Trap Talk From The Back Fence: Listener Question Extravaganza PART 5 - TRAP TALK E83

Release Date: July 19, 2024

In the fifth installment of their "Listener Question Extravaganza," hosts Zach Danini and Richard "Rick" Marshall Jr. dive deep into the intricacies of trapshooting, addressing a variety of questions from their dedicated audience. Filmed live at the Cardinal Center in Sparta, Illinois, this episode not only showcases their expertise but also fosters a community spirit among trapshooting enthusiasts. Below is a detailed summary of the episode's key discussions, insights, and conclusions.

1. Addressing Listener Questions

The core of this episode revolves around answering listener-submitted questions, offering practical advice and expert opinions on various aspects of trapshooting.

a. Training Aids for Off-Season Practice

Question by Terry Delonte

Terry inquires about effective training aids for trapshooting during times when outdoor shooting isn't feasible, such as winter months. He mentions tools like VR systems and wall charts used by the Jordan Wall Chart but seeks cost-effective alternatives.

• Rick Marshall (05:06): Expresses skepticism about dry-fire training methods, emphasizing the importance of physical movement and gun handling over static drills.

• Zach Danini (05:27): Shares his experience with an eye-training exercise involving a manually created tennis ball target system, highlighting the significance of eye coordination and focus. He recreates drills taught by Craig Hancock, showcasing adaptability in training without hefty investments.

Notable Quote:

Zach Danini (06:28): "One of the best exercises I did was trying to catch the number or letter on a swinging ball without moving my head."

Conclusion: While advanced training aids like VR can be beneficial, Zach and Rick advocate for practical, hands-on exercises that enhance eye tracking and coordination, ensuring shooters remain sharp even during off-seasons.

b. Choke Selection for Doubles Shooting

Question by Oliver J. Patton

Oliver seeks clarification on why many shooters opt for modified or improved full chokes for doubles rather than sticking strictly to full chokes, which are generally recommended.

• Rick Marshall (08:16): Suggests that tighter chokes like modified chokes prevent shooters from breaking targets too close to the house, ensuring consistency in doubles shooting.

• Zach Danini (09:14): Elaborates on the relative performance of different chokes, referencing insights from top shooters like Mitchell Loveless. He emphasizes that modified chokes offer a balance between control and spread, which is crucial in doubles.

Notable Quote:

Zach Danini (09:30): "I think that's the explanation you use on that doubles, you know where it is. You're snap shooting it pretty quickly."

Conclusion: Modified and improved full chokes provide the necessary balance between control and spread, making them preferable for doubles shooting to maintain consistency and accuracy.

c. Overcoming Flinching in Shooting

Question by Braden Flanagan

Braden shares his challenges with flinching during shoots and seeks strategies to enhance his trigger control and overall performance.

• Rick Marshall (10:50): Highlights the multifaceted nature of flinching, attributing it to factors like vision issues or premature gun movement. He suggests individualized solutions, potentially through professional coaching.

• Zach Danini (11:12): Discusses the importance of eye positioning and focus, recounting personal experiences where improper eye alignment led to flinching. He emphasizes the need for consistent routines and the psychological aspects of confidence in shooting.

Notable Quote:

Zach Danini (12:09): "The better your eyes work, the better you're probably going to shoot, right?"

Conclusion: Flinching is often a result of visual misalignment and psychological factors. Addressing eye positioning and developing a consistent pre-shot routine can significantly mitigate flinching tendencies.

d. Precision Fit Stocks for Youth Shooters

Question by Ryan Russell

Ryan asks about the best approach to equipping his 13-year-old son for trapshooting, specifically regarding gun stocks that accommodate growth.

• Rick Marshall (15:07): Recommends avoiding recoil device systems and suggests adjustable combs or adding spacers to existing stocks to accommodate growth without compromising stability.

• Zach Danini (16:07): Advocates for consistency in the stock, preferring locked-out systems over collapsible ones, especially for doubles shooting. He underscores the importance of a stable stock as the shooter grows.

Notable Quote:

Zach Danini (16:46): "For doubles, I don't want to see just shooting singles or handicap. That's a different story."

Conclusion: For youth shooters, adjustable or spacer-equipped stocks offer the flexibility needed for growth while maintaining the consistency and stability essential for effective shooting, particularly in doubles.

e. Navigating Colorblindness in Trapshooting

Question by Mason Bartlo

Mason discusses his red-green color deficiency and its impact on his trapshooting performance, especially in low-light conditions with green backgrounds.

• Zach Danini (34:16): Recommends experimenting with different lens colors, particularly pinks and vibrant hues, to enhance target visibility. He emphasizes personalized trial and error to find the most effective lens for individual perception.

• Rick Marshall (34:52): Advises consulting with an eye doctor to explore tailored solutions, acknowledging the uniqueness of each shooter’s visual experience.

