Trap and skeet shooting are thrilling clay target sports that challenge precision and skill, with trap focusing on targets launched away from the shooter and skeet featuring crossing targets. Choosing the right shotgun is key, with top picks like the Beretta DT11 for trap and Beretta 687 Silver Pigeon III for skeet excelling in their respective fields. Additionally, advancements in shotgun suppressors like the JK SGX 12 and SilencerCo Salvo 12 enhance the shooting experience by reducing noise and recoil, offering shooters more comfort and hearing protection.
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Trap vs Skeet Shooting
Trap and Skeet shooting are the most popular shotgun clay target shooting sports worldwide and are common activities at American gun clubs.
These sports have become wildly popular as they're challenging, entertaining, and great practice if you're also a bird hunter.
Trap is the more distinguished and popular game. Invented in England in the 18th century, it remains the premier clay target shooting sport today.
Skeet began in the 1920s here in America, the greatest country in the world, and was designed to be a better analog for duck hunting.
What is Trap-shooting?
Trap shooting is a hugely popular clay target shooting sport. In trap, there is one "Trap" or "House" where the targets are sent from, at random angles away from the shooter.
The shooter is positioned behind the target house, and different stations are arranged in an arc behind the house.
The trap releases 25 clays per station, for a total of 125 clays per round. The goal is to shoot as many of the clay targets as possible.
Trap shooting is a widespread shooting sport, so much so that it has been featured in the Olympics since 1900. Most gun clubs in America feature trap shooting, and scattergun enthusiasts can be found on the trap line every weekend around the country.
Best Shotguns for Trap Shooting
The most common trap-shooting guns are single-barrel shotguns chambered in 12 gauge, known for their precision and consistency.
Shotguns for trap shooting usually feature longer barrels, often 30 inches or more, for increased range and velocity to engage the clays as they fly away.
The best trap-shooting shotguns include:
- Beretta DT11
- Browning Citori 725 Trap
- Perazzi MX2000
What is Skeet Shooting?
Skeet shooting is another target clay shooting sport enjoyed by American gun enthusiasts. While popular in the USA because it was founded here, skeet shooting is less popular around the world.
Skeet was invented partly to practice bird hunting year-round, and we still recommend shooting a Skeet line to get tuned up for duck season.
In Skeet, there are two target houses at opposite points of a half-circle, one high and one low. The shooter is positioned between the houses, occupying eight different stations. At each station, you'll have 25 targets to shoot. The clays come randomly from the left and right and can be high or low, with occasional "doubles" where both houses release clays at the same time.
Skeet shooting has also been an Olympic sport, and Americans are generally at the top.
On the Men's side, American Vincent Hancock won the 2020 and 2024 Olympic gold medals, with Connor Prince taking the Silver in the 2024 games.
Amber Price won the Women's Skeet at the 2020 Olymipcs, securing another gold medal for America.
Best Shotgun for Skeet Shooting
Skeet shooting guns are double-barrel or pump-action 12-gauge shotguns with 26-28 inches long barrels.
Skeet requires faster shots and more maneuverability than trap, so shorter shotguns with higher capacity reign supreme in this game.
The top Skeet shotguns include:
- Beretta 687 Silver Pigeon III
- Browning Citori CXS
- Winchester Model 101
Difference Between Trap and Skeet
Trap and skeet are two of the largest sporting clay games in the world, but aside from blasting clays out of the air, the sports are very different:
- Trap clays fly away from the shooter, while in skeet, they travel horizontally in front of the shooter.
- Trap features one static house, whereas skeet has two houses.
- Trap targets come out one at a time, while skeet incorporates doubles and complex clay patterns.
- Trap shooters shoot from five stations, while skeet shooters shoot from eight stations and shoot more clays per round.
Suppressed Shoguns for Trap and Skeet
Exciting innovation has recently occurred in the world of shotgun suppressors, with modern options like SilencerCo's Salvo 12 leading the way. These modular shotgun suppressors allow shooters to customize the silencer to their firearm for the perfect balance of weight, length, and noise suppression. Another standout is the JK Armament SGX 12, featuring swappable choke endcaps that let you adjust your shot pattern for your preferred clay target sport, whether it's trap shooting or skeet shooting.
Both trap and skeet competitors fire hundreds of 12-gauge rounds in each match, and the prolonged exposure to such high levels of noise can have a lasting impact on your hearing. By adding a shotgun suppressor to your setup, you protect your ears while improving your accuracy. Shotgun suppressors also reduce recoil, helping you stay on target for follow-up shots, which is especially beneficial when shooting doubles.
Suppressed shotguns are not only more effective but also more enjoyable to shoot. Experience the benefits of a shotgun suppressor on your next trap or skeet shooting session for a quieter, more comfortable, and more accurate performance.
Conclusion
Both trap and skeet shooting offer unique challenges and pleasures that appeal to clay target enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the straight-away clays of trap shooting or the crossing targets of skeet, each sport requires precision and skill.
Grab your go-to hunting shotgun and head to your local sporting clays club; it's a fun time and great practice!
Additionally, consider the use of shotgun suppressors like the SilencerCo's Salvo 12 or JK Armament's SGX 12, which will enhance your shooting experience by:
- Reducing noise and recoil
- Protecting your hearing
- Improving your overall performance
Whether you're tuning up for bird season or just looking to enjoy a weekend at the range, trap and skeet shooting provide fantastic opportunities to sharpen your shooting skills in a fun and competitive environment.
