Trap Gun vs. Field Gun
djb
trap gun and on a field gun. Specifically, that for a trap gun you
have the target (clay) sitting on the front bead, but for a field gun
(animal, or clay if shooting clays), you cover the target with the
muzzle of the gun. He said that the guns are set up differently so
that you aim (point) them the way I just described to get the sight
line to intersect the line of the shot for each gun and that the guns
are set up to have this intersection at a specific distance.
I'm a little surprised at this, because I did not think that a shotgun
is not sighted in for a specific distance like a rifle is. I always
thought that the sight line was parallel to the bore of the barrel
and, because of the shot pattern, you just ignored the 1" or so
difference between the centerline of the bore and the sight line.
So, is there really this difference between field guns and trap guns?
It might explain why I consistently miss the clays. (I haven't shot
in a loong time, but have recently been using a field gun at the trap
range.)
Thanks,
Dave
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Jim Casey
# So, is there really this difference between field guns and trap guns?
Yes. On a trap shotgun, the rib is much higher (3/8 inch or so) near
the stock, and tapers toward the front. The result is that you shoot
higher than where you are aiming. You can see it here:
http://www.blueridgeoutdoorsports.com/Trap_Shotguns.html
The stocks are often different, too. It's all magic.
- Jim
Natman
wrote:
#A fellow at my gun club said that the sight picture is different on a
#trap gun and on a field gun. Specifically, that for a trap gun you
#have the target (clay) sitting on the front bead, but for a field gun
#(animal, or clay if shooting clays), you cover the target with the
#muzzle of the gun. He said that the guns are set up differently so
#that you aim (point) them the way I just described to get the sight
#line to intersect the line of the shot for each gun and that the guns
#are set up to have this intersection at a specific distance.
#
#I'm a little surprised at this, because I did not think that a shotgun
#is not sighted in for a specific distance like a rifle is. I always
#thought that the sight line was parallel to the bore of the barrel
#and, because of the shot pattern, you just ignored the 1" or so
#difference between the centerline of the bore and the sight line.
#
#So, is there really this difference between field guns and trap guns?
Yes. The shots in trap are rising and going away. This is a difficult
shot with a field gun because if you lead the target you can't see it
anymore. A dedicated trap gun will shoot higher than point of aim,
providing in effect a built in lead.
djb
#
# So, is there really this difference between field guns and trap guns?
Thanks for the comments---I guess they are different.
Are there reasons not to use a trap gun for hunting?
Given the different sight picture, does trap shooting help prepare one
for hunting?
Thanks again,
Dave
Jim Casey
# Given the different sight picture, does trap shooting help prepare one
# for hunting?
I don't hunt. Is there a game bird that rises at the speed and
elevation of a clay target in trap?
I would think most hunting shots are crossing shots, and a trap gun
would not be appropriate.
- Jim
Natman
wrote:
#On Aug 6, 9:50 pm, Natman <nat_m...@yahoo.com> wrote:
##
## So, is there really this difference between field guns and trap guns?
#
#Thanks for the comments---I guess they are different.
#
#Are there reasons not to use a trap gun for hunting?
#
#Given the different sight picture, does trap shooting help prepare one
#for hunting?
#
On most shots the trap gun wiill shoot over the target unless you
compensate for it.
I can't see any point in getting a trap gun unless you are a dedicated
trap shooter. Then it's pretty much required if you want to get
serious.
djb
#
# I would think most hunting shots are crossing shots, and a trap gun
# would not be appropriate.
Thank you for your patience. I think I am finally catching on.
Hunting typically involves crossing shots, i.e., most of the gun
movement is horizontal. So, swinging the barrel to lead the shot
won't block your target, except at the moment you cross over it. It
is easier to swing through the target than just under it, so the point
of aim is through the muzzle.
Trap shooting has risng targets. With a trap gun (that shoots high),
you can swing up to the target, pull the trigger while still seeing
the clay, then follow through. Using a field gun would mean that
you've covered the target with the muzzle and can't be sure how much
lead you have when you pull the trigger.
Has anyone thought of "bolting on" a raised rear site to allow a field
cun to be used more easily when shooting trap? It seems a shame that
you'd have to buy two different guns to enjoy the two sports.
Dave
Jim Casey
# Has anyone thought of "bolting on" a raised rear site to allow a field
# cun to be used more easily when shooting trap? It seems a shame that
# you'd have to buy two different guns to enjoy the two sports.
I saw an exotic old shotgun that had interchangeable ribs. Apparently
the idea never caught on.
Trap guns also tend to have a different comb (the top of the stock).
They also tend to be heavier, which is not so much fun for hunting.
It's like golf. You need more than one tool for various situations.
- Jim
Natman
#you've covered the target with the muzzle and can't be sure how much
#lead you have when you pull the trigger.
#
Bingo.
Misifus
# djb wrote:
#
# # Given the different sight picture, does trap shooting help prepare one
# # for hunting?
#
# I don't hunt. Is there a game bird that rises at the speed and
# elevation of a clay target in trap?
#
It's been many years, but in my youth, pheasant did just about that,
flying up and straight away.
-Raf