5 Stand - Tips, Tricks, Recommendations

[JoeMal]

So I shot 5 stand for the first time last night.....

Let me say, I can't wait until next Tuesday when they will have another shoot.

I used to shoot a lot of trap when I was younger, but the traps were usually 'cheap' and didn't throw the clays very well; they were pretty easy targets. The 5 stand throwers are significantly faster and throw much more consistent clays. I was also standing much farther away than I'm used to. I did OK....I think I did 9/25 the first time, 7/25 the second. The guy next to me was shooting 23s and 24s....pretty humbling if you ask me

So what are your tips, tricks, or recommendations for shooting 5 stand? I was shooting a Winchester 101 that has a fixed full choke on top, modified on bottom, using 'cheap' Walmart Federal value packs. This is the only O/U shotty I have

I know it was my first time, so I can't expect to do exceptionally...but I really thought I would do better than I did. Any advice for the newbie?

 

[Whole Hog]

Concentrate on knowing where each target is coming from and where you'll be able to see them, especially the second one. Your chokes are a bit of a disadvantage, so shooting the inexpensive loads, with softer shot, might open your patterns a little.

 

[oneounceload]

M/F ARE just a tad tight for 5-stand - most places I shoot, an IC is all that is needed - all that means is that you have to "be on the bird". Different places throw different targets and have different backgrounds. here in FL, the terrain is flat, the background is green. Places typically throw a rabbit, true crossers L2R and R2L, quartering out targets L2R and R2L and maybe a teal. We also have a wobble trap in a tower going out from behind and a driven incomer.

Once you know where the targets are coming from, you need to decide on your break point, insertion point and hold points. Remember that quartering targets require less lead than true crossers, springing teals are best shot on the rise as you swing through the target, and anything dropping needs an accelerated gun going downwards quickly. I would try to go last and watch the other shooters to see where they are breaking the targets, or which one of a pair they shoot first.

As to ammo, pattern your gun to see where the main cluster is in relation to where you are pointing the gun. Odds are your gun is a field model that shoots flat, or 50/50, whereas most target guns are designed to shoot 60/40, 70/30, and even 80/20.

As for ammo, the cheap shells will do fine, but you might want to check out Dick's if you have one where you live - they put the Remington Gun Clubs on sale about every three weeks and you can get some 1oz loads that will be a little easier on your shoulder.

You might have someone at the club watch your shooting form to see if there's something that needs tweaking.

I'm also assuming that you've checked your eye dominance, and you are shooting with the same eye and hand and have no issue in that regard.

Wait till you try sporting clays next - you'll be hooked!......

 

[Dave McCracken]

The first time I did 5 stand, my score was about 10/25, and I can shoot a little. The different presentations can throw us off until we learn the angles,hold and break points.

IMO, a good 5 stand course is up there with the better sporting courses in difficulty.

Load up 1 oz cheap loads of 8s to counter those tight chokes and keep at it.

At home, practice your mount with a shotgun KNOWN TO BE EMPTY to improve your mount and tune your muscles a bit.

Be safe, have fun, BA/UU/R and watch those scores climb.....

 

[GigaBuist]

After my last round of 5 stand I've decided I might as well just use a sling shot and launch the entire shell at the clays.

Can't hurt my score any. Sure saves on reloading costs too!

 

[oneounceload]

For a more rigorous challenge, there is always FITASC, Helice, Bunker and International Skeet..........(especially if you are a masochist....)

 

[JoeMal]

you need to decide on your break point, insertion point and hold points.

Would you mind explaining these different points? I'm thinking hold point refers to where you hold the shotgun in relation to the direction the clay is moving? Maybe not?

BA/UU/R

Huh?

For a more rigorous challenge, there is always FITASC, Helice, Bunker and International Skeet

Remember....you're talking to a beginner I assume those are variations or different games, but really I'm not sure


Thanks for your responses. I'm sure it's like anything else....practice, practice, practice... I did go out and get some 1oz, 8 shot Winchesters for $5.97 at WM and a side pouch for my shells. I really felt like a beginner trying to jam 25 shells into my jean pockets....the guys I was shooting with had a hoot about that (which of course, added to my embarrassment and nervousness)

 

[Whole Hog]

I really felt like a beginner trying to jam 25 shells into my jean pockets....the guys I was shooting with had a hoot about that (which of course, added to my embarrassment and nervousness)

If they're like the people I shoot with, it was mostly good-natured. Keep at it and before long you'll be able to give as good as you get. I shoot with some serious shooters, but none of them take it too seriously.

 

[UKShooter]

I would say that is a good score for a first try. 5 stand can be very challenging and if you are not used to more 'professional grade' throwers the speed the clays come out at can be surprising.

The hardest part is just getting on the birds as quickly as possible. The quicker you are on the bird the closer it will be when you try to shoot it.

Going last is a good tip as you can try to work out where each clay is going to come from helping to get on it quicker. Its just going to take some practice but once you start doing it regularly you will become very familiar with your shotgun

If they offer skeet where you are, give that a go too. its great for practicing a wide range of different angles on the same birds.

 

[JoeMal]

If they offer skeet where you are, give that a go too. its great for practicing a wide range of different angles on the same birds.

They do have a skeet area...right next to the 5 stand. At the end of the night, one of the older guys I was shooting with recommended to start there. He said just what you did; I will get the chance to experience some of the angles more without worrying about the barrage of birds coming from all different directions. I will definitely take this advice

 

[oneounceload]

Would you mind explaining these different points? I'm thinking hold point refers to where you hold the rifle in relation to the direction the clay is moving? Maybe not?

First, it is a shotgun, not a rifle and the way they are handled is as different as their names.

You have your hold point - where you initially hold the gun - sometimes it is at the trap machine, or somewhere along the flight line; the insertion point will be where you insert the gun, starting your movement towards the target (your swing), the break point is where you envision breaking the target. Knowing these points will give you a battle plan for attacking the target and being more successful. Stand comfortably, with your feet in a basic 10 and 2 position.

Example, I might hold my gun (I prefer a low-gun position) pointing at the trap. When I call pull and the target starts to move, I start my swing and insert the gun where I want to pull the trigger. As the gun hits my cheek at that point, I am pulling the trigger and keeping my gun moving so that the target breaks at the break point.

HTH

 

[Tim the student]

Buy ammo.

Use Up.

Repeat.

I had to ask too.

 

[JoeMal]

First, it is a shotgun, not a rifle and the way they are handled is as different as their names.

Sorry...I was thinking about FALs when I was writing this....