rookie wrote:Thanks BA,
I like DTL, which I believe is (like) trap? .. I'm only new to it but as I'm hitting more than I miss I think it's time to get used to a single gun.
Interestingly, I went to a different range (Silverdale) and their setup was different. The trap machine was setup only a few metres in front of where you stand and a couple of metres below. There are no stations and you shoot the whole round, one after the other from the same cage-like spot (only one shooter). I assumed this was a practice thing but a kid that was also shooting told me they do competitions from there ... not sure what this type of clay setup might be called but it didn't seem as fun as the 5 stand / position setup, which I find more social (and less waiting time).
I do want to try out "field and game" as well as skeet but finding the challenge of DTL quite fun for now. I can't see myself buying a separate skeet / field gun, so was hoping to get a relatively light sporter as opposed to a dedicated DTL trap setup.
I've been trying to shoot what shotguns I can and Miroku is definitely up there in my choices .. but of those that I shouldered at the gun shop, the SP1 was noticeably the lightest and noticeably smooth to open but the price tag comes with it. The hire gun Mirokus were well used and their actions just didn't feel the same (not quite clunky but needed to muscle it more) but maybe these just needed a clean..
I sorta get the feeling that I'm trying to convince myself to get the SP1 .. needing that nudge as it's a little more pricey and I was told (by someone who was told) that they do get problems with them after 12 months. That's the only advice I've gotten against them with the gun store also saying that they don't get poor feedback with them at all ..
Good to know that there's no issue getting second hand .. I might ask a separate question in a different thread about the process of buying second hand
Thanks for the feedback ..
Given you want to do a bit of everything, buy a Sporter.
If you like the beretta SP1, stop procrastinating and just buy it.
You won't be disappointed. Not everyone likes them,
but seriously consider getting a mid barrel bead fitted.
Mattraff wrote:With shotguns you buy what fits/feels more natural. You either like the big action of the Browning/Miroku or the slim action of a Beretta or the many others.
Mattraff wrote:I shoot a Beretta 682 Gold E Xtrap and also have an older black action 682 Xtrap that I bought as my first serious trap gun 20 years ago.
.. You can't go wrong with either Browning/Miroku or Beretta they are all excellent quality built to last ..
.. My old 682 has seen well over 20,000 rounds and is still tight.
Mattraff wrote:.. but Beretta offer the best service in the business.
rookie wrote:Mattraff wrote:With shotguns you buy what fits/feels more natural. You either like the big action of the Browning/Miroku or the slim action of a Beretta or the many others.
Thanks Mattraff, I've now had the pleasure of shooting a couple of Beretta's, including a very early model Silver Pigeon (stamped with an "S" as opposed to "1" - probably before they started naming them "SP1" - was told it was a Sporter not skeet..) and a DT10. Great having both on the same day, as I could tell the difference with the point of aim. I'm warming to trap - the less angle / drop at the heel seems to be more forgiving / consistent point of aim. The time has helped me figuring out what I prefer.
Shooting the hire guns and after about 5 sessions, I've got in the lower 20's (DTL) with Miroku's last session and mostly using only single shot (although the old blokes at the range have been telling me I'm now not following through because of the single shot .. its fun). I'm glad that I haven't rushed in and bought it yet as I know now that it's not the gun (you can adapt) as long as the gun is balanced to suit you.
So yep, totally agree with shotguns it's fit and what feels natural. What clinches the deal for me is the Beretta support as you said - I'll add to this below.Mattraff wrote:I shoot a Beretta 682 Gold E Xtrap and also have an older black action 682 Xtrap that I bought as my first serious trap gun 20 years ago.
.. You can't go wrong with either Browning/Miroku or Beretta they are all excellent quality built to last ..
.. My old 682 has seen well over 20,000 rounds and is still tight.
Lucky man. I see they're holding their value well too. Most of the second hand ones I've seen are still close to $4K for 682s. If I had a little more money to spare, I'd love to get a 692 (or 690).Mattraff wrote:.. but Beretta offer the best service in the business.
Little things I've learnt when considering second hand:Other things that make Beretta a good choice:
- It might have been me on the day but I could also tell the difference between the "S" and the newer SP "1" in the shops (stamped under the receiver). It wasn't in their total weight but in the distribution of weight with the "S" having more weight towards the barrel than SP1s today (could've been the setup of that particular gun). Could be because the barrel may have been the earlier ones that they use in the "Field" models now and the newer Sporters are "optima" barrels.
- To identify which barrel you might have, you can look at the chokes and match them to barrels - so SP first had mobilchokes (which they still use today in their field version), moved on to Optima Chokes (which was next barrel "improvement") and now on to OCHP (latest barrel design). The chokes are designed for their barrels and not sure you can put OCHP in OC barrels. Really only useful if you're interested in playing / changing chokes .. example, some new Beretta "ported" chokes are readily available for OCHP .. other brands make them for mobilchokes but I don't think for OC. ... little things like that if you want to play around with it in future .. was confusing for me initially to understand this
- Use Beretta support to check the serial numbers to make sure they're Beretta Australia shotguns and qualify for Forever Servicing (use the "contact us" form on their website) they get back to you same day. They've been great and helpful - You know you're considering quality when their support is this good. There are (I assume) grey imports being sold that don't qualify so it's best to check.
For me, a couple of things:
- I've only recently realised that you can get Beretta to fit factory adjustable stocks in many of their models as an option (including SP1 +$300 their regular retail price). They will also tailor fit it for you free of charge if you're prepared to go down to Melbourne, which would be cool - you organise the fitting with your gun shop at the time of purchase
- Sale prices - SP1 are still going for $2300 at the moment (supposedly their regular retail price is $2800) so its a great time to buy. Adjustable stock option is around the $3000 mark.
Real fun times .. people are great at the ranges and on the forums
- I'm left eye-dominant and right-handed - even though I think I'll do OK right-handed, the old blokes and range officers reckon I should shoot left handed ... I don't know if they're messing with my head - but I'm going to give it a try hopefully this weekend .. last session was about the second time I could honestly say I was just looking at the clay and trusting everything else will line up and it did (until I changed brand / speed of ammo ) .. so not sure its much of an issue unless you're doing competition
- Got my first rifle (CZ 452 Varmint ) recently and trying to keep the mrs on-side by spreading the purchases a bit - the shotgun ammo adds up (why I'm shooting single barrel til I buy the shotty) .. but looking through the scope with my right-eye might be evening out my left-eye dominance
Hope the info helps the next guy ..
bigfellascott wrote:How many barrels do you see when you look down the barrel at the bead? Just he one or do you see 2 or 3?
bigfellascott wrote: I suffered from Eye Dominance too
rookie wrote:bigfellascott wrote: I suffered from Eye Dominance too
Do you reckon you’ve overcome the eye dominance over time or would you still need the tape on glasses if you were to shoot trap today?
rookie wrote:Thanks Scott,
I found it available at one of the shops near me at $15 per 25. No price for a slab: https://safarifirearms.com.au/rc2-compe ... 5-1250fps/ - a little pricey maybe and if I find I like it that might not be a good thing to the budget ..
Closer to the range they don’t have it but I’m thinking about getting this (looks like 8 shot):
WINCHESTER SUPER TARGET 1250FPS 12GA 28GM 250PKT
$95.00
https://www.horsleyparkgunshop.com.au/p ... kt/product
I’d like to standardise on 1250fps as I think it’s a speed u can get in a lot of brands.
Can’t wait to go for a shoot now bet u do too