CleanSump
Site Donor 2026
I have a 20 gauge O/U that I shoot sporting clays with sometimes. It's light and handles fast. But, recoil isn't really reduced going to 20 gauge as the guns are lighter too. I found, and others at my club have found, going to a gas gun, like an 1100, with a good recoil pad is better than dropping to a 20.I have a Browning BPS 12 gauge and love it for the bottom shell discharge but like you say, the 12 g kick is not pleasant at 68yo. Local shop also had a Browning BPS in 20 gauge that my son talked me out of getting, saying it’s not a real shotgun and I didn’t want to get into it at the store. Wish I had it instead of the 12G. Might get a single shot 20 gauge for clays. Would love a 20G over/under if they make such a gun.
New recreational clay shooter here. Wish I had gotten into it years ago. Not competition, just my son and I flinging clays using a Caldwell claymore thrower at a state shotgun range)
My #1 girl (adopted daughter) is a slight framed, 5' 4" 110 lb soaking wet Asian girl. She averages 23 - 24 in Trap using standard 1 1/8 oz target loads in an 1100. I put a Kick-eez pad on it.
Good fit of stock to shooter is important too.
Gas operated, not recoil operated.