WB
It’s time for the annual Engineering Trap shoot!
Wednesday, November 04, 2026, 09:11

Our consulting engineers and others go in and sponsor a big event and catered meal. They rent the state range and well over 100 folks turn out to shoot. Sort of like Golf, they place you on sponsored teams to win prizes. I’m certain I’m not a high ranking pick. But we spend tons of money with them and that want us happy. I used several guns over the last few years. A 12 870, Mossberg turkey 12 with more open choke, and a std. frame 1100 20 (but it’s full choke!). Last year I broke down and bought an actual target shotgun in hopes of improving my performance. It seemed to work, with the tutoring from some helpful Misfits that really know how to Shotgun!

It’s like ballroom dancing I figure. Graceful and cool to watch, but the literal mechanics, beats and counting, footwork, placements, are technical and less enjoyable. Or at least it’s on a different level. Performance satisfaction, you don’t get to just listen to the music. Shotgunning is a lot about “fit” and muscle memory. Trap, in large is shooting where you are looking, keeping a rhythm of success. I know just enough to disappoint myself. lol

The SKB 85TSS 12 bore I bought is a good one. Versatile enough I can use it for Clays or even Skeet given the opportunity. I adjusted the stock, actually the heel, to the point it looks crazy, but it is where it’s supposed to work. I’m optimistic as last year my score jumped notably from 27/50 to 35/50 or thereabouts. The gun performed well. I was able to pick my barrel (only one allowed) and had no mis-clicks, I also didn’t accidentally trip the trap, which is audio triggered. A hard snap of the action can release a bird. This SKB was the last of the Japan guns. The new distributor is having all guns built in Turkey now. Still good guns.

We’ll see if I can at least duplicate my last years performance. My cross-eye dominant vision is even worse this year. But shoot where you are looking!