trap!

[Superpsy]

Today I tried my hand again at shooting trap (my second time). The first time I went I shot three rounds (13, 15, 11). I thought it was decent for my first time and was just having fun. I went out today hoping to do well, and still have fun...and I did! I shot 15, 21, 17. Not great compared to the guys shooting there but pretty good I think. It helped when I didn't think about what I was doing I choked when I thought about my score too much. It was really fun! It was amazing how everything seemed to melt away except for that clay bird. I don't remember ever trying to aim and I didn't even see that front bead on my 870. Just, "pull!" and "boom!" The guys at the range were pretty good too...they did joke about how short the barrel on my "trap gun" was (about 21 inches~ Express Turkey). They seemed to think I was a pretty good shot (I hope so!) and would do better with a longer barrel. Any truth to this? I can't wait to go next week.

Oh, another question. My cheek is sore from getting bumped by the shotgun stock (where I rest my cheek). Is this a common problem? What can I do to fix it?

 

[IDriveB5]

i would agree that you are doing pretty well. most trap guns hvae barrels around 30", some longer, some shorter. a longer barrel is helpful to maintaining momentum throughout your swing.
as for the sore cheek, it can be a common problem caused by improper mounting and/or gun fit.

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11646

 

[oletymer]

The longer barrel will help. For your cheek problem, get some mole skin at a drug store. Find a piece of thin sponge or foam packing material. Cut a piece of the soft material to fit your comb and attach it to the gun with a layer of mole skin. It will soften the bump you are getting and will slightly raise the comb which should help your shooting also.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Congrats and Welcome! A couple things...

I like the Turkey barrel myself, but these days I do better with a longer tube. IMO, you will also. Meanwhile, put some wear marks on that and have fun.

You will have more fun and less contusions and hemotomas using light loads. If you can find 7/8 oz loadings, use those until your form gells.

The sticky on Proper Mounting Techniques at the top here may help you also in developing that form.

Enjoy....

 

[BozemanMT]

After you do all the stuff Dave recommends (and me too), and thinking harder about it.
Remember that trap is a game of an optical illusion.
It looks like the bird is going away from you.
it's not, the bird is rising going away from you.
This realization made a big difference for me, hopefully it helps you.

Starting Positioning is important in trap, there are a couple links around that show you where to look initially. You'd be amazed what a difference this makes and you would be amazed how many shooters don't know this. The guys have been shooting trap for years and are stuck on 15. You change where they need to be initially looking and for the first time ever they shoot a 20+.

also, the quicker you get on the birds the easier it is. Do not wait until they start falling. Watch really good shooters who get stuck having to shoot from the 16 yard line (cuz it's busy or whatever), the bird is barely gone out of the house and they have it blown up.

and the final lesson, remember to have fun. If it's getting frustrating, it's time to walk off and take a break. Blowing stuff up is fun.

 

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Yeah, try listening to music if you like that, it helps break concentration and just remember that your last shot is gone and you cant take it back,m so dont think abuot your score too much. Welcome to the game btw.
A longer barrel, like 28" would be great it just helps your swing maybe, whatever works for you

As for the cheek... if your gun is abusing you you should not put up with an abusive relationship, first try keeping your head down and firm on the stock (as you probably know) if it continues you may want to get a pad, or a stock adjustment of some kind dont let your gun abuse you. If you cant get it to stop get a new gun, not worth getting beat up.

good luck