[smoothbore]

I have been away from trap shooting for 20 years but want to start shooting it again. Anything really new ?? From reading the other posts in this forum I gather my 870 will still work. Also interested in getting my kids started--any suggestions for guns etc. thanks

[Jim Watson]

Well, they haven't changed the rules or the targets while you weren't looking, so your 870 will do as well as it ever did.

I am not expert in kids;, but what ages are yours?
There are Remington Youth Models, Mossberg Bantams, and probably others. I think the main thing is to provide a gun that fits as to stock dimension, rather short barrel but still with modified choke, but not any lighter weight than necessary for them to swing. A blamed old light weight single barrel rabbit gun will be very discouraging after about two stations.

Do you reload?

I am shooting 16 yd trap and recreational skeet with 12 gauge 7/8 oz 1140 fps loads. That is no more than a standard 20. Which would be OK for the kids if you don't reload.

I would try to get them out on a field not being used for squadded shooting. Take the machine off of oscillation and let them break some straightaways, then move them to gradual angles. Let them have fun and build confidence and skill before turning the oscillator on and making them judge angles on the fly. Or start at station 7 low house skeet so they can blast some.

[Len_in_Phoenix]

Hi Smoothbore

I took a 13 year break from trapshooting to do the "poor college kid with a family to support" thing, but when I was ready to come back everything was pretty much the same. The ATA welcomed me back, re-activated my original member number and gave me the same handicap I had when I left (25.5 yards).

The only differences you'll find are:

a) It costs more - no more "12 rounds for 10 bucks" tickets. Here in Phx member rates are $4.50 per round.

b) Eye and ear protection are now required by the ATA.

c) The targets have actually gotten easier. Most clubs are now throwing with the trap set in the #2 hole instead of the #3 hole that we used to shoot.

d) A lot of clubs are setting the targets with a chronograph instead of using the stakes. The result is often short, soft targets.

You're 870 will do just fine. As far as the beginners guns go, my 9 year old son shoots a 20 gauge 870 youth model and my 11 year old daughter shoots a 20 gauge Winchester model 1912 (not a model 12...it's actually marked Model 1912 and has a 5 digit serial number).

You may find one other problem: my old vest didn't fit me anymore. It seems to have shrunk in the middle. :rolleyes:


Len in Phoenix

[Len_in_Phoenix]

Jim's advice is exaclty how I started my kids on flying targets. Station 7 low house targets, no more than 10 shots per day, taking turns. After that we moved to station 3 trap with the machine locked in the straight away position.

All of the other club members knew exactly what we were doing. It was a great confidence builder to have every shooter present cheer when the kids broke their first trap targets. :D


Len in Phoenix