Post by: trippledigitss on December 09, 2011, 09:37:08 AM
I started out with my Escort 12ga semi and wasnt very good at all on trap, my best was maybe 8-10 out of 25 but I usually hit anywhere from 3 to 5! :yike: On 5 stand, I was a bit better, in the lower to mid teens. Then I got a bit more serious and bought a Mossberg Silver Reserve Sporting edition O/U and my trap scores went up right away to mid to upper teens and even a 20 one time - but my 5 stand went down to 9-12, etc. I have shot about 1000rds thru the Mossberg and I like it but I want to get a new Browning very soon. I think I'm gonna take lessons after the 1st of the year, I am just so inconsistent it drives me nuts! I will shoot a line of trap and get 17-18, then shoot again and get a 10! Man it bugs me! Last week I shot 5 stand and scored 15 then shot the same card again last night and got a 9... what in the heck?! :bash:
Now my 10yr old is getting into it too, and its really fun to shoot with him, he shoots about a 10 average on trap. I got him a little youth 870 in 20ga. He is taking a youth class at Kenmore but so far we have not been really impressed. The guys are great to volunteer their time and help the boys but it doesnt seemed planned out real well. A few kids get most of the attention, usually the better ones, and the rest are left on their own with little help. There is a long wait for the kids too - there are older teens in there that can hit 97/100 or 25 straight and they are shooting with/against a 10yr old who this is their 1st time, I dont get that part? :dunno: But the better guys shoot 1st and the other kids, usually the younger boys, have to wait as long as 2-3hrs before they get to shoot. Again, I really like the fact the guys come out to help but seems it could be run differently, maybe stagger the times better, have the more experienced kids stay after they shoot and help the younger boys? Seems to me kids listen to kids better than adults sometimes...? :dunno:
Anyway I dont know what I'm whining & babbling about. I just wanted to vent about how much I like to shoot trap/5 stand but how much I HATE sucking at it!! :chuckle:
Post by: D-Rock425 on December 09, 2011, 10:00:05 AM
Post by: uplandhunter870 on December 09, 2011, 10:19:36 AM
if you have any questions feel free to ask
Post by: trippledigitss on December 09, 2011, 10:35:16 AM
Thanks Upland - at one point I was moving too fast, like calling then moving right away. Then a guy said slow down, wait for it to get out past the barrel, then move. I did that and went out & shot an 18, but then next round, down to 13. Its just up & down like that. I get alot of tips but some are conflicting, i.e., one guy will say, 'get your elbow out & up' , while another will say point it down, etc etc. (I will say it hurts like a B!*CH when I point my elbow out!) I really want to get lined up with some lessons before all my bad habits get to ingrained!
I appreciate any help you guys can offer. I dont really know what questions to ask or have any in mind or I would ask, so anything that comes to mind feel free! Thanks again!
Post by: trippledigitss on December 09, 2011, 10:36:36 AM
Post by: Happy Gilmore on December 09, 2011, 10:48:35 AM
Post by: CP on December 09, 2011, 11:03:37 AM
Oh - I have a BAD habit of stopping my swing & lifting my head off the gun. Any tips to work on those?
I like to raise my head to watch the clay break too, very bad form. Try following the clay if you miss or pick the biggest piece of the wreckage and follow that. If you are following a target you’ll have an easier time keeping your head on the stock.
Post by: trippledigitss on December 09, 2011, 12:05:38 PM
We're going to have Carlson's Gun Club 5 stand set up spring of 2012 again for the first time in many years. We had them set up for a corporate event this summer and some folks started showing up to shoot. Give folks another option for a place to go shoot.
Where is that range at?
Thanks CP - I have been told that before but dont always remember to follow that advice, especially when I do break a target. :tup:
Post by: uplandhunter870 on December 09, 2011, 12:57:46 PM
on the elbow height topic heres my view, and i was taught this by a wa. st. ata hall of fame shooter. when you swing on a target your swing should originate from your hips and translate up to your shoulders. having your elbows raised (ie chicken wings) increases the probability of swinging with your arms and consequently pulling/pushing the gun away or into your face distorting your sight picture. having your elbows tucked in closer to your body locks your arms and forces your swing to be created by your upper body keeping the gun in proper position. try this to illustrate my point mount you gun with elbows up (chicken wing style) and swing your gun around notice how much movement your arms have, now remount with elbows low and swing notice how your entire upper body moves instead of just your arms
for lifting your head try mounting the gun higher on your should. when mounting your gun bring the gun up to your face then into your shoulder. this will minimize distance you need to lower your head down to the stock.
keeping you head down and follow through on swing are things that just need to be practiced until they become second nature for swing follow through do what CP suggested, follow a missed target or pick a piece of a broken one to follow.
