Welcome to the sport.
I've been shooting trap for about 30 years off an on, and here are a few things that I have learned.
1) Get a good trap gun and learn to shoot it. You don't need a fancy or expensive gun with adjustable stock, adjustable ribs, triggers, etc. to learn to shoot. Make sure the gun fits you, and mount the gun to your shoulder the same way every time. Make sure you are looking straight down the barrel with both beads lined up. Ideally, the bead on the end of the gun will be a tad higher than then center bead. I shot a Remington 1100 Trap (left handed one) for 20 years and learned to shoot it very well. Nothing was adjustable, it even had a fixed choke (full).
2) Don't try to learn with a field grade gun. They usually shoot flat, and you have to cover up the target to break it. When you cover it up, you lose sight of the target and can easily shoot over it. Get a trap gun where your sight picture is just under the target, and pull the trigger.
3) Practice, practice, practice.
4) Trapshooting can get expensive, but so does going to the movies. I've found shooting to be less expensive and more enjoyable than bowling. Buy new shells such as Rio, Estate, Gun Club, Kemen, or other less expensive target loads. Premium shells are nice if you are going to reload, but stick to the less expensive brands in the beginning. The key words here are "Target Loads". Don't shoot all purpose shells or game loads.
5) Try using an improved/modified choke at 16 yards. The full choke is great for longer yardage, but imp/mod works fine for singles.
6) Find a local club and join it. Get involved in club activities, and become part of the community. Don't be one of those guys who just shows up and shoots a couple of rounds and leaves. Offer to help stock the traphouse with targets, score squads, load traps, etc. Get to know the club members who are very active in the day to day operation of the club. They can be a wealth of information and are always eager to offer advice to a new shooter.
7) Also remember that what works best for one shooter may not work for you. Some shooters shoot with both eyes open, some do not. Some shooters use blinders on their glasses, some do not. Some like full choke, others shoot imp/mod. Some shoot #8 shot, some shoot #7 1/2.
8) Always be safe.
9) Practice, practice, practice. It won't be long before you'll be dusting 23, 24, or 25 when you go out. Don't be discouraged if your scores suddenly drop one day after shooting 90% or higher. If this happens, just think about the basics and get back on track by practicing more. Trap is as much a mental game as technique.
10) Finally, bring your friends out to shoot, get them to join a local glub and enjoy the game with you.
As always, these are just my opinions.
More information can be found at
www.shootata.com
Check out my website at
www.kentcountygunclub.org
Muggs
