First Sporting Clays Adventure

[Red Label]

I went and shot my first round of sporting clays today and I must say that I had fun. I did however not do well. I can usually shoot a 22-24 at trap but this was quite a different experience. I failed miserably, 46 out of 100. The other guys I was shooting with said that was good for my first time but it sure seemed lousy. Bouncing rabbits and little tiny birds that you could hardly even see flying near the speed of sound;), What an experience. I'm definitely going again though. I love a challenge:D

[Dave McCracken]

Not too shabby a score, actually. A few more times should see those numbers climb. And, you'll be a better all around shotgunner.

Those #$%^&* Rabbits have my number too. Same with the so called Jumping Teal.

Also,while SC started out as a hunter's game, some of the presentations have become unrealistic as folks improved.

A couple tips, though I'm no whiz...

Set up for the shot with your feet pointing at the area where you'll break the bird. Many of us set up with feet akimbo and have to twist too far.

Except for rabbits, use very open chokes and small shot like 8.5s and 9s for everything less than 30 yards. For rabbits go to 7 1/2s.

HTH....

[TrapperReady]

Red Label: Actually, your score is pretty good. I shoot SC pretty frequently, and find that it all depends on the course. I've been known to run 50/50, switch to a different course and run 28/50 (or worse).

Some of the target presentations just have to be seen a few times to figure them out. Springing teal, incoming targets (especially ones that pass right overhead) and the rabbits are all very different from trap presentations. You just have to experiment a little and see what works for you.

For example, the springing teal (the ones which go almost straight up and then drop) are SUPPOSED to be taken on the way up. I can't do that reliably. If I wait for the target to slow down and shoot it at the top, I never miss. Try different methods and see what works for you.

The rabbits used to give me trouble until I learned to simply ignore their hopping. Either when you call to "See one" or are watching someone else shoot first, develop a good idea of the path the target takes, then swing your gun along that plane. Don't try to follow any hops, or you will likely end up shooting behind the clay.

One other thing that I've found helpful. Go to a course on an "off day" when it's not very busy. Check to see if it's OK to shoot extra targets (usually there's a small additional fee per target), and then just keep working on a station until you figure it out. Also, if you have someone pulling the targets for you, don't be afraid to see if they can offer up some advice.

Good luck and have fun!

[Red Label]

Well thanks guys, at least my bruised ego feels a little better. It really was amazing the number of different presentations there were. They also had a rule, maybe this is common I don't know, that if a red clay and a white one comes out first the red one needs to be taken before the white one. That would screw you up too depending on which way you were swinging. I must say, the guys I shot with were some of the nicest people I've ever met. Very helpful. I think I'm going to try to get my kid a job there this summer pulling targets.;) Maybe dad can get some extra practice time.

[SDC]

I've also enjoyed my attempts at sporting clays (I know what you mean about those poker chips at warp speed), but all of the shots I've had to take weren't anything that you wouldn't see out hunting. I actually PREFER the rabbit targets, because they're more like the IPSC style of shotgunning I normally do.

[9mmMike]

What gun were you using Red Label? Your Ruger?

I have only run a SC course once and it was quite humbling. We had a TFL pumpgun SC shoot in PA. I shot with two other guys and we all used 870's. Mine (both of them) had 20" fixed-choke barrels.
We had a blast. It was the first time I ever shot anything moving along the ground but I did OK on the rabbits. There was a shot that came from a tower behind us that I swear (well maybe not on a Bible) was sixty yards up!
I can hardly wait to go out again.

How do you guys carry your ammo for SC?

Mike

[Dave McCracken]

I use a belt and pouch combination set, Mike, same as for trap. A mesh bag that's part of the setup holds my empties, and the other part holds two boxes of shells and associated paraphenalia.

Lots of folks use vests, from the Gucci like SC vests to old hunting vests. The dedicated SC vests are easy to ID,they have leather all up the strong side for an easy, smooth mount.

I've got 4 vests here, including a decent 10X and some French job with a busted zipper, a generic huntin' vest in Woodland camo and a lightweight one made of gossamer weight cloth for early doves.
In common, they have a large pocket in back for hulls or defunct Avians,a number of other pockets, and except for the dove job, some sort of padding for the shoulder.

The trick on vests is to make sure there's no binding when one swings. That's one reason to opt for the belt and pouch.

HTH....

[Red Label]

Yes 9mm I was using my Ruger, how did you guess. I am still getting used to it. Like Dave says, keep shooting it until it becomes a part of your body. I have always been a Remington fan but I just did not like the new 332 but I wanted an O/U and I wanted it to be American so it had to be Ruger. Either that or take a loan for a Kolar and that was not going to happen. I've only put maybe 500 rounds through it so I have not reached body part yet but I'm working on it.