So I finally got some time to go out and shoot trap for the first time (11/25 and 10/25) and I had a ton of fun. My only problem is that my gun beat me up and bruised my shoulder pretty good. I now can see why proper gun fit is key! I have an old stevens 60 pump 12ga, it is all I can afford at the time so price was over fit so it doesn't seat very well into my shoulder due to my long arms. I attempt to seat it fully to my shoulder but it seems I just naturally push forward a bit. So does this sound like a technique issue or a fit issue? Is it a normal thing when shooting trap and I just need to get a butt pad or padded vest....or quit being a girl?
First time shooting trap
- Thread starter Harrod
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SlowFuse
Member
A recoil pad sounds like it would kill two problems in one whack. Lengthen pull and reduce recoil! I would try this before going the padded vest route. If recoil is still a problem after adding the pad to the shotgun then it may need to be looked into. My experience with the vest is that its just another pc of equipment to keep up with. With the recoil pad, that's not the case if you keep it attached to the shotgun. A vest will also most likely cost more than the pad, since you said money is a factor.
98Redline
Member
Check the Length of Pull of the gun vs. what LOP you need.
Hold your arm at your side and bring your forearm up in front of you until it is level with the ground (palm up).
Place the butt of the gun in the angle formed between your upper arm and forearm. With the gun laying on it's side, the trigger should be right around the first joint of your trigger finger (closest to the tip of your finger).
Any difference between that and where the trigger actually falls is approximately how much the stock is short for you.
You can buy slip on butt pads that will lengthen the LOP around 1" or so. They have the added benefit of giving you some padding for your shoulder.
A properly fit shotgun should not leave you bruised and sore.
As a point of reference, I have both a 12ga OU shotgun and a pump.
The OU LOP fits me properly and I can shoot many rounds of trap without so much as a bruise. To do the same with my pump (LOP is about 1.25" short), I will end up with a beautiful purple/blue bruise on my shoulder after only one round.
Hold your arm at your side and bring your forearm up in front of you until it is level with the ground (palm up).
Place the butt of the gun in the angle formed between your upper arm and forearm. With the gun laying on it's side, the trigger should be right around the first joint of your trigger finger (closest to the tip of your finger).
Any difference between that and where the trigger actually falls is approximately how much the stock is short for you.
You can buy slip on butt pads that will lengthen the LOP around 1" or so. They have the added benefit of giving you some padding for your shoulder.
A properly fit shotgun should not leave you bruised and sore.
As a point of reference, I have both a 12ga OU shotgun and a pump.
The OU LOP fits me properly and I can shoot many rounds of trap without so much as a bruise. To do the same with my pump (LOP is about 1.25" short), I will end up with a beautiful purple/blue bruise on my shoulder after only one round.
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