OT: Anyone here shoot trap?

[Mtbrncofn]

I'm getting ready to give it my first go. I just know I'm gonna suck ass at this, but I'm determined to learn.

I'm using a 20 gauge over/under. I'd really like to use a double barrel, but this is a borrowed gun from my father in law. Anyone have experience with a one vs. the other, pros cons? I don't think I can handle the kick of a 12 gauge yet, that's why I'm starting with the 20.

Any good advice, anecdotes, .....anything?

[STBumpkin]

I'm getting ready to give it my first go. I just know I'm gonna suck ass at this, but I'm determined to learn.

I'm using a 20 gauge over/under. I'd really like to use a double barrel, but this is a borrowed gun from my father in law. Anyone have experience with a one vs. the other, pros cons? I don't think I can handle the kick of a 12 gauge yet, that's why I'm starting with the 20.

Any good advice, anecdotes, .....anything?

Do you mean you'd like to use a side by side? an over/under is a double barrel. Anyway, I shot on the Trap and Skeet team at the Academy for 4 years. I shoot a Beretta 687 Silver Pidgeon II (over and under) and a Remington 1100 (autoloader). An over/under is more accurate than a side by side, use the bottom barrel as it is the more accurate of the 2. You will have a harder time hitting the clays with a 20 gauge vice a 12 gauge. Any other Qs just holler

[STBumpkin]

If your 20 gauge has choke tubes, use at least an improved modified to keep your pattern tight.

[ak1971]

my next door neighbor hit me in the head with a clay pigeon once

[Inkana7]

I love shooting trap. Put a Turkey choke on your shotgun for extra fun!

[Cool Breeze]

I only shoot my trap when I'm drunk...

[Florida_Bronco]

Sorry, never shot trap. However if you ever need any handgun/personal defense/target shooting advice, I'm your man!

[kmartin575]

I haven't shot much trap but when I have I was more accurate with a 20 gauge. I was shooting in a group and we shot 5 sets of 10 clay pigeons. The first couple of sets I used a 12 gauge and I shot around 5 or 6 out of 10 each time. The next 3 times I used a 20 gauge and each time I hit 9 out of 10 pigeons.

[Vegas_Bronco]

Sorry, never shot trap. However if you ever need any handgun/personal defense/target shooting advice, I'm your man!

Glock? Cmon man, put down that overrated thumb blaster and pick up a Springfield.

http://www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_reviews/STspringfieldxd_061206A.jpg

[STBumpkin]

I haven't shot much trap but when I have I was more accurate with a 20 gauge. I was shooting in a group and we shot 5 sets of 10 clay pigeons. The first couple of sets I used a 12 gauge and I shot around 5 or 6 out of 10 each time. The next 3 times I used a 20 gauge and each time I hit 9 out of 10 pigeons.

Accurate is really not the word I was looking for I guess. If you are 'scared'(not questioning anyone's manhood here) of the kick of a 12, then a 20 can be more accurate. The reason a 12 is always better is that you get a lot more lead down range. Instead of .75-1 oz of shot, you get 1-1.25 oz.

There are 25 'birds' in a standard round. You usually shoot 4 rounds per match for a total of 100. A good average is anything above 90. I shot with some guys that would go 2 or 3 hundred without missing. My best was 98 (25-24-24-25) but I'd average over 95. Trap is much easier than skeet because you don't move much in trap. Once you have the muscle memory down, it is really just a mind game. Bustin' clay is always a great way to blow off some steam.

[Florida_Bronco]

Glock? Cmon man, put down that overrated thumb blaster and pick up a Springfield.

http://www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_reviews/STspringfieldxd_061206A.jpg

Well, the thing is I'm going into the police academy this summer, and the department I am planning on going to work for issues the Glock 21, so that is what I have to qualify with. Figured it would be good to go through the training with the same gun I have to qualify with.

I wasn't a fan of Glocks, but after buying this G21 my opinion of them has changed alot. It's a very solid gun that is extremely accurate.

As far as the Springfield XD, I shot one before I bought my Glock. It's a nice gun, and I like the trigger better than my Glock, but the Glock fit my hand alot better and was seemed to be more accurate than the Springfield. Also, I thought the XD was pretty ugly as well.

Once I'm done with the academy and hired with the Sheriffs Dept, I plan on carrying a Sig Sauer P220 (45 ACP) or P226 chambered for the .357 SIG round.

[STBumpkin]

I shoot a Springfield Armory 1911-A1 and I love it. The XD is very nice and if I ever get a .40 that'll be it. The only foreign handgun I'd own (beretta, HK, Glock, etc) would be a Sig. Very nice though you pay for it.

