doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Clays Gun Choices

^^^ Well spoken^^^

Wonko, That is what I'm trying to avoid as much as possible by getting as many viewpoints from experienced clays shooters as I can. When I take the jump, I just want a gun that won't give any problems and hopefully, isn't bad to look at on a slow day. I have a pretty good approximation of the stock dimensions I require, so that hopefully is a non-issue. Thanks, Sandlapper

Go to a big NSCA shoot like an open, regional or best of all the Nationals. All major makers will have demo guns you can shoot. You can rule out some guns pretty quickly.

In the FWIW column, my SKB 90 TSS is serving me very well at the moment. Admittedly, my south-paw handicap is what drove me to it's purchase, but I've had no-regrets since. They also make right-handed guns and the price is very competitive (SKB is now made in Turkey). Endlessly adjustable, good weight, and darn-good build quality (for a Turk!). Mine was lightly used (and was priced accordingly) so I've got only pennies in it (I do love a bargain!). The big name guns are clearly wonderful, but you'll be paying dearly for the name. Mine's got the 30-inch tubes, but I can see where 32-inch might be alright as well. To be clear...I'm not a competitor, I just want to be a competent shot and this gun has taught me a lot.

Ken, That is a great idea; I need to find the closest one to where I live in Western NC. Thanks, Sandlapper

It is a journey.

Browning or Beretta is the usual starting point. 2000-3500.

Mid Zoli, CG,

Blaser, Perazzi, Krieghoff, Kolar and higher grade Berettas are the end points all about 7-12k depending on used or new these days.

You will develop distinct preferences and because of that you will migrate to the higher grades for the perceived and real feature sets.

You will always regret letting some guns go on this journey.

For target, recommend 32 inches. No porting. Helps with resale.

My Journey. Browning 325, Merkel 203, Kemen. Krieghoff and Kolar w custom stock are where I ended up now. Very content.

Or For way less you can just shoot a semi like a A400.

BEY, Very good advice in your post. I know that eventually I will end up with a high grade clays model, because I'm a wood and engraving guy at heart. A fellow at my club shoots a Perugini & Visini Maestro 12 that is an absolute knockout of a gun and built like a watch, so he's set the bar high already. I currently shoot my Merkel 303 Luxus 12, because it is the only O/U I have that is choked tightly enough (.026/.030) to break the birds consistently on our Fitasc range, but I hate to put so many rounds through it becsuse it is basically a field model and in the 7 lb. weight range. I will have to try some different guns at a regional shoot and see what feels best, and go from there. Anyway, thanks for your post. Regards, Sandlapper

Sandlapper,
As a Merkel owner of 3 in different gauges, I feel confident that your Merkel will stay the course! Their built like vaults!
Karl

Karl, You are right; I close my guns gently and let the toplevers down and I can hardly discern wear on them while my fellow clays shooters can make a bag of bolts out of their Berettas and Blaser in a few years by slamming them closed continually. You can wear out a break action gun by slamming it closed enough times and never fire a shot through it. It amazes me that people pay what they do for these guns and abuse them so. Thanks, Marcus

You're being knocked about unmercifully with that Merkel. The high standing breech accentuates the upward force of recoil against your face and it's way too light for the high round count of SC. Find a more suitable clays gun before you develop a flinch.
JR