[powderific]

I have a Remington 11/87 that I have been using regularly for trap and an for an occasional round of sporting clays. I have only been hunting with it once, and don't really plan to do a whole lot more, so I would like to get the gun set up for clays a little more. Is there anything in particular that i should work on with it? (besides the obvious... LOTS OF PRACTICE) Because it was my first shotgun and is the only one i've shot extensively, I am very comfortable with it, but there are a number of shotguns out there that seem to fit me better. Would a bit different stock help? Or maybe just fooling with the recoil pad? Also, I read one of Dave Mcc's posts at TFL about having the trigger worked on. It seemed like a very logical improvement, any thoughts?

And my final question (one that i am sure has been debated to no end) I had always stayed towards the very closest yardages when i started shooting trap a couple years ago (because for two years... i never made it out of the teens... ouch) then, thanks to changing my stance ever so slightly, i got much better. Now i find myself at some of the farther yardages, with no experiance. MY main question is, should i change my choke? I use modified normally, but many of the people at my range suggested that i might do better with full at the longer ranges. I use heavy loads usually and it is usually REAL windy.

Sorry for the long post! thanks for any help.

[jonesjj]

Go see a competent gunsmith that shoots shotguns and have the gun fitted for you. He may make sugjestions like changing lenth of pull, adding an adjustible comb, and if you need more adustment on the comb he may sugjest bending the stock some to make it fit. Bottom line is if it fits you, it will be easyer to hit better with it, then you can work on your foot position and body stance, and body mechanics, and diffrent chokes for what you are shooting.

You may be able to find someone at your local trap, skeet, or sporting clays rang that could sugjest some one for you to go see.

Couse if it dont fit it is hard to hit with it.

My .02

Jeff

[Dave McCracken]

Jeff has it right, fit is paramount.

Most triggers are too heavy, and oft gritty, muddy, and travel way too far.A clean less than 4 lb trigger is a joy to use. You can probably get this done for $50 or so. Well worth it.

If you haven't progressed much in two years, some changes are in order. No new guns, though, the prob is usually software, not hardware.

Since I can't SEE you shoot, let's go over some common faults. With the gas action of the 11-87, chances are you have no flinch.

First, make sure your mount is consistent.

Second,make sure you're not stopping your swing. Followthrough is mandatory for hits.

Next,ensure your face stays on the stock.

Also, focus on breaking the foremost molecule on the leading edge of the clay rather than hitting the disc. Narrowing down the focus that far is the usual difference between an average shooter and a Hall of Famer.

If the ones you're missing fall into some kind of category, work on that shot. After shooting a round to warm up, concentrate on those kinds of shots you haven't learned to hit yet.

If the range is empty, try bribing the trap guy into locking down the trap and throwing just the ones giving you trouble. A box or two will see major improvement, I bet.

And if all else doesn't seem to help, try missing the ones you're missing by shooting in front of them.

Also,once you've moved off this plateau, install a Full choke. The smaller pattern will teach you to hold tighter, but one step at a time...

HTH....

[powderific]

Thanks a buch, your advice is really appreciated!

I think i was confusing just a little in my post, the first two years i shot there was no improvement, whereas the last two years I improved greatly(somehow i got most improved shooter two year in a row, mostly becuase im so out of practice at the begining of the season :p ) , but as usual there is always room for improvement, and right now shots from longer ranges give me the most trouble.

The main things i have trouble with are consistent stance and follow through. Consistent stance is especially hard for me because when i do the most shooting is in the summer after work when my legs are tired from standing all day. And with follow through i tend to dismount my shotgun as soon as possible after i fire, but i am trying to stop that and have more follow through.

Oddly enough, when i miss i usually miss the straightaways. I feel as though I have my shooting pretty well down otherwise, and my main need now is to become more consistent.

Anyway, that you very much for your help, i can't wait till it warms up a bit so i can get out put your advice to good use!

[Dave McCracken]

Glad to help....

3-4 times a week, practice your mount say, 25 reps a session to keep muscle memory working and tone up.

"Trapshooters obsess about the angles and miss the straightaways".-Brister.

When I miss a straightaway, I usually shoot over it. The direct move away seems to add speed. On straight shots, the timing should change, and more of a year round training schedule will aid you most 'scociously.

[ysr_racer]

I have an 1187 and like it. But if your's dosent fit, sell it and buy something that does. FIT IS EVERYTHING. Next, take lessons from a pro. Last, practice, practice, practice.