Trap shooting with my daughter - questions

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PennsyPlinker

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Greetings everyone

I recently got involved in trap shooting with a 12 gauge Remington 870 I bought a couple of months ago. I am having a blast (so to speak), even though I need a lot more practice before the birds start to shake in their shoes.

My 15 year old daughter is interested in getting involved, or at least giving it a try. Mainly because of the heat, I am shooting right now with just a T shirt, and end up with a bruise and some scrapes every time. It does not bother me, but I suspect she might not be enthralled with the prospect of coming home bruised after every shoot.

Can anyone here offer me any suggestions as to how to prepare her, and perhaps how to make the whole shooting thing a little more pleasant? She already shoots most of my rifles and handguns, but she is not always fond of the larger calibers.

Thanks.
 
If you can afford it, my advice is to get her a gas operated semi-automatic 12 or 20 gauge. My first choice would be a Remington 1100. They are affordable new or used, and about the softest shooting for youngsters you can get because of the gas system. Most junior high trap teams around here use them for that very reason. They are a lot easier on persons of small stature and/or delicate nature. Congrats on encouraging and taking part in a hobby together. You will be paid back many times over for the time you two spend together.
 
Thanks Milkmaster, but another gun is not possible for now. On the positive side of the equation, she is not frail and delicate, probably a result of her old man's gene contribution. ;) She is bigger and stronger than some men I know. But, she is still a girl. Do you have any thoughts on how I might modify my current shotgun?

Thanks again.
 
If getting her a softer shooting shotgun is not in the realm of possibilities, nothing really comes to mind other than to make darn sure the gun fits her well and has a good recoil pad on it. Adding another slip-on pad may make the length of pull too long for her or you. A well fitting shotgun will be less abusive to anyone using it and provide better performance. The gun may not fit well or the same for both of you. You don't want to ruin her appetite with an ill fitting gun that bruises and keeps her from being successful in breaking targets.

Mr. McCracken who is the guru of 870's around here would be my choice of people to ask about your problem. What say you Dave?
 
OK, but dunno about the guru stuff.

First, lighten the load. This is a job for 7/8 oz loads. With Remington, Winchester, Fiocchi , Kent and others making these, they're not that hard to find except at Wally World.

My 7/8 oz, 1200 FPS load has about half the recoil of a 1 1/8 oz 3 1/4 dr eq handicap trap load.

Second, recoil pads. New Remington pads are good, older ones not quite so. A Sims prefit may help and it costs maybe $30.

There are pads, made by PAST, Bob Allen, etc, that go on the shooter.. Browning makes a vest that has one of these built in. These are excellent but alter fit, which we're getting to.

Third, fit. If her own shotgun is not possible right now, be ready to alter yours to fit her. It's easier to shoot with a stock too shrt than too long. Perhaps you can setup the gun to fit her and add a slip on pad over the standard pad to add length to fit you.

Get someone who knows how to fit the stock to her. Most trap ranges have plenty of people that think they know, and a few that do.

I see you're in PA. How close to central MD are you? I have some time Saturday.....
 
Winchester Featherlite loads work real nice in an 870 (15/16 oz. at approx. 950 fps IIRC). Agree too with Dave's 7/8 oz. load recommendation as another option. 7/8 oz. reloads are all I shoot for skeet in my Citori.
 
I'm with Dave all the way on this one. Find you some nice light loads. 7/8 is a great load to teach trap with.

And a nice recoil pad. Bob Allen makes one that you just strap over your shirt, and it's awesome. It's what I outfit the girlfriend with when she comes shooting, and she's a pretty small little lady. It's this one.

Beyond that, see if there is a lady's league at your range. If there is, bring her out to it some night. I have found that the women who shoot in these leagues are so excited to teach a young new shooter, they'll often arrange times to meet to work on fundamentals, lady-specific tips, and bring every toy they have in their bag.
 
Check around for SCTP

Schoolastic Clay target Program.

Well trained coaches, at least they make em put in a lot of classroom time here.

The Clubs here have, loaner guns that are pretty good size for younger shooters.

Discount shells and targets.

WIN WIN WIN!

give it a look!
 
Winchester makes reduced recoil loads. They are pretty light. For fun, I shot them one handed out of my O/U. Start her out on those and see how she does, then move her up to light target loads.
 
I have found that shooting 12 ga target loads with a 2 3/4 Dram Equiv are much more comfortable than shooting full power loads even in 7/8 oz. Most field loads have a Dram Equiv of 3 or more which will leave a bruise if you shoot more than a few rounds. Winchester AA and Remington STS Target loads are much more comfortable to shoot and allow me to shoot back to back days without discomfort.

The rounds from both companies shoot well in my Mossberg 500 and my son's Remington 870. (although for some unknown reason I like the Winchester AA rounds better)
 
oletymer said:
All sound advice. Lighten the load and get a limbsaver pad installed. You will even love the difference.
Click to expand...

I'd be careful with a limbsaver. If she's 15, the length it adds to an already long-stocked weapon might make it uncomfortable for her to shoot.

Now, if you wanted to whack the end of the stock off, so LOP is correct for her, and then stick the limbsaver on when it becomes your turn, that's an idea I'd go with.
 
A 20 gauge semi auto shooting light target loads. she can also try a shooting vest with a shoulder pad. benelli's are very nice, but expensive. find one in the right price range.
 
1. A gun that fits. I'd recommend a Youth or Bantam 20 or a small 28 ga.
2. Light loads. See "Winlite" http://www.winchester.com/products/catalog/shotshell.aspx FYI, they can be spendy or reload your own.
3. A good pad. Slip-on pad or a good shooting vest.

If you (and her) can get a lesson or three from Dave McC, youand her will be light years ahead on the learning curve.


Have fun !!!!
 
A 20 gauge semi auto shooting light target loads. she can also try a shooting vest with a shoulder pad. benelli's are very nice, but expensive. find one in the right price range.
Click to expand...
If we are going to talk shotguns instead of ammo Kimber1911_06238 is correct, Benelli makes a great shotgun and it's Inertia Drive along with their ComforTech stock is a winner. Also like he said they are very expensive. I had the pleasure to shoot a Winchester X3 last week and it closely mimics the Benelli but at a reduced price. You might want to look at a Winchester X3.
 
Thanks for the replies everyone. Another gun is most likely out of the question right now, with the possible exception of a trade, and the one I would contemplate trading is one that I don't shoot much but that she really likes. So, that is out, and lighter loads and modifications to the existing gun for her are in order. I have an old Monkey Ward shotgun I can drag out for myself in need be, and hand the 870 over to her. And of course, a visit with Dave will be in the works eventually. ;)
 
This is what i've been looking at for the wife http://www.allsportsarmour.com/Hunting_Shooting_Armour_s/38.htm not sure if it works but looks promising. I know a new gun might be out of the question right now but a single shot 20 wouldn't be to much. I always take more time in aiming with a single shot and seem to hit more birds. I got my son (7) the Remington SPR100 youth 410 for $120 and he likes it.
http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=9935_13769_13910_13928&products_id=84927
 
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