shot my very first trap

I'm by no means an expert, but I can offer a little of what I've learned through trial and error and error and error ... hehe ... the sore shoulder and face slapping are generally due to either a poor fittin gun or a loose grip. Make sure the fit is right. If your gun came with the spacers to adjust the drop of the stock, you might want to experiment with them. My gun fit perfectly, but I was gripping it a little loose when I started shooting, and I'd get the occasional face slapper. I remedied this by making sure I had the butt of the stock held firmly into my shoulder pocket. I also made a point to keep my face on the stock. Once I did these things, the face slapping was a thing of the past, and I can shoot a couple hundred shots on the trap field without any pain. If the fit is right, it will most likely just take a bit of practice to get accustomed to the new gun.

Hope it helps! Enjoy!

Welcome new Winchester Supreme Select owner! I'm one, too.

Mine beat the heck out of me the first time I used it. So I put a Limbsaver recoil pad on it. Their model number 10001 is a direct fit requiring no grinding of the pad, though you will have to redrill one screw hole in the stock. It will also add about 1/2" to the length of pull, which to me was unnoticable. I now regularly shoot 125-150 rounds in a day with no discomfort. There are other pads, of course. If you decide to go with the Limbsaver, Gamaliel Shooting Supply has the best prices on them.

Gamaleil also has cheek pads which stick on to the stock. I have not tried them, as I found proper mounting (and the new recoil pad) eliminated any face slap. Also, I didn't want to stick anything to the stock of my nice, new gun.

Despite the good advice in a reply above mine, these guns don't have "spacers" between the stock and receiver. They can't, due to the way they're constructed. As I understand it, most O/Us are like this. The spacers are used on semi-autos and pumps.

As for the scores, don't worry about it. It'll come with time. It is harder than it looks. Don't expect to be an expert the first time you do it. I've been shooting mine all season and have yet to break 25 straight...

I've been using the imp. cyl. in the bottom barrel with the mod. in the top barrel for doubles. This weekend I changed to mod. in the bottom and full in the top. I have a improved modified on order, which will go in the bottom barrel when I get it, leaving the full in the top. I shoot bottom barrel for everything but doubles, due to the lower plane of recoil.

Good luck, and welcome to the sport!

-- Sam

Sam,
You took the words right out of my mouth. I was surprised that the new Winchester beat the heck out of me. With the barrel ported and light load (2 3/4 dr. 1 oz.) I was expecting softer and more enjoyable shots. My cheek bone hurt and my shoulder hurt even more. I thought the gun fits me well. I did the close eye open eye test. I closed my eye and mounted the gun and when I opened my eye I saw the two beats one right on top of another. I hold the gun tight against my shoulder and my face pressed tight again the stock. So I really don't know what else did I do wrong. The limbsaver pad sounded like a great idea except I can't afford another 1/2" longer pull, as is now I think my stock is a tad too long for me. Does anyone know of a good gunsmith who fits shotgun within an hour drive in the Bay Area San Francisco area?