Shotgun and sporting clay newbie questions

[hardtner]

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.

Thanks Paul. I'm not looking to jump in with both feet and get addicted.....but I had such a ball that I can't not go do it some more. Thanks for the advice

[hardtner]

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

Thanks for the info

[hardtner]

Ttt

[berettadave]

hardtner,

In my opinion, your 101 would be fine for shooting clays(at least for now). I know a lot on here won't agree but in my opinion, but interchangeable chokes are not the most important thing starting out. I have interchangeable chokes in my Blaser and I can't remember the last time I changed them. I shoot pretty much one choke on everything. and never feel the least bit handicapped. Matter of fact, my next gun will be fixed chokes only.

I've been shooting competitively for over 14 yrs now and I too started out thinking I needed all the different chokes and loads for the various targets. After a few years, I realized that by keeping it simple I had the best chance of being competitive. I now stick to shooting a shell that's 1oz with 7.5 shot at 1200 fps. Trust me, it will break any target that a heavier load will and do it with less recoil. I pretty much only change a choke if I have a very inconsistent target that's extremely close(like a bouncing rabbit).

There are a few other competitive shooters on here that can weigh in on what they like too. Thing is, you will probably get lot's of different suggestions, just have to find what works for you.

PM me if you want to discuss it further.

David

[Texas89]

Following this. Picking up an autoloader this week. Trying to figure out the choke situation. None of the restrictions match up to the standard charts. Anyone have any tips?

[hardtner]

hardtner,

In my opinion, your 101 would be fine for shooting clays(at least for now). I know a lot on here won't agree but in my opinion, but interchangeable chokes are not the most important thing starting out. I have interchangeable chokes in my Blaser and I can't remember the last time I changed them. I shoot pretty much one choke on everything. and never feel the least bit handicapped. Matter of fact, my next gun will be fixed chokes only.

I've been shooting competitively for over 14 yrs now and I too started out thinking I needed all the different chokes and loads for the various targets. After a few years, I realized that by keeping it simple I had the best chance of being competitive. I now stick to shooting a shell that's 1oz with 7.5 shot at 1200 fps. Trust me, it will break any target that a heavier load will and do it with less recoil. I pretty much only change a choke if I have a very inconsistent target that's extremely close(like a bouncing rabbit).

There are a few other competitive shooters on here that can weigh in on what they like too. Thing is, you will probably get lot's of different suggestions, just have to find what works for you.

PM me if you want to discuss it further.

David

Thanks for the reply. I may PM you some time with more questions.

[DUKFVR]

Listen to berettadave.
He KNOWS what he is talking about. One of the better shooters on here.
Like he said keep it simple. When you go shoot ask to shoot some others guns. Most will be more than happy to let you try theirs. Your 101 is plenty good to start out. Try the game and see that you really want to dump more money into it. If you are ever in the Houston area and want to shoot get with me. Be glad to take you to the club and help in any way I can. Like some have said on here it can get very addictive and $$$. Don't chase gimmicks and choke changing every station. Work on basics and if you really get going, go to a coach or instructor. They can start you out with the right techniques. Worth way more than chokes, fancy shells etc.

[berettadave]

Following this. Picking up an autoloader this week. Trying to figure out the choke situation. None of the restrictions match up to the standard charts. Anyone have any tips?

What are the list of restrictions you have? They may be marked dimensionally rather than by constriction name. Normally chokes are made in .005" increments of constriction based off of your bore diameter. Different gun makes can have different barrel inside diameters so therefore, chokes for different brand guns can actually have different inside diameters for the same constriction choke(if that make sense). In other words, if you have a Beretta mobile choke barrel that supposedly measures .723" inside diameter and you install a light mod choke, the choke should actually measure around .708" inside diameter. If you have a Beretta Optima barrel that supposedly measures .735", the light mod choke should be around .720" inside diameter. There are a few oddball chokes out there that probably don't conform to this but for the most part, the above is the norm.