Notable Quote:

Zach Danini (34:59): "Trial and error, try to figure out like look through a bunch of different lenses and figure out what works best for you."

Conclusion: Colorblind shooters should collaborate with eye care professionals and experiment with various lens colors to optimize target visibility, ensuring peak performance regardless of visual limitations.

f. Choosing the Right Ammunition

Question by Jeff from Ohio

Jeff, a new shooter, seeks advice on whether investing in more expensive shotgun shells offers tangible benefits for performance.

• Rick Marshall (36:10): Encourages shooters to use ammunition within their budget, noting that quality and consistency can impact shooting scores. He emphasizes the importance of understanding how different shells perform in specific guns.

• Zach Danini (36:21): Points out that premium shells may offer higher animony and consistent powder charges, which can enhance target breakage and overall performance, especially in competitive settings.

Notable Quote:

Rick Marshall (36:21): "Don't always look and say, oh, I could save a dollar here because it could cost you a score."

Conclusion: While budget-friendly shells are adequate for practice, investing in higher-quality ammunition can provide better consistency and performance in competitive shooting, potentially improving scores.

g. Developing Trigger Control

Question by Chet from Prescott, Arizona

Chet seeks methods to improve his trigger control, particularly to avoid being jumpy towards moving targets.

• Rick Marshall (42:10): Advises focusing on the target’s leading edge and maintaining awareness of the target’s movement to prevent premature trigger pulls.

• Zach Danini (43:30): Highlights the importance of disciplined eye movement and consistent practice to enhance trigger control, ensuring shooters respond appropriately to target movement.

Notable Quote:

Zach Danini (44:01): "I want to look where I want the pellets to go."

Conclusion: Effective trigger control is rooted in disciplined eye movement and consistent practice. Shooters should focus on the target’s leading edge and develop a reliable pre-shot routine to prevent flinching and premature trigger pulls.

2. Pre-Shot Routine Insights

A significant portion of the episode delves into the intricacies of establishing a consistent and effective pre-shot routine, a fundamental aspect of successful trapshooting.

• Rick Marshall (20:16): Emphasizes simplicity in the pre-shot routine, advocating for repeated, consistent actions that minimize overthinking during shooting.

• Zach Danini (21:02): Discusses the balance between maintaining focus on the target and being aware of surroundings, ensuring shooters remain relaxed yet attentive.

• John (22:03): Highlights common pitfalls, such as mounting the gun too early, which can disrupt the shooting routine and lead to missed targets.

Notable Quote:

Rick Marshall (26:00): "See the target is a whole paragraph of things, right?"

Conclusion: A streamlined pre-shot routine, focusing on consistent actions and balanced visual focus, is crucial for minimizing errors and enhancing performance. Shooters are encouraged to develop habits that allow them to remain calm and focused, reducing the likelihood of flinching or premature trigger pulls.

3. Community and Event Highlights

Throughout the episode, hosts celebrate their community’s achievements and upcoming events, fostering a sense of camaraderie among listeners.

• Rick Marshall (45:20): Shares personal anecdotes from recent competitions, including breaking a 200 score and participating in shoot-offs.

• Zach Danini (45:29): Encourages continued engagement and participation, expressing enthusiasm for future events and community involvement.

Notable Quote:

Zach Danini (45:15): "We appreciate all the questions that you guys send in. Please keep sending them and we're gonna get you some more content asap."

Conclusion: The episode underscores the importance of community interaction and active participation in events, reinforcing the hosts' commitment to engaging with and supporting their audience.

4. Sponsor Acknowledgments

Interspersed with the Q&A, hosts acknowledge their sponsors, highlighting products and services that support their trapshooting endeavors. While these segments are integral to the podcast’s operations, they are kept brief to maintain the focus on content.

Final Thoughts

"Listener Question Extravaganza PART 5" offers a comprehensive exploration of various trapshooting topics, from technical aspects like choke selection and trigger control to personalized challenges such as colorblindness and youth shooter equipment. Zach and Rick provide balanced, experience-based advice, fostering an informative and supportive environment for both novice and seasoned shooters. Their emphasis on consistency, personalized training, and community engagement underscores their dedication to advancing the sport of trapshooting.

For those interested in enhancing their trapshooting skills or seeking answers to specific challenges, this episode serves as a valuable resource, blending expert insights with practical recommendations.

Notable Quotes:

• Zach Danini (06:28): "One of the best exercises I did was trying to catch the number or letter on a swinging ball without moving my head."

• Rick Marshall (36:10): "Shoot what you can afford, number one. Yes, there is difference with all shells with the amount of animony in there."

• Zach Danini (44:01): "I want to look where I want the pellets to go."

• Rick Marshall (26:00): "See the target is a whole paragraph of things, right?"

This episode exemplifies the hosts' commitment to providing valuable content tailored to their listeners' needs, making "Trap Talk From The Back Fence" an essential listen for anyone passionate about trapshooting.