[Milkmaster]

Today was my 3rd or 4th time at the trap range since I started learning with my son a month or so ago. First round out this afternoon I shot a 21 out of 25. That was my best so far and gave me an excuse to dance a little jig when it was all over. I used a Winchester 1300 pump w/ 28" barrel and a screw in modified choke. I know some of you shoot better than a 21, but for me it was a blast of confidence. I know one thing...this could become a more expensive addiction!

I do have a question.... How may rounds do most people shoot before becoming tired and ineffective? I am 6ft and weigh about 225. I know it varies per person, but I just don't know what to expect and how many shots to go before I should call it a day and not pay for it later in shoulder soreness. I am just looking for experiences, remarks, and anything I should expect in this regard.

[blitzen]

Good shooting Milkmaster!! Keep it up!! I'll give you what I think are the top 3 reasons that we miss targets while trap shooting. In no particular order they are 1. recoil 2. recoil and 3. recoil. If you shoot in the 20's four or five times in a row then start shooting in the teens you have probably reached your threshhold. It affects all of us sooner or later. Time to quit for the day. Do all that you can to reduce the effect of recoil with your shotgun, shooting vest and even double ear protection. If you reload you can shoot lighter loads. Last time I shot a lot I was useing less than 1oz loads out of a 12ga Citori and smoking targets.
Good luck to you and your son!

[catdaddyjack]

1st post so don't take me wrong--recoil has never been a problem with me, but it does affect many people--call it a day.

I look at 400 birds a month (at least), shoot from any handicap with a SuperFull Turkey Choke, or Modified (depends on 'things').

Get used to your ammo before using anything exotic (hot), and with 21/25 first time out, hey dude, you are pretty well dialed in--sounds like the gun patterns well and consistently.

My only problem is the brightness of the sun w/out tinted shooting eyewear.

Keep up the practice, don't be afraid to shoot from handicap lines, and I really respect your teaching your son the proper, safe use of a firearm!!

Glad to meet you folks.

Cordially CDJ

[DWARREN123]

Shoot til you quit or get tired, it will take a little time to find your stopping point.
Usually a auto in 20ga will let you shoot better/lomger because of softer recoil.

[holmux]

I shoot my fist clay out of the sky last year, before going into the sport, I decided that I would not end up like the rest of my family, with a damaged shoulder. So I shot a few deferent guns, before buying my trap gun, I ended up with a Beretta Automatic, this was the lowest recoil, for a price in my budget.

There is some des advances to using a automatic compeered to OU’s, but if you are using a pump today, automatics would be a step up, with less recoil.

I never have a sour shoulder, and I shoot between 100 to 200 shells twice a week, for me the recoil is not the biggest thing, it’s just as much the mental as physical condition that makes me leave the range.

Another very important thing is shooting glasses, spend the money an get a pair that is perfect for you eyes, this will save you a lot of headaches.

[BlisteringSilence]

Milkmaster:

First and foremost, what are you shooting? 12ga? 20? Auto, pump, or break?

When I'm shooting for practice, I shoot a Beretta D10 o/u. I can normally shoot 300 or so rounds before I get tired enough that it starts to affect my aim. Even then, it's more of a left arm tired of holding up the gun than a shoulder sore from shooting tired.

There are lots of ways to protect a shoulder. Bob Allen makes a great recoil pad that can strap on under a vest. Many good vests have pockets built in for a recoil pad, and there are lots of good ones available. You can shoot lower recoil loads (available at good outdoor stores), or, if you're getting into it, load your own. There are tons of good recipes for low recoil loads.

Anyway, if you want some more tips, lemmie know, and point me in the right direction.