[Florida_Bronco]

I shoot a Springfield Armory 1911-A1 and I love it. The XD is very nice and if I ever get a .40 that'll be it. The only foreign handgun I'd own (beretta, HK, Glock, etc) would be a Sig. Very nice though you pay for it.

I'm too the point where the only 1911 I'd consider buying is a Para Ordinance. They're high capacity (14+1 rounds of 45ACP), better quality than Kimber and very reasonably priced.

The basic model Colt and Springfield 1911s are very nice, accurate, reliable guns, but for less than $300 more you can get the aforementioned Para Ordinance 1911.

http://www.paraord.com/images/pixel.gif

[Vegas_Bronco]

Well, the thing is I'm going into the police academy this summer, and the department I am planning on going to work for issues the Glock 21, so that is what I have to qualify with. Figured it would be good to go through the training with the same gun I have to qualify with.

I wasn't a fan of Glocks, but after buying this G21 my opinion of them has changed alot. It's a very solid gun that is extremely accurate.

As far as the Springfield XD, I shot one before I bought my Glock. It's a nice gun, and I like the trigger better than my Glock, but the Glock fit my hand alot better and was seemed to be more accurate than the Springfield. Also, I thought the XD was pretty ugly as well.

Once I'm done with the academy and hired with the Sheriffs Dept, I plan on carrying a Sig Sauer P220 (45 ACP) or P226 chambered for the .357 SIG round.

Ahh working for the Sheriffs Dept will be priceless - I envy the opportunity to have a trunk lined with all kinds of fun. The Sig is the favorite down here in our local club but they all hate the new guys with the new Springfields - I just can't line anything up with the Glock sites. GL and keep us informed. What's a qualifying score?

[Florida_Bronco]

Ahh working for the Sheriffs Dept will be priceless - I envy the opportunity to have a trunk lined with all kinds of fun. The Sig is the favorite down here in our local club but they all hate the new guys with the new Springfields - I just can't line anything up with the Glock sites. GL and keep us informed. What's a qualifying score?

Yeah, we are one of the lucky departments that get to carry AR-15 assault rifles locked in our trunks, plus our sidearm and Remington shotgun.

As far as the qualifying goes, I am not yet sure how they do the scoring. I have a friend who used to work for the Sheriffs and when he comes back to town, he's going to help me go through a practice regime much like the shooting qualifications the Sheriffs use.

[Vegas_Bronco]

I shoot a Springfield Armory 1911-A1 and I love it. The XD is very nice and if I ever get a .40 that'll be it. The only foreign handgun I'd own (beretta, HK, Glock, etc) would be a Sig. Very nice though you pay for it.

I absolutely love the Springfield 1911. I have 2 1911's, Beretta .40 PX Storm, Beretta CZ75, 3 Springfield XD's (.45, .40 and 9mm) and I always wait till the very end to pull out the 1911 - it just makes me feel perfect.

Heres my dream - for Christmas maybe after I quit spending all my cash on Broncos games:

http://www.pearcegrip.com/images/pmg1911.gif

[STBumpkin]

I absolutely love the Springfield 1911. I have 2 1911's, Beretta .45 PX Storm, Beretta CZ75, 3 Springfield XD's (.45, .40 and 9mm) and I always wait till the very end to pull out the 1911 - it just makes me perfect.

Heres my dream - for Christmas maybe after I quit spending all my cash on Broncos games:

http://www.pearcegrip.com/images/pmg1911.gif

My 1911-A1 is the full sized stainless w/ rosewood grips and Novak sights.

[watermock]

410? Hand the girfriend a 12 gauge and take cover.

[ksBRONCOfan]

I'm getting ready to give it my first go. I just know I'm gonna suck ass at this, but I'm determined to learn.

I'm using a 20 gauge over/under. I'd really like to use a double barrel, but this is a borrowed gun from my father in law. Anyone have experience with a one vs. the other, pros cons? I don't think I can handle the kick of a 12 gauge yet, that's why I'm starting with the 20.

Any good advice, anecdotes, .....anything?

I'm on an industrial trap and skeet team. The best gun to shoot with is one you are comfortable with. I currently use a plain Mossberg pump. I would love to have an over/under, but too pricey for me. There are several people that shoot with 20 gauges.

I'm decent at trap, but skeet is horrible.

