Choosing Your First Shotgun for Clay Shooting

Your first clay shooting shotgun doesn't need to be expensive, but it does need to fit you and function reliably. This guide covers the key decisions you'll make and what to look for when shopping.

The most important advice: Rent before you buy. Shoot at least 3-5 sessions with rental guns before purchasing. You'll learn what feels right and avoid expensive mistakes.

Action Types

There are three main action types used in clay shooting. Each has trade-offs in cost, reliability, and shooting characteristics.

Over/Under (O/U)

Two barrels stacked vertically. The most popular choice for serious clay shooters.

Single sighting plane
Two choke options per pair
Excellent balance
Higher cost ($500-$15,000+)

Examples: Beretta 686, Browning Citori, CZ Redhead

Semi-Automatic

Gas or inertia operated. Ejects and loads automatically after each shot.

Reduced felt recoil (gas guns)
Lower entry cost
Good for high-volume shooting
More maintenance required

Examples: Beretta A300, Browning Maxus, Benelli M2

Pump Action

Manual cycling between shots. Most affordable and reliable option.

Very affordable ($300-$600)
Extremely reliable
Simple maintenance
Slower for doubles

Examples: Remington 870, Mossberg 500, Winchester SXP

Recommendation for beginners: A quality semi-auto (like the Beretta A300 Outlander) offers the best balance of cost, reliability, and shootability. If budget is tight, a pump action works fine for trap and skeet singles.

Gauge Selection

Gauge refers to the bore diameter. Smaller gauge numbers mean larger bores and more shot.

Gauge	Best For	Considerations
12 Gauge	All clay sports, hunting	Most versatile, widest ammo selection, most recoil
20 Gauge	All clay sports, smaller shooters	Less recoil, lighter guns, growing in popularity
28 Gauge	Sub-gauge events, experienced shooters	Light recoil, requires more precision
.410 Bore	Sub-gauge events, youth shooters	Very challenging, not recommended for beginners

Recommendation: Start with 12 gauge. It's the standard for clay sports, has the widest ammunition selection, and maintains good resale value. If recoil is a concern, consider 20 gauge—modern 20-gauge loads are very effective.

Why Fit Matters

A shotgun that fits you properly will shoot where you look. A poorly fitting gun requires you to consciously adjust your aim—which slows you down and introduces inconsistency.

Key Fit Dimensions

Length of Pull (LOP): Distance from trigger to center of buttpad. Affects how naturally you mount the gun.
Drop at Comb: How low your cheek sits on the stock. Affects vertical point of impact.
Cast: Lateral offset of the stock. Affects horizontal point of impact.

Signs of Poor Fit

• Bruising on cheek or shoulder
• Consistently shooting high or low
• Difficulty getting your eye aligned with the rib
• Uncomfortable gun mount

Important: Most factory stocks are designed for an "average" male shooter. If you're shorter, taller, or have a longer/shorter neck than average, you may need stock adjustments. A qualified dealer can help assess fit.

Barrel Length

Longer barrels swing more smoothly but add weight. Shorter barrels are more maneuverable but can feel "whippy."

26"

Quick handling, good for close targets. Less common for clays.

28"-30"

Versatile length. Good for all clay sports. Most popular choice.

32"-34"

Smoother swing for longer targets. Common in trap.

Budget Expectations

You can start clay shooting at any budget, but quality increases with price. Here's what to expect:

$300-$600

Entry Level: Pump actions, budget semi-autos. Will work fine for casual shooting and learning. Examples: Mossberg 500, Stevens 320.

$600-$1,200

Sweet Spot: Quality semi-autos, entry O/Us. Good reliability, better triggers, decent wood. Examples: Beretta A300, CZ Redhead, Franchi Affinity.

$1,200-$2,500

Intermediate: Quality O/Us, premium semi-autos. Better wood, smoother actions, adjustable stocks. Examples: Beretta 686, Browning Citori, Benelli Super Sport.

$2,500+

Competition/Premium: High-end O/Us built for serious competitors. Examples: Beretta 694, Browning 725, Krieghoff K-80.

Used vs. New

A well-maintained used shotgun can be an excellent value. Quality shotguns are built to last hundreds of thousands of rounds.

Benefits of Used

• 30-50% savings on quality guns
• Higher tier gun for same budget
• Already "broken in"
• Can resell at similar price

What to Check

• Barrel for pitting or bulges
• Action lockup (no wobble)
• Stock for cracks
• Firing pin and ejector function

Tip: Buy used from a reputable dealer who can verify the gun's condition. Avoid private sales unless you're experienced enough to inspect the gun yourself.

At the Dealer

When you visit a dealer, here's what to do:

Tell them you're new

Good dealers will spend time helping you. If they rush you, find another dealer.

Handle multiple guns

Mount at least 5-10 different guns. Notice what feels natural and what doesn't.

Check the fit

Mount the gun with eyes closed, then open them. Your eye should be looking straight down the rib.

Ask about fitting services

Many dealers offer pattern testing or stock adjustments. This is worth paying for.

Choosing Your First Shotgun