Post by: trippledigitss on January 18, 2012, 01:13:24 PM
Still hitting the brick wall with my scores - in fact my trap scores are going backwards and it is frustrating the heck out of me! So I've been shooting more 5 Stand which is helping me with the hard left/right birds on trap but even my 5 stand scores are sucking. It really P!$$E$ me off some days! I think I am going out for my 1st personal lesson on Jan 28th so hopefully that will help me figure a few things out. :dunno:
Post by: D-Rock425 on January 18, 2012, 01:24:10 PM
Post by: uplandhunter870 on January 18, 2012, 01:44:28 PM
Based on my limited experience I thought it was a well built gun and would recommend it
Post by: D-Rock425 on January 18, 2012, 02:50:15 PM
Post by: sakoshooter on January 18, 2012, 02:50:35 PM
Post by: trippledigitss on January 18, 2012, 02:58:09 PM
D-Rock - yeah I've thought the same thing. I'd love to have one fitted to me to but I dont know where to have that done at. Can you have a production gun like a Browning custom fit to you or do you have to have a custom gun made? Either way it sounds expensive!
Post by: Sportfury on January 18, 2012, 03:33:00 PM
Post by: trippledigitss on January 18, 2012, 03:38:35 PM
Post by: trippledigitss on January 18, 2012, 03:39:40 PM
http://www.shootesc.com/
Post by: SniperDanWA on January 18, 2012, 03:44:22 PM
http://www.cascadeshootingfacilities.org/
http://sstclub.com/
Post by: C-Money on January 18, 2012, 04:06:04 PM
Post by: dkecoleman on January 18, 2012, 04:14:29 PM
Post by: trippledigitss on January 18, 2012, 09:02:04 PM
Ravensdale - Cascade Rifle and Pistol as well as Seattle Skeet and Trap. Both on the same property.
http://www.cascadeshootingfacilities.org/
http://sstclub.com/
Thats it! Cascade! Thanks!
Post by: trippledigitss on January 18, 2012, 09:03:52 PM
Hey guys! KEEP at it! Everyone must start somewhere! Scores in the teens are fine for now, it is perfectly normal to have ups and downs. You will find a trap gun that "fits" one day and you will see your scores go way up! Try very hard to not let distractions get in your head. Become a machine! As far as lifting your head, I raise my Right elbow to form a pocket for the butt of the stock in my shoulder. This also keeps my head glued down. On hard angle targets, try to not panic, get out in front and keep swinging. Also, keep shooting! Its fun and you will improve. Welcome to the sport of trap, I am sure you are hooked for life! We shoot at Moses Lake on Sundays now, come on over! We would be gald to have anyone who wants to shoot!
I tried lifting my elbow and HOLY HECK - it freaking hurt when I got the recoil! I must be doing something wrong when I do it cuz I can shoot 150-200 rds with no problem but when I lift the elbow I'm cringing after 5! :dunno:
Post by: trippledigitss on January 18, 2012, 09:05:45 PM
It's just my opinion but the fit of the gun is the most important part. I have a hard time getting a gun to fit me beacuse I'm 5'7. The length of pull is always to long. A poor mans way of judging L.O.P.. Bend you arm 90 degrees, place the butt of the gun in the bend and on your bicep with the stock against your forearm. You should be able to bend your trigger finger 90 degrees and place it on the trigger. If your L.O.P. is to long you will be reaching to get your finger on the trigger. Just a thought, I know before I got my L.O.P. right, I couldn't hit anything.Yeah they showed me that at the gun shop and all my guns seem to have about same LOP - 14.25" or 14.5" and it fits my arm length about right. I think where my fit may be wrong is at the comb/cheek area.
Post by: Camp David on January 19, 2012, 10:43:45 AM
Post by: trippledigitss on January 19, 2012, 11:47:55 AM
My :twocents: Go to a pattern board and make sure that 60% of the pattern is above center and 40% below (for trap). Sporting clays and 5 stand I like 50/50. Also make sure that the pattern is centered left and right. Before I adjusted my stock my gun was shooting about 80% left (nice built in lead for right - left targets but i was way behind for left - right ones). Length of pull: mount the gun and there should be 1 ½ - 2 fingers distance from the tip of your nose to the top of your knuckle on the thumb. Most guns are too long. Take the recoil pad off for a few rounds if it is long and shoot a few rounds. Colder weather means heaver cloths and now you just changed you gun length with a heavy jacket. This will also change how you shoot. Practice your mount at home. Put a mag light in the top barrel (skeet choke and gun unloaded!) and make sure as you mount the gun the beam of the flash light stays steady on the wall and is not moving all over the place. Normally your front hand will not bring the barrel up at the same time as the back hand brings up the stock. This drill will show you this very clearly. Learn to shoot with 2 eyes open. Can’t emphasize this enough. Learn to shoot with 2 eyes open. Get over the fact initially you will shoot worse, but soon you scores will start to climb. With one eye shut, you are giving up a huge portion of the field of view and you have zero depth perception . With one eye closed you cannot tell how far the target is, therefore you cannot tell how far to lead it. Close one eye and touch an object arm length away. Hard to tell exactly where is right? Now judge the distance of a moving target with only one eye harder yet. Read the book If it ain’t broke…fix it….by Gil ash. There is no magic pill to consistent shooting; you most likely have a few things that need tweaking.
Cool thanks CD! I will try this at home tonight and look for the book too!
Post by: wildweeds on January 19, 2012, 04:53:07 PM
I personally do not like the looks of a cynergy and as such would never own one,I've got a superposed and citori in brownings,a rizzinni and a CZ,................They all go bang and none of them shoot better than others.
