Sporting shotguns generally refer to over-and-under shotguns, specifically double-barreled shotguns, which are primarily designed for competitive shooting at clay targets - and not for hunting. On the one hand, special stocks are used for the precise repeatable sporting shot, such as shotguns with adjustable combs, which are not often used in hunting practice. On the other hand, the shotguns often have particularly long barrel sets, as these swing more pleasantly. For hunting, long barrels are a disadvantage in that they make the weapons heavier and less maneuverable. Additionally, sporting shotguns have wide ribbed barrels for quickly and accurately aiming at flying targets. In contrast to hunting shotguns, the rib and barrel connection rib are ventilated to allow for quick heat dissipation - this is important because significantly more shots are fired in sports than in hunting.
If a hunter participates in hunting trap or skeet competitions, they may not necessarily need a pure sporting shotgun. Here, a “normal” hunting shotgun may be completely sufficient. Moreover, in many hunting circles, semi-automatic shotguns are still frowned upon at skeet and trap ranges. Among hunters, semi-automatic shotguns are increasingly popular, especially for hunting crows, pigeons, and geese. However, at shooting ranges, traditional practice is still mostly done with over-and-under or side-by-side shotguns.
In sporting shotguns, the principle “The shooter shoots, the stock hits” is of even greater importance. Shotgun shooting is a competitive sport and therefore aimed at optimal sporting results. The shooter can only achieve this if they have an ideally tuned sporting device that they trust completely. Therefore, before purchasing a sporting shotgun, various models and types should be tried out, and professional advice should be sought. It is also advisable to test different models before acquiring the first personal sporting shotgun. This often leads to many questions for the hunter and sport shooter before the purchase, and they regularly search online for tips to find the perfect sporting shotgun.
Below, we present sporting shotguns that have proven themselves for sport shooters and hunters engaged in competitive shooting.
Antonio Zoli Kronos
The Kronos is the basic sporting shotgun from the Italian manufacturer Antonio Zoli. Technically, Zoli is said to have been inspired by prestigious English shotguns. This is reflected in the low-profile steel receiver and especially the Boss system lock. Both the trigger and the stock of the over-and-under shotgun have a slim shape that is intended to support handling and thus precision when aiming, shooting, and hitting.
Blaser F3
The Blaser F3 is a widely used over-and-under shotgun in both hunting and shooting sports. Blaser employs a single trigger system in the F3, where the trigger blade is infinitely adjustable in length, and the trigger has a very "dry characteristic". The Blaser IBS® anti-double system is designed to provide a high degree of safety by preventing the unintentional firing of a second shot.
Beretta Over-and-Under Shotgun 694 Sporting
The Beretta Over-and-Under Shotgun 694 Sporting is specifically designed for clay target shooting. The weapon offers very good coverage, strong breaking power, and improved shooting behavior for maximum hunting success. The wider receiver brings more mass to the center of balance and ensures a more stable swing behavior. The integrated balancer in the stock allows for individual adjustment to the personal shooting style. The shotgun can be smoothly brought to the shoulder and is highly precise.
Krieghoff K80
The K80 is an internationally recognized and highly regarded sporting shotgun from Krieghoff. It features an adjustable stock that adapts to the individual needs of the shooter, allowing the shooter and shotgun to become a precise unit. For this reason, the K-80 has many enthusiastic supporters worldwide - including among professional shooters.
Benelli Over-and-Under Shotgun 828U
High-quality over-and-under shotgun with steel shot capability for hunters and sport shooters. The shotgun impresses with its high balance, outstanding handling, and comfortable shooting feel. The stock is adjustable - the length can be adjusted from 345 to 385 mm in 10 mm increments. 40 different measurements in drop and cast. Automatic adjustment of the damping depending on the shot type. Removable trigger group. The shotgun has ejectors and a solid block lock.
Browning B525 Sporter One
The Browning B525 Sporter One over-and-under shotgun is adapted to the special requirements of shooting sports and has inherited the features of the B525 Game One. The shotgun features an automatic safety (Auto Safety System) and an Inflex™ II stock pad. The 10 mm wide and ventilated rib allows for quick and instinctive target acquisition.
Mercury Light Slug
The Light Slug is a simple over-and-under shotgun from the Frankonia private label Mercury. It is primarily intended to impress with its very favorable price-performance ratio and its ease of use. It is suitable for both hunting and use in shooting sports.
New and used sporting shotguns can be purchased either from the gunsmith / weapon dealer of your choice or online.
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