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Trap Shooting
 Trapshooting had its earliest beginnings in 18th century England where noblemen would shoot live pigeons released from a trap. Over the years other targets were developed to replace live birds.
A round of modern trap consists at shooting 25 clay targets thrown from a “low house" 16 yards in front of the firing line (as shown in the illustration below). Targets fly at various angles which cannot be predicted by the shooter and are usually broken at a range of about 35 yards. In a regulation round five targets are shot from each of five stations.
Beginning with Station 1 each shooter fires one shot in turn until all have fired five times. Then everyone, with guns open and pointed in a safe direction, moves to the next station with the shooter on Station 5 walking behind the firing line to Station 1. You continue in this manner, firing in turn and rotating to each station, until you have completed the round. This is known as "16-yard trap" and is best for the beginner. The more experienced trap shooters enjoy "handicap trap" which involves longer ranges of up to 27 yards behind the trap house. Another variation is "doubles trap" in which two targets thrown simultaneously.
Most new trap shooters are nervous their first time out. Just relax. Load one shell in your gun after the person ahead of you shoots. Keep both eyes open, point the gun at the front edge of the trap house. On Station 1 point at the left front corner; Station 2, left center; Station 3, point dead center on the front edge of the trap house. Then you pick up the target faster. When you are ready call, "Pull!' and the target will fly out in front of you. Swing the gun on the target, pick up the correct lead, and pull the trigger. Keep your head snug against the stock and remember to follow through on your swing.
Always keep the action of your gun open until you are on the firing line and it is your turn to shoot. Do not load more than one shell in the gun. And, of course, keep your gun pointed in a safe direction at all times. |
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