Trapshooting Equipment Key Terms

Target the key terms when it comes to trapshooting equipment

By Jennifer Ehlenfeldt, Freelance Writer

Trapshooting equipment includes the trap machine, guns, ammunition and accessories. There are many variables and additional pieces of equipment like the wobbler or oscillating base that affect how trapshooting equipment works. The type of ammunition and shotgun used is also important, so these should be included in your trapshooting term research. The shooter is also a big factor in the operation of trapshooting equipment. Before you can begin trap shooting there are several key terms that are important to learn so you can be safe.

Pull

Pull is the term used by the shooter when he or she wants to start the round of shooting. While "pull" signals the puller to start the manual trap machine, modern-day machines are usually voice activated.
Try: The game of trapshooting is explained in detail at YouthTrapShooter. The term "pull" is also explained as it relates to competition trapshooting.

Target load

The ammunition a shooter uses for trapshooting is called the target load. Most target loads are 7 1/2- to 8 1/2-size shot, but the target load can be lighter. The load is made of the shot and gun powder in the shotgun shell. Target loads are also dependent on weather conditions.
Try: The Spartunburg Gun Club describes equipment, guns and target loads.

Lead, swing, follow-through

Even with the best, top-of-the-line trap shooting equipment, you still need to be a good shot. Trapshooting and other competitive shooting events are usually fast paced and accuracy is a must. The shooter must learn to lead the trap. A shooter leads the target by estimating how much it will move before the shot gets to it and aiming there. The shooter learns to swing the firearm with the same motion as the target and follow-through after the shot in order to connect.
Try: In "Skeet and Trapshooting" by Jerry Pardue, lead, swing and follow-through are defined. He explains the concepts as they relate to shooting a moving target whether it be waterfowl or trap targets.

Trappers or setters

Trappers, or setters, are the people in charge of setting a trap machine. The trapper sits in the trap house out in front of the shooters and waits for the signal to set the target. Trappers are not needed with the newer completely automatic trap machines.
Try: The role of the trapper, or setter, is described at the Trapshooting Hall of Fame. The site offers explanations for beginning trapshooters.

Wobbler

A wobbler is an attachment to a trap-shooting machine that allows the targets to be shot in a much more erratic pattern. Wobblers usually allow for 360-degree rotation with a much larger field of motion, including higher and lower aim.
Try: Hunting Fishing Direct sells a wobbler and explains how the wobbler works with your trap equipment.

Oscillating

Oscillating is simply defined as rotating. The meaning does not change when it is connected to trapshooting. When the trap machine is mounted on an oscillating base, the machine can direct the clay targets virtually anywhere in the field.
Try: Shooting USA defines oscillating as it relates to trapshooting.