Podcast Title: Trap Talk From The Back Fence
Hosts: Zach Nannini & Richard Marshall Jr.
Episode: Listener Question Extravaganza - PART 3 - TRAP TALK (E74)
Release Date: May 17, 2024

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode of Trap Talk From The Back Fence, hosts Zach Nannini and Richard "Ricky" Marshall Jr. dive deep into a myriad of listener-submitted questions, offering expert advice and sharing their personal experiences in the world of trapshooting. From equipment choices to shooting techniques, Zach and Ricky cover essential topics that cater to both novice and seasoned shooters. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn during the episode.

1. Shell Selection for Handicap Shooting

Listener Question by Jackson:
“What should I be shooting for handicap at the 23 yard line for shot size?”

Zach and Ricky delve into the optimal shell sizes and weights for handicap shooting at the 23-yard line. Ricky suggests, “You can shoot a light 8, 11.65, Fiocchi 11.45. If you want to shoot 1200, you can. I don't really think you need to from the 23, but it's all preference” (01:11).

Zach adds, “I shoot a 1200 at that distance just because I always like a little bit more powerful shell. I like seven and a half” (02:05). The hosts emphasize personal preference but agree that lighter shells like 8s or 7.5s are suitable for the specified distance.

2. Custom Stocks in Sporting and Skeet Shooting

Listener Question by Vincent:
“Why do sporting and skeet shooters not have stocks fitted and made like trap shooters do? What, it wouldn’t it help the shooter to have a modified stock for their field?”

Both hosts clarify that top shooters in sporting and skeet disciplines do use custom stocks, albeit designed differently to suit their specific shooting styles. Zach mentions, “All the top guys do… the way they make the stock or the drop at the comb or the Monte Carlo is different in those games versus trap” (06:20). Ricky adds that unlike trap shooters, sporting and skeet shooters typically don’t use high ribs, leading to differences in stock customization.

3. Flying with Firearms

Listener Question by Kyle Whittick:
“Looking to travel to some bigger shoots that would be much easier to fly to. And I have no idea about flying with my firearm or ammo. Could y'all explain what you've learned over the years of the ins and outs of flying with your firearms?”

Zach and Ricky provide comprehensive advice on air travel with firearms. Ricky advises, “You can only fly with literally 12 gauge, four boxes. 11 pounds is your max” (08:00), recommending leaving ammo at home and utilizing local resources or purchasing at the destination.

Zach emphasizes the importance of using AirTags in gun cases for security, maintaining proper packaging with sleeves and additional gear, and ensuring compliance with TSA regulations by declaring firearms and using cases with multiple locks. They also stress the necessity of arriving early at unfamiliar or busy airports to account for additional security measures.

Notable Quote:
Zach: “Tip number one, AirTag in your gun case so you know where your gun's at.” (09:00)

4. Gun Weights of Top Shooters

Listener Question by Sean Cook:
“What are the gun weights of some of the top shooters? I heard that a shooter, Harlan Campbell's gun weighs nearly 13 pounds.”

The hosts discuss the varying gun weights among elite shooters. Ricky confirms the heavy weight of Harlan Campbell's setup, noting it includes substantial shot and lead weight. Zach shares his preference for heavier guns, stating, “I have weight in my stock… I mounted a gun and it probably comes from shooting Ludic so long” (26:34).

They highlight that heavier guns can provide smoother follow-through and better balance, while lighter guns offer quicker movement but may require additional weight adjustments for optimal performance.

Notable Quote:
Ricky: “If you're gonna put weight in it, you need to make it equal. So you need to balance that gun.” (28:53)

5. Shooting Techniques: Setting Eyes and Driving Through the Target

Listener Questions by John and Bob:
“Does gun hold height affect your left eye?”
“Can you explain the technique of how you set your eyes before you call, pull, and press to the target and then drive through the target?”

Zach and Ricky elaborate on the importance of eye placement and maintaining gun speed to ensure accurate target hits. Ricky explains that "driving through the target" involves keeping the gun moving at the speed of the target, ensuring the front edge is continuously engaged.

Zach adds his method of adjusting eye height based on shooting position, emphasizing the need to allow the dominant eye to cleanly track and shoot the target without obstruction from the gun.

Notable Quotes:
Zach: “When you feel like, okay, my eyes are ready, then you call pull.” (04:30)
Ricky: “Drive through the target, meaning you want to… keep that gun moving.” (70:22)

6. Equipment Considerations: Shooting Glasses vs. Contacts

Listener Question by Jake Smith:
“I've been having problems with contact lenses while shooting, either drying out or moving around in my eye. I'm thinking about switching to prescription glasses. Do you have any advice?”

The hosts discuss the pros and cons of using shooting glasses versus contact lenses. Ricky recommends prescription glasses over contacts, highlighting issues like contacts shifting or drying out during shooting, which can lead to missed targets. He also touches upon LASIK surgery as a long-term solution, advising consultation with a reputable ophthalmologist to weigh the benefits and risks.

Zach shares success stories of shooters who have undergone LASIK, noting improved performance without the hassle of contacts or glasses.

Notable Quote:
Ricky: “I don't recommend shooting with weighted contacts because your eye moves faster than the contact can move.” (44:35)

7. General Advice and Takeaways

Throughout the episode, Zach and Ricky emphasize the importance of personalization in trapshooting—whether it's selecting the right equipment, adjusting techniques, or making equipment modifications based on individual preferences and needs. They encourage shooters to experiment, remain confident, and continuously refine their skills to enhance performance.

Closing Remarks:
The hosts wrap up by thanking their listeners, sponsors, and participants, reinforcing the sense of community within the trapshooting world. They also hint at upcoming content and giveaways, maintaining an engaging and interactive relationship with their audience.

Key Quotes

• Ricky (00:25): “Brought to you by Craig Off.”
• Ricky (08:00): “You can only fly with literally 12 gauge, four boxes. 11 pounds is your max.”
• Zach (09:00): “Tip number one, AirTag in your gun case so you know where your gun's at.”
• Ricky (26:34): “If you're gonna put weight in it, you need to make it equal. So you need to balance that gun.”
• Ricky (70:22): “Drive through the target, meaning you want to… keep that gun moving.”
• Zach (44:35): “When you feel like, okay, my eyes are ready, then you call pull.”
• Ricky (44:35): “I don't recommend shooting with weighted contacts because your eye moves faster than the contact can move.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Trap Talk From The Back Fence serves as a valuable resource for trapshooting enthusiasts seeking expert advice on equipment selection, shooting techniques, and best practices. Zach and Ricky's comprehensive responses to listener questions provide actionable insights, fostering improvement and confidence among shooters at all levels.

For more detailed discussions and visual demonstrations, listeners are encouraged to watch upcoming videos and participate in future giveaways hosted by the Trap Talk community.

Note: Timestamps refer to the position in the transcript provided.