First time shooting trap. -i suck.

[anti]

I am by no means a professional. I shoot a 23 average. I got my first 25 a few weeks ago. Best advice I can give quit worrying about it and just have fun. When I hit my 25 I was thinking about what bills I had to pay after I got home. Just worry about being safe on the line. Don't worry about your score. I don't even check my score anymore after the round is over.

Owe and if your really hooked. It's gunna get pricey. Shells, bags, new guns. When I started this year I was perfectly happy with a 870. Then I wanted a semi auto so I got an 1100. Now I pick up my beretta 686 O/U on friday.

and you won't look back! Nothing beats a nice break-open, IMO. The weight and balance just make it that much more enjoyable to shoot.

[PoorRichRichard]

Shot official trap for the first time today. I sucked. I think i hit 8 out of 25. I go shooting clays with family once in a while and we thow the clays using one of the plastic throwers. There is a huge difference in speed when they are launched from the trap house! was hard to get used to. I still had a ton of fun. I'm hooked.

OP- 8 outta 25 for your first go at trap is not at all bad. Do yourself a huge favor- spend a few dollars and take a lesson from a certified trap/skeet instructor. A good instructor will watch you shoot a few clays, and then give you tips on improving your shooting. Do this now before you start to develope bad habits.

[anti]

Can anybody recommend a good trap instructor in SoCal? More specifically, one who teaches at Triple B's on the weekends?

[powderedtoastman]

watch this video multiple times and take notes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOcxjSEDPmk

Edit: do not pay attention to the fact that the old man rocking sweat pants

[Sikvenum93]

OP- don't worry man. I did only a little better with 10-25 my first try. Just remember it's not the Olympics, just relax and have fun.

[Teri]

Shot official trap for the first time today. I sucked. I think i hit 8 out of 25. I go shooting clays with family once in a while and we thow the clays using one of the plastic throwers. There is a huge difference in speed when they are launched from the trap house! was hard to get used to. I still had a ton of fun. I'm hooked.

Those clay birds move fast don't they? Those hits make it all worth it though Happy Shooting!

[Sig Marine]

If you can, lock the trap machine so that it throws at a fix angle.

When I work with a new shooter, I make sure the machine is set for the proper speed (42 mph) and elevation. I then lock the machine to throw straight away. Give them instruction on safety, line etiquette, proper loading on the line, how to gun point, stance, gun mount, holds and follow through. I start them on station 3 and have them shoot a few shots. We then move to stations 2 and 4 which introduces them to small angles before finally moving to stations 1 and 5 which are greater angles. I do this to simplify the learning curve and to build their confidence while focusing on the fundamentals . After shooting a box of shells from all of the stations, I have them shoot a round of 25, 5 shots from each station starting from 1 moving to 5. If they've got a pretty good grasp on the basic fundamentals, I unlock the machine and let them shoot in normal machine configuration. If they are having difficulty, they continue with the machine locked until they feel comfortable and confident.

This is a method that's worked for me with shooters who are new to trap.

Be safe and have fun...Sig Marine

[username111]

It's the vertical element that gets me, I can take out a rabbit without thinking, but add the rise or drop and I might as well just throw the shotgun at it.

Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk

[axhoaxho]

A coach, or just a session with a coach, would always be helpful. Not only for teaching how to shoot better; he/she could look over our shoulder when we shoot, and tell us what did we do wrong and how to correct it.

And then there is the black-science of the trap gun, like gloves everyone will find fit-and-natural with a particular gun, and shoot well with it... (or is it our subconscious trying to find an excuse to buy another trap gun )

All clay shooting sports are very fun, addictive, and will make many friends. Enjoy in good health!

[Corsair415]

I went once a few years ago, I got 11 or 12. Used my Mossberg 500, sucked going for the second clay.

[MrSam]

The more you do it, the more proficient you'll become.
Remember, don't aim at the pigeon, follow it with your shotgun, anticipate where its going to be in 1-2 seconds, shoot in that area.
Last round was 22/25 using an 870 Tactical Express. Not sure if it was trap, skeet, etc. I was using whatever thrower Angeles has set up

[rogers017]

I'm gonna go for my first time next weekend. The range officer recommend a 20 GA for my first time with 7 1/2 shot. What say ye?

Go with what you are comfortable with. A good fitting 20 will be much easier than a 12 that is a poor fit. As far as 7 1/2 go there is very little size difference between that and 8 shot. If you can only find 8's its not a deal breaker.

OP keep at it! I started shooting competitive trap at a local range 5 years ago. I won C Class singles last year. All I can say is PRACTICE! You will be amazed how quickly you can get better at it. Before you know it you will be itching to get to the range and practice. Then it all downhill from there..

[Thefeeder]

This is Skeet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RNgyPIYqTI

This is Trap

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjhTEqzKo0Q