Guides / Getting Started / Complete Guide to Trap Shooting for Beginners

Complete Guide to Trap Shooting for Beginners

Everything you need to know for your first round of trap

10 min read Beginner
Most accessible clay sport
Available at most gun clubs
Great for building fundamentals
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Your First Visit

Trap is available at virtually every gun club, and most offer rentals. Here's what to bring and what happens when you arrive.

What to Bring

Eye Protection

Often provided free

Ear Protection

Often provided free

$40-80 Budget

Targets, gun rental, ammo

What to wear: Comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and a hat. You'll be standing in one spot, but a shell pouch or vest with pockets helps.

Step by Step

1

Check In at the Pro Shop

Sign waiver, pay for round, pick up rental gun and ammo. Tell them you're new.

2

Safety Briefing

Learn the four rules: muzzle control, trigger finger, open action when not shooting, know your target.

3

Join a Squad

You'll be assigned to a group of up to 5 shooters. They rotate through the 5 stations together.

4

Shoot Your Round

Load one shell, mount gun, call "Pull!", shoot. 5 targets per station, then move right.

First-Timer Tips

  • Start at Station 3—center position gives the most consistent angles
  • Load only one shell—you get one shot per target anyway
  • Watch the first few—observe how experienced shooters mount and time their shots
  • Rent first, buy later—try different guns before investing. When ready, a local dealer can help with fitting.
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Last updated: November 2024