Top 5 best trap shooting shotguns of 2026

Trap shooting is a basic game but picking the right shotgun for trap shooting can be very difficult, especially for first-time buyers, when you have a lot of options in the market. You walk into any Canadian gun store and you’ll see dozens of options, all promising to break more clays. The truth is, most shooters don’t need a $10,000 competition gun. They just need the right fit, the right barrel length, and a brand they can trust.

In this blog post we will give you the top 5 trap shooting shotgun options of 2026. We focused on Canadian shooters, real range performance, and honest value. Whether you’re new to the sport or upgrading your trap shooting equipment, we cover what actually matters.

We tested across price points from beginner-friendly over-and-unders to high-end trap shooting guns for serious competition shooters. You’ll see shotguns for trap shooting that fit different budgets and skill levels. By the end, you’ll know the best shotgun for trap shooting that fits your goals, and where to buy it in Canada.

What is trap shooting?

Trap shooting is a clay target sport where shooters break flying clay discs called “clay pigeons.” The clays launch from a low bunker called a “trap house,” which sits about 16 yards in front of the shooter. Each clay flies away from you at a slightly different angle, so you never know exactly where the next one will go.

A standard round of trap is 25 targets. Five shooters usually take turns at five different stations, shooting five shots from each spot. The goal is simple: hit as many clays as you can. Miss too many, and you lose. Hit them all, and you might end up in a shoot-off with the other perfect scores.

The sport started in the 1800s as practice for live bird hunters, but it has grown into one of the most popular shooting disciplines in Canada and around the world. You’ll find trap clubs in nearly every Canadian province, and the sport is part of the Olympic Games.

What Makes a Shotgun “Good” for Trap Shooting?

Not every shotgun works well for trap shooting. The sport puts targets in the air at specific angles and distances, so the right gun gives you a real edge.

Here’s what actually matters when you’re picking one out:

Barrel length

Most trap shooters go with a 30-inch barrel, and for good reason. Longer barrels give you a smoother swing, which helps you track rising clays without jerking the gun. They also stretch out your sight line, so aiming feels more natural. You can find 32″ and 34″ trap barrels too, but 30″ hits the sweet spot for new and intermediate shooters in Canada since it is easy to handle, accurate, and not too heavy on cold mornings at the range.

Action types

Trap shooters mostly stick to three action types. Over/unders give you two quick shots, clean ejection, and rock-solid reliability which is why you’ll see them everywhere on the trap line. Semi-autos use gas or inertia to soak up recoil, making them easier on your shoulder during long sessions. Single-barrel trap guns hold one shell at a time, but they shoot smooth and feel built for the sport. 

Weight, balance, and how they tame recoil

Trap shotguns weigh more than hunting shotguns on purpose. A gun that sits between 7.5 and 9 pounds soaks up recoil and keeps your swing steady. Balance matters too. A well-balanced trap gun feels like it floats between your hands, not nose-heavy or butt-heavy. After 100 rounds, you’ll feel the difference: a heavier, balanced gun keeps your shoulder fresh and your shots consistent.

High rib and Monte Carlo stocks what they actually do

Trap targets rise as they fly away from you. To match that, trap guns come with a high rib (the metal strip on top of the barrel) and a Monte Carlo stock (a stock with a raised, flat comb). Together, these features push your eye higher above the barrel. That means you can keep the clay in full view instead of hiding it behind the gun. Once you shoot a Monte Carlo stock, going back feels strange.

Adjustable combs

Gun fit beats brand name every time. The comb is the top part of the stock where your cheek rests. If it sits too low or too high, your eye won’t line up with the rib, and you’ll miss high or low without knowing why. An adjustable comb lets you tune the fit to your face and shooting stance. Many mid-range and premium trap shotguns now come with this feature and once you set it right, your scores almost always go up.

Trap Shotgun Laws in Canada: What Every Shooter Must Know Before Buying?

Before you buy a trap shotgun in Canada, you need to know the rules. Canadian firearms law is strict, but trap shooting is one of the easiest disciplines to get into legally. Most trap shotguns fall into the simplest license category, so the path forward is clearer than people think.

PAL vs RPAL which license you need for trap shotguns

To own a trap shotgun in Canada, you need a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL). Most trap shotguns, including over/unders, semi-autos, and single-barrel models are non-restricted, so a standard PAL covers them. You don’t need an RPAL (the restricted license) for trap shooting. To get your PAL, you take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course, pass a written and practical test with at least 80%, and submit your application to the RCMP. The whole process usually takes a few months, so plan ahead.

Are over/unders and semi-autos non-restricted in Canada?

Yes, almost all trap-style over/unders and semi-autos are non-restricted in Canada. The classification depends on barrel length and overall length, not the action type. As long as the barrel is 18.5 inches or longer and the gun’s total length stays above 26 inches, you’re in the non-restricted category. Trap shotguns easily clear both marks since their barrels run 28 to 34 inches. That keeps the rules simple for trap shooters compared to handgun or AR-15 owners.

Authorization to Transport (ATT) rules and trip-to-the-range logistics

Good news here too. Non-restricted trap shotguns don’t need an ATT to move them around. You can drive your gun from home to the range, to a gunsmith, or to a friend’s property without filing extra paperwork. That said, the gun must travel unloaded and stored properly. Most shooters use a hard or soft case with a trigger lock or cable lock. Keep your ammo separate from the gun while in transit. 

