Im fairly new to sporting clays and bought a slightly used in the box Beretta pintail freinds of the NRA addition 12 ga. I have been using the improved cylinder choke and usually break 30-38 birds out of 50. I know people with over unders who use different chokes in each barrel, To you semi shooters, if you could use one choke for sporting clays which would it be? Improved cylinder, mod, skeet, ect. Is skeet a more open pattern that imp cylinder?

I've never really shot "sporting clays", but used to love to shoot trap years ago; always used a 'pump' though as well. My Dad used to belong to a club where he worked, as well as having our own clay throwers of different types. We used to shoot off the back of a sailboat a lot too when out sailing for fun, ha ha.
To me, if I was hitting them solid right quick out of the trower I used the Imp., but often used the Modified depending. I still do the same thing when Quail hunting out here.
I've never shot skeet either, and don't have a "skeet choke" to comment on.
Sorry I'm not much help, but I would imagine others with experience where you go would help you out if asked..?
Good luck to you.

quote:

Is skeet a more open pattern that imp cylinder?

OK, read the WHOLE FREEGIN' ARTICLE --

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shotgun

"Shot"

"Pattern & Choke"

Also, you need to know where your gun is patterning--

Some guns shoot 50/50% on top of the bead.

Some guns shoot 60/40% above the bead.

Some shoot 70/30% above the bead.

30" is the "patterning circle" -- You can "pattern" at 16 yds. 60 yds. -- But you should know where/how your gun patterns, at which choke, shot size, Dram Equiv. -- etc.

At 50 yds -- standard trap shoot distance -- the difference in "pattern" between "full" and "skeet" is 8" more or less. (Have a close look at the Wikipedia article.)

Variables include shot size, distance, load (dram equiv.) choke.

The more arcane variables include comb height, pull length, rib config., POI/POA set up.

Rifle stuff is pretty staightforward. Shotgun stuff is pretty dynamic.

thanks, that gave me alot of info

Hello,

A skeet choke is more open than IC. A lot of guys use skeet chokes for sporting clays but my shotgun never came with one so I started out with IC then progressed to modified. I currently use the Briley Light Modified which I find is a happy medium and excellent for ducks/geese.

For trap most guys use modified since the birds are 30 yards out.

Hope this helps,

quote:

Originally posted by beretta96:
Hello,

A skeet choke is more open than IC. A lot of guys use skeet chokes for sporting clays but my shotgun never came with one so I started out with IC then progressed to modified. I currently use the Briley Light Modified which I find is a happy medium and excellent for ducks/geese.

For trap most guys use modified since the birds are 30 yards out.

Hope this helps,

25 yds past the trap house, which is 16 yds at the front line.

I still use skeet and Imp Cyl. #8 shot, 7/8 oz.

Ben you aren;t shooting too bad percentagges, given you have just started shooting sporting. If you are int he 60-75% bracket you need to start focusing on the small stuff to take yuor scores to the next level.

Regarding Chokes take a look at the layout you shoot. If there are a number of edge on clays then the tighter chokes like Half, and three quarter, (*** & ** markings) will help you pick up some extra clays. I tend to find that you will also be a little more focused on the target, and if you avoid the tendancy to "rifle shoot" the gun when you think too much about the choke then you will get more and better kills.

Take a look at Mike Yardleys Positive shooting DVD. And his new book on Natural shooting techniques. It has put a real boost on my competetive shooting and upped my scores by another 8-10% on average. I anticipate getting back into A class within months if I keep up the practice.

The is a lot of clutter given to new shooters in the form of freindly advice, but nothing will benefit scores more than good technique and a clear mind.

George Digweed has a new double DVD out too one of which focuses on technique while the other looks at mental preparation for a shoot ( I believe although I have yet to see it).

I'm going to talk to Gunrunner to see if I can get a copy this week.

Rgds,
FB

I/C choke, number 8 hard magnum shot, 1200fps