[clarkster]

1911 maybe the best pistol ever. JMO though.
AR-15 is nice. we recently got the Mk18s(basically a short barrelled M4) but it is a nice assault rifle. aim point, rail system, etc. perfect for shipboard use.
cant beat the consistency of the old M14 though.
as far as skeet goes. we USED to do alot of it off the ship(ORM prevents that now) and I always favored the 870. We had the 1100 express' and they were nice, but it seemed like after about 20-30 rounds theyd start to jam. hell, wed use the riot shotguns with leftover 00 buck. practically have to shoot it on the tray with that thing. that'd make you sore for a day or 2.

[-Slap-]

I'm getting ready to give it my first go. I just know I'm gonna suck ass at this, but I'm determined to learn.

I'm using a 20 gauge over/under. I'd really like to use a double barrel, but this is a borrowed gun from my father in law. Anyone have experience with a one vs. the other, pros cons? I don't think I can handle the kick of a 12 gauge yet, that's why I'm starting with the 20.

Any good advice, anecdotes, .....anything?

All these replies and no practical advice?

Wait until the target reaches its apex - it will give the appearance of hanging in mid-air for just an instant - that's when you need to fire. Make sure you aim just below the target. This will give you the greatest possibility of success.

Have fun, Montana. Don't Cheney anybody in the side of the head.

:)

[watermock]

And don't go up on that tower in Austin Texas.

[clarkster]

yeah and dont forget to breathe.

[watermock]

Model 1912 Winchester 12

[STBumpkin]

All these replies and no practical advice?

Wait until the target reaches its apex - it will give the appearance of hanging in mid-air for just an instant - that's when you need to fire. Make sure you aim just below the target. This will give you the greatest possibility of success.

Have fun, Montana. Don't Cheney anybody in the side of the head.

:)

It's also very important to keep your sight picture. Don't lift your head from the gun until you see the bird break over the top of the barrel. Most people's greatest problems (once they get the timing down) is shooting and lifting their head up too soon, somewhat similar to jerking the trigger on a rifle.

[Sprout]

I don't think I can handle the kick of a 12 gauge yet, that's why I'm starting with the 20.

You could handle it just fine. While I'm not a shooter now, I did work at a trap/skeet range for a few years when I was a kid, and was able to get in some rounds of my own here and there.

The kick of a 12 gauge is no big deal if you are taught a good stable stance and the proper hold. I never really noticed much recoil myself, and I was a pretty skinny guy. The only people who had noticeable problems with it were those who held the gun as if they were afraid of it or leaned backward at the waist. Mostly chicks.

[Odysseus]

Glock? Cmon man, put down that overrated thumb blaster and pick up a Springfield.

http://www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_reviews/STspringfieldxd_061206A.jpg

I never could get into Glock myself. Too light. They are reliable.

Let us know how it worked for you.

[Spider]

Shot a shít load of decoys once .... long story ;D

[watermock]

If a girld doesn't know what she's doing she can dislocate her shoulder with a 12.

I have never shot my Winchester, just had it recently cleaned. I'm not a hunter. I can throttle Beezer with my bare hands if I can catch im.

I'm more an enemy to fish.

[watermock]

Shot a shít load of decoys once .... long story ;D

You have no idea how comical I find that. How many kills? Didn't you get a clue when they didn't flush?

You moron. Ha!

You wan't some pheasant, I can bag one easy at the Spruce grove or around the elevator.

If you want a real challenge, try partridge. They don't live in pear trees. The bastards have sentry's all around and will spook at the first sign of intrusion. They are virtually impossible to bag unless your a fox or something.

Funny story at least for me, and Ive told it before...I went out with GF and young son and we had guns and were going "snipe" hunting...

I saw a partridge and yelled..."There's a snipe" and he got really pumped up for the hunt.

I couldn't hold back any longer and broke down laughing and he wasn't amused while we laughed like Hyenas. He laughs now tho. I decided against cow tipping against a bull at that point.

[Spider]

You have no idea how comical I find that. How many kills? Didn't you get a clue when they didn't flush?

You moron. Ha!

You wan't some pheasant, I can bag one easy at the Spruce grove or around the elevator.

If you want a real challenge, try partridge. They don't live in pear trees. The bastards have sentry's all around and will spook at the first sign of intrusion. They are virtually impossible to bag unless your a fox or something.

Funny story at least for me, and Ive told it before...I went out with GF and young son and we had guns and were going "snipe" hunting...

I saw a partridge and yelled..."There's a snipe" and he got really pumped up for the hunt.

I couldn't hold back any longer and broke down laughing and he wasn't amused while we laughed like Hyenas. He laughs now tho. I decided against cow tipping against a bull at that point.

Hey I was 12 years old and I was in Rambo mode Hilarious! Those decoys didnt put up a fight ......... Didnt dawn on me until a voice from the other side of the river shouted ........ "Hey ásshole quit shooting my Decoys"

[watermock]

I just let the critters be. Some friends of the family can hunt, but I don't really care for hunting.

