2010 - New Zealand Clay Target Association

kind of over and under for that matter.
The more cast there is in one direction the
more the barrels are set out of line with the
butt which under recoil can cause rotation
in the shoulder whereby the gun shoots in
the opposite direction for which it is cast.
tHe GRIP
A key area of trap stock design as
almost all control of the gun is in the hand
that holds it. The forearm only rests in the
leading hand, direction being achieved
with the rotation of the body from the
legs upwards. A grip design for a trap
stock must above all not allow the hand to
move at any time during the movement of
the barrels or under recoil. This maintains
an even trigger pressure essential in a
game of split second timing. The grip as in
other areas of the trap stock has gradually
evolved from something very similar to a
semi pistol shape used for game shooting,
with a full pistol grip with a lighter radius.
How tight this radius should be is a matter
of preference as is the incorporation
of a palm swell, another fairly recent
development. I would suggest that the
most important aspect of any grip design
is that it allows the fingers to wrap around
the widest part of the radius with the pad
of the forefinger resting on the trigger
blade. At the same time the second finger
should meet comfortably over the top of
the grip with the thumb. Any grip with
which you have to slide your hand upwards
and out of the radius to reach the trigger
is not desirable. The opposite of this hand
position is equally so, whereby you hold the
grip only at the lower part of the radius and
the second finger and thumb do not meet.
In both cases a firm grip is compromised as
is a constant trigger pressure.
To achieve every aspect of good gun
fit for trap shooting may take time. Firstly
you must develop your own stance and
posture. Avoid slavishly copying other
shooters no matter how well they shoot,
it may be they have very different physical
characteristics to you. At the same time
avoid eccentricities, the basics of good
technique are well understood and there
are no strange contortions that will help
you shoot better. Good shooters come in all
shapes and sizes but if you watch the best
you will notice that no two look exactly
alike, they have all achieved balance and
an ease of movement that provide the
basics of a consistent performance. This
invariably is combined with good gun fit
achieved with their own experience of
what they require together with the help of
a knowledgeable stock maker. This aspect
of collaboration is essential to achieve
the best results, don’t underestimate how
much your own experience and what you
feel can assist the stock maker in providing
the stock you need.
If you decide a custom stock is for
you, it is essential the stocker you choose
to make it fully understands the special
requirements of trap shooting. In my view
by far the greatest amount of expertise is
to be found in Italy. This is simply because
participation in trap shooting is so big
and the demand is there. That is not to
say there is not anybody in the United
Kingdom. Malcolm Jenkins in Luton is
one. A former Olympic trap shooter with
considerable experience at the highest
level of the game, he also possesses a
profound understanding of trap shooting
and the kind of stocks required to compete
successfully. If you own an Italian gun,
consider speaking to the British distributor,
they will also certainly be able to help or
point you in the right direction
Article by Vic Harker by courtsey of Pull Magazine
GReAT LAKe 100 SKeeT
Hosted by Taupo Clay Target Club
JUne 27Th, 2010 AT 9.30Am
Ellis Webber North/South qualifying match
Grade prizes including Juniors, Ladies
And Veterans
Entry $65.00 including sweeps, levies etc
Ammo, lunch and refreshments
available
For further information contact:
Grant Nixon a/h 07 377 0519
Geoff Ferris a/h 07 378 2479
Colin Shaw a/h 07 378 1260
hAmiLL’S GReAT LAKe
150 DTL mATCh
Hosted by Taupo Clay Target Club
mAy 9Th, 2010 AT 9.30 Am
Trophies in A, B and C grades
Prizes kindly sponsored by
Hamills Sports, Taupo
Entry $75 including sweeps, levies etc
Ammo, lunch and refreshments
available
For further information contact:
Grant Nixon a/h 07 377 0519
Geoff Ferris a/h 07 378 2479
Colin Shaw a/h 07 378 1260
32 gunshot