Sporting Clays

[Kernel]

Well, since moving to the armpit of the U. S. (El Paso, TX) I found I needed something to help me deal with it... thus I decided shooting stuff up would work just fine. I bought a Russian Baikals O/U 12ga imported by Remington (not the prettiest but shoots when I pull the trigger). Problem is I can't hit anything. I guess it would help if I had known which barrel fired first and had the right choke for that barrel, kind of hard to shoot at a 40 yard target with an IC choke .



So, is there anybody out there that can give me some pointers or tips to help out? I have been watching some guys at the range and been asking them questions but I hate to bother them.



I tell you what, hunting is one thing and this clay pigeon thing is totally different.



Scott

 

[scootergmc]

I've found the best practice for clays is the opening day of Dove season. They come from all directions and you're never ready for them . Seriously though, it's all in the lead (leed). Practice shooting from short distances and gradually increase the distance of the throws. Also when you start, be ready w/ the gun on your shoulder. As you get better, lower it to a ready position. You'll catch on quickly. This method worked for me. Granted, I'm no pro pigeon shooter, we just do it when birds are out of season and even then, we pretty much suck compared to the guys with their $250 shooting vests. So take my advice for what it's worth. Probably nothing, but hey, I saw you hadn't received any replies.



And don't be afraid to ask those guys. The worst that could happen is they could act like snobby Californians and tell you to buzz off. Chances are they won't.

 

[Kernel]

Thanks for the reply, I'll be going again tomarrow to give it another try, now that I have my barrels straight. Maybe I should get one of those fancy jackets too. I'm sure it will go with an old tool belt I'm going to use as the holder for my shells and empties, function over fashion is my motto.



Anything from you bird hunters will help too.



Scott

 

[KBennett]

scooter is right. Keep the bead at the end of the barrel in front of where the bird is traveling and don't stop when you pull the trigger, just keep following through with the shot.

 

[bgilbert]

Practice, practice, practice. Keep both eyes open. Follow through after squeezing the trigger, don't stop your swing. Buy up a couple boxes of clays, and a couple cases of shells. I went from terrible, missed about 50 in a row, to perty damn good. Practice, lead the bird, squeeze the trigger, follow through, don't flinch. On the leading, the bird not only goes away from you, it drops, so not only will your barrel have to lead but will have to drop and or follow the path of the bird. Opening day dove season IMO is not a good way to get better, more like discourage an individual real quick, hot as hell and whole bunch of missed birds. Its fun when you start 'smoking' the bird and not just breaking it. Did I mention practice?

 

[CMNS PWR]

I shoot on the Virginia Tech Clay Target Team. We shoot all clay target sports including the international games. My best advice is practice as much as you can as Bill suggested. Find a skeet range and start that. You know where the bird is coming from each time. Start with a skeet choke then move your way to tighter chokes as you improve. Try your hand at trap. Its a little more challenging, but not as hard as sporting clays. In each game start with a wide choke then as you improve tighten them up. I use a full choke on all games except sporting clays where I use improved cylinder.

Practice every day and you will improve your games. As far as shells, find the cheap light target loads with a relatively slow shot speed where you don't get beat to death when you practice.

 

[Rman]

I shoot on the Virginia Tech Clay Target Team. We shoot all clay target sports including the international games. My best advice is practice as much as you can as Bill suggested. Find a skeet range and start that. You know where the bird is coming from each time. Start with a skeet choke then move your way to tighter chokes as you improve. Try your hand at trap. Its a little more challenging, but not as hard as sporting clays. In each game start with a wide choke then as you improve tighten them up. I use a full choke on all games except sporting clays where I use improved cylinder.

Practice every day and you will improve your games. As far as shells, find the cheap light target loads with a relatively slow shot speed where you don't get beat to death when you practice.

speaking of shells, I really like the winchester AA's, I've been loading those for a while now. My favorite shell by far.

 

[CMNS PWR]

Those of us who reload on the team are split between those and the Remington STS /Nitro Sporting Clay shells. I prefer the Remingtons.

 

[RonaldLarson]

Concentration is also key

You need to get very focused on the bird, NOT the bead on the muzzle. This will force you to follow through, which is absolutely critical.

I shot in a league for a couple of years, and went from below average to winning awards.

I used Winchester AA's, and reloaded them. I even used reclaimed shot for practise, but new shot for competition. I found the AA's to be nearly indestructable. I swear I could use the same hulls 20-30 times, and never had a crimping problem.

The sport is addictive, and you meet the best people in the world. I hope you belong to NRA, by the way !

Ron

 

[Rman]

I have a couple boxes of the remington shells, I just have shot the AA's for so long I've grown attached I guess. The remington shells are quality as well. The sport is very addictive! It's almost time to start shooting again. The weather has been very nice this weekend!

 

[Bertram65]

Shot three rounds of skeet yesterday, I just started two weeks ago. I have read the Estate ammo is decent and at $3. 75 a box it sure is reasonable, almost as cheap as reloading. On the last round yesterday it started snowing, they plow the field everytime it snows, I have to get some decent gloves that still give a good feel.

 

[Kernel]

I started shooting skeet and would have to say I am getting hooked. The two hardest things like mentioned was not looking at the barrel and following through. I am getting better, went three times last week shooting a few hundred rounds and must say the guys I have been shooting with are tops. One come to find out is a past New Mexico skeet champ and has been a great help. Seems they are all about 20 yrs older than me, which I think because I am a young guy taking interest in the sport makes them even more willing to help me out. I haven't really kept track of scores at this time, but I am breaking more than half of what I'm shooting at which right now I am more than happy with. Anybody have a MEC 12ga reloader they want to get rid of?



Scott

 

[scootergmc]

Oh farts. I just sold my new MEC steelmaster on eBay. It would've been perfect for you.

 

[drewRoberts]

or you can be wild and have a double barrel that you can shoot both barrels at the same time with. when one barrel isnt good enough, reload and yank both triggers and hold on.



heres some frames of me shooting my double barrel with both going off.



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or if you thing your the ultamate bad@55 try shooting a . 38-40 and cutting some pidgeons in half. took me a few cylinders, but ive done it. it's not impossable, my next project is to use my . 44 mag and do the same