Author Topic: Getting started  (Read 1826 times)

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Offline scout34

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Getting started
« on: January 14, 2007, 11:57:45 AM »
I am looking at getting started in this sport, as it is something that my family can have fun doing together.  I am going to be posted to Ft. Knox, which has a pretty good range or so I'm told.

Which would be the easiest to get into and would show good results in a hurry?  I want to reinforce success.  My wife has an 1100 12Ga and I have an old Win M12 Waterfowler, but would not have a problem picking up a new gun.

On that note, has anyone used one of the new CZ Mallards for this sport?

Offline Graybeard

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Re: Getting started
« Reply #1 on: January 14, 2007, 12:00:49 PM »
First thing you need to do is find out if they have a skeet or trap range or both. Some have only one and some have both. Then find out what game is played by the most folks. At Ft. McClellan where I used to shoot we had both but hardly anyone shot trap so 95% of the shooting was on the skeet ranges.

You'll want to be shooting what the rest of the folks are not out there hoping to get together enough for a squad.

The two games really need quite different equipment so until you've found out which you'll be shooting it's difficult to discuss equipment with you.


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Offline scout34

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Re: Getting started
« Reply #2 on: January 14, 2007, 01:44:16 PM »
Knox has both trap and skeet, as well as 5 stand.  They also have shotgun rentals.  I'll see what game is the most popular.

Offline Rodcrafter

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Re: Getting started
« Reply #3 on: January 28, 2007, 03:49:27 PM »
I think the 1100 should be fine for either trap or skeet or any kind of sporting clays. Don't be intimidated into thinking you need a separate gun for each type of shooting you will do. For just starting in this sport the 1100 will do you well. . I shot twenty years worth of registered birds on the trap range and on a good day I would see everything from an old single H+R to A-5's out there.
Good luck and have fun
Bill.

Offline the rifleman

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Re: Getting started
« Reply #4 on: February 27, 2007, 09:18:43 PM »
If you have older field guns, you may find that if they are fixed chokes they are likely "full" choke. If you have removable chokes, all the better. You will find that the close in targets that skeet shooting presents, is most suitable for a more open choke. If your trying to get your family interested in the shooting sports, skeet might also be a bit more daunting, if they aren't breaking targets. The rules are a little different, and perhaps more complicated (until you have done it a few times).

 On the otherhand "trap" shooting, can and is done with a full choke barrelled gun. Beginners may break more targets overall, with a more open choke here as well, such as Improved mod, which can help get them "excited" about shooting. Most newbie shooters find that the target tends to get out a ways, before they shoot, so the tighter chokes can sometimes help break a few more downrange birds. Trap rules are simple, and quick to learn as well.

If this is the first venture out with the family to shoot targets, I would try to get them to shoot a discipline that they have the highest odds of breaking targets. If they see a few break, it's easy to keep them encouraged. Lot's of misses tend to discourage newbies, espcially if they are already a little nervous around guns.

My other advice, would be to let them shoot lighter loads. 1oz, 2-3/4 dram loads will give less kick, and still break targets.!

If you were to buy a new gun, not that you need to, I would get a Beretta AL391 semi-auto, Optima, (or Eureka). This light recoiling gun, will also be good for introducing "double" target shooting, which in my mind is the real fun.

JMHO's :)
Shadows grow long, a chill is in the air. Ancient urges prompt us. Instincts wake up, after lying dormant....Time to hunt.

Offline scout34

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Re: Getting started
« Reply #5 on: April 01, 2007, 03:14:58 AM »
Well, I'm up at Knox now and have had a chance to check out the range.  Looks to me like a 1st class facility but I haven't shot on the shotgun half yet.  People are all very nice and they need volunteers, so it looks like I'll have plenty of opportunity to get range time.  Going to take the 11-87 down there next week and give it a try.

Offline scout34

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Re: Getting started
« Reply #6 on: June 27, 2007, 02:16:34 PM »
Shot a couple rounds of skeet and it is a tough game.  May give trap a try first.

Offline dougk

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Re: Getting started
« Reply #7 on: July 11, 2007, 01:47:26 AM »
You might want to try one of the rentals to see if your game changes.
Doug

Offline sherpa

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Re: Getting started
« Reply #8 on: July 11, 2007, 06:26:02 PM »
skeet is fun, trap is work.. i like both. sporting clays """"""??????arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh   some of both..
IF I HAD KNOWN I WAS GOING TO LIVE THIS LONG I WOULD HAVE TAKEN BETTER CARE OF MYSELF.

Offline dougk

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Re: Getting started
« Reply #9 on: July 12, 2007, 04:38:26 AM »
Sherpa
interesting.  I started with Sporting Clays and really like that game.  But you have to remember I play the game to improve my field shooting...

One other thing to note is when starting a new game such as trap, skeet or sporting clays a lesson or 2 or more is invaluable to help jump start your skills for that game.

Doug