For a great time and a lesson might I suggest Chuck Dryke at Sunneydell shooting grounds,he's got a pretty impressive little bag of tricks that you'll wonder "What the heck,I thought this was a shooting lesson" .......it turns into a shooting lesson that if you pay attention will improve your performance by at least 70%(my buddy went for a lesson and the transformation from misser to hitter was impressive).There is also a gunsmith on site at Sunneydell for fitting.
Post by: uplandhunter870 on January 19, 2012, 05:43:03 PM
For a great time and a lesson might I suggest Chuck Dryke at Sunneydell shooting grounds,he's got a pretty impressive little bag of tricks that you'll wonder "What the heck,I thought this was a shooting lesson" .......it turns into a shooting lesson that if you pay attention will improve your performance by at least 70%(my buddy went for a lesson and the transformation from misser to hitter was impressive).There is also a gunsmith on site at Sunneydell for fitting.
x2 on taking a lesson from Chuck. i took a one day lesson from him its was as fun as it was informative. i took his course even after winning some major trophies and i can honestly say that my scores improved and were more consistant.
if youre looking for some books id highly reccomend "An Insight to Sports; Featuring Trapshooting" i forget the author's name but i know its Dr. something, its all about how to see things and how to make your eyes work better for you. also check out "The Little Book of Trapshooting" by Frank Little. Frank was a highly decorated ATA shooter and i believe he was a member of several All-American teams. Good read with lots of usefull info
Post by: C-Money on January 19, 2012, 05:59:26 PM
Hey guys! KEEP at it! Everyone must start somewhere! Scores in the teens are fine for now, it is perfectly normal to have ups and downs. You will find a trap gun that "fits" one day and you will see your scores go way up! Try very hard to not let distractions get in your head. Become a machine! As far as lifting your head, I raise my Right elbow to form a pocket for the butt of the stock in my shoulder. This also keeps my head glued down. On hard angle targets, try to not panic, get out in front and keep swinging. Also, keep shooting! Its fun and you will improve. Welcome to the sport of trap, I am sure you are hooked for life! We shoot at Moses Lake on Sundays now, come on over! We would be gald to have anyone who wants to shoot!
I tried lifting my elbow and HOLY HECK - it freaking hurt when I got the recoil! I must be doing something wrong when I do it cuz I can shoot 150-200 rds with no problem but when I lift the elbow I'm cringing after 5! :dunno:
If it hurts, propably need to stick to another technique. You will find your way!
Post by: Ironhead on January 19, 2012, 06:26:26 PM
One of the best sporting clay courses in the state is in Eatonville. Upper Nisqually Sportsmans Club. I love to shoot there.
There is one in Sumner, Tacoma, and Ravensdale to name a few.
Post by: trippledigitss on January 20, 2012, 08:56:49 AM
I didnt have much time to try the mounting stuff Camp David was telling me about - but I did get my gun out and shoulder it a few times. I was noticing when I mounted it in the position that was most comfortable to me and felt familiar, that the stock was too low and I had to tilt my head way down & forward. Otherwise when I look down the gun I was seeing alot of rail in between the 1st sight. I could move the butt up so I was looking right down the barrel but then it felt like there was only about an inch on my shoulder, just the very bottom corner of the butt. In one class I took - using my other shotgun - he said I was leaning my head too far over the right of the stock and that was changing my aim.
AS far as lifting my elbow- I'll admit I was hitting them when I did it but the recoil hurt like the devil! And it doesnt hurt one bit when I dont lift my elbow. I havent tried it with the Reatar pad in my vest but even shooting w/o it I had no pain whatsoever with my elbow down.
And I found the book by Gil Ash online for $40, I'll check out the other ones too. It will be nice when this snow is gone so I can get out & shoot - they havent really been throwing many targets at Kenmore since it all started.
Post by: trippledigitss on January 20, 2012, 08:58:17 AM
And what does superposed mean wild?
Post by: Camp David on January 20, 2012, 09:15:21 AM
Post by: trippledigitss on January 20, 2012, 09:37:57 AM
I assume that you are right handed and right eye dominant. Check to make sure which is your dominant eye. I’m assuming that you are Right and right eyed . Mount the gun and open both eyes. You will see 2 sights one clear and one a little fuzzy. Now close your left (non dominant) eye. Most likely the clearer sight (the one that was most left) will be the only one you see. Repeat this 1000 time till there is no confusion. When target shooting, your focus (hard intense focus) will be on the leading edge of the target. You will see your sight in the peripheral. Learn how not to measure the lead; it will come instinctive over time. I’m glad you are looking to buy that book. Read it several times. Also look at a lot of sporting clay videos on line and you will see you scores start to climb. Sounds like you need some serious adjustments for that gun :yike:
I took a quick 2hr class at Kenmore called "break more birds" - it was a really basic class but he checked my eyes and said I was right eye dominant. I was just starting out and was shooting my auto-loader but I had NO idea what I was doing (like I do anymore now?) and most of what they were saying didnt make sense. But he said the same things as you, both eyes open, look at the leading edge, & so forth. What do you mean "measure" the lead? I didnt notice the sights looking any different, one being less in focus or whatever, but I will pay closer attention. Yeah, I want to get a new gun that not only makes me feel more confident, but that is designed for sporting purposes and fits me well. I've been holding off on lessons until I get one so I could 'start fresh' and learn with the gun I plan to shoot.
