Considering a Dedicated Sporting Clays Gun

Check these out. Owned by a buddy of mine, and they are local (I think you're in the DC area).

http://www.tferneyfirearms.com/

Let me know if you are interested in any. I had a chance to see his entire lineup last weekend, and they are very impressive.

 

CW, Having shot registered Skeet for the past 28 years with a little NSCA Clays and ATA Trap as well, it all comes down to Krieghoff, Perazzi and or Beretta. I now shoot a an older K-32 Krieghoff, it happens to be Monte Carlo grade which is a work of art. However, even though the 32s are considered old they have pretty much the same features that K-80s do with the exception of the trigger group which can be upgraded to K-80 guts along as the serial number is above 3000. Yes the K-80s have a more hardened receiver, yet I have not seen a 32 ever wear out. The K-32s are half the cost of a new K-80 and either gun is designed to be shot of 100s of thousands of times reliably. The K-80 is the most popular shotgun in the competitive Skeet for a reason. Any 32 or K-80 barrel can be fitted easily, in fact I'm in the process of adding a 34 inch unsingle to shoot trap with. I shot a Beretta 687EELL for 15 years, it's great gun, very relaible and so on but the Krieghoff is like driving an older Benz, solid and crisp and you know you are shooting a top quality shotgun. Check out www.halkguns.com and guns international, you won't be disappointed.

 

I shot trap with my Rem 3200 many years ago. Also had a Citori when they first came out (trap grade) My gun club has closed, due to lead abatement. Miramar Gun Club was a great place, while it lasted. Orange Coast Gun Club met the same fate...

 

Here's one to avoid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uJouw9uh84

 

Tony Galazan who owns and operates CSMC I understand makes a great shotgun. Having one made will not be inexpensive. If you are thinking about it having one made you should ask yourself what kind of shotgun shooting are going to do. If you're going to shoot clay tagets there are much better guns to buy, Krieghoff, Perazzi, Beretta. If you think you are going to hunt upland game and want something bespoke and very special then CSMC would be great way to go. Just a thought however, from an investment standpoint you may want consider other options. Before you make your decision check out Griggin and Howe, Robin Hollow Fine Arms, Ivory Beads and Steve Barnett Fine Guns. Also read a great new book called Fine Shotguns by John Taylor is a must before making any decisions.

 

CW, the Beretta DT-10 is a very reliable gun. I own a 687EELL that I've shot for 15 years, I just happen to like the feel of the Krieghoff much more. Dollar for dollar the Beretta is the most reliable and best shotgun for the money. I'm big on the K-32s Krieghoffs because they are equally as well made and you can find older highly engraved models for a 1/4 or less of the price of a engraved K-80. By the way check out Cabelas gun library as well for shotguns. I'm actually selling my 687 to fund an unsingle trap barrel for my 32 Monte Carlo. By the way, make sure you get a gun with a stock that fits. It took me 20 years to figure that out.

 

CW, for that amount of money I think I would make a day trip or even tie it into an overnighter to find someone that carries what you are looking at. (if possible)

 

I'm not a pro clay shooter but have a bit of experience, I have shot everything from perazzi to Beretta to kemen to kreighoff, all beautiful guns and you can feel the craftsmanship, however what do I shoot with week in week out? My first shotgun a browning citori. I have done a few mods like porting and adjustable stock and it fits me like a glove. Throughout my years of shooting clays, ducks, quails & rabbits the most important thing is that the gun fits you properly. All the best with your new gun

 

You certainly can't go wrong with a DT-10 but if you'd like to try before you buy a trip to a Major NSCA shoot might be an idea. Although its several months away from time for the big tournaments to get going you can shoot just about all the top tier guns at the Nationals, U.S. Open or a big state shoot.

One other gun not mentioned that has a small but loyal following is Kolar. They are in the same kind of retail price range as a DT-10 and are a lovely gun.

I'm a clays shooter, Angle Port 390, but have friends that shoot K-80s- Perazzi - Kolar - Beretta etc.. End of the day try to shoot it before you buy it and buy what you like to shoot.

 

CW, you won't be dis-appointed. Were you able to find stock that fits?

 

CW, weigh the gun on a postal scale. My Krieghoff weighs 10.5 pounds and I'm going to add a 1/2 pound to front for more balance. Where I'm going with this, is more weight less recoil, try a recoil reducer in the stock. Since I shoot mainly NSSA Skeet, I like a heavy gun for an easy smooth swing. Recoil isn't an issue, however after doubles and then shooting the 12ga the first thing next morning, I'm happy the gun doesn't beat me up. If you go to larger Sporting Clays Event you may find the Country Gentleman, he's a great gun fitter and worth the price.
Good Luck

 

New gun, new stock, new feel. It has always taken me a season to really get comfortable with a new shotgun. Just how you mount the gun should be natural and consistent. This takes time and a lot of shooting. Do yourself a favor, google shotgun fit, it will explain a lot as to what you should be seeing when mounting the gun. Anytime I take my competition gun out of the safe I always bring it up as an exercise to make sure before I mount it properly when I get to range. You can even practice that, which I will at times, just so it feels correct everytime. The last thing you want to think about just before pulling the trigger is did I mount the gun correctly. You should have one thing on your mind and in your sight, the target! Continued success with your DT-10.

 

That's great!!

I bought a Beretta 687 EELL recently and am very pleased at the increase in my scores.
Get your barrels Angle-Ported and that will help a lot with the "jump".

Mine have been ported, back-bored and had the forcing-cones lengthened.
I just won my class at a registered Skeet Shoot this month!!

Looking to have more success at some NSCA events as well.

Post some pics when you can.