Clay Games Question

[Emberglo]

Let me start off by saying that I tried the almighty search box, but it yielded no answer to my question.

I was wondering if you can go to a shotgun/clay's range by yourself and shoot?

Aren't the clay games usually done as teams? I've only ever done pasture shooting of clays, and would like to try skeet or sporting clays or something like that.

My local range offers skeet, 5 stand, and sporting clays for public shooting.

 

[Hoppe]

Sure you can, It more fun with at least one other. I have shot many rounds alone and many times you will find someone there that will shoot with you. The game is set up like a team sport but scored individually. I have yet to find a range to refuse the fee.

 

[oneounceload]

Go by yourself, although skeet usually takes two - one to work the control while the other shoots; trap may have voice releases; many sporting clay courses now have devices with a delayed release so you can shoot by yourself.

The question is why would you want to? Clay games (except for trap) are social venues where folks have a good time - ribbing each other, congratulating one another, etc.

 

[Kingcreek]

I've gone by myself for sporting clays and usually hang around looking like somebody's lost puppy until invited to join another group. For trap or skeet you can usually line in with no problem.

 

[bigalexe]

Yeah you can shoot alone on the trap lines at my club because we have the voice things. Funny thing though is that with a full squad of 5 shooters I do better. WHY? It's because waiting for 4 other shooters to take their turn makes me lower my gun and collect my thoughts before I shoulder it and shoot again.

So yes you can and my advice is that if you do make sure to take your time, to get going to fast.

 

[Capstick1]

You don't always have to shoot with a team or group. Shooting with a team or group of 3 to 5 people is more fun though. The shotgun range I go to has voice activated trap machines at it's trap range. Each firing station has a microphone that you speak into and it automatically throws the clay pigeon. You can shoot by yourself if no one's there or with a group of people. If you're shooting skeet or sporting clays though you usually need someone there to manually operate the controller since sometimes you have to rotate between high/low house and doubles.

 

[esheato]

My old club had voice machines...when I moved to Tx, I was always missing a partner. I'd go to the club and wander around until I found someone to shoot with. Eventually, I bought my own voice call, and now I go whenever I want and never have to wait.

 

[Snarlingiron]

I often go by myself. My club has time delay controllers. No one wants to shoot with me when I am shooting only station 8 for 50 consecutive rounds.

Another club I go to less frequently has only 2 skeet ranges, so you are usually squaded up with a group of strangers. I have found this to be great fun. I have met some real characters. However, if you are the only one there, no problem, since they have trappers that pull and score for you.

 

[Emberglo]

Thanks guys!

I'll have to check out the local club(s) and see if they have that kind of equipment. I don't have many friends that shoot (being a college student).

 

[BigN]

I think shooting by yourself goes too quickly. You try to hurry your shots and as someone else said, if you have to wait for the 4 other guys, you're more calm and collected and relaxed and the score seems to go up. Besides, the old buzzard at one of the ranges here cops an attitude if he has to pull clays for one person

 

[Rem-brent-browning]

Emberglow, I think that you should visit a range or call and request a puller. Most of the time I can get one for about $5 a round for skeet and trap. One advantage is that you can repeat a particular presentation that gives you trouble and you don't have to suffer the embarrasment if you miss. Most ranges will pair you up with other shooters if you are willing to wait to form a squad. Many times informal shoots with other shooters can help you.

Shooting games seem intimidating, but after you experience them you may find you enjoy them.

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

There's a guy, single, middle aged businessman, who shows up every Sunday at the local Sporting Clays range and spends the day there. He'll shoot maybe two or three rounds of SC and some five stand, with a break for lunch.

If somebody comes with him or invites him, he'll shoot with them. If not, he'll shoot a round of SC on his own. Not really that hard with remote control throwers.

Nice guy too. He owns a health food store where I shop. Always nice to talk shooting while I'm buying my black cherry juice.