When I 1st bought this Mossberg Silver Reserve Sporting that I'm shooting now, my trap scores went way up immediately. I was shooting 6-8, maybe 10's with my Escort Auto loader, and 15-16's on 5 stand. Then the 1st time I shot the O/U I scored 19 or 20, (but they were all straight birds since I was shooting with my 10yrs old and it was his 1st time) and 16-18's no problem on a regular line. But my 5 stand scores went right down to 7-9, and now I'm shooting 12-13 on 5 stand with an occasional 15-16. But then my trap scores started going down, I miss birds I normally hit. I cant hit a straight bird to save my life when I powdered them before. Now I will hit the hard rights that I use to miss all the time. I used to kill hard lefts and now its 50/50. Lately my trap scores are plummeting further into single digits. I dont know what the heck I'm doing but it drives me insane. I quit shooting trap and stay at the 5 stand cuz I was getting so discouraged.
One of the biggest helps is that lately I've been buying an extra bird card and they will throw whichever house I want. I'll call the same bird 6-8 times in a row and try different things/aims/shot times until I hit consistently. That has really helped me with the problem birds - but doesnt help my scores overall, I'll usually miss the easy ones and hit the hard ones. I dont freaking know. But no matter how bad I do, I always leave with a big smile - well usually.... :chuckle: Its a blast for sure, especially when you hit them.
I think I'm gonna buy some of the Canned Heat shells from Fiocchi that have the glo stick in them so you can see where you shot. That doesnt tell me what my pattern is though and they only let members use the pattern board & chrono at Kenmore.
Post by: trippledigitss on January 20, 2012, 09:38:50 AM
Post by: Camp David on January 20, 2012, 10:17:53 AM
Post by: trippledigitss on January 20, 2012, 10:31:54 AM
Post by: trippledigitss on January 20, 2012, 12:04:33 PM
For a great time and a lesson might I suggest Chuck Dryke at Sunneydell shooting grounds,he's got a pretty impressive little bag of tricks that you'll wonder "What the heck,I thought this was a shooting lesson" .......it turns into a shooting lesson that if you pay attention will improve your performance by at least 70%(my buddy went for a lesson and the transformation from misser to hitter was impressive).There is also a gunsmith on site at Sunneydell for fitting.
x2 on taking a lesson from Chuck. i took a one day lesson from him its was as fun as it was informative. i took his course even after winning some major trophies and i can honestly say that my scores improved and were more consistant.
if youre looking for some books id highly reccomend "An Insight to Sports; Featuring Trapshooting" i forget the author's name but i know its Dr. something, its all about how to see things and how to make your eyes work better for you. also check out "The Little Book of Trapshooting" by Frank Little. Frank was a highly decorated ATA shooter and i believe he was a member of several All-American teams. Good read with lots of usefull info
The only one I could find on the 1st book is - An Insight to Sports; Featuring Trapshooting and Golf written by Wayne F. Martin. Is that the one you mean? Here is a link to it on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Insight-Sports-Featuring-Trapshooting-Golf/dp/0961489502
Post by: uplandhunter870 on January 20, 2012, 12:41:30 PM
Post by: Ellensburg on January 20, 2012, 02:45:22 PM
I am a lifetime Cynergy Club member and never wanna change that.
Post by: trippledigitss on January 21, 2012, 11:36:17 AM
Yup that's the one great book I refer back to it often. Franks book can be found at franklittleshooting.com it has a yellow cover with a picture of frank kneeling titled the little trapshooting book cost $20 off his sight. Keeping track of scores and progress isn't a bad thing just don't count your misses during the round focus on breaking each bird one at a time it's a lot easier to win 25 games of 1 instead of 1 game of 25. I never know for sure what I shot until after the the round is over and I check the score sheet. Take it one target at a time
OK cool - I'm going shooting this afternoon, gonna try a couple new things, mainly both eyes open and different mount. I dont want to try too many things at once and get overwhelmed or lose track of what is helping or not. But I've been taking notes from here and another couple books I picked up already, Breaking Clays by Chris Batha and Wing & Trap Shooting by someone else. I'll review my notes before I shoot and see how it goes.
Thanks again everyone. I havent made a final decision on Citori vs Cynergy but right now I am leaning 80% towards the Cyngery Sporting with adj comb & 30" barrels.... Gonna head up to Kesselrings and shoulder them both.
Post by: wildweeds on January 21, 2012, 10:18:43 PM
I have a little graph I keep in my case and I keep track of everything, the date, the game, the range, the score, shots fired, chokes, and any other pertinent info like which card I shot, weather, etc, etc. I started it when I got the new gun for the purpose of keeping track of exactly how many rounds I fired thru and expanded it from there. So I can see my scores and how they trend - I guess I should get rid of that if you are saying stop focusing on scores! I guess I could still track only shots fired? I dont know why it matters to me, just thought it would be interesting to know how many I've shot thru it, especially if something broke I would know how long it lasted! :chuckle:
Post by: sakoshooter on January 21, 2012, 10:22:16 PM
Thanks sako - I have tried shooting with both eyes open but I seem to do worse. I see two beads and never know which one to 'aim' from. What do you mean by passing or sustained lead? I am usually coming from behind the bird (on 5 stand) since I am pointed at where its coming from vs where I plan to shoot it at. It is fun thats for sure, but I hate when I miss birds I think I should have hit!
