New to semiautos: any pointers?

[Dirty Bob]

Greetings!

At a recent tournament, I won a Remington 1100 in a raffle. It's a cased Sporting 12 and is a gorgeous shotgun. I've never won so much as a $5 gift certificate, so I was really shocked when I won such a nice gun. I'm stoked!

The only problem is that, while I've owned and shot pumps for over 25 years, I have ZERO experience with semiautos. I would like to use the 1100 for trap but am embarrassed by my lack of knowledge.

Any pointers to get me started? I'll be firing single shots, of course.

I just want to be safe on the range and avoid looking stupid or damaging this beautiful new gun.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Regards,
Dirty Bob

 

[ArmedBear]

If you go to a range, and they're not friendly, turn around and leave. Post about it here and everywhere you can.

Otherwise, there's no reason to feel stupid. Just ask at the range when you get there. Usually, you'll find people who will willingly help you.

You might want to add a shell catcher for trap.

http://www.gamaliel.com/cart/home.php?cat=1023

For skeet or sporting clays, you don't want one, though.

Have fun!

 

[Bill of Ojai]

Greets! And congratulations on your new gun. 1100's are the bee's knees and make a great trap gun. Just be safe. Usual rules apply - always point the muzzle in a safe direction. Keep the action open until you're on station and ready to call for the bird. With the action open, drop a shell into the ejection port, then push upward on the button forward of the trigger guard to close the action. Ready to shoot.

Trap shooters are usually very friendly and ready to help someone new to the sport. They REALLY watch for safe gun handling and expect the action to be open at all times.

All the best!

 

[Virginian]

Read the owner's manual. Be safe. Have fun. I have been shooting an 1100 for 46 years. I have shot about everything else that has come along in the intervening years too, and I am still keeping and shooting that 1100.

 

[throdgrain]

Nice one! I'd like an 1100 to go with my 870. Hmmm.....

 

[nody]

Bob,

If you live anywhere near Ft Worth, I highly recommend Alpine Gun Range (google their website). Friendly all day long, very inexpensive trap, skeet, 5 station, rifle and pistol, open 7 days, public range. No dues and a great gunshop to boot.

Can't see how you could hurt an 1100, unless you drop it or feed it the wrong guage ammo.

 

[snooperman]

The Remington Sporting 12 is a beautiful gun - CONGRATULATIONS

Most people at trap ranges I know are more than eager to help a new comer get started in their game. Just ask for help and it will be there. Have fun with your new Remington, it is a very sweet shooting semiauto.

 

[oneounceload]

Start by reading the owner's manual, then follow those instructions and give your gun a good cleaning/degreasing followed by a light lubing where appropriate. Any club I've ever been to will always welcome a new person and there will always be someone to help explain how the games work, range safety, shooting tips, etc. Good luck and welcome to a very addicting sport.....