Olympic Trap is just as accessible as most mainstream sporting activities and all you really need is a bit of hand eye coordination, determination, and a good temperament. Of course money helps, but it is relatively easy for a shooter to get started in this discipline on a budget. A good reliable Trap gun such as a Miroku MK38 or any of the 680 series Berettas are suitable for Olympic Trap and can be bought in a good used condition for the same price as a set of Golf clubs (around £500). For those just starting out in Trap shooting, click on the tabs below for some basic advice.
CPSA / BICTSF
CPSA/BICTSF
There is usually a CPSA registered Olympic Trap competition taking place at various shooting grounds around the UK on a Sunday with practice on weekdays and Saturdays. The CPSA collates your Olympic Trap scores and after 6 months of registered shooting a true average is calculated to place the shooter into a competition class - a bit like a golf handicap. For the individual who may have aspirations of representing Team GB in the Olympic Games then he/she must enter GB Team selection shoot competitions that are administered by the British International Clay Target Shooting Federation (BICTSF).
In the slightly higher price bracket you'll find guns made by manufacturers that specifically target the Trap shooting market. Gun makers such as Perazzi, Beretta, Renato Gamba, and Caesar Guerini all manufacture shotguns that are specifically designed for Olympic Trap shooting. Particular models to consider are: Perazzi MX8 / MX2000, Beretta ASE / DT10, Renato Gamba Daytona 2K, Caesar Guerini Summit.
There is usually a CPSA registered Olympic Trap competition taking place at various shooting grounds around the UK on a Sunday with practice on weekdays and Saturdays. The CPSA collates your Olympic Trap scores and after 6 months of registered shooting a true average is calculated to place the shooter into a competition class - a bit like a golf handicap. For the individual who may have aspirations of representing Team GB in the Olympic Games then he/she must enter GB Team selection shoot competitions that are administered by the British International Clay Target Shooting Federation (BICTSF).
In the slightly higher price bracket you'll find guns made by manufacturers that specifically target the Trap shooting market. Gun makers such as Perazzi, Beretta, Renato Gamba, and Caesar Guerini all manufacture shotguns that are specifically designed for Olympic Trap shooting. Particular models to consider are: Perazzi MX8 / MX2000, Beretta ASE / DT10, Renato Gamba Daytona 2K, Caesar Guerini Summit.
Eyewear
Eyewear is Mandatory
The CPSA issued a ruling (for insurance reasons) that Protective eyewear must be worn by shooters and referees whilst on the range. This ruling covers all Clay Target disciplines. The main point to keep in mind when purchasing your shooting glasses is that the wraparound design favoured by many Sporting/Skeet shooters isn't really suitable for trap shooting, unless of course they are fitted with an adjustable bridge, and are optically correct (for prescription wearers).
Suitable Styles
Ideally the style should be of the High Wired type with an adjustable bridge so that they sit right with your gun mounted, and of course they should be optically correct. Decot, High Scorers, Randolph XL Rangers, and Zeiss (shown left) are probably the most popular amongst the experienced Olympic Trap shooters. Eyecare is also important and it is recommended that you should always keep an in date bottle of eyewash in your range bag, because you never know when you may get irritated eyes in the middle of a competition.
Randolphs and Zeiss
The CPSA issued a ruling (for insurance reasons) that Protective eyewear must be worn by shooters and referees whilst on the range. This ruling covers all Clay Target disciplines. The main point to keep in mind when purchasing your shooting glasses is that the wraparound design favoured by many Sporting/Skeet shooters isn't really suitable for trap shooting, unless of course they are fitted with an adjustable bridge, and are optically correct (for prescription wearers).
Suitable Styles
Ideally the style should be of the High Wired type with an adjustable bridge so that they sit right with your gun mounted, and of course they should be optically correct. Decot, High Scorers, Randolph XL Rangers, and Zeiss (shown left) are probably the most popular amongst the experienced Olympic Trap shooters. Eyecare is also important and it is recommended that you should always keep an in date bottle of eyewash in your range bag, because you never know when you may get irritated eyes in the middle of a competition.
Randolphs and Zeiss
Footwear
Trap Shooting Footwear
An often overlooked accessory is footwear. To maintain our performance as a one target game it is important to be consistent not only in our range routine, but in the equipment we use and what we wear. Wearing the same shoes in every competition could help the Olympic Trap shooter maintain consistency.
