How to get started?

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machohugeaxe

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Peel Region, Ontario
I feel a bit dumb asking this question, however, would appreciate some direction.
Live in Ontario. Relatively new to firearms, started shooting this year July. I'm a member of BRRC, indoor range, and I'm enjoying it. There's a lively calendar schedule with various disciplines and friendly people, you can show up to learn, observe, participate etc for various pistol and rifle disciplines.

I'm interested in getting into clay shooting, but know almost nothing about it. I've signed up for Galt and have the orientation later in Nov. Also signed up for Silverdale waitlist for next year. My question is, not knowing anyone, do I just do the same thing I've been doing? show up and observe and chat people up? Or would you recommend some sort of instruction? I found a course over in Hamilton but its over 200$! for a 1.5 hour introductory lesson, kind of pricey, not knowing if its necessary.

Any pointers would be great, thanks.
 
Do what I did, watch some videos on youtube, then go buy a shotgun and show up to the trap field.

Don't be offended if the old boys don't want to squad up with a newbie.

With some time, you will learn. Your first shotgun won't be your last.
 
Speaking as a club owner and instructor, I would say hold off on purchasing a shotgun for now. Visit the club and talk to folks. Many clubs have demo or rental guns available. Most shooters are more than happy to let you try a few shots with their gun. Try as many different guns as you can before committing.

DO NOT be intimated or allow yourself to be convinced you need a many thousands dollar gun. There is a lot of “mine is bigger than yours” and also legitimate serious about their hobby/pride of ownership folk out there. Very few start with a K or P gun, and they usually don’t stick around. You can get into a reliable durable gun for just over $1000 new, maybe $700 used.

Check around, many clubs offer an intro package. We offer an intro for $80 for 50 targets, 50 shells, hearing and eye protection, loaner gun if needed, and basic instruction. It has proved to be very popular. For many it’s a once and done, but quite a few participants have become members and/or regular shooters.
 
Thanks for the responses everyone

BAC4 said:
Galt has excellent facilities for the clay games. When you get in, ask at the front desk to be paired up with an experienced shooter. Most guys are more than happy to help out a new shooter. Cheers Bac4
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Thanks, that helps, will keep this in mind.

rmsg0040 said:
Do what I did, watch some videos on youtube, then go buy a shotgun and show up to the trap field.
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Any video strike you as particularly helpful that you can share?

Wade Kirk said:
Speaking as a club owner and instructor, I would say hold off on purchasing a shotgun for now.
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Yea I was looking around and shotguns really have a huge range of variety and prices. The only one I was considering was a cabelas stevens 555 silver if it ever goes on sale, seems to be the only one in the price range with ejectors.
 
I live in Alberta, and I run the local skeet field, most people here come out to a trap or skeet club with some target loads, and usually with some type of shotgun, but many members allow them to shoulder, and even shoot their shotguns to see what fits them. Our clubs are small, and don't have rental shotguns or even sell shotshells, but most members are very friendly, and welcome new shooters. The sporting clays fields are larger, and most offer rental guns, and sell shotshells.
 
You should spend at least 1000.00 on a gun. Used Browning and Berettas seldom lose much of their value at that point. A gun like Stevens 555 won't have much resale once you wear it out. Much sooner than a B gun. Remember, a shotgun will be the least amount of money you spend. Most of your money will be for memberships, targets and ammo. And yes, take a course. 200.00 is nothing but the instruction you get will save you money in the long run. Once you start you will find it very difficult to stop.
 
bdft said:
You should spend at least 1000.00 on a gun. Used Browning and Berettas seldom lose much of their value at that point. A gun like Stevens 555 won't have much resale once you wear it out. Much sooner than a B gun. Remember, a shotgun will be the least amount of money you spend. Most of your money will be for memberships, targets and ammo. And yes, take a course. 200.00 is nothing but the instruction you get will save you money in the long run. Once you start you will find it very difficult to stop.
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Thanks I'll definitely consider it.
I do read this a lot that a browning or a beretta will last longer, even used. I just have no experience in the area. Shotguns don't have rifling right? what parts of it tend to wear out when you compare something like a stevens 555 vs a citori. What other makes are good? I've seen a few decent prices for bettinsoli, marocchi etc, but again have no knowledge other than reading someone saying "yea i've had this for 20 years and its great" etc...
I'm just a bit hesitant to invest much before trying it out.
 
