I've shot trap for quite some time now and went to the range this morning expecting to do the same. When I got there, the bunkers were all shut tight and it was obvious that there would be no trap shooting for me this day. Turns out the range officer was ill and no replacement had been found. With nothing better to do, I went to the 5 stand range just to observe. I was invited to join the squads and accepted. Knowing I was a complete novice, one of the guys stood behind me as I moved from station to station and offered tips and tactics as we went. He was great...I was not. I'm used to scores in the
twenties on the trap field but only managed nine at 5 stand. I was still shooting trap in my head and forgot I was allowed a second shot and took some good natured ribbing from the others. This game is a lot harder than trap but I enjoyed the challenge and will go back in the near future.

I started the trap shooting game two months ago, I started off with some bad scores to start with, my scores increased as I got my bt-99 adjusted to my needs. I hit my first 25 two weeks ago, since I hit it twice more, which I was very pleased with, but then a fellow trap shooter suggested a double wobble, which I had never heard of before, we decided to give it a try this last Thursday, and boy let me tell you, if you are looking for a challenge, it is worth a try. I have yet to try the 5 stand one of these days.

I've always wanted to try 5 stand, but my club shut down their set up due to needing space for additional sporting clays stands. Apparently it's great practice for getting into the feel of sporting clays. If you ever get the chance, check out Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays, it's probably an hour north of you and it's an excellent course I shoot weekly.

One of our local clubs has a deluxe setup with 14 traps, 3 towers and a heated stand to shoot from1

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Long Barrel
Retired Artilleryman

I'll show my ignorance. I'm not a shotgunner; what is '5 stand'?

In trap, the clays come out of a bunker in front of you and move away from you. In 5 stand, they come from all different angles. Some come from behind, some come side to side, some come toward you, some roll on the ground. It's a lot more
challenging.

Skeet on steroids?

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Enjoyment=M&P²

sounds like fun challenge is a good thing keeps the gears turning in the head

Some aspects of the game are like that, I guess. I look at it as if every shotgun hunting scenario you could think of is represented and simulated. One of the nice things about the club I belong to is that no one will ever make a derogatory comment about your marksmanship (or lack of it). They're glad you had a good time enjoying the sport no matter what your level of expertise is. They will, however, make some strong statements if you show unsafe behavior.

Thanks, Ordy, sounds like fun. Wish I could shoot a shotgun better; I'd join in.

We shot trap and five stand, yesterday.

We have one high incoming bird, and you have time for a sandwich and drink before it gets close enough to shoot. The most fun is a doubles combo, where you get a quartering away crosser, and a rabbit crosser. You have to get the rabbit first, then swivel back to a target that's starting to peak and fall.

I actually pay to be frustrated!

I'm sure you could find a used trap gun for not too much money and after that, it's practice and more practice. Shooting a moving target is a whole different mind set than a static pistol target. The common factor is that when you succeed, it puts a great big smile on your face.

You don't need a special shotgun for five stand. Most any field gun will do, since you're getting a look at targets you'd see when hunting birds or rabbits. And, a lot of clubs have rentals which will fill the bill. All of wish we were better shotgunners, but the point is to have fun.

A skeet gun is a good gun, as are various purpose-built clays guns.

However, the only requirement is that you have fun, and bring along plenty of ammo. Any target load will do. Our club does limit loads to 1 1/8 oz target loads max.

I currently shoot 1 oz, 12ga loads in #7.5 or #8 shot. My gun is a Browning XS Special, w/32" barrels, that I bought to shoot skeet. It works great for both. I use skeet/skeet chokes.