Adidas Ironwork 3
I have noticed that the Adidas Ironwork 3 weightlifting shoes (Left) are becoming a popular choice amongst some of the UK's top Shooters. This is probably because apart from being comfortable, they have a small heel that promotes a good Trap shooting stance. A less expensive choice and a good alternative to weightlifting shoes are the classic Adidas style of trainers, the flat rubber sole provides good contact on the range.
An often overlooked accessory is footwear. To maintain our performance as a one target game it is important to be consistent not only in our range routine, but in the equipment we use and what we wear. Wearing the same shoes in every competition could help the Olympic Trap shooter maintain consistency.
Adidas Ironwork 3
I have noticed that the Adidas Ironwork 3 weightlifting shoes (Left) are becoming a popular choice amongst some of the UK's top Shooters. This is probably because apart from being comfortable, they have a small heel that promotes a good Trap shooting stance. A less expensive choice and a good alternative to weightlifting shoes are the classic Adidas style of trainers, the flat rubber sole provides good contact on the range.
Gun Selection
The right Gun
Whether you are completely new to Clay Target Shooting or you have decided to switch from another discipline to shoot Olympic Trap it is very important to buy the right kit. The following advice is based on my own experiences, and could save the Olympic Trap newcomer £1000's in the long term.
Get Your Gun Fit Checked
The most important aspect of your equipment is your gun and how well it fits you. I bought and sold quite a few guns over the last few years because I was ill informed on gun fit, and as a result wasted a lot of money. When you buy a gun it is important to have the fit checked by a professional stocker or a reputable gun shop that offers a fitting service. If you have any doubts about your gun fit lurking in the back of your mind it could have a negative impact on your competition performance. As a rule of thumb though, if you're a tall person with a strong core and upper body you may wish to try out guns with 31" - 32" barrels, and if you're small to average in height and body size then try out a 30" first.
Part Ex or not to Part ex?
If you want to change your gun then I strongly recommend that you sell it privately because you'll be offered an obscenely low price for trade in, probably get messed about, and the price of the gun you want will also be increased. Private sales don't take long, my Miroku MK38 was on the Guntrader website for 7 days before it was sold, so a little patience here could save you hundreds of pounds. Of course gun dealers are there to make a maximum profit and it will be at your expense so sell your gun privately and don't trade it in if you can help it.
I have noticed that some gun dealers work hard to sell lots of guns for a competitive profit margin and are good to do business with. There are others who are quite happy to have overpriced guns sat in their racks for months and unless you have money to waste these should be avoided.
If you have no idea about the gun shop you intend to deal with then a good way to find out about the level of service you'll get is to check out the forums on the Guntrader website, but be careful and make sure you corroborate a few opinions before entering into any deals.
Whether you are completely new to Clay Target Shooting or you have decided to switch from another discipline to shoot Olympic Trap it is very important to buy the right kit. The following advice is based on my own experiences, and could save the Olympic Trap newcomer £1000's in the long term.
Get Your Gun Fit Checked
The most important aspect of your equipment is your gun and how well it fits you. I bought and sold quite a few guns over the last few years because I was ill informed on gun fit, and as a result wasted a lot of money. When you buy a gun it is important to have the fit checked by a professional stocker or a reputable gun shop that offers a fitting service. If you have any doubts about your gun fit lurking in the back of your mind it could have a negative impact on your competition performance. As a rule of thumb though, if you're a tall person with a strong core and upper body you may wish to try out guns with 31" - 32" barrels, and if you're small to average in height and body size then try out a 30" first.
Part Ex or not to Part ex?
If you want to change your gun then I strongly recommend that you sell it privately because you'll be offered an obscenely low price for trade in, probably get messed about, and the price of the gun you want will also be increased. Private sales don't take long, my Miroku MK38 was on the Guntrader website for 7 days before it was sold, so a little patience here could save you hundreds of pounds. Of course gun dealers are there to make a maximum profit and it will be at your expense so sell your gun privately and don't trade it in if you can help it.
I have noticed that some gun dealers work hard to sell lots of guns for a competitive profit margin and are good to do business with. There are others who are quite happy to have overpriced guns sat in their racks for months and unless you have money to waste these should be avoided.
If you have no idea about the gun shop you intend to deal with then a good way to find out about the level of service you'll get is to check out the forums on the Guntrader website, but be careful and make sure you corroborate a few opinions before entering into any deals.