Podcast Summary: The Ultimate Gear Guide to Trapshooting: What Top Shooters Use! - Trap Talk E113

Released on February 28, 2025, "Trap Talk From The Back Fence" hosted by Zach Nannini and Richard Marshall Jr. delves into the essential gear and equipment used by top trapshooters. In Episode 113, titled "The Ultimate Gear Guide to Trapshooting: What Top Shooters Use!", Zach and Richard provide comprehensive insights into selecting, maintaining, and optimizing the gear necessary for successful trapshooting. This summary captures the key discussions, expert advice, and personal anecdotes shared during the episode.

1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with Zach and Richard expressing their enthusiasm for discussing trapshooting gear, emphasizing the importance of being well-prepared. They set the stage by outlining their intention to reflect on their personal equipment choices and offer guidance to both novice and experienced shooters.

2. Essential Gear for Trapshooting

a. Eye Protection

Richard emphasizes the paramount importance of eye protection, stating, “Eye protection. Yeah, got to have the eye protection. Okay, that's mandatory” (04:24). He highlights the necessity of safeguarding one's vision against flying debris and ricochets during shooting.

b. Ear Protection

Ear protection is the second critical component. Richard shares his preference for electronic ear protection, specifically the OTO Pro, noting its effectiveness during teaching sessions (04:24). Zach discusses the balance between electronic and foam earplugs, mentioning his use of custom-molded options for better durability and fit (05:07).

c. Gun and Ammo

Both hosts agree that having the correct gun and ample ammunition is essential. Richard reiterates, “Gun ammo, eye protection, earplugs. There you go” (03:30), underscoring these as the foundational elements of a shooter’s gear bag.

3. Earplugs: Types and Preferences

The discussion delves deeper into ear protection, comparing electronic earplugs with traditional foam ones.

• Electronic Earplugs (OTO Pro): Richard prefers OTO Pro for teaching because they can mute background noise, allowing him to focus on instruction without distractions (04:58). However, Zach points out that OTO Pros may not be ideal for shooting as they still transmit some noise even when muted (05:04).

• Foam Earplugs: Both hosts acknowledge benefits of foam earplugs for their simplicity and effectiveness. Zach shares his mixed experiences with custom-molded earplugs, stating that quality varies based on the practitioner’s technique (05:20). He praises the durability and secure fit of his custom-molded earplugs from Jim Sproul at Promold.

4. Additional Gear and Equipment

a. Shells and Spare Ammo

Richard stresses the importance of carrying extra shells, especially during competitions. He recounts a personal experience where a broken target left him without a usable shell, highlighting the necessity of preparedness: “Have spare shells with you. That's one of the most important things” (10:00). Zach echoes this sentiment, sharing anecdotes about the challenges of inconsistent ammunition during critical moments (12:11).

b. Hand Tools

Both hosts keep essential tools like wrenches, screwdrivers, and Allen wrenches in their bags to make on-the-spot adjustments. Richard mentions carrying his stock wrench and screwdriver set to ensure his equipment functions seamlessly throughout the shooting day (08:06).

c. Lens Care

Maintaining clean lenses is crucial for clear visibility. Both Zach and Richard carry multiple lens cloths and Zeiss lens cleaners to prevent scratches and ensure optimal performance. Zach advises against using improvised materials like T-shirts for cleaning lenses to avoid micro-scratches (08:22).

d. Hydration and Nutrition

Staying hydrated is emphasized, with both hosts carrying high-quality water and electrolyte supplements instead of sugary drinks. Zach also keeps snacks like NutriGrain bars in his bag to prevent sugar-related issues and maintain energy levels during shoots (24:19).

e. Miscellaneous Essentials

Other items discussed include:

• Vaseline: For maintaining comfort during windy conditions.
• Gun Glide: To prevent glare and improve shooting comfort.
• Shoes: High-quality, consistent shooting shoes to maintain stability and comfort.
• Shooter Towel: For wiping off sweat and keeping lenses clean.
• Journals and Pens: Zach uses his phone for journaling, while Richard prefers memorizing notes. Both agree on the importance of documenting shooting performance and adjustments.

