[goodoleboy]

Ive been shooting 2 clays per launch. With my pump 835 and can only hit one clay and the other drops to the ground beofre I can pull the trigger. Is this normal for first time shooter or is hitting both clays diffucult for even the most experienced pump shotgun clay shooter?

thanks

 

[MassHunter]

You'll get it soon enough, just shuck faster. I don't shoot many clays, but I hold my own with my pump gun in a duck blind full of guys with autos.

 

[Claydust]

is hitting both clays diffucult for even the most experienced pump shotgun clay shooter?

No.

I started into clay target shooting in 1970 and have mainly shot trap but have shot my fair share of skeet as well as sporting clays when I get the opportunity.

I was never very dexterous or good at things that required quick, accurate hand movement.

When I first shot skeet in the early 1970's, all I had was an old Win M12 and I was concerned that I couldn't hit the doubles.

An old skeet shooter told me; "don't worry about the speed, concentrate on just getting both targets, and the speed will come".

I shot skeet quite a bit that summer took his advice. At first it "wasn't pretty" but I started consistantly hitting my doubles and in a few weeks, I was racking the M12 as if I had done it for years.

Although I own o/u's and autoloaders, I still enjoy shooting a pump, which I do frequently.

I have seen some people who just get the hang of it but if you really want to shoot one and apply yourself to it for a bit, you may be surprised how quickly you catch on.

 

[claysmoker]

Goodoleboy,

That depends. I've got a cheapy thrower I bought 30 years ago that throws doubles, but barely. I've gotta be pretty danged quick to get the second bird before it hits the dirt, whether I'm using a pump, auto or over/under. Don't sweat it too much, practice with that pump and you'll do fine. I have taken 3 mallards from a decoying flock several different times using a 37 Ithaca and an 870 Express. Tom Knapp can shoot something like 8 handthrown targets with his Benelli Nova before they hit the ground, he can only get one or two more when using an auto.

 

[mdboatbum]

Like others said, concentrate on breaking the clays, and the speed will come. I would also make sure that the gun is capable of "speed shucking", a newer gun will be a little tight than one that is well broken in, or so I'm told. There was a thread on here a while back that gave pretty good illustrated instructions on how to "slickify" the action of a pumpgun, basically finding the wear points and polishing, kinda like hurrying up the breaking in process.
Otherwise just keep at it and you'll get it.

 

[16'er]

Like everyone says... stay at it. Also there is no shame in calling for report pairs if you are a new shooter, especially on harder doubles. that wll give you a chance to get used to the action to the point which your not thinking about the gun more than the target.

best of luck

 

[WinM12]

Ive been shooting 2 clays per launch. With my pump 835 and can only hit one clay and the other drops to the ground beofre I can pull the trigger. Is this normal for first time shooter or is hitting both clays diffucult for even the most experienced pump shotgun clay shooter?

thanks

If you're using a basic manual trap thrower - the problem may be with your setup, and not the gun. Go to a local range and try using their professional grade machines for skeet, trap, or sporting clays.

Pump action shotguns were once widely used for firing multiple shots at a target presentation. Although pumps have fallen out of favor with today's competition clay target shooters, they remain effective "repeaters".

 

[Equismith]

goodoleboy,

If you are using a ground thrower, it could be how you are setting up the birds on the trap. Set them farther back on the throwing arm. Also, try to check the spring tension. If they aren't in the air long enough, even and auto or an O/U couldn't shoot them.

If you can get to a skeet fileld and shoot some doubles from 1 and 7 I'll bet you have plenty of time.

I mainly shoot a pump simply because it throws another challenge into the game of skeet. When on 1 and 7 I have to wait for the second bird because I've becomed accustomed to shooting the first target quickly to give me that time to get on the second shot and smoke it. I only wish I could smoke the second target on 2 and 6 as well.

Keep on shootin' it. You'll smoke 'em too.

 

[cg]

My best suggestion to you is to concentrate on one target only. Get that sucker as quickly and fluently as you possibly can. Fluent motion and follow through was the key for me. If you're not in tune with what you're doing you won't be good at anything. Get faster and smoother at hitting the one target and pump a round after every shot, follow through with it like you were going to shoot a 2nd. Then go on to 2 targets and use the fluint motion you taught yourself to quickly hit the 1st and follow through, then dust the 2nd.