[mustangLX92]

I will be going skeet shooting for the first time in about two weeks. My friend has a farm that we can use for this. What are the best shells for skeet shooting? Any other tips for a first timer would be great.

Thanks

[Bill B.]

Since you mention shooting on a farm I make the assuption that you are going to be shooting clays from either a hand or hand cocked foot thrower. Any type of shotgun can be used for this but a more open choke and light loads of 7 1/2, 8 or 9 shot will lead to more hits and more fun. I would stay away from a .410 for the simple reason that 90% are full choke and your hit ratio will be less to you get the hang of it.

If you get the chance go try "skeet" on a regular club range. You will have 25 targets that are both going away and coming to you & doubles to boot. You will need a repeating shotgun for this choked as I mentioned above and shells with the smaller shot. You are in for some fun either way! Enjoy yourself! :)

[ilmonster]

As bill surmised, I am guessing that you are not going to a true skeet field (although wouldn't it be cool if your friend on a farm had an entire 8 station skeet field there!).

Use the lightest loads available (Win. X-Lite Target loads, maybe 1oz. of 8's) as the distances will probably be pretty short - i.e. 25 yds. or less. No need to get beat up by recoil just breaking clays. Cylinder, Skeet or IC for chokes should work great.

Tips on shooting, do you have an hour! Gun fit is important, but I'm guessing you're using someone else's gun. Other than that, keep your eye on the clay, not the end of the barrel. Have fun! Let us know how it goes!

[mustangLX92]

I will be using my own gun. It is a 870. Right now all I have is a mod. choke will this be o.k.

[ilmonster]

Mod. choke should be fine. The web site vaskeet.com has some good pointers on beginning clay shooting.

[Rockrivr1]

Go to Wallymart and get the value pack. They have 12 gauge, 7 1/2 and 8 shot loads for under $16 for 100 rounds. I've been using these when shooting trap for a couple years now. I'm not into it as much as some so I can't justify spending a lot to shoot a round of trap. These rounds fit the bill.

It is a LOAD of fun though. I also shoot an 870 with a 26" VR barrel. You shouldn't have a problem using your 870.

[Dave McCracken]

Informal clays is just as much fun as the formalized games, mayhap more. Have fun, remember safety at all times, and burn up some shells.

Ammo like those value packs will do. So will an 870 with a Modified choke.

Enjoy....

[sm]

One always remembers their first time...:D