... and the Bronze medal goes to me ...

carpetmonkey

carpetmonkey

CGN Regular
Location
Beautiful British Columbia
I am a novice trap shooter, sporting a vintage 870 Wingmaster pump.

Couple weeks ago, I shot 4 rounds using Federal 1 1/8oz target loads. Afterwards, felt as though my shoulder had been squarely kicked by a surly thoroughbred (one who just hated shotguns, no less).

This week, shot another 4 rounds using Score Silver 1 1/16oz target loads from ammosupply.ca. Afterwards, shoulder felt as though I had been nudged by a somewhat apologetic mule; much improved.

Next week, I look forward to shooting another 4 rounds, this time using Score Bronze 1oz target loads, again from ammosupply.ca; shoulder is hoping to be nuzzled by an amiable pony.

Kate, my shoulder thanks you (and Prairie Shot).
 
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Four rounds of target loads shouldn't hurt that much. As you say you're a novice I would check to make sure stock placement on your shoulder is correct and that you are holding the stock firmly against your shoulder.
 
ted_dent said:
Four rounds of target loads shouldn't hurt that much. As you say you're a novice I would check to make sure stock placement on your shoulder is correct and that you are holding the stock firmly against your shoulder.
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This. Placement is key in the shoulder. I made this mistake early on. I also put a nice very soft recoil pad on too.
 
All really valid points! Prairie Shot's ammo *is* well known for having low felt recoil and being awesomely (is that a word?) accurate. They're also Canadian and a great price - what more can you want?!
 
carpetmonkey said:
I am a novice trap shooter, sporting a vintage 870 Wingmaster pump.

Couple weeks ago, I shot 4 rounds using Federal 1 1/8oz target loads. Afterwards, felt as though my shoulder had been squarely kicked by a surly thoroughbred (one who just hated shotguns, no less).

This week, shot another 4 rounds using Score Silver 1 1/16oz target loads from ammosupply.ca. Afterwards, shoulder felt as though I had been nudged by a somewhat apologetic mule; much improved.

Next week, I look forward to shooting another 4 rounds, this time using Score Bronze 1oz target loads, again from ammosupply.ca; shoulder is hoping to be nuzzled by an amiable pony.

Kate, my shoulder thanks you (and Prairie Shot).
Click to expand...

As long as it isn't a shiny pony..:)
Seriously though placement of the stock and leaning forward slightly should help immensely with the recoil.
 
When I read the first paragraph I assumed he meant 400 rounds, then I read the other two paragraphs and realized he meant 4. Either he needs to work on stock placement or he needs to put some meat on his bones. Perhaps both?
 
4 rounds of trap = 100 shots

I will tell you what I tell every visitor to the EESA open house at the trap range:

When you rockclimb they teach you to have three points of contact at all time, and that doing so will keep you from falling. Similarly, when you are shooting trap you also want three firm points of contact: First your hands should have a firm grip on the fire arm. Second your cheek should be firmly on the cheekpad of the stock, and third your stock should be tight to your shoulder. If you have firm contact with all three, parts. The shoulder though, is a typical problem. If you have even a millimeter between the stock and your shoulder, you're going to have a sore shoulder. Also, avoid clothes which have a seam that will be behind the stock, as your gun will pound that seam in, and it will hurt.
 
Even a Cheap Steven's over under would be better suited to that, a Wingmaster is hardcore hard in comparison, you are handicapping yourself with that gun if you plan to continue shooting Id consider buying an appropriate tool for the job, you need not spend a ton at first and it will be a much more enjoyable shooting experience for you
 
My vintage Wingmaster fits me better than most off the rack, and I actually did some research into fitting on my own before buying her used (one helluva deal, too); added a low-rise monte carlo stock for better sight line / cheek weld, and Pachmayer decelerator. I realize professional gun fitting will be needed when I move up to my next gun, which will most likely be a semi for a less felt recoil and shooting doubles / skeet more consistently than on a pump. Yes, I know you can shoot doubles on a pump gun with enough practice, and at some point I will try it; for now, I am working solely on my 16yd basics.

I appreciate the tips on gun hold; I work on it regularly, both at the range and at home sometimes, too. Repeating gun mount until it becomes reflex: bad shouldering = bruises, bad cheek weld = a smack to the face. My point was that I am glad to have Score target loads from ammosupply.ca as they take some of the sting out, as compared to Federals. Pump actions just do not mitigate felt recoil like a semi, or heavy dedicated break-open with the high volumes needed for practicing trap shooting.

Next up for me: comparison of Federal extra-light 7/8oz vs. Score Bronze 1oz target loads from ammosupply.ca
 
carpetmonkey said:
I am a novice trap shooter, sporting a vintage 870 Wingmaster pump.

Couple weeks ago, I shot 4 rounds using Federal 1 1/8oz target loads. Afterwards, felt as though my shoulder had been squarely kicked by a surly thoroughbred (one who just hated shotguns, no less).

This week, shot another 4 rounds using Score Silver 1 1/16oz target loads from ammosupply.ca. Afterwards, shoulder felt as though I had been nudged by a somewhat apologetic mule; much improved.

Next week, I look forward to shooting another 4 rounds, this time using Score Bronze 1oz target loads, again from ammosupply.ca; shoulder is hoping to be nuzzled by an amiable pony.

Kate, my shoulder thanks you (and Prairie Shot).
Click to expand...

the first firearm i ever shot was an 870 with 3" slugs and 3" 00buckshot lol when i shot target loads after it felt like someone lightly pushed me.
 
ted_dent said:
Four rounds of target loads shouldn't hurt that much. As you say you're a novice I would check to make sure stock placement on your shoulder is correct and that you are holding the stock firmly against your shoulder.
Click to expand...

four rounds (games) of trap is 100 rounds of ammo FYI

I use an auto berretta shotgun for trap almost no recoil
 
I love my Remington 870 Tactical but an 18.5'' Barrel is not ideal for trap or skeet, It was fun and all but my brothers Browning was much nicer imho. 8)

Now its my deep in the woods alone candycane bear gun.
 
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