Do We Need Our Own Shotgun?
- 12 ga and 20 ga
- Semi-auto and over/under
- Ammo provided
No. We have loaner shotguns in 12 ga and 20 ga, in both semi-auto and over/under. We don't have a left-handed loaner, but most left-handed youth can shoot a right-handed shotgun without much difficulty. If you're new to firearms, we recommend shooting with us and trying a few different guns before you buy.
Can My Child Bring Their Own Shotgun?
Yes. Please bring it in an appropriate case. Semi-autos and over/unders are the most common. A pump-action works fine for Trap (it's harder in Skeet), so if you already have one, bring it and try it.
Yes. Please bring it in an appropriate case. Semi-autos and over/unders work best for Skeet, because doubles need a fast second shot. A pump-action is very challenging in Skeet, but if you already have one, bring it and try it. It works fine for Trap.
Choke by Sport
What choke should we use for Trap?
Trap targets are moving away from you and are usually broken at about 30–40 yards, so trap calls for a tighter choke than skeet, which keeps the shot pattern dense at that distance.
| Shotgun | Recommended choke |
|---|---|
| Semi-auto or single barrel | Modified. A great all-around trap choke for beginners. |
| Over/under | Modified in the first barrel, Improved Modified or Full in the second, for the longer second shot |
| Fixed-choke pump | Use whatever choke it has. Modified or Full works well for Trap. |
If your shotgun has changeable chokes, bring your choke wrench and we'll help you set it up on the field. That's one more reason we recommend shotguns with changeable chokes.
What choke should we use for Skeet?
Skeet targets are shot close, so an open choke (Skeet or Improved Cylinder) works best. That's one reason we recommend shotguns with changeable chokes. Pumps and many tactical shotguns have fixed barrels without them.
What Shotgun Should We Buy?
Gun fit matters more than brand or type (see Gun fit below). That said, here's what we recommend:
| Category | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Inertia-driven semi-auto, 20 ga | $750–1,500 | Best choice for smaller youth. Soft recoil and easy to clean. |
| Inertia-driven semi-auto, 12 ga | $750–1,500 | Recoil is manageable in an autoloader, ammo is cheaper, and more shot means more hits. |
| Gas-operated semi-auto | $500–800 | Cheaper, but build quality and cleaning demands can hurt long-term ownership. |
| Over/under (break action) | $2,000–5,000+ | What most competitive Trap and Skeet shooters use. Heavier, so harder for beginners to swing. |
| Budget over/under | Under $500 | Often kicks hard and may not have changeable chokes. |
Budget picks
The TriStar Viper G2 (gas) and the Stoeger M3020 (inertia) are both decent. We'd lean toward the Stoeger. A Stoeger 20 ga semi-auto on sale (about $650) makes a great starter.
Better
Remington VersaMax, Winchester SX4 and Mossberg semi-autos.
Best
Browning Gold/Silver Hunter, Beretta A300/A400, Benelli Montefeltro, Cordoba or SuperSport. Our chair shoots a Beretta A400 and loves it. If money were no object, the Benelli SuperSport Performance (about $3,000) is hard to beat as a sporting shotgun.
Why over/unders?
Over/unders have fewer moving parts to jam, two chokes for a longer second shot, interchangeable barrels, and extra weight that soaks up recoil. For a serious Trap/Skeet shooter, a new or used Browning or Beretta is the competition standard. Franchi makes a decent starter over/under. Competitive shooters can spend $5,000–10,000 on a properly fitted gun.
What about pumps and tactical shotguns?
Pumps and tactical shotguns are great for home defense but not ideal for clay sports. Most have a fixed barrel without chokes, and pumping for a second shot is hard in Skeet.
Why Does Gun Fit Matter So Much?
If your child's eye doesn't line up with the rib, or the stock is too long or too short, good shooting is very hard. Fit matters even more in skeet, where the shooter swings through crossing targets. A shooter with shorter arms needs a shorter stock, and a smaller, thinner face needs a higher comb. "Youth size" doesn't automatically mean it fits your child. Some tips:
- It's easier to buy a shorter stock and lengthen it with a recoil pad than to cut one down. Professional fitters often charge $250+ and usually want to cut the stock.
- Likewise, it's easier to start with a lower comb and add a cheek pad.
- Adjustable competition stocks exist for many popular models. They're less convenient if several family members share one gun.
- Try before you buy. Shoot a few guns. When the fit is right, it just feels right.
How Do We Buy a Shotgun in California?
A parent or guardian makes the purchase. California requires:
- A Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC), a background check and a 10-day waiting period for every firearm purchase. Check the California DOJ for current FSC requirements.
- Guns bought online or out of state must be shipped to a local licensed dealer (FFL). Contact the dealer first and expect transfer fees.
- Ammunition purchases also require a background check and a small fee. Ammo ordered online must ship to a licensed vendor.
Used guns
Used guns are a great value. Look at local shops' consignment racks, the Calguns.net forums, and gun shows (all transfers still go through an FFL). Families often shop at Canyon Sports in Martinez and Turner's Outdoorsman. Know what you're looking for before you buy.
Please confirm current rules. California firearm and ammunition rules can change. Check the California DOJ for current Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) requirements and confirm current California rules with the California DOJ before you buy.
Earplugs, Ammunition and What to Wear
Earplugs or earmuffs?
Large earmuffs can get in the way of a proper cheek weld on the stock, so a good pair of in-ear plugs usually works best for shotgun. Younger children often like to wear both plugs and muffs when they're starting out.
Do we need to bring ammunition?
No. We provide ammunition in both 12 ga and 20 ga for all youth shooters, including those who bring their own shotgun. If you do bring shells, use target loads with size 8 or 9 birdshot. Hunting/game loads and steel shot usually aren't allowed.
- Target loads
- Size 8 or 9 birdshot
What should my child wear and bring?
- Eye and ear protection for everyone present, including parents and spectators
- Closed-toe shoes and a baseball cap
- No loose clothing or dangling jewelry
- Your own shotgun in a case, if you have one
- Water and sun protection for an afternoon outdoors