Help me start trap shooting!

G

Glock19Fan

New member
Hello.

Today was my first time trap shooting, and overall, I dont think I did too well, about 10 out of 25 clays.

I want to join the team, but I dont know where to start. I need a good shotgun (preferably no more than $250) an accurate load, and some tips on shooting.

Any help would be really appreciated!

Thanks!
 
well for the gun i recomend a rem 870. i usually just buy what is cheap and dont see much difference. all i can say for shooting tips is just practice, 10 isnt too bad for a first time.
 
I would go with a Remington 870. They are very reliable and can be had for little money. Mossberg also makes some nice shotguns.
 
An 870 would be a good start, then buy Bob Bristers Book "Shotgunning, the Art and Science" or "Score Better at Trap" by Misseldine. Either will get you started in the right direction with fewer mistakes along the way. Then By lots of ammo.

If trap is about all you really are going to shoot, spend the extra money and get a dedicated trap gun that is set up for the game. Maybe a used 870 TB or TC grade gun, or an older Browning BT99. Some can be had for under $400 at times.
 
Rem. 870, mossy 500 or a winchester 1300. The mossy is the cheapest at 200 bucks in most places and that means you will have more money to use on ammo and practice, but get what fits you the best! I can not stress how important fit is, you will be well off shouldering any gun in your price range that will take a mod. or full choke. We can offer opinions based on our experience BUT WE ARE NOT YOU. Find what fits.
 
trappin'

I would use 7 1/2 size shot Imp. mod or full choke. 10 ain't bad for a first time. good really. Whatever gun you get pattern it to see where it's really puttin the shot. as with every form of the shooting sports, practice, Practice, PRACTICE!
 
Don't worry about numbers, if you enjoyed yourself keep shooting. You will get better.

Think about some instruction from the local PRO. Most clubs have someone who can give you the basics and explain how to stand, where to pick up targets, loads, guns etc. While you are at it ask to try several different guns (DO NOT allow the guys with Perazzis and Krieghoffs to let you shoot their guns!!!) :D

Believe me, once you start shooting you will have more advice than you need, some of it actually usefull.
 
First, don't be ashamed of a 10 out of 25 on your first time out. I have taught many students to shoot trap and several have shoot 0 out of 25 and many less than 5. Maybe it is my instruction :p

I shot trap for several years with my 870 with a 28" barrel and fixed modified choke that I use for hunting. I shot singles, handicap and doubles. You also learn to run a pump gun through shooting doubles.

When I was averaging 21-23 consistently in singles, I decided to make the leap to a Trap gun. I went with a Browning over and under. My 870 is still my primary hunting gun.

My advice is get out there and shoot. Find someone who knows what they at talking about and have them give you help. Pay for good advice if necessary or you can afford it. Be careful, there is a lot of talkers out there that have marginal advice. Probably the two best pieces of advice I received were: "Wooden Stock, Wooden Head" and "Swing from your ankles". In other words, make sure to keep your head on the stock especially for bird cutting hard to your firing side. Secondly, when swing the shotgun, it is not an arm movement. Instead it is a full twist of the body. Finally, remember it is a very mental game. Keep focus and worry about executing the next shot perfectly . . . the one before and the one after don't matter.

Don't get hung up in the worrying about superior equipment, chokes, and add-ons to your gun until you can on the order of 80-90 out of 100. Get the fundamentals down. Especially in trap shooting, too many people think the equipment makes the shooter. Remember, Ping clubs don't make you a scratch golfer . . . but you do get high in style points. :D

As you get to be a better shooter and start thinking about upgrading, many shooter will let you try their gun. As the previous poster mentioned, don't try the Perazzis and Krieghoffs unless you have some serious money. Even if you can't buy them, they are fun to shoot.
 
I started shooting Trap years ago with an Ithaca 66 single shot 12 gauge. Used that for a year or two, moved up to a Browning Citori O/U for a year and finally settled on a Remington 870 Wingmaster. Was the best gun I ever owned and I bought another 2 or 3 870's Expresses after my first Wingmaster. I've owned a Mossberg 500 and now a Savage but none were as good as my 870 Wingmaster. I'd recommend full choke. Make sure the barrel has a vent rib and 2 bead sights are way better than a single bead at the end of the barrel. I recently wrote a letter to Remington telling them how much I enjoyed that gun and had done some math. Realized I had shot over 50,000+ shells thru the thing in five years. Never had a problem with it, never changed barrels. Cleaned it religiously after each use and it worked perfectly every time. As far as loads, I reloaded, used a Mec Jr. reloader and found a formula that I loved. Used ONLY Remington Premier shells, CCI primers, IMR 700X powder, Claybuster figure-8 wads, and 7&1/2 shot. You can get an 870 Express cheap, look around for a two bead vent rib barrel, find yourself a stock with a Monte Carlo cheak pad and have both pieces of the stock dipped in polyurathane a couple of times for a glass-like finish. You have a gun like no one else, will stand out at the range, work great, fit great, look great. I was shooting 9' sand 10's with the Ithaca, got into the teens with my Citori and my 870 got me shooting 23,24 pretty often. Would occasionally shoot a perfect 100 (but was humbled shooting with guys who've shot perfect 300's at matches...and better). With some practice, can be an awesome gun.
 
(DO NOT allow the guys with Perazzis and Krieghoffs to let you shoot their guns!!!)
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+1
I learned this when i shoot a krieghoff that was set up quite differently then my 870 20ga i hit with that krieghoff .410 then couldnt hit with my 870 stick with the gun you usually use. And dont be discouraged I hit 4 my first time. And today (my fourth time i hit 20) But some people are just really good when they first start. Rugerdude hit 19 on his first outing. Find a good coach and stick with his advice take criticisms from other people but not advice.
And if you want to get good get the book "How to be a champion in trap and skeet" by tom morton that book will give you the mental aspect you need to stay top notch.
 
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