Need information checking the throwing arm/ plate on a pat trap.

Hi everyone. Some or our members have been shooting at a different club and find their targets easier to shoot than ours. Our targets are set with a height pole and radar gun at 9’ height and 43 mph. We are certain that this is set correctly. Both clubs are using pat traps. The back of our trap houses are 3’ above the pad at shooting post 3. The Back of their house is 2’2” above the shooting pad on post 3. This difference would allow you see their target sooner. I suspect their throwing arm and plate are lower than our throwing arm and plate so the target is also thrown at a steeper angle showing more face. The rule book says the arm and plate should be on the same plane as the pad on post three and the target setting pad. How do I set the machine to check this plane. Any help will be appreciated. We want to throw the best legal target possible.
Tim

 

Traphouses must adequately protect the trap loaders and shall not be higher than necessary for that purpose. It is recommended that traphouses constructed after September 1, 2003 shall conform to the following specifications:

A. TRAP MACHINE

B. TRAPHOUSES

1. Length not less than 7 feet, 6 inches, nor more than 9 feet, 6 inches.
   
   
2. Width not less than 7 feet, 6 inches, nor more than 9 feet, 6 inches.
   
   
3. Height not less than 2 feet, 2 inches, nor more than 3 feet, 0 inches,
   

the height to be measured from the plane of the number 3 shooting position.

It is recommended that the throwing surface (throwing arm or plate) of the trap machine be on the same level as that of Post 3 and the target height setting pad.

This is from the RULE BOOK. Suggest you get a transit and someone that knows how to use it and check the measurements. As you see, yours and their measurements are within specs. The question is whether the throwing arm is on the same level as Post 3 and the target height setting pad. I am not trying to be snarky, but that is the only way to know if the machines are installed correctly. Good Luck

 

Grizquad,
You missed the point of the question.I have read the rule book and even stated that it says it should be on the same plane as station 3 shooting pad. I have a surveying laser and am well qualified to use it. The question was the procedure. Do you have the throwing plate all the way down. Do you measure from the front or back lip of the plate. The plate on the pat trap does not go down to flat, what do you do about that. I need a response from someone who has measured and set this plate on a pat trap.
Tim

 

Tim, Point taken. You should call Charlie at Pat Trap in NH, I am sure he can give you exact information you need. 603-428-3396

 

A question that I have is doe's post 3 at the 27yd line need to be on a level plane with post 3 at the 16yd line and continuing on a level plane to the throwing plate?
Dave Berlet

 

Interesting question, Sir. ....While it appears to be logical to assume all pads should be at the same elevation, I see nothing in the rule book specifying such.
....I also see no mention that posts 1-2-4-5 need to be on the same level (elevation) as post 3.
....Apparently a lot is left to assumptions or I am missing something in the rule book.

"The height at a point 10 yards from Point B is to be understood to mean height above an imaginary horizontal straight line drawn through the post and Point B. (See Diagram II)."
...From pages 47-48 of the rule book. ....Does "the" post refer to post 3 on the 16 yd line, or does it apply to all posts and any yardage?

Also on page 47: "Handicap posts, when used, shall be prolongations of the lines given in Diagram I (p. 56), commonly known as fan shaped."
....This appears to mean 27yd post 3 is at the same elevation as 16yd post 3.

 

We had our trap field walkways replaced this summer and they are all Level from front to back and side to side. If the trap is lower you will see more face of the Target which in theory would help as you would be shooting at more of the target.

 

Hey, that 10" height difference on the house is huge explains why their birds pop up quicker. To check the plane Cock the trap arm with a target on it (straightaway lock), then use a long straight board or laser level from the top of post 3's pad to the arm/target height it should line up dead even, and same to your 10 yard height pad. If not, shim the machine base up or down. Once leveled, crank the angle to 21-22° for that steep face. Throw a few and have shooters eyeball it; tweak till it feels right. You'll nail it.