Skeet and trap shotgun??

[Roy68]

A lot of good info. IMO in order of importance;
1. Fit
2. Fit
3. Fit

If the gun doesn't fit him and his style then brand, model, and price don't make any difference. He'll shoot better with a $300 basic gun that fits him than a $5K specialty gun that doesn't.

Kind of like bows, if he can shoot several different models then he can make a better decision what fits him.

I wouldn't recommend a pump gun if his focus at this stage is primarily targets. A pump gun on the trap range will just hold him back. I would recommend an over/under, but again I like the balance and feel of the the O/U compared to an auto. Fit and feel. I shoot Ruger O/U's, most don't like them. Consequently I don't like the Browning's. The Ruger carries a lot of weight in the end of the barrels and is front end heavy and I prefer that. I've handled and shot some SKB's and like them. Beretta and Browning don't work for me.

Does he have a coach or belong to any type of club? If you belong to a club he should be able to shoot several different guns and see what he likes. A coach would also likely be able to offer advice on what may fit his style and form.

We think alike.

You reminded me that I have a Ruger Red label 20ga and that thing weighs a metric ton in the front end. I do take it to the field though because like all of them , they beg to be shot. My Citori is the worst fitting one I own. I got it on a trade in my favor (guy owed me $400 bucks and that is how he paid me) and hope it works for one of my 3 sons.

Sporting clays are by far my favorite and I think the most practical for keeping field shooting in practice. Target direction, variation of travel, obstructions and quick decision making are as close to hunting shots as it gets for firearms. I also really developed my ability to shoot with both eyes open shooting sporting clays.

The coaching thing is a good idea too. I would just vet the coach before

 

[elkbowkevin]

O/U with 28" barrel with chokes and ported,
a ported gun is a bit louder but I think one can get on 2nd target faster when shooting doubles at trap and especially with skeet at last station with an O/U with ports.
Back in about 94 I shot a regional shoot with a mosberg 83! The o'le trap guys were amazed that I would show up and shoot a $249 "field gun" at a regional trap shoot. I felt a little outa place like a redneck at a country club, but I tell you what, that thing threw some clay powdering patterns and I shot a 2-24's in 16 singles, and I went on later that day and shot a 25/22 at doubles trap.

 

[ben h]

Being left handed for years I shot a Beretta 686 onyx O/U because there are so few left handed auto makers. For trap or skeet, I'd definitely stick with the O/U. A few years back I finally broke down and bought a left handed Benelli Super Black Eagle 3.5" and use that for hunting exclusively; I love having the 3rd shot. I sure wish bows held their value like guns.

 

[Ironmerganser]

I shot completive in college. Pumps, O/U's, autos, etc. I was very partial to O/U's and really still am for shooting and hunting. However, for a truly functional, easy shooting, well balanced gun that is easy on the shoulder, you should really go with a gas operated semi auto. Find a good used Beretta A390 and you will have money left over to get the gun fitted to him, balanced and other extras you want. Will last forever and will treat him right.

 

[the big Mao]

I shot competitive skeet for years with Stoeger Condor Supremes with Briley ported chokes. Roy68 and the others have said it all though...fit, fit, fit...no matter how much you paid for it, if it's not fit-perfect, your scores will not be as high, period. and obviously, with a .410, you'll really have to work to get screw in chokes, but the rest are OK. And the 12-if you reload-allows light, low pressure loads you can work up yourself, so it offers the most versatility. A note on safety though: break action guns are preferred pretty much universally since they are very easy to determine if they're safe. An autoloader or pump, not so much. Of course, my first choice (if I had Bill Gates' money) would be a gun made for me by Dale Tate of Tate Gunmakers. I'd get Charles Lee to engrave it, and I could sell it to a Saudi Prince!