D-Rock - yeah I've thought the same thing. I'd love to have one fitted to me to but I dont know where to have that done at. Can you have a production gun like a Browning custom fit to you or do you have to have a custom gun made? Either way it sounds expensive!
Just sent ya an email.
Post by: jackelope on January 21, 2012, 10:38:18 PM
Oh and I was looking down the barrel with both eyes open too but I see 2 sights (or 4 if you count both sights) I'm not sure which 2 to put on the target?! :dunno:Quit aiming with the beads. Look down the barrel the same way every time and watch the bird, don't aim. Kind of like drawing a bow and anchoring in the same place every time. This is where gun fit comes in to play. It's also where the psychological effect comes into play. You have to learn to trust yourself when you're looking down the barrel and quit aiming. Pattern the gun, make sure that the shot is hitting where it needs to when you look down the barrel, then go from there. Take a lesson from a pro instructor. My stepdad is an instructor and the president of Seattle Skeet and Trap. He shot 4500 registered targets last year and that's (sort of) how he teaches it. I don't know the exact how-to wording he teaches but that's the gist of it.
And what does superposed mean wild?
Also SST is doing some youth stuff there and the kids can shoot a couple rounds for free every sunday morning. The new sporting clays course they've got up and running is one of the best in the NW. They'll have the Washington State Sporting Clays Championships Shoot there again this year.
Post by: jackelope on January 21, 2012, 10:40:01 PM
Post by: trippledigitss on January 21, 2012, 11:04:24 PM
Then on the 2nd line it started coming around better after the 1st two posts. After only getting 2 birds at the 1st two posts I scored a 14 with 4/5 on the last 3 posts, all with both eyes open. Then I shot 5stand. Same thing, not much better than normal but certainly not worse. Part of it was I was shooting harder cards than normal.
But what really helped me get in the groove and flick the lightbulb on was shooting a zero card - where the birds are all random with a 1.5" delay on the following pair. So I had to keep my eyes up then mount, point & shoot once I saw them- Didnt do great but not terrible. It was like one of you guys said about not pre-mounting the gun and that motion helping.
All in all it was really encouraging, I wish I could go back out tomorrow but too many home projects that I ignored today.... :'( The other thing I did - per my book - was spread my hands out farther apart. I put a felt sticker on the forearm to remind me to place my left hand in the same position every time.Then one of the guys who's a really good shot had me start pointing my left finger out vs curling it under on the right side of the gun. I liked that alot. I only shot about 150rds today but by the end of the day it felt alot more natural, alot more. I noticed I wasnt looking at the beads at all and just watching the birds - it felt alot more instinctive for sure!
I'm gonna keep at it, reading and talking to you guys and others. Lessons planned for the 28th, new gun next month - leaning cyngery right now but got to shoulder it and the citori before I decide. Wish I could shoot the Cynergy, actually both side by side. My buddy has a Citori XT and I've shot it once before. He'll let me shoot it more so I just need to find a Cynergy to shoot!
Thanks ALOT for the tips and help dudes! :tup: Keep it coming! :chuckle:
Post by: trippledigitss on January 21, 2012, 11:05:44 PM
Post by: Camp David on January 22, 2012, 02:53:50 AM
Post by: Miles on January 22, 2012, 05:58:02 AM
Post by: C-Money on January 22, 2012, 09:04:05 PM
Post by: trippledigitss on January 23, 2012, 09:59:18 AM
I really had a good time shooting with both eyes open and pointing the gun (and my fingers) vs aiming. I'm busy Tues night but I think I'm heading up to Marysville on Weds and then back to Kenmore on Thurs - I'm pumped to get out and shoot again!
Post by: Miles on January 23, 2012, 12:50:09 PM
Lets do it CD! Thanks Miles. As far as my aim, I am doing that, pointing at the house depending what post I'm at. But I hold a bit higher than I was told in my 1st class, I hold about 2ft above the house, pretty much hold my gun level. To me if felt like it gave me more time to swing the gun and not be behind the target so much. I think I need to work on feet and body position though.
Stand at each station -- pick your gun up -- and make sure you can swing smoothly through the whole area that a bird can go. If you come up against "the wall", re-position so you can swing through. If you cannot swing all the way through, you will rush your shot and miss. See if you can get someone to help you when the range is slow and no one is there. Stand up there with an empty gun and have them launch birds while you point and follow them. Work on your foot work/body positioning this way. I always pointed my gun right on the very top edge of the house. When that bird comes out, I want to see it as early as possible. Aiming two feet over the house seems as though you're shorting yourself a little time. It may work for you, but I'm just saying it wouldn't work for me. Always divide the house in 5ths (like I showed you in the diagram) and point at the correct spot for the station you are standing at. Also, pay attention to what chokes you are using and what distance you are getting on the birds and breaking them at. I used to shoot with IC but I had to get on them pretty fast. If I waited too long it was game over... I just preferred to have the IC choke and bust them fast. It worked for me and I stuck with it. Sometimes when shooting with a friend who was just starting out, it would mess him up if he shot after me and tried getting on them fast. Are you shooting with a team, with random shooters, or by yourself?
