02-Oct-2026
Skeet rewards a gun that gets out of the way. The targets are quick, the angles change from station to station, and the whole discipline is about a smooth, repeatable mount rather than a hard-hitting pattern at distance. That is why the best skeet shotguns are rarely the heaviest or most heavily choked guns in the rack. They are the ones that move easily, point naturally, and stay out of your head for twenty-five targets running.
If you are searching for the best skeet shotguns in the UK, the good news is that the second-hand market is deep. Italian and Japanese over-unders dominate every skeet layout in the country, and a well-looked-after example from a respected maker will hold its value far better than most people expect. This guide sorts the field by budget tier rather than by price, so you can see what each step up actually buys you.
What makes a good skeet gun?
Before comparing models, it helps to know what you are shopping for. Skeet guns tend to share a handful of traits. Barrels are usually on the shorter side of the clay-gun range, which keeps the gun lively between stations. Chokes are open, because every target is presented at close to medium range. Balance is generally neutral or a touch forward, so the gun swings smoothly without wanting to stop. A comfortable, consistent stock fit matters more here than in almost any other clay discipline, because you are mounting from a low gun position on every single target.
Weight is a matter of personal preference, but most shooters find that a gun that is too light bounces around under repeated use, while one that is too heavy tires the arms by the end of a long round. Try before you buy wherever you can, and have a gunfitter check length of pull and drop if you are spending serious money.
Browse: Beretta over-unders · Browning B525 · Miroku MK38 · Perazzi shotguns · Krieghoff K-80
Entry-level and value skeet guns
The entry tier is where most newcomers should start, and it is where the second-hand market earns its keep. A used over-under from a major maker will usually outshoot and outlast a brand-new gun from a lesser name at the same outlay.
The Beretta 682 is a long-standing favourite at clay grounds across the UK, with a reputation for reliability and a huge pool of used examples to choose from. The Beretta 686 and 687 families sit close by, and are often sold in skeet or sporting configurations with open chokes and a balance that suits the discipline. On the Browning side, the B525 offers a well-made, honestly priced over-under that suits shooters who want a gun they can grow with, while the older Browning Citori remains a common sight on skeet fields.
Semi-autos have a place here too. A gas-operated gun such as the Remington 1100 has long been a familiar sight on skeet fields, and the softer recoil is welcome over a long session, though over-unders are simpler to check and clear. Check what your ground and competition rules allow before you buy.
At this level, the sensible approach is to prioritise condition, a stock that fits, and a gun that cycles and ejects reliably. Cosmetic wear is far less important than sound mechanics.
Browse: Beretta 682 · Beretta 686 · Beretta 687 · Browning Citori · Remington 1100
Mid-range skeet guns: Where the gains become noticeable
Step up a tier and you start to feel the difference in finish, balance, and long-term durability. This is where many committed skeet shooters settle, and where the choice often comes down to which gun feels best in your hands.
The Beretta 692 and 694 are popular here, with the 694 appearing regularly in skeet specification. The Beretta DT10 is a step further again, a purpose-built competition platform that is common on the competition scene and well regarded for its handling. Browning’s B725 builds on the B525 with a more refined feel, and the Miroku MK38 has a loyal following among shooters who value a solid, dependable Japanese gun that tends to age gracefully.
If you shoot skeet most weeks, this tier is usually the sweet spot. You are paying for a gun that stays tight, patterns consistently, and feels better after a thousand rounds than it did on day one, rather than for a badge.
Browse: Beretta 692 · Beretta 694 · Beretta DT10 · Browning B725 · Miroku MK38
Premium and competition-grade skeet guns
At the top of the market, the conversation shifts from “good enough” to “built around the shooter”. Guns at this level are typically offered with adjustable stocks or a high degree of customisation, tighter manufacturing tolerances, and the sort of resale reputation that makes them sound long-term holdings.
The Beretta DT11 is a natural next step from the DT10 for competitive shooters, and Perazzi’s MX8 remains one of the most recognisable names in the clay world, with a following that stretches across every clay discipline. Krieghoff’s K-80 is another long-standing competition benchmark, built to be shot at volume and maintained for decades. Kemen’s KM4 also has its admirers among shooters who want something a little different from the more familiar Italian and German names.
None of these is essential to shoot good skeet. If you are not yet shooting at a level where the gun is the limiting factor, the tier below will serve you well. But if you are chasing marginal gains, or simply want a gun you will never outgrow, this is where to look.
Browse: Beretta DT11 · Perazzi MX8 · Krieghoff K-80 · Kemen KM4 · Caesar Guerini Summit
How to buy a second-hand skeet gun with confidence
Most skeet guns change hands on the used market, so it pays to know what to look for. Check that the action closes crisply and that the barrels lock up without play. Look at the forend iron, the hinge area, and the chokes, and be wary of anything that has been heavily refinished or has obviously uneven wear. Ask about round count and service history.
Fit is just as important as mechanical condition. A gun that does not fit will cost you targets no matter how good it is, so budget for a gunfitting session or a stock adjustment if needed. Finally, buy from a seller you trust and take the time to handle the gun, ideally with a few rounds down the range, before committing. Rightgun.uk makes it easy to compare listings from dealers and private sellers side by side, which is a good way to get a feel for what fair value looks like.
Browse: Perazzi shotguns · Beretta shotguns · Miroku shotguns · Browning shotguns · SKB shotguns
Frequently asked questions
What is the best shotgun for a beginner at skeet? A used, well-maintained over-under from a major maker such as Beretta or Browning is the usual recommendation. Prioritise fit and reliability over name and extras, and get advice from your local coach or ground before you buy.
Is a sporting gun the same as a skeet gun? Not exactly. Many sporting guns are perfectly capable skeet guns, but dedicated skeet guns tend to have shorter barrels and more open chokes. If you shoot several clay disciplines, a good sporting gun is often the sensible compromise.
Should I buy new or second-hand? Both work. The used market usually offers the best value for money, particularly for well-known models, while a new gun gives you a warranty and the chance to specify fit from the outset.
Do I need a different gun for skeet and trap? Many people shoot both with a single over-under, but trap guns are commonly set up with tighter chokes and a different point of impact, so dedicated guns can give a small edge if you take either discipline seriously.
Browse: Beretta DT10 · Browning B725 · Miroku shotguns · Perazzi MX8 · Beretta 694
Whether you are looking for a first over-under or planning a serious step up in quality, Rightgun.uk is the place to compare. Browse the latest shotguns for sale from UK dealers and private sellers, narrow by make and model, and get a clear picture of what the market looks like before you commit. If you are upgrading, you can also list your current gun and reach buyers who are already searching for exactly what you own.
Further reading: Trap vs skeet vs sporting clays, Best trap shotguns in the UK by budget, Best over-under shotguns in the UK by budget, Best shotgun cartridges for clay shooting in the UK and Miroku shotguns: a UK buyer’s guide.
