Let me tell you I am a Trapshooter, At the Ohio State Shoot, I tried to shoot the Handicap, I played the Lewis class, I was slow getting to the line, a few shooters helped, Toting my Stool, shells, and trapgun, I started and ended on trap Bank 2 post 4, On the new Tarps as a better background, I think I only shot one from the shoulder, could not Mount it again, and I 2 more times from the Hip, Broke one, I told the Puller, I can't shoot anymore, I started to sruggle to get off the line and several shooters came to my Aid, and helped me w/ my stool shells and Trapgun back to my car, That was the most expensive 3 targets I ever shot. $21.74 + tax for 4 boxes of Estates 1250 Fps ! 1/8 oz Handicap shells, and Entry fee + lewis class approx $59,37 That came to $19.37 per shot. So I dedicated myself to try something that would let me shoot again, I lifted weights and curls w 5 Lb & 10 Lb dumbells, 2 weeks ago ago i Tried again w/no results. I tried the wrong techniqie. I am now trying a different process. I am now holding the 5 Lb at my side, Straight armed, moving up and twisting to the angle of holding your shotgun, which is Twisting Counter Clockwise, This is working, but along with mounting and holding the Trapgun, to check if it is working, and it is, I hope this will help some of you to get back into trapshooting again. T will report again after November 1st, the Progression. GB.......................................DLS
DOC, IF you haven't already, get yourself a Terry Jordan Wall Chart, and get to work with it. You will not only be building up strength with your arm muscles, but you will be using all the different muscles (including your brain) that you will use when you go to the field. It was the best thing I could do for myself when I took a hiatus from trap fields, and I'm sure more will be thinking the same as I do. Good luck !
Doc, May I offer a little advice, shoot cheap (practice) until you have recovered some of the strength from being inactive ... I want to go back and start shooting again ( non registered / practice ) and hope to see if there are any games going on ... I'm not sure I will fare much better than you did being as I laid off for quite awhile also ... I got out my Model 12 and plan on shooting that maybe for the rest of my life, Sold a Perazzi Combo, but still got a couple in the safe if I feel the need, maybe the TMX ... I have over 100 flats of shells taking up space in the garage so I won't have to buy any shells for awhile ... Been awhile since I shot it, hope that Model 12 remembers how to break targets like it used to ... WPT ... (YAC) ...
I'm proud of you, and I wish I'd been there to see you do it. Give 'em hell, Doc. You're never too old to rock-and-roll
Friday I will be trying it again, hope it goes better, I am sorta stuck on using na stool to sit on, It's for more control. GB.........................................................DLS
Do it for as long as it gives you pleasure! Wishing you all the best. A72 year old rookie trap shooter .
Doc, I know you knew of Bat Thomas and the way he shot. With your ability I would bet you can master it just as he did. Good Luck!!
Shooting off a stool is not that difficult. Ask me! Pick a stool high enough off the ground-a foot rest helps. One foot on the ground with the other on a foot rest. Get one with a back as it's easier to move (drag) from station to station. If you can sit without pain you'll be able to shoot without pain. Walmart probably has the one you'll need. Those of us with sciatica know how painful standing and shooting can be.
I have a stool w/the right ndimensions for me now, I took it to the club Friday night, I did not dress warm enough for the cold weather, so went home.. Will take some extra clothing w/me next Friday Night. GB.....................................DLS
Doc, Good for you in coming back. I have been off over 4 years due to heart surgery and am thinking about trying again. JON