Decent trap gun for $600 or less

[zippy13]

The International community when the payloads were reduced from 28 to 24 grams, yet they found that the scores went UP as fatigue from recoil was less

I don't think it's fatigue as much as the reduced recoil allowing a quicker second shot. And, quicker second shots result in higher scores -- bunker is a very fast game.

Something not mentioned about bunker trap is the cost. Most ranges charge extra over conventional T & S fees. Also, you're going to use more ammo. Many bunker boys shoot twice at every target -- if they hit it with their first shot, they go for the largest chip with their second one. That equates to 50 shells per 25 targets.

I can't think of a gun made today - by companies like Browning or Beretta - that do not have changeable screw in chokes

Jim, my friend, that's because you're accustomed to entry level, multipurpose target guns. With higher grade comp guns, like Perazzi and Krieghoff, screw-in chokes are still an option. With a special purpose trap or Skeet gun, you may not change chokes. Why pay extra for something you don't need and that could be bothersome. And, there are those who may argue that fixed chokes work better.

With the popularity of sporting clays and its frequent choke changes, the gun makers would have you believe they are required for all applications. Actually, they are reducing their client's options and increasing their profits.

 

[OkieCruffler]

I have an older 870 wingmaster that came with a 28" full choked barrel that someone had opened up to about an imp mod. I took that as a sign that it was meant for trap. That's all I use it for, except sitting beside the door with it's 18" barrel fitted. It works fine for me, but I only shoot for fun and shooting the bull with the local guys, half the time I don't bother to count score. I do wish it had a higher comb, but then it would look silly with the 18" barrel.
Sounds like your dad is looking to start up for the fun of it, be hard not to have fun with just about anything he chooses.

 

[oneounceload]

So most of these guns have screw in chokes?

Not necessarily - a gun built specifically for bunker, helice or pigeons will typically have a set of very tight fixed chokes, usually around the order of IM and F. On my friend's Perazzi bunker gun, it was chokes 28 and 40 thousandths. If you look at the Perazzi catalog, you'll see that offered as standard with choke tubes as an option

Jim, my friend, that's because you're accustomed to entry level, multipurpose target guns. With higher grade comp guns, like Perazzi and Krieghoff, screw-in chokes are still an option. With a special purpose trap or Skeet gun, you may not change chokes. Why pay extra for something you don't need and that could be bothersome. And, there are those who may argue that fixed chokes work better.

With the popularity of sporting clays and its frequent choke changes, the gun makers would have you believe they are required for all applications. Actually, they are reducing their client's options and increasing their profits.

Very true, Ljutic trap guns are fixed as are the other top end trap-singles specific models. Even sporting guns are coming back to fixed chokes for many folks - once they realize that a certain combination is all they need, they go with fixed chokes for several reasons: one less thing to focus on and think about instead of the bird; one less thing to go wrong if not tightened constantly; one more thing that can be done wrong to gun by having it bored off center; they add more weight right at the very end of the barrel affecting the swing dynamics. I am seeing more and more folks - whether with semis or O/U's that use choke tubes NOT changing them at all - they will use a LM or M in the gun and stick with it throughout the course. I typically use IC and M in my O/U and just change barrels if the target presentation is reversed from close and far to far and close - works just fine.

With trap guns being shot at targets always going away, an O/U chokes tight and tighter with no barrel selector is the simplest of mechanisms. KISS principle helps keep scores high with less mechanical issues to entertain Mr. Murphy

 

[Dave McC]

S'funny,when I shoot that little SKB 20 at SC I score close to what I do with the Beretta 12 and its hatful of tubes.Sometimes, better.

The SKB's choked Mod and Full. Usually, the 12 gauge has tubes in comprising IC and LM. And I rarely change them on my home course. I do go to LM and Mod on occasion.

Obviously, it's not the chokes as much as balance, feel, etc.

 

[BigJimP]

I don't think I've ever looked at a Kolar, Krieghoff or a Lujtic that didn't have screw in chokes...but then, I didn't realize it was an option with those companies vs something they just always did...interesting...

Sure, I can understand if you had a dedicated Skeet gun ...or a dedicated Trap gun you could go with fixed chokes.../ but to me, it just doesn't seem like your best option...but sure, I understand they have to charge something in the cost of the gun for the extra work threading the barrel ..and the cost of choke tubes, etc...

I'm not looking for any more shotguns..(the safe is full --- and there are too many handguns still to buy !! ) --- ....but to me screw in chokes ..are like adjustable combs.../ sure they cost something to have installed ....but why not put them in a gun ...so you have more options.

I just wouldn't buy another target, field shotgun -without screw in chokes ( or an adj parallel comb) ....

.....and not to confuse the OP, but there are tactical shotguns like the Benelli M-4 that have changeable screw in chokes although it comes new with just a Modified choke / or the Benelli M-2 tactical that comes with 3 chokes ...

 

[TheKlawMan]

The Benelli's aren't the only "tactical" shotguns with screw in chokes. One police armorer who deals exclusively in the Remington 870 opines that more and more police like a choked barrel as it extends the usefulness of a shotgun. Some need tight groups to reduce collateral damage and some like to use a choke with slugs.