Walk the line at almost any trap club in Southern Ontario and you will see a BT-99. It is a legendary trap gun and one of the most common recommendations for anyone getting serious about the discipline. Here is why.
Built for one job
The BT-99 is a single-barrel, break-action shotgun made specifically for trap. With one barrel and no second shot, it is aimed squarely at singles and handicap — the heart of American trap — and its high rib and trap-style stock are set up to shoot the rising targets of the discipline with a little built-in lift.
That focus is exactly what makes it a strong first gun: there is less to think about and less to go wrong.
What shooters like about it
A reputation for reliability over many tens of thousands of rounds, a simple action that is easy to clean and maintain, and a long history that means parts, service and advice are easy to find.
Many versions offer adjustable combs and adjustable point of impact, so the gun can grow with you as your mount and hold points develop.
What to consider
A single-barrel gun cannot shoot doubles, so if you plan to shoot doubles trap, skeet or sporting clays you will eventually want an over-and-under or a combination set. Fit matters more than any model name: shoulder a few guns at your club, and if you can, have the comb and length of pull checked before you commit.
Finishing the setup
A first trap gun deserves a first proper kit: a shell pouch that holds a box of 25 for a full round, a vest with a full-length shoulder pad for a consistent mount, and a range bag to carry your shells, glasses and ear protection from the truck to the line.
From the atelier
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