Tried trap! What a great game!

[Dirty Bob]

I shot my first round of trap tonight. I used my plain-jane, short (22-inch barrel with Poly Choke) Winchester 1200 that I've had for home defense for over 20 years. I had a blast. I can see how this could help me get more comfortable with my Winchester. I can also see how it could be addictive.

I started out missing everything, but then started to get the feel for it near the end and broke 8 out of the last 12 or so. Lots of fun!

I wasn't the only one there with something simple. One guy had a 26" Mossberg pump, also with Poly Choke, although there were a number of over-unders in use.

I have to buy more target loads tomorrow. Woo hoo!

Regards,
Dirty Bob

[toivo]

Congratulations! The hangup about using a shorter shotgun in trap is that a lot of the shorties are unchoked, but with the Poly Choke you should be fine.

[Dave McCracken]

And so it begins....

Congrats on your introduction to the world of clays. Try the other games also, there's a wealth of fun and proficiency waiting.

And shoot some doubles. Nothing improves the shuck like them.

And, while most of my shooting buds use high end shotguns, no one will sneer at your Poly'd 1200.

[johnmcl]

Hi Bob,

Welcome aboard, and as Dave said, "Thus it begins...".

Don't worry about perceptions of your 1200. An old Roman adage is that it's the warrior and not the weapon that wins. An example is found in the trap league that I run. There's this guy shooting top scores to the point he's got the second highest average in the midst of some very high end guns. His gun is a nearly 30 year old pump.

In short, once your experience catches up with your enthusiasm, just let your scores do the talking.

Congrats again on your first shoot. Let us know if you've got any questions.

JFM

[Dirty Bob]

Thanks, guys!

I'm actually feeling OK about my 1200. I think I had made a mistake in dialing it to an Improved Cylinder choke before beginning. I think I'll try Improved Modified on Saturday. Right after the round, a few of the shooters came by to welcome me and to offer some suggestions that I'm sure will really help my shooting.

I'll go grab 100 rounds of target ammo this afternoon. I'm planning to go for another round or two tomorrow morning. Texas mornings are a much better time for shooting than afternoons, especially in July.

Up to this point, it's been static targets like cans or silhouettes, but those flying clay disks really helped me to "get into" my 1200 last night. I'm sure my scores will eventually improve. My main goals last night were to be 100% safe in my gun handling, and to not embarrass myself.

Regards,
Dirty Bob

[johnmcl]

Hi Bob,

You sound like you're on your way. A couple of points for your consideration:

Search through this forum and find thoughts on shooting protocol and etiquette. Read those carefully and be the guy with which everyone else wants to shoot.

IC or Modified is a great place to start with your choke from the 16 yard line. If I had to pick one, I'd say Modified. Improved Modified might be overchoked for this point in your shooting career.

Let us know how Saturday goes, and you are *so* right about Texas afternoons in July.

[ArmedBear]

Quit now while you can!