Summary of "Trap Talk From The Back Fence" - Episode 109: Part 1: Listener Question Extravaganza

In Episode 109 of the Trap Talk podcast, hosts Zach Nannini and Richard "Ricky" Marshall Jr., alongside co-host John, dive into a listener-driven discussion focusing on various aspects of trapshooting. Released on January 17, 2025, this episode serves as an invaluable resource for both novice and experienced shooters, addressing common challenges and providing expert insights into the competitive shooting landscape.

1. Navigating the Grand American: AIM Grand vs. Normal Grand

Listener: Alana Paulson
Timestamp: [00:25 - 05:05]

Question:
Alana seeks advice on whether a first-time grand attendee participating as a sub junior should attend the AIM Grand or the standard Grand American event.

Discussion Highlights:

• Zach's Perspective: Emphasizes that the Grand American is the premier event, attracting top shooters and offering comprehensive competition with over 2,600 targets. He advises participants to immerse themselves fully if they aim to compete at a high level.

  "[02:32] Zach: ... shoot the whole main week is my opinion."

• Ricky's Insights: Highlights the AIM Grand as a more suitable option for younger shooters looking for a social and engaging experience. He mentions activities like the opening ceremony, pizza parties, and scavenger hunts that enhance the event's appeal for youth.

  "[03:55] Zach: ... And shoot the whole main week is my opinion."

• Strategic Choice: The decision hinges on the participant's goals—competitive focus versus experiential enjoyment. Attending the Grand American is ideal for those serious about competing against the best, while the AIM Grand offers a more age-appropriate and community-oriented environment.

Notable Quote:

"[00:57] Ricky: I love listener questions. I live for it."

2. Transitioning from Recreational to Competitive Shooting

Listener: Brian Hayes
Timestamp: [06:21 - 39:15]

Question:
Brian inquires about making the leap from recreational shooting to competitive trapshooting without having any mentors or existing connections in the sport.

Discussion Highlights:

• Zach's Advice: Encourages joining local gun clubs and attending ATA (American Trapshooting Association) registered shoots. Emphasizes the importance of showing up, participating actively, and engaging with fellow shooters to build a support network.

  "[06:37] John: ... just show up and introduce yourself to people."

• Ricky's Strategy: Suggests planning which shoots to attend, potentially with a friend, to ease the transition. Highlighting the benefits of attending various events to gain experience and meet new people.

  "[07:42] Ricky: Exactly what Rick's saying..."

• Community Engagement: Stresses that the trapshooting community is welcoming and supportive, making it easier for newcomers to integrate by actively participating and networking.

Notable Quote:

"[16:12] John: ... the best way to do it is to say, first of all, plan it."

3. Understanding the All American Points System

Listener: Michael Stake
Timestamp: [16:12 - 38:22]

Question:
Michael seeks clarity on how to accumulate points for making an All American team and the number of points required to achieve this goal.

Discussion Highlights:

• Zach's Breakdown: Explains the current points system, which is heavily influenced by shoot attendance and performance. Points are awarded based on the attendance factor of each event and the shooter's placement (e.g., champion, second place).

  "[16:50] Zach: ... based on the attendance factor."

• Rick's Analysis: Discusses the evolution of the points system, noting that while it's easier to earn points now, the total points required to make teams have increased significantly over the years.

  "[28:30] Rick: 100%. Way easier to get points."

• Strategic Participation: Advises shooters to attend high-attendance events like the Heartland Grand and the Grand American to maximize point opportunities. Emphasizes balancing the number of shoots attended with budget constraints, as only seven shoots can be counted towards the total score.

  "[22:55] Rick: ... you can only use seven shoots."

• Historical Context: Provides a comparison between past and present points requirements, illustrating how the baseline for team selection has risen.

Notable Quote:

"[22:55] Rick: ... you can only use seven shoots."

4. Adjusting to One-Eyed Shooting Techniques

Listener: Corey Roulette
Timestamp: [39:13 - 53:39]

Question:
Corey has recently transitioned to being a one-eyed shooter and is currently using an unsingle shotgun. He seeks tips for shooting with one eye and whether he should continue with an unsingle or consider a top single shotgun.

Discussion Highlights:

• Zach's Recommendations: Suggests that Corey experiment with both unsingle and top single shotguns to determine which offers better visibility and comfort. He shares his preference for unsingles, drawing from his extensive experience.

  "[39:56] Zach: ... try a top single and see what look is best for him."

• Rick's Insights: Emphasizes the importance of understanding the reasons behind the switch to one-eyed shooting. He advises examining the balance and weight distribution of the shotgun, and suggests adding weights to adjust the gun's movement to match Corey's shooting style.

  "[40:09] Zach: ... it's a little easier to move."

• Technical Adjustments: Discusses practical modifications such as adding lead tape to the fore-end or adjusting the stock length to achieve the desired gun behavior. Emphasizes maintaining consistency with previous equipment to aid in the transition.

  "[49:15] Rick: ... tape weight."

• Personal Experiences: Both hosts share their personal journeys and preferences, highlighting that the choice between unsingle and top single often comes down to individual comfort and shooting style.

Notable Quote:

"[50:15] Rick: ... balance is key."

5. Managing Gun Speed with New Equipment

Listener: Debbie
Timestamp: [44:44 - 54:24]

Question:
Debbie has transitioned from an older BT shotgun with a Monte Carlo stock to an MX8 with a Parazzi and finds that the gun "whips" too quickly over targets. She is seeking advice on how to slow down her gun speed, considering factors like grip technique and ammunition.

Discussion Highlights:

• Zach's Solutions: Recommends adding weight to the front end of the shotgun to reduce whipping. Suggests practical methods like using lead tape or adjusting the grip technique to better control the gun's movement.

  "[46:23] Rick: ... add some weight to the barrel."

• Rick's Recommendations: Advises on checking the stock fit and balance of the new shotgun compared to the old one. Emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the shotgun's balance matches previous equipment to maintain shooting consistency.

  "[51:05] Zach: ... putting tape on the rib to protect fingers."

• Technical Adjustments: Discusses specific modifications such as lengthening the stock, altering the point of balance, and ensuring the shotgun's setup aligns with Debbie's shooting style.

  "[51:32] Rick: ... use tape or lead to adjust weight."

• Shooting Fundamentals: Highlights the need to revisit and possibly refine shooting techniques to accommodate the new equipment's behavior, ensuring that muscle memory aligns with current equipment dynamics.

Notable Quote:

"[49:15] Rick: ... tape weight."

Conclusion

Episode 109 of Trap Talk offers a comprehensive exploration of key topics in competitive trapshooting, guided by real listener questions. From strategic event participation and understanding complex points systems to technical adjustments for specialized shooting techniques, hosts Zach and Ricky provide actionable advice grounded in extensive experience. Their collaborative approach ensures that listeners gain both theoretical knowledge and practical solutions to enhance their trapshooting endeavors.

Final Notable Quote:

"[34:46] Rick: ... shoot the best, right? So you know, you, you have to look at it different."

Join the Conversation:
For more insights and detailed discussions on trapshooting, tune into future episodes of the Trap Talk podcast. Whether you're aiming to make an All American team or refining your shooting technique, Trap Talk is your go-to resource for all things trapshooting.