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machohugeaxe said:
Thanks I'll definitely consider it.
I do read this a lot that a browning or a beretta will last longer, even used. I just have no experience in the area. Shotguns don't have rifling right? what parts of it tend to wear out when you compare something like a stevens 555 vs a citori. What other makes are good? I've seen a few decent prices for bettinsoli, marocchi etc, but again have no knowledge other than reading someone saying "yea i've had this for 20 years and its great" etc...
I'm just a bit hesitant to invest much before trying it out.
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Mostly the issue is with metallurgy and parts adding up to longevity. A 555 is cheap for a reason. It is as good a starter gun as any as far as it goes but when it breaks, and it will, it will be difficult to find parts and repair. Nothing wrong with a Bettinsoli or a Marocchi either. They are both a big step up from a Stevens 555. You need to find a mentor that will walk you through the many and varied world of competition shotguns.
 
The ATA has some good articles on introduction to trap shooting.
Basically find a good club to join. Introduce yourself to the trap shooting crowd. Find out what the rules are on shooting trap. Some place will let you use regular or tactical shotguns to shoot trap. So you may be able to use a shotgun you already have to start, Some place have rules like the barrel has to be a minimal of 26". You need to have something to use while you learn and find something you like. Most guys will let you borrow their shotgun. So it is a good opportunity to try the different guns other people are using. You do not have to go with an expensive DT11. I've tried it and didn't care for it. I use a cheap Browning Synergy CX Composite. It fit me good and is very easy to maintain. Keep in mind that used guns may be cheaper but most of the new guns you buy have adjustable stock and interchangeable choke. So it is possible to adjust the gun for a better fit yourself rather than having to go to a gun smith to cut down or fit a new stock on the shotgun.
 
The Galt orientation will be thorough including safety instructions, quick test, introduction to skeet, trap and the sporting clays course. Once you pass the orientation and pay your membership, you can shoot that same day. I'm a recent member but have shot there as a guest for many years, it's a great club.


Thanks,
RB
 
And DO NOT purchase a gun right off the bat.

Shotgun's have to fit right. Kinda like wimmin. Try as many as you can.

You will know the gun to fall in love with.

The rest of the post's above are the absolute best you are going to get in this country.

Sit back, Relax, and let your brain start to process some most excellent information.
 
I don't necessarily agree with that. If you are a average size person, most shotguns will fit well enough to get you started. Once you shoot a bit you will get the feel of what fits and what doesn't. Certainly, if you have the opportunity to try a bunch of different guns, go for it but I don't think it's essential. Get shooting, everything else will come together.
 
Speaking on shotgun fit, we had one fellow show up with a new Turkish made O/U, he shot that gun all spring and into summer, shooting skeet twice every week, and his scores leveled off at 15-16. He became frustrated, so we finally convinced him to try some other shotguns. He shot an older Citori, and shot 21, and really liked the gun, so the next session, he showed up with a new Citori CXS, with adjustable comb. I helped him to set up the comb, and his first round was a 22, and the next round was a 25. Over the summer, he shot a couple more 25s, and ,managed a 49/50 one day. He is about 5'9" or so, average build, and that is how much difference the fit made for him.
 
Certainly, gun fit makes a difference but most people don't have access to a lot of different shotguns as a beginner. Shouldering shotguns when you don't know anything about them gains you exactly nothing. A person needs to shoot a bit before they can ask intelligent questions.
 
bdft said:
Certainly, gun fit makes a difference but most people don't have access to a lot of different shotguns as a beginner. Shouldering shotguns when you don't know anything about them gains you exactly nothing. A person needs to shoot a bit before they can ask intelligent questions.
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And that is why, it's such a great idea to visit a trap/skeet range, where there is a variety of shotguns, and some experienced people, to help our a beginner.
 
bdft said:
I agree 100% but sometimes people aren't blessed with trap and skeet ranges all around them. Large parts of Canada only have one trap range filled with harumphing old farts.
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Haha the old farts have been quite helpful and welcoming for smallbore sporting rifle so far, so I'm hoping to see the same for trap and skeet as well.
 
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