Shotgun and sporting clay newbie questions

[hardtner]

Let me start by saying I'm not a shotgun guy. I've duck and dove hunted a good bit over the years mostly with a 870. I have a few other shotguns in the safe that don't get used much. My shotgun shooting has been limited over the years to just hunting. This weekend I went to my first sporting clays shoot and had a blast. It's something that I think I want to do more of recreationally. I want to make sure I have a gun well suited for it.

I have an early 70's Win 101 12 guage that I was shooting. It is a beauiful gun that I only own because I got it for a song. I like it but I'm not married to it. It has fixed Mod and IC barrels. I shoot better with my rusty 870 than I do with it at this point. I would really like something that has removable chokes to be more versatile.

Is this Win 101 a suitable sporting clays gun as-is?
Can I or should I get it threaded for screw-in chokes? Cost?
Should I just sell this and get me something else more
If I sell, what should I be looking for with a $1500 ish budget?
What should I be looking for in another shotgun for sporting clays (caliber, bbl length, o/u vs semi etc)?
what chokes are the norm for SC?

Anything else for a newbie to consider?

Thanks In advance for your help.

[tx07]

I have shot clays only a few times. Used a semiauto.
My brother in law using a over and under. His brother uses a semi.

I say use what you like. From what I have seen personally with people shooting clays. They use over and under.

[Toddcaster]

My recommendation is to get in a support group as soon as possible
Seriously, I think Bailey can thread an over and under for multiple chokes. I caught the sporting clays bug about 6 months ago and I am hooked..there are a couple guys on here that can chime in and help.

[Drycreek3189]

I would suggest a 12 ga. autoloader with screw in chokes to start. Improved cylinder will be your most used choke. In time, when you are sure you want to shoot a lot, an o/u will be a good choice. I once shot a lot of SC. I developed into a low 90s shooter and then just kinda got tired of it. I used a Beretta AL 390, a Browning Sporting, and a Field Grade Citori. Always shot as well with the semi as I did with either o/u but I shoot the Field Grade Citori for the one tournament each year that I still shoot.

It is lots of fun, but it can get expensive. When I was shooting a lot, I reloaded all my shells so I could afford to shoot Win. AAs at promotional shell prices. Have fun and good luck !

[Drycreek3189]

My recommendation is to get in a support group as soon as possible
Seriously, I think Bailey can thread an over and under for multiple chokes. I caught the sporting clays bug about 6 months ago and I am hooked..there are a couple guys on here that can chime in and help.

Briley can certainly do ANYTHING with a shotgun, but sometimes there isn't enough " meat " at the muzzle to successfully thread a fixed choke gun. They can tell you that though.

I would add that to get the most from Sporting Clays, invest in a few lessons from a really good instructor. It will save lots of lost birds !

[TWOHunter]

Andrew,

I shoot my Benelli semi-auto 12 ga. I don't shoot a bunch of clays but do fairly often and, of course, do my share of wing-shooting.

I'm a member at Pines Gun Club in Lufkin that is really nice. High-low, trap, 5-stand, and sporting clays.

Let me know if you want to come over and shoot as we can bring guest. Bring Drew if you want to... my son shoots too. It's fun !

Chad

[hopedale]

I'd say stick with you Winchester 101. You can either get a gun smith to work on the barrels to take different chokes, or just get another set of barrels.

[hardtner]

Andrew,

I shoot my Benelli semi-auto 12 ga. I don't shoot a bunch of clays but do fairly often and, of course, do my share of wing-shooting.

I'm a member at Pines Gun Club in Lufkin that is really nice. High-low, trap, 5-stand, and sporting clays.

Let me know if you want to come over and shoot as we can bring guest. Bring Drew if you want to... my son shoots too. It's fun !

Chad

Thanks Chad. I'll get with you sometime and take you up on that. Sounds like fun. This is all new to me but I had a blast Saturday

[trophy8]

I prefer a 30"+ barrel gun. And I prefer a semi auto. I am currently shooting an a400 sporting 30" running extended muller chokes. I shoot quite a bit of clays and it treats me right. I shoot a semi better than an OU. But I still prefer longer barrels on those as well. But not too heavy. Helps me swing them better and follow through. I like that I can adjust the cap weights on my a400. To answer your choke question, I'm using improved cylinder and light mod

[Tico]

The barrel work and some chokes would prob run $350. Auto or O/U will work. I would choke the 101 and try it for a while, but mod and IC will work well for a beginner. If you find you still love it in a year, then invest in a true sporting clay gun. By that time you will probably have an opinion on what you like/don't. Most sc guns have longer barrels than people hunt with. Have fun. I miss the days of hanging out shooting clays. But I do enjoy the kids.

[gatorgrizz27]

Look at having the gun fitted to you. If it's not right you'll just get frustrated. Are you referring to an actual "sporting clays" course where you walk through the woods to different spots or are you including skeet and trap?

For me, the point of shooting clays is practice for bird hunting, so I shoot my Weatherby SA-08 28 gauge. If you want to be truly competitive you'll probably need a dedicated gun within a year or so, but I'd shoot what you have until it starts holding you back.

[hardtner]

Look at having the gun fitted to you. If it's not right you'll just get frustrated. Are you referring to an actual "sporting clays" course where you walk through the woods to different spots or are you including skeet and trap?

For me, the point of shooting clays is practice for bird hunting, so I shoot my Weatherby SA-08 28 gauge. If you want to be truly competitive you'll probably need a dedicated gun within a year or so, but I'd shoot what you have until it starts holding you back.

How would I go about getting fitted?

[bk_tradguy88]

Get to know some guys at a club and they will likely be more than willing to get you behind some guns to see what you think. In regards to the 101, sell it and buy something screw choked. Nothing against a 101. They are a fine gun. I had it quoted to screw choke a nice O/U a few months back. $500, plus what you will spend on chokes and shipping to and from a good smith. Sell the 101 and see about a screw choked gun that fits you. I would also recommend something with a middle bead. Check out a Browning Citori and see how they for you. If a 101 fits I bet a Citori will fit you well.
B

[bk_tradguy88]

I would also suggest mod/full for sporting clays.
B

[Artos]

How would I go about getting fitted?

Andrew,

Clays are just as addictive as precision guns...be warned to jump in with both feet.

It can be a bit overwhelming but I would attend a regular shoot in your area, ask questions and figure out who is the best fitter. THIS is the most important aspect to cover before you jump into clays.

Certain guns will point better than others...good luck.