First time with 870...

[area51]

Have an old 80's 870 express which I plan to take to the range for the first time. I reload for pistol and intend to do the same for my 870.

Whats a good ammo to get for a first timer? Would like to get something I could reload down the road. I want to start with some low recoil 12g like 7.5 or 8 shot and work my way up to the 00 buck and slug later on. I normally shoot at Chabot and Richmond. Which other ranges are shotgun friendly in the east bay ?

[hattles]

Have an old 80's 870 express which I plan to take to the range for the first time. I reload for pistol and intend to do the same for my 870.

Whats a good ammo to get for a first timer? Would like to get something I could reload down the road. I want to start with some low recoil 12g like 7.5 or 8 shot and work my way up to the 00 buck and slug later on. I normally shoot at Chabot and Richmond. Which other ranges are shotgun friendly in the east bay ?

Note: if you intend to shoot clays at the Richmond Rod & Gun, the rule is "steel shot" only.

[Thefeeder]

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Whats the difference between Target loads #7 1/2 and low recoil OO Buck as far as recoil?

[mcmikeblues7]

Winchester AA seem to be very popular with re-loaders. I would advise that you go to the Chabot range and shoot trap there. Lead shot is fine. I know the range masters there and were very happy to give me the details of how their range worked. I now only shoot trap there. If you get there at around 11:30am you will have two hours or so of a really not-busy range. I shoot 1 1/8 ounce 7 1/2 shot with 3 drams. If you are recoil shy with long guns, bring a variety of ammo. In fact, even if you are not recoil shy you should bring a variety of ammo. I would get 100 rounds of 7/8 ounce, 100 rounds of 1 oz, and 100 rounds of 1 1/8 oz. I almost always shoot 4 rounds a trip, that's 100 rounds. Even if you don't like them, if you are going to reload, you will be able to reload them to what you do like.

You will want a shooting vest (recommended) or a waist pouch. They are to keep a box of ammo in to shoot out of while on the line. You can also put your empties in them. So you need to eject the hull into your hand instead of on the ground. You will have to know the specific trap shooting rules. This includes the normal rules as well as always having your weapon unloaded unless it is your turn to shoot, not just if you are on the line. Here is my method. Lets say I am on number 3, once number 1 shoots I grab a shell from my pouch, Right after number two shoots I take the shell and put it in my slot (I also shoot an 870). Once number 2 is absolutely hit or the clay he missed has dropped, I close my action, breathe, shoulder the gun, and once completely ready I call for a clay. After following through, I unshoulder, eject the hull into my right hand, then drop the hull into the left side of my vest. I make sure to hold the shotgun mostly with my right arm, otherwise my left arm will get tired and I won't be able to focus on shooting. Then, once number 1 shoots I repeat this process four more times until number 5 shoots and I change to station 4. (make sure to have your action open unless you are shooting, especially when changing stations)
Trap shooting is a very exact sport. Once you get the fundamentals, you will be able to shoot 25/25 every time, the only thing stopping you will be nerves. It may be helpful to look into some instruction for your first time, it is not like any other type of shooting, for instance, instead of foccusing on your front bead, you focus on the clay and let your shotgun follow it. You will be taught about follow through, both eyes open, stance, hold points, and someone will be watching you and telling you things about your shooting you don't even realize. It is not just about what you are doing wrong, but something that you happen to do right without knowing that it is a good thing.

[bucktooth7]

Hello Area 51,

Best place to shoot is United Sportsmen, Inc in Concord Ca. www.unitedsportsmen.com
Lots of trap and skeet fields, pistol range , rifle range, action pistol range, archery, and knife and tomahawk throwing! At targets, of course! Plus they sell all the supplies you might want. Best part, noobs WELCOME!

[r1ghtw1ng]

LPRG in Livermore has a great trap range. I'm relatively new myself, so I like to go on Weds afternoons around 2-3pm and usually get a station all to myself so I can go at my own pace and not feel rushed or pressured. The regulars and rangemasters are really friendly and will show you how to get set up and operate the equipment. One of these days, I want to get some coaching to take me to the next level. I can break 17-20 consistently, but am afraid I'm developing bad habits (focusing on the bead), 1 eye closed... and I get fatigued after 2 rounds. All that to say, check out lprg if you're in the area.