Trap Shooting ?
- Thread starter Graphic Man
- Start date
When you were shooting trap before what were you using? You might look for the same gun to get back in the game.
In your price range there are lots of options. Don't rush into a new gun but take your time and see what's out there.
In your price range there are lots of options. Don't rush into a new gun but take your time and see what's out there.
Fit is important
Seeing what others use is a good idea if they weigh the same, are the same height, the same arm length. yada yada. Try some guns to see how they fit.
Browning fits me very nicely. Most trap clubs have guns to rent.
Good luck and welcome back to shooting.
Seeing what others use is a good idea if they weigh the same, are the same height, the same arm length. yada yada. Try some guns to see how they fit.
Browning fits me very nicely. Most trap clubs have guns to rent.
Good luck and welcome back to shooting.
Getting back? Not too much has changed in trap. What worked before will work now. Those BT-99s and Citoris from back when are probably still in good condition and should not break the bank.
Bittermansbro
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Calgary, AB
*cough* Winchester Model 12 *cough* 
- Location
- Republic of Alberta
are you going to solely do trap? or perhaps some skeet/sporting clay and hunting thrown in the mix?
I just bought a benelli vinci that i absolutely love, and it works well for any type of situation I am in. $1300 for the gun and then about $100 to get it shimmed in to fit me (professionally).
I just bought a benelli vinci that i absolutely love, and it works well for any type of situation I am in. $1300 for the gun and then about $100 to get it shimmed in to fit me (professionally).
Almost any shotgun can be used to shoot trap. Since you shot trap in the past, you know that some are more suited than others. For many styles of trap, repeaters are required. Since you can shoot singles with a repeater, but not doubles with a single shot, I'd recommend repeaters for starters. Semi's and U/O's are well suited. If you will be or might be shooting trap with phono pulls, avoid semi's as the sound of closing the action often launches a bird resulting in a penalty. They are also cumbersome to unload compared to a break-action.
Your next consideration is trigger type. Single selective triggers are well suited, as there's no need for barrel selection using the trigger and the single trigger offers consistent LOP and quicker second shots.
Trap guns can be heavier than field guns because they don't need to be carried long distances and the extra weight helps absorb recoil. Barrels should be longer (in the 30"+ range) to support smooth swinging and follow through.
The way the gun fits you is the most important characteristic. Consistent, repeatable mounting of the gun is essential to improving scores. A good coach can look down the rib after you've mounted the gun and tell you where your eye is lined up.
For decades, dedicated trap models have been available from numerous makers. A trap model can have some or all of the following enhancements:
The adjustable features are nice because it's really hard to buy a gun that fits perfectly, unless you can extensively shoot all the available choices. The extra weight of trap guns along with recoil reduction features are great for reducing fatigue during competition. Back-bored barrels as well as specialized chokes (like extra full and improved modified) help produce even patterns. And, the higher point of impact enables the competitor to see the bird at all times (field guns are regulated so that the gun shoots flatter, meaning that the bird (or target) is covered or partially covered when the pattern will center punch it. Replaceable trigger groups are options on only the more expensive makes, but can prevent a DNF if mechanical problems were to develop during a competition.
The kind of trap you intend to shoot will also have a bearing on your gun choice. For exclusively singles ATA, a single shot such as Browning's BT99 is fine. For International, nothing less than a double gun will suffice. Rugged reliability is essential no matter what game you shoot. That's why makes such as Browning, Beretta, Merkel, and Kreighoff dominate.
Is that what you were wondering about? Or, were you just wondering which clubs the cutest girls shoot from these days?
Your next consideration is trigger type. Single selective triggers are well suited, as there's no need for barrel selection using the trigger and the single trigger offers consistent LOP and quicker second shots.
Trap guns can be heavier than field guns because they don't need to be carried long distances and the extra weight helps absorb recoil. Barrels should be longer (in the 30"+ range) to support smooth swinging and follow through.
The way the gun fits you is the most important characteristic. Consistent, repeatable mounting of the gun is essential to improving scores. A good coach can look down the rib after you've mounted the gun and tell you where your eye is lined up.
For decades, dedicated trap models have been available from numerous makers. A trap model can have some or all of the following enhancements:
- a raised (sometimes adjustable) rib
- an adjustable comb
- an adjustable butt plate
- a recoil reducer (pad or mechanical)
- over bored or back-bored barrels
- a higher POI
- removable/replaceable trigger group
The adjustable features are nice because it's really hard to buy a gun that fits perfectly, unless you can extensively shoot all the available choices. The extra weight of trap guns along with recoil reduction features are great for reducing fatigue during competition. Back-bored barrels as well as specialized chokes (like extra full and improved modified) help produce even patterns. And, the higher point of impact enables the competitor to see the bird at all times (field guns are regulated so that the gun shoots flatter, meaning that the bird (or target) is covered or partially covered when the pattern will center punch it. Replaceable trigger groups are options on only the more expensive makes, but can prevent a DNF if mechanical problems were to develop during a competition.
The kind of trap you intend to shoot will also have a bearing on your gun choice. For exclusively singles ATA, a single shot such as Browning's BT99 is fine. For International, nothing less than a double gun will suffice. Rugged reliability is essential no matter what game you shoot. That's why makes such as Browning, Beretta, Merkel, and Kreighoff dominate.
Is that what you were wondering about? Or, were you just wondering which clubs the cutest girls shoot from these days?
