Trap Talk Podcast: Episode 111 - Part 3: Listener Question Extravaganza

Release Date: January 31, 2025
Hosts: Zach Nannini & Richard Marshall Jr.

Episode Overview

In Part 3 of the Listener Question Extravaganza on Trap Talk Podcast Episode 111, hosts Zach Nannini and Richard Marshall Jr. delve deep into the nitty-gritty of trapshooting. This episode focuses on addressing listener-submitted questions, providing expert insights, and sharing valuable tips to help shooters enhance their performance. The discussion covers a range of topics from gun movement and foot positioning to equipment tuning and overcoming physical challenges.

Listener Questions and Expert Responses

1. Gun Movement Timing After Calling for the Target (Question by Chet Som, Prescott, Arizona)

Chet's Question:
When do you move the gun after calling for the target? Do you wait until the target is beyond the streak and in clear focus, or do you move the gun immediately towards the streak and then focus on the target as the gun moves?

Expert Response:

• Rick Marshall Jr. [00:53]:
  "As soon as I see a flash, I move. And as soon as I move, the target starts clearing up. Boom. I'm pulling the trigger."
  He emphasizes the importance of immediate movement upon calling for the target to maintain momentum and clarity.

• Ricky [02:44]:
  "At the end of the day, you call pull, you see the target, you start moving in that direction."
  Ricky highlights that movement should be instantaneous to avoid losing focus and momentum.

• Rick [02:47]:
  Discusses different shooting styles, such as high gun hold points, and how some shooters wait for the target to break the plane of the gun before moving. He advocates for minimizing gun movement to maintain consistency and reduce chances of missing targets.

Key Takeaway: Move the gun immediately after calling for the target to maintain focus and momentum. Different styles exist, but consistency and minimizing unnecessary movement are crucial for success.

2. Foot Position Differences Between Singles and Doubles (Question by David Eckhart, California)

David's Question:
Do you have your foot position for each post the same as singles and doubles, or do you set up for the second shot in doubles and twist back so you unwind to the second shot?

Expert Response:

• Rick [28:00]:
  "I stand the same for singles, handicap, and doubles."
  Rick maintains a consistent foot position across different disciplines to simplify the shooting process and reduce variables.

• Ricky [30:12]:
  Explains that he adjusts both feet together when needed to align with target positions, ensuring the correlation between feet remains consistent.

• Zach [36:10]:
  Emphasizes the importance of consistency and having a method that remains steady across all posts to eliminate confusion and variables during shooting.

Key Takeaway: Maintain a consistent foot position across singles, handicap, and doubles. Only make minor, deliberate adjustments based on target positioning to ensure stability and consistency.

3. K80 Trap Special Barrel Hanger Adjustment (Question by Daryl, Unspecified Location)

Daryl's Question:
I recently bought a used K80 Trap Special. My singles and handicap have improved, but my doubles have gotten worse. The barrel hanger on the double barrel is a number six. Do you recommend changing the hanger, and if so, to what number?

Expert Response:

• Rick [38:41]:
  "On the K80, the front hanger either spreads the barrels apart or brings them closer together. The higher the number, the more distance between the barrels, making it shoot flatter."
  He suggests experimenting with different hanger numbers to achieve consistent shooting between barrels.

• Ricky [39:56]:
  Recommends starting with a number three hanger to address the inconsistency in barrel shooting.
  "Try to make the over-under barrels both shoot where the single barrel shoots."

• Zach [44:56]:
  Advises Daryl to pattern the barrels on a rest and adjust hangers and choke tubes to ensure both barrels shoot in the same spot.

Key Takeaway: Adjusting the barrel hanger can significantly impact shooting consistency. Start with a lower hanger number (e.g., number three) and pattern the barrels to ensure both shoot in the same spot. Further adjustments may be necessary based on specific gun behavior.

4. Improving Scores with Hand Tremors (Question by Vince Paladino, 77 Years Old)

Vince's Question:
I developed a hand tremor in both my hands. My scores are between a 12 and a 15. Any suggestions or ideas?

