I am new to shooting trap and 5 stand. Looking for any type of advice on how to improve. Shoot around 17-18 out of 25 for now and looking to improve. At this point I am no planning on entering any competitions. I use a browning maxus (semi) which is also my hunting gun. For now, not planning on buying a dedicated trap gun. What kind of chokes are best to use? IC, LM, MOD, IMOD or FULL? Any advice would be helpful.
New to trap shooting and 5 stand
- Thread starter Viper989
- Start date
I am a trap shooter only, so I will limit my comments to trap.
If you are a beginner, some recommend a more open choke to begin with, (ie LM or MOD). This gets you breaking targets and feeling good about the game. With chokes this open, there are usually some gaps in the shot pattern that a few birds may fly through unscathed.
Most pro's will use and recommend a full choke. There are two reasons for this. 1. It makes the shooter really bear down and be an accurate, rather than a sloppy, lazy shooter. 2. It looks really good when you are bang on, and the clay "ink balls" into a puff of smoke.
Having said the above, I know hotshots that use Mod or Improved Mod, and are at the top of their classes.
If you are serious about doing well, spend an hour at a patterning board, and see how the loads you use pattern using different chokes. I was surprised at what a difference it makes in the patterns. You might find that your LM patterns much better than your full.
Hope this helps,
James
Iam relatively new to trap so this is just my personal experience and preference.
I use a full choke for trap. But start with a mod for the first few rounds of trap to give yourself a little more tolerance for hitting a target. I switched to full after about 6 rounds of trap.
Most people will use a tighter choke for more shot on target and the longer range involved.
Use what you shoot the best with, spend a day at the range and just keep swapping out chokes until you find the one that best fits your shooting style.
if you have an IMOD, that would more then a good choice.
I use a full choke for trap. But start with a mod for the first few rounds of trap to give yourself a little more tolerance for hitting a target. I switched to full after about 6 rounds of trap.
Most people will use a tighter choke for more shot on target and the longer range involved.
Use what you shoot the best with, spend a day at the range and just keep swapping out chokes until you find the one that best fits your shooting style.
if you have an IMOD, that would more then a good choice.
