Trap and pigeon guns have a lot of commonality and are frequently difficult or impossible to sort with absolute finality. The trap gun must be designed for high volume shooting whereas the pigeon must withstand heavy loads. Often, the same design features will interchange. On average, trap guns may be stocked a little higher while pigeon guns are more likely to have a broad, flat rib and often have a higher grade of finish.

Both types are subject to considerable variation.