Expert Response:

• Rick [46:54]:
  Suggests adding weight to the gun's stock and fore-end to make it smoother and easier to move.
  "Try adding some weight in the stock and in the fore end to get it a little bit heavier."

• Ricky [48:56]:
  Recommends adjusting the grip and holding technique to improve control.
  "Change how you're holding the gun, on the fore end, try that stuff."

• Zach [49:27]:
  Suggests strengthening other muscles (arms, shoulders, back) to provide more stability and possibly shifting focus to minimize hand movement.

Key Takeaway: For shooters with hand tremors, adjusting the gun's weight distribution and grip can enhance stability and control. Additionally, strengthening relevant muscle groups can help mitigate the effects of tremors on shooting performance.

Key Techniques and Tips Shared

Consistency is Crucial

Both Zach and Rick emphasize the importance of maintaining consistency in shooting techniques. Whether it's foot positioning, gun movement, or equipment settings, having a steady method reduces variables and enhances performance.

• Ricky [34:07]:
  "This is a consistency game. We want everything to be consistent, the same."

Mental Focus and Overcoming Pressure

Handling the mental aspect of trapshooting is vital, especially during high-pressure situations.

• Rick [19:08]:
  Discusses the battle between the conscious mind ("angel") and subconscious mind ("devil"). He advises counteracting negative thoughts with positive affirmations to maintain focus and performance.

• Zach [20:09]:
  Points out that even experienced shooters feel the rush of excitement, highlighting the natural human response to competitive situations.

Key Takeaway: Developing strong mental control and positive self-talk strategies can help shooters stay focused and perform consistently under pressure.

Patterning and Equipment Tuning

Properly tuning and patterning equipment is essential for achieving consistent scores.

• Rick [43:17]:
  Explains that hangers and choke tubes can vary even within the same manufacturer, affecting shooting consistency.
  "Choke tubes can definitely be different. Same manufacturer, same constriction, but they hit the target differently."

• Zach [44:18]:
  Encourages shooters to pattern their guns on a rest to ensure both barrels shoot in the same spot before making further adjustments.

Key Takeaway: Regularly patterning guns and ensuring equipment is properly tuned can significantly improve shooting accuracy and consistency.

Insights on Handling Competition

During competitions, maintaining composure and sticking to tried-and-tested methods can make the difference between winning and losing.

• Ricky [17:07]:
  Shares personal experiences of missing shots under pressure and emphasizes the importance of staying in the moment.

• Rick [23:06]:
  Highlights his ability to handle unexpected situations without letting them disrupt his performance.
  "If there's an issue, I stop. I know who, what everybody's scores are. That affects some."

Key Takeaway: Staying adaptable and maintaining a calm, focused approach during competitions helps shooters perform consistently, even when unexpected challenges arise.

Conclusion

Episode 111 of the Trap Talk Podcast provides a wealth of knowledge for trapshooters of all levels. By addressing specific listener questions, Zach Nannini and Richard Marshall Jr. offer practical advice on improving shooting techniques, equipment tuning, and mental strategies. The hosts emphasize the importance of consistency, proper equipment setup, and mental fortitude in achieving high scores and enjoying the sport. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or just starting, the insights from this episode can help elevate your trapshooting game.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Rick [01:40]:
  "I hold down low. So I see that streak is just. I literally, that little bit of movement, it starts clearing up. Shoot, follow through."

• Ricky [02:44]:
  "At the end of the day, you call pull, you see the target, you start moving in that direction."

• Rick [19:08]:
  "You have the angel, which is your conscious mind, right? And you have the devil, which is your subconscious mind."

• Zach [20:09]:
  "But you guys are just kind of rolling through those hundreds, but every time you're knocking on that door that you get that rush."

• Rick [28:00]:
  "I stand the same for singles, handicap, and doubles."

• Ricky [34:07]:
  "This is a consistency game. We want everything to be consistent, the same."

• Zach [44:56]:
  "Please feel free. Send us a follow up. Let us know what you tried, what you didn't try."

Note: This summary excludes sponsorship messages and advertisements interspersed within the episode, focusing solely on the core content and listener interactions.