Trap Shooting

Trap shooting is a specific form of clay target shooting. Trap shooting is a game of movement, action and split-second timing. It requires the accuracy and skill to repeatedly aim, fire and break the 4 1/4 inch disc which is hurled through the air at a speed of 42 mph, simulating the flight path of a bird fleeing a hunter.

Trap shooting’s continual growth and expanding popularity is due to the fact that people of all ages, incomes and abilities can compete. Nine year old boys shoot alongside 90 year old men. Many 70-year olds have been in the sport 55 years and some began just two years ago. Trapshooting's participants include millionaires and hourly wage earners, inventors and businessmen, former sports figures in other fields, professional men, farmers, truck drivers, musicians, actors, students and housewives.

The shooter is required to shoot at a target after he calls "pull". It does not matter in scoring if the shooter hits only a small piece of the target or whether he shatters the target. The target is considered a "dead" or "lost" bird. If the target is hit it is "dead". If it is missed it is "lost".

Singles is considered to be the easiest of the three disciplines. In singles, the shooter stands 16 yards away from the center of the "trap house" and shoots at random targets that fly at various angles in front of him/her. Shooters are grouped into squads, usually made up of up to five people. There are five positions that each shooter shoots from, shooting five shots at each, for a total of twenty five shots or one round. This gives participants a different view of the target flying through the air. Each position is a constant 16 yards from the trap house, each one is spaced three feet apart forming a small arc.

Handicap is considered the most prestigious event in trapshooting. As in other sports, handicapping strives to make the competition equal. The is accomplished by having the more skilled competitors stand further away from the trap house. Based on a shooter»s past performances, a shooter is assigned a handicap distance which he/she must shoot. A competitor with a high handicap will shoot no closer than the 18 yard line, while the most skilled shooter is placed at the 27 yard line.

Match Safety Rules:

1. No guns shall be loaded until the shooter is on the shooting station. "Loading" is putting any part of a loaded shell in any part of the gun.
2. The gun shall be unloaded before leaving the station or changing stations.
3. When not on station, carry your gun with the breech open. Pumps and automatics will have their bolt open. Fixed breech guns will be broken open.
4. Store all guns in racks or in your vehicle.
5. ONLY active shooters, designated pullers, shooting instructors, and referees are allowed "on the field".
6. Be alert for range personnel entering or leaving the trap houses.
7. Shooters will pick up their hulls after all members of the squad have finished shooting!
8. Rules of the shooting sports for trap, establish a MAXIMUM SHOT SIZE of 1-1/8 oz., #7 ½ shot. No shotgun slugs, buckshot, or shot larger than #7 ½, or any handgun or rifle shooting on the shotgun ranges.
9. The trap house is NOT A TARGET or target stand!
10. Do not drive on the trap range including gravel surfaces.

Match Equipment:

Shotgun with at least 25 Bird shot shells.
Safety equipment; Eye and Hearing protection

Match Dates:

Every Saturday morning and Every Tuesday night of every month.

Match Location:

Boulder Rifle and Pistol Club Courtesy Range.

Match Times:

9:00 A.M. to 12 P.M. Every Saturday.
7:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Every Tuesday.

Match Fees:

All fees collected at the match event. See Activity Applications page for match fees.

More Information:

Contact the Trap Lead for Boulder Rifle and Pistol Club, trap@brpc1.org.