5. Importance of Consistent Equipment

a. Choosing the Right Shoes

Richard and Zach both advocate for investing in good-quality, comfortable shooting shoes. They stress the importance of consistency, advising shooters to stick with a reliable pair rather than frequently changing styles, which can affect performance.

Richard recommends running or cross-training shoes for their support and comfort, mentioning Brooks as a preferred brand (21:48). Zach shares his preference for Brooks and Skechers, emphasizing the need for shoes that provide stability without slipping.

b. Customizing the Stock

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the importance of a well-fitted gun stock. Richard explains that even high-end guns become ineffective if the stock doesn’t fit the shooter properly: “If the gun doesn't fit you perfectly... you cannot fault the manufacturers” (43:58). Both hosts recommend getting a custom stock made to ensure optimal balance and comfort during shooting.

Zach adds that customization should focus on functionality over aesthetics, asserting that a beautifully engraved stock is secondary to one that performs efficiently: “The least important part... is how much engraving you got and how pretty the wood is” (48:31).

6. Advice for New Shooters

a. Budgeting for Equipment

Zach advises new shooters to set a clear budget before purchasing equipment. “Figure out what your zone is for, where you're starting with what you're going to buy and then look in that zone and figure out what works best for you” (36:00). Richard echoes this, highlighting the importance of investing in quality gear within one’s financial means.

b. Trying Out Guns Before Purchasing

Both hosts encourage shooters to visit large shoots and demo different guns before making a purchase decision. Richard advises, “go to a big shoot, try to demo a gun, try to shoot maybe a used gun, maybe your buddy's got a gun” (35:27). This hands-on approach helps shooters find a gun that fits their style and comfort level.

c. Consistency in Gear and Ammo

Maintaining consistency in the equipment used during practice and competition is crucial for performance. Zach notes that using the same type of shells in both settings helps in developing muscle memory and reliable performance: “You want to be shooting what you're shooting” (41:39).

7. Personal Anecdotes and Insights

The hosts share personal experiences to underscore their points:

• Shell Replacement Mishaps: Richard recounts an instance where a broken target left him without a usable shell, stressing the importance of carrying backups (11:09).

• Mental Game Challenges: Zach shares a memory from years ago when inconsistent shells affected his performance, highlighting the psychological impact of being unprepared (15:09).

• Gun Fitting Adjustments: Richard discusses a scenario where a student’s improperly fitted stock required on-the-spot adjustments with a palm sander (47:33).

8. Conclusion

Zach and Richard wrap up the episode by reiterating the significance of being well-equipped and prepared. They encourage shooters to invest in quality gear, maintain consistency, and prioritize comfort and functionality over aesthetics. The hosts leave listeners with actionable advice to enhance their trapshooting experience and performance.

Notable Quotes:

• Richard Marshall Jr.:

  • “Be prepared when you go to shoot. So have the correct stuff that you need.” (00:26)
  • “No, it was a great episode.” (00:44)
  • “Gun ammo, eye protection, earplugs. There you go.” (03:30)
  • “If the gun doesn't fit you perfectly and, and hey you... you cannot fault the manufacturers.” (43:58)

• Zach Nannini:

  • “Let’s just get there and I'm going to make sure you're prepared.” (05:07)
  • “The more consistent you’re going to be. But if... If that's not something that's on the table, don't let it deter you.” (41:39)
  • “Do what you got to do at the end of the day.” (42:20)
  • “So, yeah, thank you all for tuning in.” (51:45)

Final Thoughts:

This episode serves as an invaluable resource for trapshooters seeking to refine their gear setup. Zach and Richard’s expert insights, coupled with their personal experiences, provide listeners with a robust framework for selecting and maintaining the equipment essential for success in trapshooting. Whether you’re a beginner setting out or a seasoned shooter aiming to optimize your gear, Episode 113 of Trap Talk offers actionable advice and thoughtful recommendations to elevate your shooting game.