder (i.e. no) choke, you’re going to have trouble.
Absolutely! In fact, If recoil is an issue for you at all, The right 20ga. can actually make you look more like a pro – as you will be more relaxed, and more focused on the target. There will be about 40% fewer pellets in the pattern than the equivalent 12ga load would have – so choose your choke accordingly. But given that, I’d say your going to do better with a gun that’s comfortable to point, shoot, and reload – because then you can focus on the more important factors in hitting a random moving target: lead, range, and timing
Absolutely, my mom shoots trap with a 20 gauge. One of my girlfriends used to embarrass people by showing up with .410 and break 20+. It’s a little tougher because you’re throwing fewer pellets into the air, but it’ll work just fine, and nobody will really notice that it’s a 20.
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