I joined the Texas A&M trap and Skeet team this year. I have shot skeet for years off of a wobbler but never competed. I currently use a Beretta 390 that I really like. Its an auto, synthetic. It feels good, and shoots great. However would I be better off getting a over/under or something different for shooting as a sport rather than just a hobby?

 

I'd say shoot whatever works for you. If the 390 works, run it.

It's the injun, not the arrow.

 

Yeah thats what I was thinking. But i havnt really shot a whole lot of higher end shotguns. I have a remington 870, a mossberg 500, and that baretta. I have put 300 rounds through that gun in a day without a single fail to fire. But if there is something better then that then i am all ears. Lol. I just got my Colt M4. 22 and have outfitted it all out. So now I am looking for another shotgun.

 

One I would suggest you give a look at is the Valmet. I have an early one and I have turned down some pretty high dollar Brownings for trade. But I'm a big guy at 6'4" and most shotguns are too short for me. The Valmet is near perfect for my size. It may or may not fit you. Mine has chrome lined barrels, selective trigger on the trigger, loaded chamber indicators, vent rib, double beaded sights, tang safety, selective ejectors,and I can have rifle barrels made to fit the action for a drilling style rifle. You can get into a new one for about a grand or sometimes you can find somebody asleep at a Texas gunshow and pick one up for about half that. I've seen them as cheap as $350.00 because the seller had no clue what he was selling. If you just wanna go reasonable on the money, the Ruger is not a bad shotgun in the over and under. If you want to go cheap, get an old Savage double barrel and have screw in chokes put in it. My brother has one like that and it REALLY came alive with the screw ins. But the most important part is the shotgun has to fit you. Get measured for the length of pull and have the stock fitted for you. It makes a world of difference.

Here's a decent deal on one if you want to spend this much. Mine is the engraved model otherwise looks very similar:
http://www.gunsinternational.com/3-B...BEA3A9ADA26191

 

Hmmm...Im a big guy as well at 6'5'' and still growing. That one does look nice but I like the synthetic over the wood. Keep um coming guys.

 

Most 'good' skeet guns and/or over and under's are anywhere from $1,200 and up... even past $20,000 in some cases.

I would personally look around and get a feel for everything you can get your hands on before you dish out the serious cash. I actually shoot an old 1970's Browning Superposed. Heck, used in decent condition... they are around $2,000