Getting into Clay sports

[chubakka]

Going to be moving to Woodland in the next couple of months. Saw that Yolo sportsman association was nearby. Always wanted to get into clay sports. Only shot a few informal times >10 years ago on BLM grounds and such, but really enjoyed it. Never been to a proper trap / skeet / SC range before. The goal is to develop this new hobby and hopefully get my wife into it later. However, quite the newbie.

Would appreciate any tips or advice.

I know there is a norcal skeet clinic, really wanted to go but its >2 hrs away in San Jose and I'm bad at long drives >1.5 hours ( I fall asleep at the wheel)

Was thinking of going to Yolo Sportsman Assoc. and just watching to see etiquette, etc. first.

Whats the best steps to learn for me?

[XVIga_Rob]

I've never shot there but they may offer lessons. Most clay ranges do. There are other ranges in the area as well. Quail Point in Zamora has a Sporting Clays course.

[xtra870]

Well first things first, trap skeet and sporting clays are all different. There are many write ups and articles online easily found with some Google-fu. There are many clubs set up around nor cal. I can name 10 in Stanislaus and merced county alone that all have trap fields while most have skeet fields too. There are 3 sporting clay set ups and I'm sure there are more where you are at.
Leagues are easy to find and while shooting at clubs you may be able to find some teams with open spots or start your own team.

As far as learning goes do you have a shotgun? Almost any shotgun that goes bang every time could be used. Preferably 28" barrel (may be required to be over 24" at certain ranges) with removable or adjustable chokes to be more versatile in different clay shooting.
The first time I shot skeet I was by myself at 18 years old with a 20ga 870 and walked up to the counter and asked about shooting skeet. From my experience all the old timers usually working the trap fields are more than happy to teach a young buck the ropes and are more excited to see your excitement about the sport than they are about running a 125 in league.

[Thefeeder]

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Have a shotgun, yolo does not rent, any shotgun with field stocks and a bead sight will do, removable choke tubes are a plus. A shell pouch (walmart) to hold your shells, eye and ear prtection, some target shells...go shoot

Ask what the range rules are and follow them, always be safe.
Take a few lessions if available...it will save you cases of shells, hundreds of clays and you will excel the learning cruve. What will take you months to figure out, an instructor will fix in an hour

Contrary to popular belief, 95% of the old farts with high end guns are nice guys and will be more then willing to show you how and what to do ....just be aware of what is called "information overload" , take some info and try to apply it...just say OK to the rest if your getting advice from everyone your shooting with to the point of total confusstion......good shooters don't always make good teachers...in time you will find someone that will mentor you and has some good teaching skills.

Skeet is the best place to start for the beginner. You take turns at the same shooting station so just follow the person in front of you. Trap does not allow fellow shooters to coach while other shooters are taking their turn like Skeet and is not as beginer friendly as far as learning the Basics in a systematic way


Have fun...if you have any question your welcome to PM me.

[chubakka]

Thanks for the replies guys.

[CK_32]

If you can get lessons, that's usually a good way to start.

But when you first learn clays, be sure to try your hand at trap, sporting clays and 5 stand. Get a taste of all 3, I thought I loved trap until I tried sporting clays, they I thought I loved sporting clays until I tried 5 stand. Now I bounce between 5 stand as sporting clays. Mostly 5 stand.

3 totally different animals. GL and happy shooting!

[CK_32]

Oh also!



Don't get sucked into the money trap. For the most part a shotgun is a shotgun is a shotgun. The shooter is where it counts.

When I first got into it I was ready to blow thousands on specific high end O/U's to fit in and keep up. But a buddy of mine made me stick with my pump and learn the basics. I'm glad I did. I still use my 870 pump over my semi guns and don't really have a need for a O/U at the moment.

So don't go getting sucked in and thinking you need/have to have a fancy pants O/U like most people (myself included) do.

[chubakka]

^^ Eeks. Hope I didn't go too far with a Beretta a400. A friend of mine in Tennessee (where he calls "God's Country") loved his beretta 390 and recommended whatever replaced it.

[Too Swole]

I think the A400 is a sweet gun...nice choice!

[Bill Steele]

God forsaken probably more like it.

The A400 will work great.

Finding an instructor will be money well spent.

The A400 has shims to allow you to adjust the fit to your frame. There are a ton of YouTube videos on proper shotgun mount and how to determine fit. If you are handy and patient, you can get that gun pretty close fit wise with a few simple tools (Phillips, Torx and a deep well socket). If you are not handy, maybe have your instructor point you to a competent smith to get the adjustments done, after you learn the proper mount.

[Jules]

Coon Creek over in Lincoln isn't too far from you, and I know they have both trap and sporting clays, and good people there. It's been a year since I shot there, but I think I remember seeing a card for lessons posted somewhere around there, so that might be another good place to start. Good call on the A400. I shoot 391s and love them.

[ysr_racer]

An A300 is the best value out there.

[XVIga_Rob]

If you don't mind a little bit of a drive, about an hour roughly. You could drive up to Auburn, to the Auburn Trap Club. If you call ahead of time, you can schedule a free lesson.

[winetoad]

Most clubs are more than willing to help out a new shooter. Just go and enjoy.

[chubakka]

If you don't mind a little bit of a drive, about an hour roughly. You could drive up to Auburn, to the Auburn Trap Club. If you call ahead of time, you can schedule a free lesson.

That would be awesome.


Lots of good suggestions here, thanks again !