The Beginner’s Guide to Trap Shooting

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How to post your new high score. Chris Philpot

You have 25 shots—five each at five posts. Make ’em count.

The Challenge

At your call the oscillating trap throws a target at a consistent height but at an unknown angle somewhere within a 34-degree arc. The bird rises quickly, levels off, and falls 50 yards from the trap.

The Skill

Mount the gun to your hold point, then look over the trap; house. Call “pull.” See the bird and read its angle before moving the gun. Think about shooting the bottom edge of straightaways, the leading edge of quartering shots, and a foot ahead of hard angles. Shoot as the bird is rising or as it levels off. Keep your head on the stock until after the bird busts.

Hold Points

Post 1: Slightly below the left corner of the top of the house.

Post 2: Halfway between the corner and the center of the house.

Post 3: Center of the back edge of the roof.

Post 4: Halfway between the center and the right corner.

Post 5: Right corner of the house.

Rule Book

Zip Your TrapKeep quiet except when you call “pull.” Save any razzing and conversation for after the round ends. Trap, like golf and tennis, is shot in silence.

Follow OrderBe ready to shoot when it’s your turn. Load one shell at a time and do not close your action or raise your gun until the shooter ahead of you fires.

Catch ShellsSemiauto shooters need either a shell catcher or a rubber band around their gun’s receiver to prevent empties from hitting other shooters in the squad.

Don’t LitterAt some clubs, empties belong to the club when they hit the ground. At others, you have to pick them up. In that case, gather them after the round.

Walk This WayGo to the next post with your chamber empty and your gun pointed down. Turn right when you step off Post 5 so you don’t bump into the shooter behind you.