Brand new

Hello!

I have been shooting most of my life and it is a joy to me. My hunting spots have all been sold, etc. I am interested in Trapshooting as a way to keep connected with shooting (pretty much disinterested in big game hunting). I just purchased a new gun that felt "right" in my hands. It is a Rizzini Vertez, 12 gauge, 30" barrels. There is a local gun club just a few miles from my house. How do I proceed? I am interested in any advice that anyone can give. I am interested in suggested loads, chokes, girls, and such. I will go spend some time at the range just observing and asking questions, the gun will stay in the truck until I am confident that I can be safe. Planning on shooting AA hulls but what shot size? I love the hulls. I used to shoot over a hundred shells a week at ducks (back before I grew up) and even at max powder and (lead) shot, they lasted a long time. If I get into this as much as I hope to, I will start loading again. I still have the reloader (Ponsness Warren) that my dad bought me in junior high. It's old, but in great shape (I got the press as a Christmas gift when I was 13, 1978. Still have the sales receipt!). Advice on hearing protection, shell bags, etc., would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

Hello Jim, Shot size at most trap clubs is limited to 7 1/2 or 8 's.. Just get aquainted with some of the shooters at the local club and tell a friendly member of you desires. Talk to the club manager first, he can most likely point you in the right direction to find a friendly shooter to help you. Good luck shoot often and safely. Roger C.

 

If you cannot figure out how to 'proceed" to the gun club, none of that other stuff will be needed or help you out ... Everything is subjective, what works for other may not work for you ... My advice would be take up golf ... WPT ... (YAC) ...

 

Hi Jim, Welcome to the forum. As Roger stated go to your local club and make friends and check their website for any information prior to going. Go to youtube and watch some Trap videos, there are plenty. If you have hunted since you were young, you should know how to be safe with your gun. There is etiquette on the trap line so become familiar with it, then start shooting! If you like the sport, it would be beneficial to take a few local lessons or check some of the greats that travel and put on 2 day clinics, that is money well spent. Nora Ross or Harlan Campbell for instance, but there are more depending on where you live. Shells are personal choice as you will find a million opinions I like 1145 fps #8 from 16 to 24 yards. In New England its a beautiful weekend, I am going to shoot a few rounds at my local club and then go to an ATA shoot tomorrow, get out and start shooting and have fun! Good luck. Steve

 

Two pieces of sincere and well founded advice;
1. If you want to be a winner in the clay target sports, don't miss any targets.
2. If you believe in the 2nd Amendment and what it means to all of us, never ever vote for a lying disgraceful scumbag dumbocrat.

 

Same here, all the hunting spots I had are now subdivisions. Not easy to find new ones either. You might mention , in general, what part of the country you reside -- some folks here might be able to help in person. Sometimes it helps to have
an intro to a club. JMO

 

With your background, I would also look for a club that has a Sporting Clays course. That will give you another option.

 

Welcome to this site. As you already found out trapshooters are full of advice. It is all good but it may need to be tweaked to fit your style. When you are able to, sooner not later, check point of impact of your new gun and also pattern it. If it has choke tubes check to see which one will do your best job for the yardage you are shooting. When checking the pattern of your gun you might want to try some different shells as the pattern may change so you can pick the one that works best, that also applies to reloading different components with possibly change your pattern. Enough for now. Most important ENJOY the sport.

 

Do not worry about gun fit, POA, hold points, foot placement, POI, shot size (just use 8's for now), payload, muzzle velocity, shell brand, patterning, or the color of your socks. Get some shells, some safety glasses, some hearing protection, and go shoot. All that other stuff will come in due time.