Setting up Browning BPS for Trap?

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baddarryl

New member
Hi all. I am just beginning the game of Trap. I have shot clays recreationally off and on all of my life. As with many things I am discovering maybe I wasn't shown properly thus my inconsistency. I plan to develop on my own as much as I can and also hone in with some Club Trap meets. I have shot one before Covid and did OK.

I have read about fit and how to lead them etc. I have a Browning BPS 12 ga that I believe fits me better than any other. I bought a Bear Creek slip cover to raise the Comb specifically for Trap. I guess my question is how do I know how to raise it to get optimal fit for this game? I am 5"8" and 165 lbs give or take. It has several inserts to adjust height. Thanks
 

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Trap guns are typically designed to shoot high, about 70/30. To check that, you would go and shoot at a pattern board/plate (Some clubs use plate steel, others use a frame with big sheets of paper). Shoot for the center as you mount the gun and see where the pattern is. If you can't get the comb set up, then you will have to "cover" the bird as you pull the trigger - typically done with a flat shooting field version gun.
Not only will the pattern board show you where the pattern is in relation to high/low, it will also show you if it is hitting too far right or left or if it is centered.
 
are you hitting them hard now or chipping them? can you see what part of the target youre hitting, if its not a solid hit?
I guess im saying... if you've shot some already and things are clicking, you may not need to do any more fitting. rather just get consistent with time.
 
stuckinthe60s said:
are you hitting them hard now or chipping them? can you see what part of the target youre hitting, if its not a solid hit?
I guess im saying... if you've shot some already and things are clicking, you may not need to do any more fitting. rather just get consistent with time.
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Mostly hit them pretty solid but that is with my Red Label tossed relatively flat from my Champion Whirlybird. Totally different than Trap. I am thinking of getting a Wobbler for the Whirlybird.

I have only shot real Trap once and that was with my BPS. I think I got about 60% hits if I recall. I am going to pattern and set the comb to get the 70/30 as suggested.
 
Most will shoot a FULL choke, there are a few that shoot MOD. With screw in chokes, an Imp Mod choke , is my preference.

Talk to gunsmiths about stock fit. Find one knowledgeable in trap guns and have him "fit" the gun to you. Patterning yourself is possible. But, time consuming.

I shoot trap, skeet and clays with the same gun i hunt with, not a specialized trap gun. I consistently shoot 23 - 24 on trap. Factory guns are "fit" to an "average" person, of which MANY variables are averaged. IF you are far off of "average" fitting the gun WILL make an impact on shooting comfort and MAY impact scores.
 
Seedy Character said:
Most will shoot a FULL choke, there are a few that shoot MOD. With screw in chokes, an Imp Mod choke , is my preference.

Talk to gunsmiths about stock fit. Find one knowledgeable in trap guns and have him "fit" the gun to you. Patterning yourself is possible. But, time consuming.

I shoot trap, skeet and clays with the same gun i hunt with, not a specialized trap gun. I consistently shoot 23 - 24 on trap. Factory guns are "fit" to an "average" person, of which MANY variables are averaged. IF you are far off of "average" fitting the gun WILL make an impact on shooting comfort and MAY impact scores.
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Thank you. I am looking for someone local for that, both for myself and my daughter. Hopefully someone will turn up. Thank you.
 
70-30 is too high. go with 60-40. youre new at the game. your reaction time is slower than skilled shooters that shoot 70-30. by the time you see the target and establish lead, the target will be peaking....and with 70-30 itll fly over top and miss as the target starts down from gravity. 70-30 is for seasoned shooters that pop them as they are rising. figure out your leads and then switch to 7-30. fyi....ive been shooting 60-40 since 1985. it works just fine.
 
too bad you werent in s.e okla. id invite you out to my private range here in s.central mo and help you out free. then again, I got guys coming from tenn, ark, and colo to shoot here. might be worth your time and have fun while youre at it in oct.
 
stuckinthe60s said:
too bad you werent in s.e okla. id invite you out to my private range here in s.central mo and help you out free. then again, I got guys coming from tenn, ark, and colo to shoot here. might be worth your time and have fun while youre at it in oct.
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Wow that sounds fun! I am not sure if it's my my cards or not though! Lol!
 
stuckinthe60s said:
70-30 is too high. go with 60-40. youre new at the game. your reaction time is slower than skilled shooters that shoot 70-30. by the time you see the target and establish lead, the target will be peaking....and with 70-30 itll fly over top and miss as the target starts down from gravity. 70-30 is for seasoned shooters that pop them as they are rising. figure out your leads and then switch to 7-30. fyi....ive been shooting 60-40 since 1985. it works just fine.
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That's quite helpful. Thanks.
 
just remember, the game calls for you to hit them on the rise. if youre a shooter that prefers to wait until the target is motionless as it peaks, where you hit it by putting the front bead on it like a rifle shot, 50-50 is best.
btw...do your guns have center beads?
 
stuckinthe60s said:
just remember, the game calls for you to hit them on the rise. if youre a shooter that prefers to wait until the target is motionless as it peaks, where you hit it by putting the front bead on it like a rifle shot, 50-50 is best.
btw...do your guns have center beads?
Click to expand...
Just a front
 
before you go spending money on fit, have a smith properly install a center bead. that way you can align your bbl the same every time. without the aid of that center bead, it can change, causing your alignment to be off.
 
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