Tutored in Trap

[Rupestris]

Sometime last year I decided to put down the rifles and handguns and focus on becomming a "shotgunner". Probably due to the good folks here but I'm not blaming anyone. I'm sure you had good intentions.

In the interest of not developing any bad habits, I decided to take the advice of those that seem to be in the know here on THR and get a lesson in Trap.
I’ve been doing some casual clay shooting with some friends but its been three or four of us with a thrower, some clays and several different SG’s to pass around. Also shot a few rounds of trap at Island Lake last year but nothing spectacular.

Earlier I brought up the issue of fit. I had made plans to have my brother-in-law’s father help me out with fitting my stock. Sunday (11/20) I finally got over there. He helped tremendously. I’ll be adding about 3/8” to the LOP in my 870 soon.

As for help with mounting he had me try several of his trap guns that had a mid-bead to see which one pointed best. After funneling through Perazzi’s, Ljutic’s, Berettas, Winchester’s and several others, The one that pointed best was a Rem 1100 Trap Model w/28” high rib bbl, choked full. Didn’t matter, I thought. I was there for fitting, not shooting.
Beautiful gun tho.

After telling him that the 1100 was the stock that fit best (LOP was a bit short but cast was right as was comb height) and pointed best, his reply was, “Good. That’s what you’ll be shooting. Lets go”. Lucky me.

At the range he noticed that I tend to mount the gun a bit “outside”. More towards the shoulder than on the pectoral muscle. He said its not a problem if its comfortable. He's even had to move "outside" due to health issues.

Round 1 – took the 1100 and was told to just shoot it any way I wanted to (@17yds). I scored an 11. The full choke was noticeably tighter. That didn’t help my already bad shooting.

Round 2 – This time I was to focus on getting on ‘em earlier. Still with the 1100, I managed one more than the last round. Peuuuw.

Round 3 – Took my 870. I had a couple choke tubes with me so I asked what he wanted me to install. “Modified” was the answer without hesitation. This time, work would be on stance. Seems the one habit I’ve picked up is shooting from an upright, relaxed stance. This time I was to move the forward foot out a bit more, lean in a little and shoot from high ready with the muzzle just low enough to see the trap house.
Definitely felt different. It'll take some getting used to. Managed 14/25.

I mentioned the instructor in an earlier post. Here are his ATA stats if you’re interested:
Handicap
Yards 26.5
Singles Average
0.94
Lifetime
Doubles 25350
Handicap 77500
16 Yards 96275

The local club we shot at is now open to the public on weekends. I’ll be heading back whenever the weather permits. Membership will follow after the first of the year.

Thanks for all the help and motivation.
Chris

 

[Scoupe]

Excellent!! Nothing like a good mentor/coach/teacher to get you pointed in the right direction and save a lot of headache down the road.

You done good!

No shame in that 1100 either. I learned skeet on an old 20ga 1100 built on the 12 frame. I love that gun and have introduced more than one newbie to clays with it. It's a clay breakin' son-of-a-gun.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Thanks,Chris, you just made my day.

More folks should get lessons, though preferably not all at once and at PGC.....

 

[IDriveB5]

yes! its definately a great experience to have someone who knows what they are talking about show(just just tell via forums) what to do. my gun mount still needs practice but each time i go out it gets better. still havent shot my 870 as well as the day i shot frankenstein. guess i oughta buy that monte carlo already!

 

[Dave McCracken]

FYI, Remington's synthetic stock for the slug barrel with cantilever for scope duplicates Frankenstein's dimensions closely.

And thanks for the compliment.

 

[EVIL5LITER]

You know, it's funny. I don't know if it's the gun or not, but I shot 16 my very first time out, and every time after that, I'd shoot consistent 23 or 24.

I shoot an A5, which I've heard is a little better suited for trap than some other guns, but I've never had a problem with it.

Now skeet on the other hand...

 

[Rupestris]

You know, it's funny. I don't know if it's the gun or not, but I shot 16 my very first time out, and every time after that, I'd shoot consistent 23 or 24.

I shoot an A5, which I've heard is a little better suited for trap than some other guns, but I've never had a problem with it.

Now skeet on the other hand...

Nice shootin' 5ltr.

I suppose its my lack of experience in shotgunning. I've never been a wing shooter. Never hunted bird other than turkey for that matter.
When it comes to some tasks, I tend to be "talented" from the start. Others I just can't seem to get the swing of.
Doesn't mean it isn't fun. Doesn't mean I'm gonna give up.

Its like the movie Good Will Hunting.

So, do you play the piano?
---
Not a lick. I look at a piano and I
see black and white keys, three pedals
and a box of wood. Beethoven, Mozart,
they looked at it and it just made
sense to them. They saw a piano and
they could play. I couldn't paint you
a picture, I probably can't hit the
ball out of Fenway Park and I can't
play the piano--

I'll keep at it. You do the same.

 

[EVIL5LITER]

Without a doubt I'll keep at it.