Maybe it's that I can just get a fish and sack it, clean it and have some fresh fish in three teasy setps. Deer are so overpopulated here you have trouble not tripping over them. I could chug a fifth and bag one. heh. I'm serious.

Now get me on a partriage hunt, your in another theater.

http://www.qu.org/content/habitat/img/bobwhite.gif

I think that's the critter. Not sure.

[Mtbrncofn]

Do you mean you'd like to use a side by side? an over/under is a double barrel. Anyway, I shot on the Trap and Skeet team at the Academy for 4 years. I shoot a Beretta 687 Silver Pidgeon II (over and under) and a Remington 1100 (autoloader). An over/under is more accurate than a side by side, use the bottom barrel as it is the more accurate of the 2. You will have a harder time hitting the clays with a 20 gauge vice a 12 gauge. Any other Qs just holler

Yep, that's what I meant! Oops. An over/under is more accurate, huh? I guess I'll stick with this.

I'm scared to use this gun. I want my own, but I want to make sure I like it before I buy one. It's some expensive rare shotgun of my father-in-laws. Yikes. I'm scared I'll do something to it.

So if I start with a 20 gauge and can actually hit a few targets with it, I should be better with a 12 gauge? What is the difference of the kick between the two? That's why I chose to go with the 20 over the 12 right now. Is there that big of a difference?

[Mtbrncofn]

I'm on an industrial trap and skeet team. The best gun to shoot with is one you are comfortable with. I currently use a plain Mossberg pump. I would love to have an over/under, but too pricey for me. There are several people that shoot with 20 gauges.

I'm decent at trap, but skeet is horrible.

Oh I probably wont hit **** at trap. There's no way I could do skeet. :)

[Mtbrncofn]

All these replies and no practical advice?

Wait until the target reaches its apex - it will give the appearance of hanging in mid-air for just an instant - that's when you need to fire. Make sure you aim just below the target. This will give you the greatest possibility of success.

Have fun, Montana. Don't Cheney anybody in the side of the head.

:)

Thanks, Slappy. My father in law told me the biggest mistake people make shooting trap or skeet is not following the target all the way through.

Thanks for the advice. This whole thing will be comical at best and I'm glad no one here will be watching. ;D

I'll try not to harm anyone. Try...... :)

[Mtbrncofn]

You could handle it just fine. While I'm not a shooter now, I did work at a trap/skeet range for a few years when I was a kid, and was able to get in some rounds of my own here and there.

The kick of a 12 gauge is no big deal if you are taught a good stable stance and the proper hold. I never really noticed much recoil myself, and I was a pretty skinny guy. The only people who had noticeable problems with it were those who held the gun as if they were afraid of it or leaned backward at the waist. Mostly chicks.

Yeah, I would be a chick. :)

[ksBRONCOfan]

Thanks, Slappy. My father in law told me the biggest mistake people make shooting trap or skeet is not following the target all the way through.

Thanks for the advice. This whole thing will be comical at best and I'm glad no one here will be watching. ;D

I'll try not to harm anyone. Try...... :)

That's a very good point. This is the first time I've ever done it and a lot of the people in the league are amatuers. It is a amazing how many people stop swinging when they pull the trigger, even after someone points out to them. What Slap brought up is a good point too. Shoot a little under even before it reaches its peak. You are shooting upwards and the clay is going away from you. Your shot continues to rise the farther it flies and will meet up with the clay.

Does that make sense?

[Mtbrncofn]

That's a very good point. This is the first time I've ever done it and a lot of the people in the league are amatuers. It is a amazing how many people stop swinging when they pull the trigger, even after someone points out to them. What Slap brought up is a good point too. Shoot a little under even before it reaches its peak. You are shooting upwards and the clay is going away from you. Your shot continues to rise the farther it flies and will meet up with the clay.

Does that make sense?

Yep it does.

I went out and shot the gun yesterday. Whew. It had a bigger kick than I expected. My husband said it was because I was using high brass shells. I missed what I was aiming at too, damnit. Oh well, first time. I sure hope I get better.

Thanks for all the help, guys!

[cswil]

I shoot trap, skeet, and sporting clays. Shoot a Browning Gold Fusion 12 guage and Ruger Red Label Over Under 20 guage. Of course, the next time I find an extra 2500 bucks I plan on upgrading to the Browning 525.

[ksBRONCOfan]

Yep it does.

I went out and shot the gun yesterday. Whew. It had a bigger kick than I expected. My husband said it was because I was using high brass shells. I missed what I was aiming at too, damnit. Oh well, first time. I sure hope I get better.

