If you want to know all about trap shooting, then you have come to the right place! In this article, we will cover what trap shooting is, its history, and its four main different types that are out there.
Keep on reading in order to learn everything that you need to know when it comes to trap shooting!
History of Trap Shooting
The history of trap shooting dates all the way back to the 18th century in England. Participants would shoot at live pigeons that were released from small cages called “traps”.
Points were awarded for hits and birds that fell outside of the designated area were considered a miss.
As the sport came to the United States, it began to evolve thanks to new firearm technology and targets. Modern trap shooting competitions have kept many of the same basic concepts from the original sport.
Of course, live pigeons are no longer used in lieu of target discs called clay pigeons. Today, there are many different types of trap shooting.
Trap Shooting Types
#1 American Trap
American trap is a popular type of trap shooting in the United States and is considered to be the most popular form of clay target shooting in the world.
It is very common to find American trap being practiced at various clubs, fields, and shooting ranges that provide trap shooting. It is divided into three main categories: singles, doubles, and handicap.
#2 Olympic Trap
Olympic trap can also be referred to as international or bunker trap. It is one of the different ISSF shooting events that were added to the Olympic games in 1900, although the current version that we see today was introduced in 1950.
During the competitions, men get 125 shots while women get 75 in order to score points. There is a 25 shot final competition for the top six finalists.
#3 Double Trap
Double trap is one of the newest types of trap shooting. It has been an Olympic competition since 1996 and consists of two different targets being thrown at the same time at different angles.
These targets are thrown with a variable delay of up to 1 second in order to minimize the practice of spot-shooting the first target by the competitors.
#4 Wobble Trap
Wobble trap is another relatively new type of trap shooting and is essentially a variation of standard or American trap. The difference is the way the targets are launched.
They have a more extreme flight path that makes the targets harder to hit. The trap oscillates side to side and up and down in order to cause this, and shooters get two shots per pull in order to hit the targets.
Trap Shooting Field
#1 Layout
A trap shooting field consists of a single launcher (or trap) that is usually found underground in a trap house. The trap oscillates while launching clay pigeons out onto the field which has five shooting positions.
Shots are taken from these different shooting positions out towards the trap house and open field. When looking at a trap shooting field from above, it would closely resemble a baseball diamond.
#2 Dimensions
Trap shooting fields have very specific measurements. The trap house is located 16 yards (15 meters) in front of the five shooting positions.
The total overall distance from the back of the shooting positions to the trap house is 27 yards. Clay targets are sent outwards and shot from one of the five different shooting stations.
#3 Pictures
#4 Videos
Trap Shooting Gear
In order to compete in a trap shooting tournament, you must use the proper trap shooting gear and equipment. Things like shooting glasses and earplugs are essential (and required).
These will keep your eyes protected in the event of target shards, powder, or ricochets and your ears from ringing and getting damaged.
Trap shooting vests and shell pouches are also great, as you will be able to carry shells from each station as well as anything else you have with you.
Many vests will also have padded shoulders to help absorb the recoil from your gun. Speaking of firearms, you will also need a good shotgun for trap shooting!
Trap Shooting Lessons
In order to truly learn everything you need to know about trap shooting and to cut down on the learning curve, there are plenty of teachers that can help you along the way.
Taking some trap shooting lessons from a professional instructor at one of your local trap shooting ranges, can help you quickly learn the sport and become proficient at it.
It is also helpful to learn all of the trap shooting rules and regulations that go into the competitions as instructors will be well versed and able to explain it all to you.
