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12ga Trap Shotgun Suggestions Wanted

Looking for some guidance on this subject. Having not used a shotgun for thirty or forty years, I consider myself out of that loop. My grandson (an adult) phoned and asked for some suggestions. He wants a twelve gauge, either o/u or side x side. He’d like to try his hand at trap shooting. His price range is $500 - $600. I told him to tour local gun shops and look over used ones. Opinions are encouraged. Thanks.
 
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I sold some Winchester 101 parts to the gunsmith at Quail Creek Sporting Ranch. He said the best most reliable shotgun to shoot any type of clays or skeet was a gently used Beretta 390. He said the cheaper O/Us were not near as reliable. The guys that shoot white wing dove in South America say they all use Beretta's of some sort or another.
 
5 to 600 dollars will just buy a lot of aggravation when you start putting any volume of shells shooting clay target sports. I shoot about 20, 25 thousand shells a year at trap and have a bit of knowledge on this subject. A 303, 390 or 391 berreta semi auto would be cheaper than a o/u but still more than 5 or 6 hundred unless you find someone just dying to get rid of one. I suggest you visit a nearby trap range and check it out. I'd be really surprised if while asking about guns someone doesn't offer to try their gun out. I know I've done it more than a few times. Good luck in your search. If you're anywhere near the st louis area pm me and I can let him try a decent over under or semi to see what he'd like.
 
The Yildez is actually a nice gun for the money. The are a bit on the light side, causing extra recoil. Replace the crappy factory pad and it's all good.
Having worked at Academy for 11 years, I've handled all of them.
 
The Yildiz and the Beretta 56E show above are field guns. There is a vast difference in the stock design between a field gun and a Trap gun, and they are not interchangeable.
Only way you will get a decent O/U for 5-600 is if it's stolen. SxS trap guns are rare and very high dollar.
I would look hard at the Beretta 390 Trap. I have shot one since 1996, and have over 80,000 rounds through it. Ironically it was $600 new.
 
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Charles Daly "Superior" Miroku shotguns. 1970s guns.

Best chokes I/M & FULL. 8 Shot, 1 oz.


Owned both of these, till the Browning Citori with choke tubes became available. Same gun, different name.
italian made charles daly, different guns.

The early Browning Citoris are a good buy, but may have been shot alot.,
His price range is $500 - $600.
20220104_183759.jpg

An O/U is needed for doubles in trap. Both of the older guns have high combs, perfect for shooting trap or skeet, when starting with gun mounted.
Comb to high for hunting.
Avoid the Winchester 101 models. Not made by Miroku
 
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