Thanks for all the help, guys!

Yep, high brass kicks harder. I use 7 1/2 or 8 shot low brass shell. Our team missed last week so this week I may have to shoot 200 rounds, yikes.

Do you know what eye is your strong eye? I'm a left handed shooter, but my right eye is my strong eye. I have to shut my right eye while I shoot or else my aim will be way off. It doesn't bother my in trap, but in skeet I have a harder time following the bird. I really need to teach my self to shoot right handed, but that would be like teaching myself to write right handed.

[cswil]

Yep, high brass kicks harder. I use 7 1/2 or 8 shot low brass shell. Our team missed last week so this week I may have to shoot 200 rounds, yikes.

Do you know what eye is your strong eye? I'm a left handed shooter, but my right eye is my strong eye. I have to shut my right eye while I shoot or else my aim will be way off. It doesn't bother my in trap, but in skeet I have a harder time following the bird. I really need to teach my self to shoot right handed, but that would be like teaching myself to write right handed.

I always shoot with both eyes open. Of course, I have been told by very experienced Skeet shooters that you actually should focus on a point and wait for the bird to enter that area...and start your swing before it gets there and never shoot from behind the bird. I cant do it, but once I started shooting skeet with both eyes open, I had much better luck picking up the quick lateral birds.

[ksBRONCOfan]

I always shoot with both eyes open. Of course, I have been told by very experienced Skeet shooters that you actually should focus on a point and wait for the bird to enter that area...and start your swing before it gets there and never shoot from behind the bird. I cant do it, but once I started shooting skeet with both eyes open, I had much better luck picking up the quick lateral birds.

You're supposed to shoot with both eyes open. Expect I look down the barrel with my left eye, but my right eye is the dominant eye and takes over. I may think I'm aimed right, but I'm actually shooting off to the right. If I was able to teach myself to shoot right handed I would be able to leave both eyes open.

[cswil]

You're supposed to shoot with both eyes open. Expect I look down the barrel with my left eye, but my right eye is the dominant eye and takes over. I may think I'm aimed right, but I'm actually shooting off to the right. If I was able to teach myself to shoot right handed I would be able to leave both eyes open.

Did you ever shoot right handed as a kid since you were right eye dominant?

[ksBRONCOfan]

Did you ever shoot right handed as a kid since you were right eye dominant?

No, I'm a lefty through and through. It wasn't till a few years ago that I learned the difference. I try to explain it to some people and they don't get it. I tell them to extend their arm and hold their thumb up in front of them. Line your thumb up with something in the distant with both eyes open. Paying attention to how the thumb is lined up close one eye at a time. Your alignment will stay the same with just your strong eye open. When your weak eye is open it will look like your thumb moved and is off alignment.

[cswil]

No, I'm a lefty through and through. It wasn't till a few years ago that I learned the difference. I try to explain it to some people and they don't get it. I tell them to extend their arm and hold their thumb up in front of them. Line your thumb up with something in the distant with both eyes open. Paying attention to how the thumb is lined up close one eye at a time. Your alignment will stay the same with just your strong eye open. When your weak eye is open it will look like your thumb moved and is off alignment.

I have tried that too. You can also make a diamond shape (like Larry Johnson's TD celebration) and put it on an object so that you can see it with both eyes open. Then close one eye and then the other.....if you can see it, you are looking with your dominant eye.

[Mtbrncofn]

Yep, high brass kicks harder. I use 7 1/2 or 8 shot low brass shell. Our team missed last week so this week I may have to shoot 200 rounds, yikes.

Do you know what eye is your strong eye? I'm a left handed shooter, but my right eye is my strong eye. I have to shut my right eye while I shoot or else my aim will be way off. It doesn't bother my in trap, but in skeet I have a harder time following the bird. I really need to teach my self to shoot right handed, but that would be like teaching myself to write right handed.

My father in law checked me out and said I'm stronger in the right eye. Whew. I'm right handed, I can't imagine shooting a gun left handed!

I'm going to try these low brass shells I bought and hope they don't kick as hard.

[ksBRONCOfan]

Have you tried them out yet?

[Mtbrncofn]

Haven't had a chance yet. It's been raining too much. I'm looking forward to it though.

[ksBRONCOfan]

I shot a 39/50 yesterday in 30 mph wind! That made me feel good!

[Mtbrncofn]

Wow! I could only hope to hit one at this point. Still haven't gotten a chance to go out and shoot yet. I got a dirt bike and it's been hindering my want to shoot. Why go shoot a gun, when I can injure myself closer to home on something motorized?! :)