Trap shooting question

[tankerman]

I've got some buddies that 'pot shoot' out at Prado once a week, you should come out and show them how it's done, since you "never found it hard", you should go home with a pocket full of money.

What's you favorite load for 'dusting' clays at 80 yards?

Most of my buddies prefer Model 12's.

Let me know if you're interested, I'll get you the contact info....

a)It's really not that hard. However I never found it hard so I'm a bit biased.

[BMC]

What's you favorite load for 'dusting' clays at 80 yards?

Though not directed at me, my personal favorite pot load in handloads is:
STS hull, Win209, 26.5g Herco, TGT12 or equivalent wad and 1-1/8oz #6.
For storeboughts, I've found its hard to beat the Federal highbrass #6, but man they kick like a mule

I've actually won a number of pot rounds from the porch with a handicap recipe I've loaded quite often: STS, Win209, F8 wad, 18.5 red dot 1-1/8 7.5s.

[BB63Squid]

Well either of those shotguns aren't "designed" for trap but if that's what you got then that;s what you try with.

You will find most regulars at the trap are more than willing to help if you were to ask.

If you are in San Jose I am willing. I shoot at Metcalf every Wednesday night on the league and occasionally on weekends.

[randy]

Call the range you want to go to and make arrangements for a lesson and a rental shotgun.

It's the cheapest way to get started if you don't have a gun.

[too old for this]

As others here have said, one doesn't aim when trap shooting. Two tricks that I was given by a range officers are: 1) don't go from the handgun or rifle range to the trap range -- as you are likely to continue to aim. 2) cover your frontsight with black electrical tape to reduce you inherent tendency to aim. I haven't done trap shooting for several years and am about to take it up again after first taking some lessons. But I do remember from the past that every time my eye picked up the frontsight of my shotgun, I missed. Have fun it is a great sport and I am excited about getting back in.

[joepamjohn]

I have numerous "big dog" ATA trapshooter friends who don't hesitate to share that they made the 27 yard line with an 870. I believe that most people with the knowledge of how to mount and stay in a gun can pick up an 870 or model 12 and shoot them pretty good. And that is largely because those types of guns, particularly the stock and sight plane configuration is designed around the physics of the average male. This is one reason that most stocks on such guns as I mentioned are in the vacinity of 14 inches LOP, which apparently is the general average. That said, gun fit and proper mount are probably the two most important things to be "consistently" good at shooting trap, or most clay games. Anyone who can properly mount a shotgun and keeps their head on the stock can break targets. Breaking targets isn't rocket science. Breaking targets with any level of consistency IS.

You hit it right on the head. Any average wing shooter can break a lot of targets with a basic field gun. The big dollar gun guys break more targets consistently because they have a gun that is basically custom fit to them, becoming another part of their body. If you ask any of them though, they will tell you its 30% the gun and ammo, and 70% the mind to be able to maintain your focus and concentration over the course of a lot of clays.

My biggest problem is concentration. I start off well and start thinking about running 25 straight and then a miss or two. It's because I was already thinking about the next birds before I hit the one in front of me.

[slowxturtle]

I just bought an 870 with 18.5" barrel. I didn't know this was unacceptable for trap shooting. That sucks, because I was excited about trying it out.

[CSACANNONEER]

I just bought an 870 with 18.5" barrel. I didn't know this was unacceptable for trap shooting. That sucks, because I was excited about trying it out.

Take it with you and leave it in the car at first. Just start asking the old farts, who are hanging around, about how to start trap shooting. You'll probably be lent a gun or two to try. If you decide you like it, you'll want a new barrel for your 870 anyway. If you just want to go break some clays at a place like Angeles that has throwers to use, instead of a real trap range, your short barrel will work.

[slowxturtle]

Take it with you and leave it in the car at first. Just start asking the old farts, who are hanging around, about how to start trap shooting. You'll probably be lent a gun or two to try. If you decide you like it, you'll want a new barrel for your 870 anyway. If you just want to go break some clays at a place like Angeles that has throwers to use, instead of a real trap range, your short barrel will work.

I think I will start off at Angeles and maybe grow into a more committment, buying a longer barrel.

[Millions-Knives]

I think I will start off at Angeles and maybe grow into a more committment, buying a longer barrel.

Well...

Moore-N-Moore is just on the other side of the parking lot. I'd suggest you try there if you want to learn. They just installed a new trap house I've yet to try... but if it's trap you want to learn, have at it. I've seen tactical shotguns on their course.

But if you're willing to drive just a bit further, I'd suggest Oaktree. They DO require a longer barrel, I think the minimum is 24". There's this very nice RO (older guy) 'Mike' that will be happy to teach you how to shoot trap, he even locked our machine in the center position for a easy presentation for my newbie shooters.

Shoot me a PM and I might tag along with you- I've got an extra gun.
I'm looking to get some practice in before I head out hunting next month.

[slowxturtle]

Well...

Moore-N-Moore is just on the other side of the parking lot. I'd suggest you try there if you want to learn. They just installed a new trap house I've yet to try... but if it's trap you want to learn, have at it. I've seen tactical shotguns on their course.

But if you're willing to drive just a bit further, I'd suggest Oaktree. They DO require a longer barrel, I think the minimum is 24". There's this very nice RO (older guy) 'Mike' that will be happy to teach you how to shoot trap, he even locked our machine in the center position for a easy presentation for my newbie shooters.

Shoot me a PM and I might tag along with you- I've got an extra gun.
I'm looking to get some practice in before I head out hunting next month.

Cool, thanks for the tip. Will have to look into those two. Might just have to take you up on that offer as well.

[CSACANNONEER]

I think I will start off at Angeles and maybe grow into a more committment, buying a longer barrel.

I might be out there on the 18th. I won't know until the 16th or 17th though. If your free and I can make it out, I'll bring a couple other shotguns for you to try along with yours. Sorry, the only 870 I have is a 26" barrelled .410 so, it won't be the best comparision. I'll bring it along with a couple different 12g guns though.