I have a beatup shotgun and a new club membership. What do you think I should know?

[White Horseradish]

I recently found out that my employer has a company trap and skeet club with a $10 a year membership. I felt it would be wrong not to join, even though I know absolutely jack about either trap or skeet.

I also happened to come by an extremely cheap Remington 11. It doesn't look like much, what with the vented Polychoke (why anyone would put this on a recoil-operated gun is beyond me), missing bluing and the stock scratches. However, it functions fine and I could afford it. Besides, the thing is dripping mechanical charisma, now that it is not dripping crud, which I cleaned off. That was a four hour job, by the way. When I shot it at some paper to test function, it made neat circles of little holes, which I think is what a shotgun is supposed to do.

So, what can you tell me that you think I should know? From practical tips to etiquette, I'd like to hear it all.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Check the archives.

And, my bet is that if you show up at the range with a good attitude, manners and strict observation of The Four Rules, some nice old guy will show you the ropes.

 

[Jubjub]

With an auto, find a way to restrain your empties. Pelting your companions with hulls is not the best way to make friends and influence people. Otherwise, just be safe.

 

[Shell Shucker]

Show up with a good attitude, a smile on your face, be willing to ask questions and take advice, and be safe. You'll be welcomed and make some new friends!

 

[White Horseradish]

Hm. Two out of three advices are "good attitude". Is newbie attitude really that bad of a problem in trap and skeet?

 

[icebones]

searously, like every-one else said, dont have a new-guy attitude,
plus that old shotgun still has a lot of life left in it. go for it
older guys will look at that shotgun and think your a seasoned pro, not some new guy...
whatever you do take advice from the guys who know what their doing, nothing ruins shooting faster than bad advice.

 

[41magsnub]

Hm. Two out of three advices are "good attitude". Is newbie attitude really that bad of a problem in trap and skeet?

It's a machisimo thing lots of guys have, they think they know everything about guns and have trouble taking constructive advice. Sounds like it won't be a problem for you.

 

[Oldnamvet]

Ask what the safety rules are and follow them exactly. Some rules are not obvious but reasonable when you think about them.