[reckless carolinian]

I have been invited to a local trap range, and have never shot trap or any other clays before. Could some of you sages enlighten me as to how? I need to know what to get as far as shells and such.

[Tim the student]

I'd go with whatever feels best in your shoulder. You will likely shoot that better - not all guns are built the same.

Have you ever shot either of them at any kinds of targets? Ever patterned them with small shot?

I'd probably go with 8 1/2 shot - you aren't hunting here, and even the tiniest speck off the clay is a hit, just the same as if you turned one into orange talcum powder.

PS - I am no sage. Those guys will be here in the morning I think.

[tactikel]

Modified choke is ok unless you are shooting handicap. Usually 7.5 shot is preferred for trap. Buy Win. AA trap loads in 7.5 shot and you'll be fine.

[Al LaVodka]

With a Modified choke, I agree, use 7.5 if you can find it or even 8 shot to keep a tighter pattern and energy as you'll be breaking the birds past 35 yards probably -- do not use 9 shot. ANd don't bother with Win. AA unless you have more money than you need, need to make an impression on your boss or the club membership committee, or are going to reload for competitive Trap shooting ongoing! Go with whatever Wal-Mart 100 round sport pack is least expensive -- even the Winchester is very good.

I became Distinguished Expert with a ribbed (tiny middle-bead added) Mossberg 500 28" using Improved Modified choke...

Al

[kanook]

I took my Mossberg with a 18.5 barrel , heat shield, and speed feed stock. The first complaint was the shells in the stock.

Some of the others felt that they could jump from the stock into the chamber all by them selves and asked me to remove them.

Next was the comment that I was wasting everybodies time and I shouldn't be allowed to shoot it. My reply was "I paid to shoot just like you and It doesn't take any longer with a short barrel pump vs your over priced over under".

Half you thru the course the comments were "it's because it has a wide open choke is the only reason he can hit anything".

When we were done shooting and the scores were being tallied 1st place shooter had 47 clays, 2nd place had 43 clays, 3rd place had 35 clays and it went down from there.

Not one person thought that I would be able to hit anything let alone take second place with it.

[oneounceload]

Of those choices, the 500 with the M be should do fine. Go to Wally World and get some of the Federal or Remington promo loads that sell for about 22.00/4 boxes. 8 or 7-1/2 will work fine. DON'T go getting heavy field loads. It doesn't take much to break a clay target and your shoulder will thank you later.

In trap, all shots are going away and rising. IF your gun is set up like a target gun, it will be patterned to shoot a little high so you "float" the bird above the bead as you pull the trigger. The trap machines oscillates side to side, so some shots may be more to your left, some to the right, some will be straightaway.

Keep your action open and unloaded until your turn to shoot!
For single, no more than 1 round gets loaded.

Follow all of the range safety rules

Eyes and ears should be mandatory.

If you don't have a shell pouch, see if the clubhouse has one they can loan you - makes it easier to keep your shells handy.

If they are using voice releases, do not talk while shooting as it could set off the thrower.

ASK QUESTIONS - you'll get more "advice", (some good, some not) from folks there. Ask to try/borrow other guns - most won't have an issue with that.

Be friendly and courteous, and you'll get treated the same.

Explain your newness to this and see if they can squad you with some folks who can offer some help.

Here's some basic idea of the game and rules:
http://www.vistech.net/users/rsturge/trap.html

Once you get started shooting trap, you might want to think about moving to a dedicated trap gun - (That's a another thread by itself). Then there's skeet, 5-stand and finally sporting clays and FITASC.

Good luck and let us know how you did.

[Bill B.]

Once you get started shooting trap, you might want to think about moving to a dedicated trap gun

You will have a lot better learning experience by borrowing a dedicated trap gun the first time out. With a field gun and the trap clay rising you will have to swing up through and block it out for hits. After you try a field stock gun several times and then shoot a trap stocked shotgun you will know exactly what I am talking about.

[xcgates]

Well, when I showed up for my first time shooting trap, I brought my 870, eye and ear protection, a $4 holder for a box, 4 boxes of the cheap remington shells, and stuck the spent hulls in my jacket pocket. (Big, heavy Carhartt, the type that is nice to -20 or lower, don't know if that is wearable in NC, though;))

Take the gun you shoot best, and ask for advice while out there, most everyone will be friendly and helpful.

Of course I just placed a large order on MidwayUSA for more shotgun stuff, so get ready for that part of things! :uhoh: :eek:

[reckless carolinian]

Thanks for the advice, gang. I was leaning more toward the Mossberg anyway, the old Ithaca might be a bit more than my shoulder can take, especially if I do multiple rounds. I appreciate all the help, I figured that asking here was a lot easier than making a mistake out at the range. I always heard that the dumb question was the one not asked. My thanks to all. The gent who invited me has a beautiful Beretta 303, and I wasn't sure about showing up with either a banged up Mossberg or the 37. After
I go, I will surely report to you my results. Thanks again.

[kanook]

Keep your eyes open for more barrels for that Mossy. It doesn't matter what it looks like as long as your good with it. Keeping up with the Jones gets rather expensive when dealing with trap guns.

[ArmedBear]

Don't worry about what people think of your gun. There will be people there with guns that cost as much as a very nice car -- but generally they don't care about yours.

Go have fun!

Don't listen to people who tell you how much you need a high-rib trap gun, either. I have owned one real American Trap gun, ever. I sold it. I've shot trap better with everything else I've owned, from an 870 Express to an antique SxS.

Just go have fun.:)