Post by: trippledigitss on January 23, 2012, 01:23:02 PM
Post by: trippledigitss on January 27, 2012, 09:16:37 AM
Anyway, not lighting any fires but feeling much more confident shooting with both eyes open. Shot 5 stand at MRC on Weds and pretty much sucked, it was depressing. I shot a FOUR (a freaking 4??!!??) then a SIX - ouch - then a 15, where the hell did that come from?? (but it was the 1st time I beat my boss head to head so I was LOVING THAT!) - then I think the final game was a 9. I think my biggest problem was stopping my swing on hard cross birds, I was behind most of them and usually I do well on the hard crosses at Kenmore. But I was hitting straight birds much better so that is a plus.
Then I shot at Kenmore last night, it was busy and I had my twins so I didnt stay long. 2 lines of trap, a 14 & 15, and one game of 5 stand, a 13 on a #1 card. Again not great but progress for me. But I was still missing hard crosses and other birds when I normally hit them. It felt really good to get back in the teens on trap. A few times I was like 3 or 4 in a row at a post and then thought - 'hey I havent missed yet' - then guess what happened.... miss the next 2 or 3.... :bash:
Anyway, gonna shoot at Granite tonight and I think I'm gonna post a note to my forehead that says KEEP SWINGING!!! :chuckle: So if you see me out there feel free to say hi! :chuckle:
Post by: trippledigitss on January 28, 2012, 12:14:18 AM
Post by: C-Money on January 28, 2012, 10:20:20 AM
Post by: trippledigitss on January 30, 2012, 10:06:10 AM
But I have decided to go Cynergy over Citori. When I was out at MRC on weds night, this guy had a Cyngery Field model that he just bought so he let me check it out. They had just closed but he said I could shoot if I came back out this week. It was a 28" field model in MOB with adj comb and I want the 30" sporting with adj comb but I got the basic feel of it. It felt really sleek and light, I liked the feel of it alot. Now as soon as Uncle Sam makes my deposit I'll see where I can find the exact model with the features I want. I was watching a really nice used one one on GB at a buy it price of 2350 but someone just bought it this weekend. :ACRY: Oh well, I'm sure I'll find plenty others.
Post by: mtncook on January 30, 2012, 05:38:33 PM
mtncook
Post by: KFhunter on January 30, 2012, 05:47:58 PM
Post by: uplandhunter870 on January 30, 2012, 06:10:37 PM
on the new gun topic if youre going to make it a dual sport gun (sporting clays and trap) id go with a sporting model, its a lot easier to shoot trap with a sporting gun than it is to shoot sporting with a trap gun.
trap is pretty one dimensional (as you are well aware) targets are always moving away from you within a set range of angles and rising, sporting targets can come from anywhere and go anywhere. if it were me shooting both games id definitely have a sporting model as my primary gun.
just to back up my point about using a sporting model for trap, i shot a few rounds of trap yesterday at the local club here in Bozo (first time shooting in close to three years) i was using a gun that i havent shot for 10 years and just got fixed (gunsmith had to do some repairs/modifications on the hammer springs and struts). shot 3 rounds of singles did ok (my scores arent important here) then to finish the day off i went out on a 27 yard squad, my gun made it 3 shots and it broke down a nice old gent offered his other gun for me to use. it was a beretta sporting model he uses for skeet (no mid bead, non stepped flat rib) i was able to hit targets just as hard with it as my trap model gun. by simply mounting the gun so it had a proper trapshooting sight picture i was able to get a 20 from the 27.
Post by: trippledigitss on January 30, 2012, 06:33:45 PM
And KF - you are totally right, I'll make any excuse to get a new gun! Maybe down the line I will buy a dedicated gun for each game?? :chuckle: :dunno: Or maybe a combo that has a trap and sporting barrels.
Mtn: Yeah I've heard it takes anywhere from 5000+ rds to really know your gun and 10k before you are 'married' to it. I think I have about 2k maybe 2.5k thru this Mossberg right now, I'd to look at my graph and add them up, since I track every round. (I know, a bit anal) Last I checked I was at 1400 +/- and that was more than a month ago. But I figure once I have the basic mechanics down I should be able to switch guns and still shoot well, with a good gun designed for clays. This Silver Reserve Sporting I have now has 28" barrels and I dont know the overall length but it looks so small compared to most of the other guns. It looks like a youth gun or something in the rack with them all! :chuckle: I know all that matters is how it shoots and how I shoot with it - but I kinda got gun envy - or short gun syndrome when I see it! :chuckle: It is pretty light and easy to swing though, but I dont have much experience with other o/u's to compare with...
Post by: Camp David on January 31, 2012, 08:08:42 AM
Congrats on your success on the range. I'm sure it will continue. Just in case you need more books to read, I started reading "Stock Fitter's Bible". I discusses how a stock should fit and shooting form. Your smart by looking at guns that have an adjustable comb. Also access to a pattern board will be key to make sure the gun fits and shoots correctly.
Post by: CP on January 31, 2012, 08:50:53 AM
:kneel:
I struggled to break 16; frustrating game. I think shooting trap screws up my 5 stand scores and vice versa. Hunting birds screws up all of the above. They need some stations where you can shoot off your butt, off your knees, lying down on your back, wadding through waist deep water, sitting in a rocking boat, etc.
