I'm primarily into handguns, though I do own a shotgun for HD. I'm joining a gun club, primarily for the rifle and pistol range but also want to try out trap/skeet. I don't know much about the sport and feel a little intimidated by the skill level of the guys out there. How do you recommend getting started? Can you point me to a good learning resource...something that will help me not do anything embarrassing? Unfortunately I don't have any friends that are into shotguns. Thanks for your suggestions.
Getting Started In Trap/Skeet/Five Stand
- Thread starter CTGunner
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rscalzo
Member
We run a NRA Basic shotgun Course that teaches all of those areas. We are running one in two weeks and it's not expensive. Many clubs host the same course and it's a great primer for a new shooter. Nothing other than your attention is needed to participate in the course.
Check the NRA site for upcoming courses.
http://www.nrainstructors.org/searchcourse.aspx
Check the NRA site for upcoming courses.
http://www.nrainstructors.org/searchcourse.aspx
the rifleer
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- 38
Honestly, just go to your range and shoot. I shoot trap and skeet with a mossberg 500 feild gun in 20 gauge and do just as well, and even better than a lot of the guys with nice $2k+ O/U shtguns. Its the shooter, not the gun. Just go and introduce yourself and let them know that you are just starting out and you would like to learn more about it and that you are interested in trying it out. More than likely the guys will literally walk you over to the trap stand and give you a quick lesson and tell you to start shooting. Most gun clubs are very welcoming and also very helpful. In fact, i've never been to one that isn't welcoming or helpful. I resently got involved too and i love it.
When you go have a positive attitude and the willingness to learn and you will do great. Don't take criticism the wrong way, because they are just trying to help, not pick on you. Just go have fun, don't aim for a score, infact don't even count your score, just have fun. then when you start getting good at it, then work on getting a good score.
And as for you not having any friends that are into shotguns; you will after you go to the range and shoot some skeet and trap
When you go have a positive attitude and the willingness to learn and you will do great. Don't take criticism the wrong way, because they are just trying to help, not pick on you. Just go have fun, don't aim for a score, infact don't even count your score, just have fun. then when you start getting good at it, then work on getting a good score.
And as for you not having any friends that are into shotguns; you will after you go to the range and shoot some skeet and trap
Davandron
Member
Does your club have a beginner's league or intro event? Ask around; our club does, open to members and non-members, and it brings many new shooters into the sport. If your club doesn't, a neighboring club might.
Second idea, are there any clubs / ranges that teach an intro to shotgunning class? Again, in our area there is a large for-profit range that has classes and instructors for one-on-one; they even rent shotguns. After a few lessons, you can just start attending events at your club, tell people you're green and have fun trying it out. My first time shooting a shotgun was with their instructor and shotgun.
I think I saw another post where you mentioned owning a 500, and as long as you have a field barrel to put on it, that's an excellent starting point.
Second idea, are there any clubs / ranges that teach an intro to shotgunning class? Again, in our area there is a large for-profit range that has classes and instructors for one-on-one; they even rent shotguns. After a few lessons, you can just start attending events at your club, tell people you're green and have fun trying it out. My first time shooting a shotgun was with their instructor and shotgun.
I think I saw another post where you mentioned owning a 500, and as long as you have a field barrel to put on it, that's an excellent starting point.
Al LaVodka
member
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- 1,040
LOL In a few months you'll look back and realize you are as good as the average "shotgunner." The NRA course is basic shooting stuff at first but very good. I should know... And the book is basic but helpful. Then, go to the range and watch them shoot from the beginning close up.
I know what you mean about some of these overdressed, overequipped, overqualified shooters -- I'm one of them. You'll be so welcomed.
Al
I know what you mean about some of these overdressed, overequipped, overqualified shooters -- I'm one of them. You'll be so welcomed.
