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Trap Questions

Sparty_76
My son-in law has talked me into joining his Trap Shooting Team. I am good with that as I want to teach myself to shoot right handed (have to switch from left side) with both eyes open. Shot left handed for the 45 years since I have been able to hold a gun. I have put an "Easy Hit" sight on my SBE II and can hit about 50% now of the birds in practice. I have never shot trap in a "league" before so I have questons:

#1 What choke to use? I would guess full

#2 Is there any sort of "trap" league etiquette I need to konw?

#3 I have a new SBE II Benelli, M-1 Binelli(left handed), Nova Benelli, and an old 870 Rem (gun is 44 years old). To start shotting trap which gun should I use? I'm leaning toward the 870 as I did fool around with it 35 years ago shooting some trap and could hit +22 a round (as a lefty). It shoots straight and smooth and do not like the Nova or its action. I have a 28" v/rib mod and a 30" Full w/o v/rib barrels for my 870. With the Autos I will have to pick up the shells, last time I checked you could not get a shell checker for a Benelli Auto.

Thanks!
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • JimmyJack
    If you use the auto and dont have a catcher leave the emtys fall on the ground until the round is over. Do not pick them up during the round.
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  • rsnyder55
    A full choke will do, but if you intend to be serious, you will probably want to buy a trap shotgun. There are also trap chokes.

    Trap shotguns usually have higher ribs and are sighted so that the bead is below the bird, not covering the bird as in a field gun. This is so if the bird drops, you can see it.

    If you can hit 22+, you've got a good start.
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  • Laredo Lefty
    Your Rem 870 should do just fine for trap since you like it the most. Not sure why you have a Nova if you dont like it.

    A full choke will work for trap, I usually use modified. 16 yd is usually the distance from the house for non-handicap shooting.

    Most shooters leave their action open until just prior to their turn. With the 870 just drop one in the ejection port when ready to go and shut the action.
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  • XXCross
    The most important consideration in choosing a gun to shhoot trap or skeet is how it fits YOU ! If your 870 was working for you in the past and you haven't put on a tonn of weight, go with it. (simple to use and fewer things to go wrong)

    I shot 16 yard targets exclusivly and found a modified choke was the best choice for me. (oh, and I always used shells loaded with
    number nine shot.....greater patern density.) Break 'em all !
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  • JamesQuinn
    As a newbie you'll be shooting from the 16 yard line. Modified is plenty tight, no need to handicap yourself with full.

    Sure, you can start with your old 870, and if you're breaking 22s pretty soon, that's very good. Later on, if you really get into it, you'll probably want a purpose designed trap gun which really fits well and shoots a bit high. That could be an 870 trap gun or any of many others which you will learn about as you go.

    Along the way, some folks will tell you that you need a $$$$ gun. Nonsense. An 870 will break all the targets.

    The main thing is to have fun. If you're doing that, and if your scores improve month-to-month you're doing it right.
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  • nmyers
    If your 870 has a recoil pad, maybe. (Note that most "trap" models feature a recoil pad.) There's a good reason: a few rounds of trap can beat you up pretty good.

    One of the autos would be my choice, but decide for yourself.

    Neal
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  • tocamoha
    Shoot the gun that fits best.I use full choke below 19 yds. turkey choke above 19.The thing that helped me most was learning where on the trap house to point the gun from each station before calling for the bird.I found this on the Remington website.
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  • Sparty_76
    Thank-you everyone!

    Lefty: I do not like my Nova becuase it just does not feel nice
    and tight like my old Wingmaster. I never would have bought it but won at a D/U dinner. It does look like part of a "collection" next to my two Benelli autos in the gun cabinet.

    Can you buy a "trap barrel" for a field grade 870?

    Again THANKS ALL!
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  • Mooseyard
    Around here, a shell catcher is required on autos. The other shooters don't like being hit by empties. Perhaps the guys you shoot with won't care, but it would be something to keep in mind. Also, I think the Mod choke is perfect for a beginner.
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  • nmyers
    Yes, you can buy a trap barrel for an 870. They may be advertised as fitting an 870TB, TD, TF, etc. All have a vent rib & 2 beads.

    Neal
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