Post by: trippledigitss on January 31, 2012, 12:35:24 PM
I watched a guy shoot a 24 on the Kenmore 5 stand Sat. (card #5). I saw the same guy break all 25 on it last year.
:kneel:
I struggled to break 16; frustrating game. I think shooting trap screws up my 5 stand scores and vice versa. Hunting birds screws up all of the above. They need some stations where you can shoot off your butt, off your knees, lying down on your back, wadding through waist deep water, sitting in a rocking boat, etc.
Nice - I've shot a 16 once one that card too - it was like out of the blue and I wasnt able to do it again! I have a hard enough time shooting on firm level ground! With stations like you are saying I might as well just donate my shells and go home! :chuckle:
Post by: trippledigitss on March 05, 2012, 04:15:45 PM
I finally got my Cynergy today!! :IBCOOL: I am so pumped!! I cant wait to shoot it!!! I will post some pics on here in the next day or two so you can check it out - if you feel so inclined that is! :chuckle:
Quick update on my shooting: Still shooting the mossberg a few times a week and my trap scores are getting better. Best so far is a 22 but consistently in the 19-21 range and the best part is that my mount is feeling good, like a nice fitting glove, so my confidence has been great! Just in time to switch guns.... :bash:
5 Stand scores are still about the same low to mid teens with a 17/18 now & then. But I have spending 75+% on trap so I havent been working on 5 stand much. Now that I finally got my new gun I am going to set up the lessons - finally!
:whoo:
Post by: Camp David on March 05, 2012, 04:33:18 PM
I'll be in town Mid April and I'd like to meet up with you for a little 5 stand fun. Let me know if your free April 15th.
Post by: trippledigitss on March 06, 2012, 09:21:21 AM
Hey TD,
I'll be in town Mid April and I'd like to meet up with you for a little 5 stand fun. Let me know if your free April 15th.
Yeah that would be cool. What area you thinking about shooting at? Being the 15th is a Sunday I'm sure I can make it out there with you, I'll have to make sure the wife hasnt signed me up for anything else and then leave that open, shouldnt be a problem at all. I'm going to shoot the Cynergy tonight and I cant wait! I wish they would open now, I'd leave work and go, snowing or not!
Post by: Camp David on March 07, 2012, 05:53:42 AM
Post by: C-Money on March 07, 2012, 06:35:52 AM
Post by: trippledigitss on March 08, 2012, 09:15:09 AM
How about Seattle skeet and trap in Ravensdale? We might be able to find a few others that want to join in.
How about Seattle skeet and trap in Ravensdale? We might be able to find a few others that want to join in.
Sure thats fine with me. Never been out there so it will be cool to check a new place out. Maybe by then I'll have this new gun figured out a little more. I knew there would be a learning curve but in the back of my mind I was thinking 'with this new Cynergy I'm gonna break 25 straight!' - Yeah, not the case..... I shot 4 lines tues night and shot 14, 14, 17, 16. Just when it felt like I was getting into a grove and hit 8-9 in a row, I'd miss 4 in row. The ones that are giving me trouble are the straight away birds, or like very slight right, like to my 1 o'clock. Then I went out at lunch yesterday and shot 2 lines, a 16 & a 19. Started feeling better but again, I'll miss 3-4 in row for some reason.
I think it shoots a little higher than my Mossberg but it could be my mount, I may be mounting it lower since the butt end is smaller/shorter and more curved. Cuz when I started to pay attention to my mount I was hitting the bottom half of the bird when I was thinking I was over the top on a lot of them. :dunno: I've been shooting IM chokes lately in my old gun and thats about the same time my scores stayed in the 20's, but the new gun only came with SK & LM in extended chokes so I was shooting the LM and had to order IM & M and the IM just got here yesterday. So I shot the 2nd line with it yesterday and thats when I scored 19. Fluke, I dont know but I'm sticking with IM on trap.
Here is some pics of the new gun & case. The gun is dirty from shooting last night and the spec on the case in the 1st pic is dust or something on the lens - it is not on the case.
Post by: bearpaw on March 08, 2012, 09:20:38 AM
Post by: trippledigitss on March 08, 2012, 09:21:21 AM
Post by: trippledigitss on March 08, 2012, 09:22:20 AM
sweet looking gun.... :tup:
Thank you sir! Now I need to learn how to shoot it!
Post by: trippledigitss on March 08, 2012, 09:30:02 AM
So far I'm loving it! :whoo:
Post by: saylean on March 08, 2012, 09:43:41 AM
Post by: trippledigitss on March 08, 2012, 10:00:06 AM
Geez, I wouldnt even bring that out in the field! :tup:HAHA - yeah I dont really plan to. This is not a 'working' gun, this is a playing gun for show, its not supposed to get dirty & wet! :chuckle: I got my Escort for that. :chuckle:
Post by: Camp David on March 08, 2012, 11:10:17 AM
Post by: trippledigitss on March 08, 2012, 11:30:40 AM
Very sweet!. If we meet up for a shoot, maybe you will let me pull the trigger a few times.
well uhthankyaverymuch! :chuckle:
Oh definitely, for sure you are welcome to shoot a line with it.
