Stupid Shotgun Q...trap/skeet with 18"

[decodeddiesel]

I have wanted an M1 Super 90 since I was a kid, and with the deals to be had on GB I think I can swing one in the near future. The problem is from time to time I like to go and shoot some skeet/trap/clays.

How well would the M1 Super 90 with the pistol grip stock and 18.5" barrel work in this role? I can always change the choke to something tighter, so would all I loose is muzzle velocity?

Extra Benelli barrels are prohibitively expensive, but that may be an option as well.

What are your thoughts?

[Oscar 319]

FWIW, my Grandfather (comfirmed bad ass) won numerous medals in the Police Olympics in the 70's and 80's shooting skeet with a Winchester Model 12, 18" cylinder bore. Granted, the event was "Riot Shotgun Skeet".

When I was a kid, he had me out shooting trap with a Rem 1100 with a 21" bbl (lighter weight) with a full choke to compensate for the shorter barrel that worked well.

For shits and giggles, I tried running a round of skeet with my 14" 590..... Didn't work out too well.

I know nothing about trap/skeet other than it's fun and Grandpa was really good. I am willing to bet that with the right choke, you'll be able to do skeet and sporting clays....not trap (with the 18.5"). The pistol grip may be a problem though....Hell, try it.

[glockeyed]

I think patterning it will answer your question. i believe you could easily do clays with it. Someone on shotgun world did a velocity test vs barrel length. if i recall correctly the fps between 18in and 28in was only 90fps.

[JHC]

Back at Ft Lewis' skeet range I shot a few rounds with a Rem 870 slug barrel (20 inches with rifle sights). The rifle sights of course had to be ignored. It was decent training to be familar with handing the gun quickly. 16-18 of 25 was about all I could hit. No problem for me as I didn't aspire to be a skeet shooter. You might as well try it.

[DBR]

First, are you sure the M1 Super 90 18.5" barrel has interchangeable chokes?

Second, Cylinder or IC choke will work for skeet if the range will let you use that short barreled gun.

Third, trap is usually shot with full or modified chokes and 28-30+ length barrels. Short barreled guns swing awfully fast for trap. The typical range for trap is more than 20yds.

[decodeddiesel]

First, are you sure the M1 Super 90 18.5" barrel has interchangeable chokes?

Yes.

Second, Cylinder or IC choke will work for skeet if the range will let you use that short barreled gun.

Thanks, that's what I was wondering.

Third, trap is usually shot with full or modified chokes and 28-30+ length barrels. Short barreled guns swing awfully fast for trap. The typical range for trap is more than 20yds.

Cool, all I've ever shot is skeet and sporting clays. I guess I need to research a little more.

[TWR]

I've had a 21" M1 for several years now, it's my do everthing gun and yes I even took it to the skeet range. The only problem I had with it was the 28 gauge double guys thought it needed a muffler.

I also have an M2 Tactical while I like it for what it is it ain't a skeet gun, it would work but the stock isn't designed for wingshooting. Has nothing to do with barrel length. At least the way the stock fits me.

[decodeddiesel]

I've had a 21" M1 for several years now, it's my do everthing gun and yes I even took it to the skeet range. The only problem I had with it was the 28 gauge double guys thought it needed a muffler.

I also have an M2 Tactical while I like it for what it is it ain't a skeet gun, it would work but the stock isn't designed for wingshooting. Has nothing to do with barrel length. At least the way the stock fits me.

Well luckily the stocks for Benellis are relatively cheap so having 2 different stocks is probably more of a reality than 2 different barrels.

[SHIVAN]

On a skeet field, you will be fine. On a clays course, you may find that an 18.5" barrel leaves you lacking punch on some of the longer shots, but can be overcome with choke experimentation and practice.

No idea on trap, but I do not doubt that there is a reason the really successful trap shooters use 30" barrels.

FWIW, I shot a 24/25 and two 23/25's using a Rem 1187 and a mod choke in skeet as a "fun shoot". Station 4 and 5 always seem to work my last nerve.

[TWR]

I see no difference in patterning my 18" vs. my 21" with the same with same choke constriction. I've killed coyotes further than most shoot at birds with no problems.

The first year I carried my 21" gun to Kansas for pheasants, alot of the crew said I was going to be handicapped. They were wrong and the next year there was another 21" gun being toted. Sight radius or sighting plane is the only thing you'll give up with a shorter barrel.

And yes, stocks are cheap and easy to find.