Al
Take what you have and go shooting. Don't worry that other guys there have more expensive shotguns and hit more targets. You may find you do very well, and with practice you'll do better. After you shoot targets a while you may find you want a shotgun that is made for targets, but maybe not. My primary shotgun interest is upland bird hunting, so all my shotguns are made for that. I shoot them at clays because I want to practice with those guns, and I'm not worried about being the best shooter on the clays course. Anyway, most of the people I've met shooting clays who have fancier guns than I do, aren't worried about who is shooting what.
bushmaster1313
Member
Make sure to follow the rules about carrying a gun to, from and at the trap line
Guns in the rack are pointed up and unloaded
When you take your gun out of the rack you open the action before walking with it and you keep it unloaded till you are about to shoot
Unless you are shooting doubles you load and shoot one shell at a time
Until you get experience you should avoid being squad leader
Have fun
Shoot straight
Keep your head down on the stock
Be safe
Guns in the rack are pointed up and unloaded
When you take your gun out of the rack you open the action before walking with it and you keep it unloaded till you are about to shoot
Unless you are shooting doubles you load and shoot one shell at a time
Until you get experience you should avoid being squad leader
Have fun
Shoot straight
Keep your head down on the stock
Be safe
Last edited:
oneounceload
member
Different clubs have their rules regarding safety - if you aren't sure, ASK. Safety first.
Trap is different from skeet which is different from 5-stand and sporting clays.
Basic trap involves a single target from the 16 yard line. Skeet involves singles and doubles as you move around a semi-circle making the presentations different. In both cases, the fields are set and you will find that each one is the same from Maine to Florida to Washington.
5-stand is unique comparatively so as each one is different. Anywhere from 8 machines and up can be used to give a variety of presentations. Typically you'll have a single and two pairs at each stand - sometimes report pairs, sometimes true pairs.
For skeet or 5-stand you WILL need a gun capable of shooting two shots. While a pump is doable, a semi or O/U tend to rule those roosts due to the ease of getting off that second shot while on target. Guns can range from a few hundred dollars to well over $100,000. FIT is what really counts when shooting moving targets. A pump that truly fits is better than an O/U that doesn't.
When you go to the local club, ask for help. Ask to borrow or rent as many types of guns as you can to see what fits and feels right to YOU. What works for me may or may not work for you.
Whatever type of gun you decide on - do yourself a favor and buy a decent one. Quality guns last longer, resell better, and have a tendency to do the job better. Look at the good shooters at your club, see what they use, ask to try them, get a feel for what you want, then buy once and enjoy
Good luck!
Trap is different from skeet which is different from 5-stand and sporting clays.
Basic trap involves a single target from the 16 yard line. Skeet involves singles and doubles as you move around a semi-circle making the presentations different. In both cases, the fields are set and you will find that each one is the same from Maine to Florida to Washington.
5-stand is unique comparatively so as each one is different. Anywhere from 8 machines and up can be used to give a variety of presentations. Typically you'll have a single and two pairs at each stand - sometimes report pairs, sometimes true pairs.
For skeet or 5-stand you WILL need a gun capable of shooting two shots. While a pump is doable, a semi or O/U tend to rule those roosts due to the ease of getting off that second shot while on target. Guns can range from a few hundred dollars to well over $100,000. FIT is what really counts when shooting moving targets. A pump that truly fits is better than an O/U that doesn't.
When you go to the local club, ask for help. Ask to borrow or rent as many types of guns as you can to see what fits and feels right to YOU. What works for me may or may not work for you.
Whatever type of gun you decide on - do yourself a favor and buy a decent one. Quality guns last longer, resell better, and have a tendency to do the job better. Look at the good shooters at your club, see what they use, ask to try them, get a feel for what you want, then buy once and enjoy
Good luck!
TomADC
Member
Skeet open choke Improved Cylinder if you don't have a skeet choke, Trap full choke, if you don't have a shotgun yet be sure to get one that takes choke tubes. When you start at skeet just shoot singles the first few rounds until your confortable. 12 ga works best to start with, 1 to 1 1/8 oz of #8 shot.
Have fun!
BTW people that shoot these sports are very friendly and happy to help.
Have fun!
BTW people that shoot these sports are very friendly and happy to help.
Black Dime
Member
Very good read.
http://www.herosarms.com/Selecting.htm
Unless the pocketbook allows, don't get too deep at first.
http://www.herosarms.com/Selecting.htm
Unless the pocketbook allows, don't get too deep at first.
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