Post by: jackelope on March 08, 2012, 09:31:55 PM
Post by: trippledigitss on March 09, 2012, 08:59:52 AM
If you guys want to meet at SST, let me know when. I have an "in" down there.
Thanks for the offer. Where is that at, in Machias or the one in the south end?
Post by: Camp David on March 09, 2012, 12:39:28 PM
Post by: trippledigitss on March 09, 2012, 02:23:46 PM
Post by: trippledigitss on March 09, 2012, 02:24:57 PM
Post by: Camp David on March 09, 2012, 05:27:00 PM
Post by: Mr56Jeep on March 16, 2012, 09:05:23 PM
Post by: trippledigitss on March 19, 2012, 10:19:10 AM
Well I finally got out for my first lesson on saturday. It went good overall. I expected to have everything changed around and feel like a pretzel by the end of the day. But he only made 2-3 very subtle changes, mainly in my stance & balance, then gave me a couple exercises to work on at home, one a mounting drill and the other a visual eye exercise. I think I hit about 80 of 100 targets but I wasnt keeping track and thats not what it was about. But he had me shooting with a skeet choke!? I was surprised at that! Rich was a great instructor, very polite & positive and not intimidating at all. I would definitely recommend him for sure. He said to shoot for at least a month before I came back. He also said the Cynergy fit me very well and that I didnt need the adj comb, so that made me feel better after my efforts to get the adj comb failed or were out of my budget comfort! :chuckle:
Then I went out to Kenmore yesterday and my 1st line of trap SUCKED! I had all these new things in my head but I didnt feel like it was messing me up but could have been. I missed the 1st 3 targets to start with and I think that got me flustered. I ended with an 11 and was pissed. I was shooting a light mod on the lower barrel when I normally shot M or IM in my old gun. So I calmed down, switched barrels & chokes to the top with a mod and shot another line, only missed two so that was muuuuch better! I decided to put that good result in my pocket and go 'home' on a good note. So then I went to the 5 stand, I havent shot the Cynergy over there yet, shot the 1 card 3 times with two 15's & a 14 - I tell ya, I cant hit that dang 10 bird to save my life! I was destroying the 1 & 3 but missing the 10 - it drives me nuts! Then I shot a 3 card with true pairs, shot 17 but missed that damn 10 - probably would have been closer to 19-20 if I can learn to hit that stupid 10!
Post by: uplandhunter870 on March 21, 2012, 09:32:54 PM
Post by: Camp David on March 22, 2012, 07:22:07 AM
Post by: et1702 on March 22, 2012, 07:35:25 AM
I've been going out there to shoot 5-stand just about every Tuesday around 5:30pm for the past month or so. Try shooting the 0 card. It's completely random. I shot it for the first time this last Tuesday and love it! Kind of simulates shooting quail or Chucker in the field.
Post by: Camp David on March 22, 2012, 08:22:23 AM
Post by: trippledigitss on March 22, 2012, 10:08:33 AM
I usually shoot (or miss) the 10 when it 'stops' at the very peak. I shoot right under it. I think I miss under it too. Rich, my instructor said to shoot it on the way up, dont wait so long but I cant do it well. Last time I shot one line and busted it every time, so I thought I had it. I was shooting it at the peak and basically putting the barrel/bead right on it. So that got me thinking I was shooting under it every other time. Gary, the trapper there, says 'draw legs on the bottom and shoot the legs off' and that worked for me more than not. So then just when I thought I had it down, I missed it more than hit on the next 2 games. :dunno: When I had it in a 6-10 true pair I tried to shoot it on the way up then hit the 6 next but I missed both. I think I waited too long on the 10 then rushed the 6. When I I think I had in it in a 3 -10 true and I went for the 3 first and then swung to the 10 and got it at the top. I think I should have done that with the 6-10 pair. I think I am going to start shooting the cards with true's more than following. Like the 3 to 6 cards, not the ones with 2 true pairs.
Post by: trippledigitss on April 10, 2012, 08:47:15 AM
Post by: Camp David on April 10, 2012, 01:37:17 PM
I'll PM you my phone info
Post by: trippledigitss on April 11, 2012, 08:38:07 AM
Post by: Camp David on April 11, 2012, 11:55:47 AM
I have a family commitment that I was just informed about..... Sunday brunch in Maltby @ 10:30. Can we push the shoot out till 1:00 on Sunday?
Post by: trippledigitss on April 11, 2012, 02:00:42 PM
Hey TD,
I have a family commitment that I was just informed about..... Sunday brunch in Maltby @ 10:30. Can we push the shoot out till 1:00 on Sunday?
Yeah I think that should be fine.
Post by: Camp David on April 12, 2012, 09:16:21 AM
Post by: Camp David on April 15, 2012, 10:43:18 PM
Post by: trippledigitss on April 16, 2012, 08:43:42 AM
Nice meeting you Ryan...Hope to shoot with you again sometime soon :tup:Yeah same here. That was a blast and it was a perfect day for it. You put on quite the clinic my friend! Sorry I couldnt take you up on the offer of 'cool down' suds, as it was I didnt get out of there until 430. Yeah, we'll have to do it again real soon. :tup: