Question about shooting trap....

[OHOD]

Today I went to shoot trap for the first time. First round was with my Browning BPS 20 gauge. Second round with a Mossberg 185D-A bolt action 20 gauge.

The Browning.
While I was shooting, I had to really reach out in front of me to grip the forestock with my left hand. By the middle of the round, my left arm got really really tired.

The Mossberg.
This shotgun is much shorter and feels like I was shooting my 22LR bolt action, at least for fit. The sucker kicked really hard, but that's okay.
I shot better and wasn't as tired with the smaller shotgun.

Question.
Is reaching way out in front of me mean that the shotgun is a poor fit for me?
Or do I just need to build up strength in those muscles?

The Mossberg felt tighter and closer to my body than the Browning.

5'6"


What's your thoughts?

[smurfette]

I usually prefer shorter shotguns too.. I had a Benelli Nova, and I had to reach out in front of me and my left arm was tired.. then I bought another shotgun which was the Remington 870 with Knoxx Specops stock.. I felt a lot more comfortable holding it, swinging it and breaking clays lol

[mikey357]

Today I went to shoot trap for the first time. First round was with my Browning BPS 20 gauge. Second round with a Mossberg 185D-A bolt action 20 gauge.

The Browning.
While I was shooting, I had to really reach out in front of me to grip the forestock with my left hand. By the middle of the round, my left arm got really really tired.

The Mossberg.
This shotgun is much shorter and feels like I was shooting my 22LR bolt action, at least for fit. The sucker kicked really hard, but that's okay.
I shot better and wasn't as tired with the smaller shotgun.

Question.
Is reaching way out in front of me mean that the shotgun is a poor fit for me?
Or do I just need to build up strength in those muscles?

The Mossberg felt tighter and closer to my body than the Browning.

5'6"


What's your thoughts?

Whats the distance from your nose to thumb knuckle when you mount the shotgun? Finger and a half to Two fingers IIRC is what you want.

[dougolupski]

I would also challenge do you feel you need to do that. I have a Benelli Super Nova that I currently use for trap and my left had is just before the feed gate. I find if my arms are to far apart while it may be stable it decrease the speed I can sweep for the clay.

Correct or not I run with my left hand close in.

[BigDogatPlay]

The support hand to the middle of the forearm is considered "the norm" and plus or minus a bit from that to adjust to your own build is generally the way to go. I see a lot of guys who are predominately rifle shooters gripping just slightly ahead of the receiver and most have trouble swinging the gun smoothly. Some shooters, as noted by dougolupski can score well that way, but it could be a longer path to success and solid scores.

If you are having to really reach to support the front of the gun my first guess is (based on you being 5'6") that the stock may indeed be too long for you. As noted above an quick way to measure is by how much distance is between your thumb as it wraps over the grip and your nose. Less than one finger width can get you a sore nose and more than 2 and half and you're likely too far back on the stock. Ultimately you want to be able to mount the gun comfortably and be able to see the bead, not the rib.

Depending on your proximity to any particular trap or clays club, it would likely be worthwhile to drop in with your guns and talk to a coach or instructor. They can help you with some basic fitting and get you into a comfortable position. Then you can determine for yourself if you need to have your stock shortened or consider a different gun.

In the North SF Bay, Valley of the Moon Trap club has public shooting most every Sunday morning starting about 10. There are always at least a couple of instructors present, yours truly included.

[OHOD]

Good advice here.
Gotta go to work but will check back later.