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Posted: 10/9/2002 1:44:28 PM EDT
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Its been a long time since I've gone, I tried two weeks ago but the range didn't have any throwers. How much do you lead them and was it slightly below or on level with it? Also are there shells with colored shot so you can get an idea of how far off you are? What I remember was barely in front and below of the clay as you lead it but I guess it all depends on the shotgun (?) How far do you lead it (in inches or clay lengths) Also what choke should I use? Right now I will be tackling one clay at a time so I hope to get my shot off nice and fast Hopefully I can get it down Friday after a few rounds |
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well, what are you shooting, trap, or skeet? if you are shooting trap, then GENERALLY you want to be just above or on the bird as its rising and just under it as it's falling... as far as the lead, well, that is dependant on the angle, and how you shoot....do you maintain a lead, or tdo you pass through? If you're shooting skeet, than your lead starts from nill on station one to almost 3 feet at station 4! good luck T12GaSn. |
not exactly sure what is which. Mike103 knows what i mean because he has shot at the place in brookhaven. Someone else mentioned a tower and one clay coming out and moving to 5 different points. Like i said been years and even then i never really knew the difference. All i knew was sporting clays course was the wild one that was way too hard for me and the one i was gettign decent at was where the clay flies like 15 years in front of you across from right to left |
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sounds sortof like skeet.... in trap, there is a single house, roughly 16 yards in front of the line wherre birds fly away from you at random angles.... 5 stations. Skeet has 2 "towers" a high house, and a low house (high is on the left of the field, and low is on the right) The two houses throw birds across and you move in a semicircle between the two houses, and then to one station directly between them clear as mud? wish i had some diagrams on a webpage someplace :) |
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Too bad that you are so far away. I'd love to take you shotgun shooting as my guest. I prefer 5 Stand, FITASC and Sproting Clays, but Trap and Skeet are great games from which to learn the basics. You cannot measure lead and consistently hit flying targets. Measuring requires looking at the bead, which means that you are not looking at the target. Just the opposite of rifle shooting, and a tough learning curve if you have been shooting rifles for a while. Also, your shotgun has to "fit" properly, i.e. shoot where you look. I suggest that you go to the clays range and find the oldest guys out there and politely ask if you can join them. You will be surprised at the hospitality of "seasoned" shooters, and will learn a lot in a very short time if you are attentive and respectful. Here are a couple of links that you may find helpful. Good luck, and have fun! Bud expert.cc.purdue.edu/~putrap/skeet.html expert.cc.purdue.edu/~putrap/trap.html |
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My best suggestion is for you to go to the range and simply watch. Skeet involves a group of shooters traveling from stations 1 through 8, each shooter taking turns on an individual station while the group watches. Trap usually involves up to 5 shooters (1 at each station), who alternate shots until each has shot 5 total, then rotating. It is much easier to watch and understand than for me to explain on this forum. As far as your earlier questions regarding chokes and such: Skeet: Use an open choke (one with less constriction). Cylinder, Skeet and Improved Cylinder are popular choices. #9 shot is usually preferred, but #8 or #7 1/2 will work fine. Trap: Use a tighter choke. While Improved Cylinder will break trap targets from the 16 yard line if the shooter does not dally, most use Light Modified or Modified (and tighter) at that distance. Use #8 or #7 1/2 shot here They do make tracer shot that will tell where the shot goes, but that is more effective if used with an observer who can call the shot. Remember, your focus is on the target, not the bead or anything else. Oh, and the time to shoot at the target in Trap and Skeet is after you call "pull", and as soon as you can see the target clearly. BTW, 12GS, I've never even had a boilermaker, let alone been to Purdue.  I just like the simple explanation that their website gives.Bud |
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If you already know how to shoot a shotgun I think the best way to learn sporting clays is simply go shoot them. Try to get on a squad with experienced shooters. Usually someone will be willing to stand behind you to see where you are shooting. Leads in sporting can vary from almost none to twice the max lead in skeet, or even more. Worse, you will need to use compound leads (in front of and (above/below) for certain shots. Many people take their shots when the clay is falling so you usually need to shoot in front and below it. As far as chokes go I usually get by using either Improved Cylinder or Modified. Mostly Improved Cylinder. I use a 3 dram 7.5 shell, 1-1/8 oz. Most people that miss usually miss behind the target, meaning they either did not lead the target enough, or, they had a good lead but then lost it by not continuing to swing when taking the shot. Leads are not as critical as you might think, but keeping your head on the gun and keeping your muzzle MOVING is. I'd say if you can break 50% of the targets first couple times out you are doing just fine. |
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