Trap for New Beginner

[cz74]

Shot single trap for the very first time couple weeks ago with my new CZ-Drake over under. The Aguila 12-gauge 2-3/4 Target Shotshells were very mild recoil and good stuff for me. My score was 10 out of 25. My local range has a weird rule I can only load one barrel per clay, I bumped the barrel switch unintentionally couple times to cause me to click no bang. I found that if I cover both barrels over the clay I get hit, but if I aim the white bead I shoot under it. Appreciate any feedback to help me improve, thanks!

[ceh383]

Trap targets are rising targets. When shooting a flat shooting gun covering a rising target is how you break it. Trap specific guns generally are set to shoot high for the rising targets.
Sounds like your gun is flat, 50/50, 50% above the point of aim, 50% below the point of aim. A Trap specific gun will shoot closer to 70/30, 70% above point of aim, 30% below point of aim.
If you don't want to cover the target, you will need to raise the comb.

[fish45]

1 loaded round per clay is common. It’s a little annoying but it’s their house so their rules.

Next time you go ask someone about leads. Ballpark starting point for leads have your initial “aiming” point 1 yard left of the house on station 1, roughly the left corner of the house on station 2, middle of the house for station 3, right corner for station 4, 1 yard right of the right corner for station 5.

Focus on the bird. If you’re focusing on your sights and aiming at a moving target you’re already behind it. You’ll have to lead (aim slightly in front of) the bird a little bit.

It’ll take a while to get the gist, but if you have removable chokes see what you have in them. Modified is a good starting point for a new shooter. Try modified for a few rounds and try full for a few rounds and see if you notice a difference.

[JagerDog]

Trap targets are rising targets. When shooting a flat shooting gun covering a rising target is how you break it. Trap specific guns generally are set to shoot high for the rising targets.
Sounds like your gun is flat, 50/50, 50% above the point of aim, 50% below the point of aim. A Trap specific gun will shoot closer to 70/30, 70% above point of aim, 30% below point of aim.
If you don't want to cover the target, you will need to raise the comb.

^^^^this

And yes, it's typical to only allow one barrel to be loaded. Helps prevent people from having accidents with "unloaded" guns.

If you have a full squad, there's a considerable period to eject your empty and get a new round ready before it's your turn again. You MAY be able to chamber your new round, but don't close your action until it's your turn.

Wobble trap allows a "2nd chance", so you can load 2. Obviously trap doubles allow it.

Skeet, most places allow you to load 2 for back-to-back singles. The difference being there's only 1 person at the station and only 1 person to watch. A squad of 5 shooter at the line, different answer.

[CWL]

My local range has a weird rule I can only load one barrel per clay, I bumped the barrel switch unintentionally couple times to cause me to click no bang.

Gun safety is for everyone, it is your responsibility to know which barrel is set to fire first. It should be the bottom btw.

I can't understand how you can accidentally "bump" the selector multiple times as it should be on top and not in the way of your hands/fingers. Plus you have plenty of time to visually check before your turn. If the switch is loose, then it needs warranty work.

If I was working the range and saw you continuing to put 2 live shells in after being warned, I'd kick you off the range. Someone who violates safety rules and won't listen to ROs needs to leave.

With that said, it's no big deal if you have it set on the wrong barrel and hear "click" instead of "boom!". Just try again. Nobody will mind if you do this as it happens often.

[squeeze]

DO NOT AIM. Stare at the clay and try to see every nook n cranny in it. Keep the gun swinging and your head on the wood until the clay hits the ground. It won't take you very long to eventually develop a lead. Most shooters figure out a lead then shoot to that spot and the "bird" is looooong gone and you shot behind it. You will get it-just takes practice. With an instructor is the best way. You'll constantly be told "nope you were behind it"

[Thefeeder]

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Eyes on the rock, cheek on the stock

Research "shotgun gun fit"

Safety rules for Trap are the same at every Trap range I have shot at....shooters are expected to follow them

[Scratch705]

how is the drake? i've been looking at that as my entry level break-action OU shotgun to use for trap.

[Sir Toast]

I've been shooting trap every week for a couple years. I'm still learning. I just got back from the range right now.

Shotgun fit is huge. You need the same mount and line of sight every time. It needs to be natural.

I've found my biggest mistake is lifting my cheek immediately before firing. Don't move your cheek and FOLLOW THROUGH as if you have a second shot. It helps keep your head down.

Good luck. What part of the state you in?

[ceh383]

I can't understand how you can accidentally "bump" the selector multiple times as it should be on top and not in the way of your hands/fingers.

I bet he's hitting it when he opens the gun, it's easy to do. I've done it, different gun, but the same style safety/barrel selector.
But then, there is time to check it.