Here are the most common constrictions you will encounter.

Cylinder .000"
Skeet .005"
IC .010
L Mod .015
Mod .020
I Mod .025
L Full .030
Full .035
X Full .040

Hope this helps
Dave

[BUCKSTAR]

Winchester Super X Model 1
Beretta 682
Remington 3200

[Texas89]

What are the list of restrictions you have? They may be marked dimensionally rather than by constriction name. Normally chokes are made in .005" increments of constriction based off of your bore diameter. Different gun makes can have different barrel inside diameters so therefore, chokes for different brand guns can actually have different inside diameters for the same constriction choke(if that make sense). In other words, if you have a Beretta mobile choke barrel that supposedly measures .723" inside diameter and you install a light mod choke, the choke should actually measure around .708" inside diameter. If you have a Beretta Optima barrel that supposedly measures .735", the light mod choke should be around .720" inside diameter. There are a few oddball chokes out there that probably don't conform to this but for the most part, the above is the norm.

Here are the most common constrictions you will encounter.

Cylinder .000"
Skeet .005"
IC .010
L Mod .015
Mod .020
I Mod .025
L Full .030
Full .035
X Full .040

Hope this helps
Dave

This is what it comes with
Works out to in order
Full .036
Skeet .004
Modified .014
Improved .009
Some are .001 under their recommendation but that's pretty close. Am I missing something?

I was told they're all all steel rated and work out to
Ic
Modified
Full
Extra full
But with lead it works out to the above from my understanding

[poisonivie]

I shoot a lot of clays. I now shoot a Browning 725 and I have a drawer full of chokes. I now shoot mod and imp mod and havn't changed chokes in months. If your on the bird, thats all that counts. I do pull them and grease them now and again. Just go shoot what you have for now and enjoy.

[oktx]

I shoot a lot of clays. I now shoot a Browning 725 and I have a drawer full of chokes. I now shoot mod and imp mod and havn't changed chokes in months. If your on the bird, thats all that counts. I do pull them and grease them now and again. Just go shoot what you have for now and enjoy.

This guy knows! Why aren't you at work today?!!!

[berettadave]

[ATTACH]695600[/ATTACH]

This is what it comes with
Works out to in order
Full .036
Skeet .004
Modified .014
Improved .009
Some are .001 under their recommendation but that's pretty close. Am I missing something?

I was told they're all all steel rated and work out to
Ic
Modified
Full
Extra full
But with lead it works out to the above from my understanding

They all seem pretty close to what you listed. Your .014 choke is actually closer to light mod than mod. I would imagine the Turkey choke is extremely tight. I couldn't see a constriction listed on it like the others. You will not need the turkey choke for clays and probably rarely the full but the others will do just fine. They will work just as well as any aftermarket choke(wouldn't be surprised if they were made for Remington by Briley).

[berettadave]

Listen to berettadave.
He KNOWS what he is talking about. One of the better shooters on here.
Like he said keep it simple. When you go shoot ask to shoot some others guns. Most will be more than happy to let you try theirs. Your 101 is plenty good to start out. Try the game and see that you really want to dump more money into it. If you are ever in the Houston area and want to shoot get with me. Be glad to take you to the club and help in any way I can. Like some have said on here it can get very addictive and $$$. Don't chase gimmicks and choke changing every station. Work on basics and if you really get going, go to a coach or instructor. They can start you out with the right techniques. Worth way more than chokes, fancy shells etc.

Thanks Dave! Most just think I'm full of crap! lol. We need to get together and shoot some time. I think Jeff Foster will be setting the targets in Abilene for their April shoot. I may go and give him a hand. Maybe you could swing that one.

[Berretta Man]

Dave, I think your full of crap. LOL. They are supposed to be trying another Brock Jones shoot next month, I think I am going to blow the dust off that 391 and go play. Come give me some more lessons.