Storage and provincial differences (ON, AB, BC, QC)

Federal law says non-restricted shotguns must be stored unloaded, with a trigger lock, cable lock, or locked in a cabinet, gun safe, or room. That rule applies coast to coast. Provinces add their own twists, though. Quebec requires you to register all non-restricted firearms in a provincial database. Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia don’t have a provincial registry, but each has its own rules around hunting season transport and range use. Always check your provincial Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) page before buying a quick read can save you a fine.

The 5 Best Trap Shooting Shotguns of 2026 Ranked & Reviewed By Our Professionals

We tested, researched, and ranked these five trap shotguns based on real Canadian range performance, build quality, value for money, and how easy they are to actually buy in Canada. Each gun on this list earned its spot, and we kept the picks honest, not hyped.

Here’s what made the cut for 2026:

Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I Sporting

The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I is the gold standard for serious trap shooters in Canada. Beretta has built this platform for decades, and shooters all over the world trust it for one reason it just works. The low-profile receiver puts your hands close to the bore, which makes pointing feel natural and quick. The barrels swing smoothly between targets, and the trigger breaks cleanly every time.

This shotgun fits shooters who want a gun for life. It handles thousands of rounds a year without complaints, and Beretta’s parts and service are easy to find in Canada. The walnut stock and engraved silver receiver also look stunning on the line, a real bonus when you’re surrounded by other shooters.

Revolution Armory Elite K18S Trap 12ga

The Revolution Armory Elite K18S Trap is one of the most underrated trap guns on the Canadian market right now. It’s purpose-built for traps, with the high rib, longer barrels, and trap-style stock that you’d usually pay double for. The extractor system keeps things simple and reliable, and the build quality holds up well after long range sessions.

What we love most is the value. You get real trap-specific features without crossing into Beretta or Browning territory. New shooters who plan to stick with the sport will grow into this gun, not out of it. It also comes from a brand that’s actually distributed in Canada, so support and parts aren’t a headache.

Canuck Over-Under 12ga 30″

The Canuck Over-Under has earned a strong following with Canadian shooters, and for good reason. It hits a price point that makes trap shooting feel accessible without cutting corners on build quality. The 30″ barrels swing well for clays, the walnut stock looks sharp, and the action stays tight even after heavy use. For a shooter buying their first dedicated trap gun, this is a smart, no-stress choice.

Canuck designs its shotguns with Canadian shooters in mind, which means the inventory stays steady and parts are easy to source. You won’t get the hand-fit feel of a $4,000 Italian gun, but you’ll get a reliable trap-ready shotgun that breaks targets and lasts. Plenty of club shooters keep one of these as a backup gun even after they upgrade.

Federation Firearms Over-Under 12ga 28″

If you’re brand new to trap shooting and want a real over/under without spending more than a thousand dollars, the Federation Firearms Over-Under is hard to beat. It comes in 12-gauge with 28″ barrels, available in classic black or silver finishes. The build is straightforward, the action breaks open cleanly, and it handles standard 2 ¾” trap loads with no issues.

This gun won’t win national championships, and it’s not pretending to. It’s an honest, working shotgun that gives new shooters a real over/under experience at an entry-level price. Many Canadian shooters start here, learn the basics, and either keep it as a starter or trade up after a season or two. Either way, it’s a solid first step into the sport.

Browning BT-99

The Browning BT-99 is a legend in the trap world. It’s a single-barrel break-action gun built from the ground up for one purpose, breaking clays. Because it carries only one shell at a time, every shot counts, and that focus changes how you approach the line. The high rib, Monte Carlo stock, and long 32″ or 34″ barrel give you everything a trap shooter needs to point high and shoot straight.

The BT-99 isn’t for everyone. If you also shoot skeet or sporting clays, an over/under makes more sense. But if you’re a pure trap shooter who wants the cleanest, most purpose-built feel on the line, this gun delivers. It’s also a workhorse, many shooters report breaking 50,000+ targets with theirs and the gun still runs strong.

Final Thoughts

Trap shooting is one of the most rewarding clay sports out there. It builds focus, sharpens your reflexes, and gives you a reason to spend more time outside with friends. The right shotgun makes all the difference, not the most expensive one, but the one that fits you, matches your goals, and feels right in your hands.

If you’re ready to buy a trap shotgun in Canada, we’ve got you covered at Victory Ridge Sports. We carry a wide range of trap shooting shotguns, from beginner-friendly over-and-unders to trap-specific competition models. Every firearm we sell goes through proper PAL verification, and we ship across Canada at the lowest rates we can offer.  Our team knows trap guns inside and out. We can help you pick the right shotgun, find the right ammo, and grab the trap shooting equipment you need to break more clays. Whether you’re shopping online or visiting our showroom in person, you’ll get honest advice from real shooters not pushy sales talk.

Ready to find your next trap shotgun? Browse our full shotgun selection at victoryridgesports.ca or stop by our Barrie store. We’ll help you find the best shotgun for trap shooting that fits your budget, skill level, and goals, and we’ll back it with the kind of service you’d expect from fellow shooters.