First Shotgun purchase / Trap / Skeet / Clays

Lots of great advice given to you already. As a guy who started shooting pumpguns. Once you get accustomed to the pump action, you do it without even knowing you are working the action. A pump would be a great first gun. If you want something other than a pump, I suggest an auto. The reason I recommend an auto is you can put at least three shells in it. This gives you the ability to hunt with an extra shell, over an o/u. If you do resell the gun, it also gives you a little wider group of guys to sell it to. Many hunters want a gun with the third round.
O/u s are generally more reliable than an auto, but are generally more expensive, when you compare guns of equal quality.
As far as the Spartan line goes. I shot with a guy who had his about three months. Had quite a bit of trouble with it. This from a o/u, which are usually very reliable. Like anything, some are good, some are bad right out of the box. This is the only one I've ever seen in the field though. There may be ten thousand sold without a problem.
 
I always prefer a nice break-open shotgun for trap/skeet/clays. Lets you manage the shells nicely after each round, so you don't have to spend time collecting cases; just drop them in your other pocket as you shoot and reload.

IMO, an O/U is the way to go, though they are expensive. I'd look into a Franchii, they are nice guns for lower-end when it comes to O/U's. They used to sell new for ~6-800, I think they might be a bit more these days. They do turn up on the used market for great prices, though.

I bought a custom Franchii skeet gun for about $700 used about 2 years ago, which was a great buy. I know someone who sold a similar gun recently for only $450, though he was anxious to move it.

Semi's are nice, but I don't like how they cast the empties about. I used one for years, and have never looked back from my O/U.
 
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