Need help answering a question for a friend

[Bassturd]

This was his question:

So, I own this shotgun: http://www.gundirectory.com/more.asp?gid=2...amp;gun=Shotgun

Mossberg 500 Persuader, 12 gauge with a 20 inch barrell. I want to take this shotgun skeet shooting. I'm pretty sure I'll need a different barrell, right? What kind? Any thoughts, ideas, input?

Also, what kind of shot shell do I use? 9 shot? Obviously I've never done this before. :newb:

TIA.

I have not shot skeet since I was like 14, so I am not sure what to tell him. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Len-2A Training]

26" bbl, Skeet choke (Someone else may know of others that are suitable), #9 shot.

I also haven't shot skeet in many years but used to reload shells and bought skeet guns, so don't know what a "skeet choke" is equivalent to.

 

[JohnFH]

I use the 26" rib vent bbl, full choke

 

[Bassturd]

Thanks guys

 

[icyclefar]

Either a 26", 28", or even 30" will work fine. If he wants versatility for Trap and Skeet the longer barrels are a bit better. Vent Rib barrels are best, and Mid Beads are nice to have. Chokes depend on how the barrel patterns, most guys run a "Skeet" choke but depending on the gun, a little more or a little less choke might be required. I shoot 2.75 dram #9's for skeet, again #8, #8-1/2, or #9 is fine but I recommend staying with 2.75 dram loads (should keep your speed to about 1145fps)

 

[pj150]

It's just me but I'd open up the choke a bit for a person starting off. Hitting the clays is one thing, powdering them is another.

Use #8-9 shot with MOD choke 26" or longer bbl.

 

[icyclefar]

It's just me but I'd open up the choke a bit for a person starting off. Hitting the clays is one thing, powdering them is another.

Use #8-9 shot with MOD choke 26" or longer bbl.

Cylinder - least restriction
Improved Cylinder
Skeet
Light Modified
Modified
Improved Modified
Light Full
Full - most restriction

Regardless of game the goal is to have a DENSE 30" pattern at the point of impact. If the pattern is too large, you have no density and may not break the bird. If the pattern is too small, you miss.

I shoot Skeet for Skeet, and Improved Modified for Trap. For Handicap Trap I move up to a Full choke.

When I start a Newbie on Trap I usually give them a Modified choke, once they are consistently breaking them we move up to Improved Modified to crush them.

The bigger challenge when shooting skeet tends to be lead, and breaking the bird mid field, more so than any difference in choke.

YMMV

 

[pj150]

My response was towards the OP JohnFH as he stated he used Full.

I also didn't read the post correctly as skeet was the primary activity. So for skeet, as icyclefar has nicely outlined the choke progression, use a more open choke.

For trap, I wholeheartedly agree on ->

"When I start a Newbie on Trap I usually give them a Modified choke, once they are consistently breaking them we move up to Improved Modified to crush them."