Trap shooting greenhorn

[bucktooth7]

Hello scattergun friends!
I picked up my new (used Remington 870) today and I'm going trap shooting tomorrow after work. I've been to the trap range several times and watched alot and also shot some skeet with a borrowed gun. I have read and studied the safety rules . Give me some tips on how not to appear like a total greenhorn. I don't know any of the guys at this range and I would like to start off well.

[Thefeeder]

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Just be safe and follow the lead of the other shooters.

You will find a lot of nice people willing to help a greenhorn.

Which range?

[bjl333]

Congrats on the 870, build like an anvil.

I always recommand lessons for new shooters. If the dude is a range instructor then he can't be that bad. Atleast they'll teach you some of the basics so you won't get so frustrated the first few times out.

Where are you gonna shoot out of ?!?!?

[BMC]

If you go to a dedicated trap range you can always simply ask someone at the front desk whom to talk to about the do's and don'ts. Its really not overly complicated. Simple logic safety stuff will be most of what you'll be concerned with and we can assume you are familiar with the common things like barrel down range when on the field, etc.

One of the big ones at any trap range is you never load a shell into your gun until you are ready to call for a target. If you are shooting with others you can put a shell into the OPEN receiver (on your 870 that is bolt in the back position). Barrel down range always. When it is your turn to call for a target slide the bolt closed, mount and do the deed. The range will most likely use voice speakers so you'll want to keep the talking to a minimum. You'll figure most of that stuff out pretty quickly. If you are shooting with others, in trap you shoot five targets per station, then move to your right after the last guy in line has shot. Post 1 shoots first or the person who starts farthest to the left if no one is on post 1. Post 1 shoots, then 2, etc through post 5. Do this for five targets. After the last guy or fifth guy shoots, then everyone moves to the next station. No shell in the gun and receiver open.

And remember not to overcomplicate the experience. Just use common sense, don't be afraid to ask questions and have FUN.

[randy]

Call ahead and find out about lessons. After your first lesson you'll hit more birds and won't build on bad habits.

[ysr_racer]

Go here:http://www.remington.com/pages/news-...downloads.aspx

There's lots of good info about Trap and Skeet.

[BigDogatPlay]

If you don't already have one, drop by Big 5 or Wal Mart and buy a shell bag. Big 5 usually has the Bob Allen bags in the $13-$15 range and these are plenty adequate. Some clubs will not let you shoot without a bag or pouch of some type.

Listen for the puller's commands to change stations, don't concentrate on how many you've fired at a given station. The puller will let you know. Keep the muzzle skyward and the action open and empty when changing stations, and the muzzle down range at all times when you are on a station.

As above, one shell at a time. My routine is to pull a shell from the pouch when the guy two before me is shooting, put the shell in the gun when the guy before me is aiming, then run the action closed after the guy before me has fired. Then I mount the gun, get comfy and call for the bird.

Don't rush, and don't try to out guess the flight of the bird. It's like any other hand / eye coordination exercise. See the bird, hit the bird.

Definitely see about a lesson or two. The club I shoot at has public shooting two days a week and there are always members who are certified instructors wandering about who are willing to help a noob.

Most important...... have fun.

[hattles]

I've discovered that most ranges are pretty shooter friendly and there is always someone willing to help if you need and ask for it. Like was said by another, take the lead and follow, also don't be afraid to let them know you are new to trap and you'll accept any advice. Safety is always first and foremost. You've shot skeet before so you shouldn't have any problems...don't be nervous, we all were "wet behind the ears" at one time.
Good Luck!


As for lessons, don't unless you feel it to be absolutely necessary

[AAShooter]

Hello scattergun friends!
I picked up my new (used Remington 870) today and I'm going trap shooting tomorrow after work. I've been to the trap range several times and watched alot and also shot some skeet with a borrowed gun. I have read and studied the safety rules . Give me some tips on how not to appear like a total greenhorn. I don't know any of the guys at this range and I would like to start off well.

As Hattles suggested, most ranges are pretty friendly. If you let folks know your geographic area, you might get a volunteer from Calguns to meet you at the range for a few pointers.

[slopoke]

The most important thing to remember is that if you are at the 5th station and are going to change to the first station, turn clockwise when you turn, barrel away from the other shooters. If you turn to the left or counterclock wise, you may point your shotgun at the shooters at stations 1-4 depending on how you carry your shotgun.

[AAShooter]

The most important thing to remember is that if you are at the 5th station and are going to change to the first station, turn clockwise when you turn, barrel away from the other shooters. If you turn to the left or counterclock wise, you may point your shotgun at the shooters at stations 1-4 depending on how you carry your shotgun.

From what I understand, that one safety tip would have prevented an accident that happened at the Livermore Gun Club. The other part of the safety rule is that you have no ammunition in the gun when changing stations.

[bucktooth7]

Hello scatter gunners, again
The trap shooting I planned for today did not happen , had to work late so I am counting on Sat morning. I will be shooting at the Sportsmens International range in Baypoint. It may actually be in Concord as it is right on the border. I am a member of the Diablo Rod and Gun Club. The trap,skeet, and sporting clays are open there on Wed, Thurs, Sat and Sun but not this Sun as it is the 4th of July. I'm not sure but there might be a match on Sat .
Great tips from those who posted, safety first, muzzle up or down range on post, and turn to the right in the 5th position. I have a shell pouch.
A question I do have is should I buy # 9 or #8 shot? They sell the shells there at the range, my 870 has a full choke tube but I also have an improved cylinder, what combination is the best for me?

[Thefeeder]

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#8 or #7 1/2....... Walmart is your friend. #9 are Skeet size....But they all work.. Buy what is cheapest

Choke.

If are shooting them fast (before they get to far from you)
IC

If your have trouble getting on target ...Full

[Markus]

where does a modified choke leave you?

[AAShooter]

where does a modified choke leave you?

In the sweet spot! Go get 'em.

Improved Cylinder is a little open for Trap, especially if you are a beginning shooter and take longer to get on the bird.

That said, most shooters need spend more time focusing on their shooting fundamentals and less time on worrying about the optimal choke.