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Skeet & Trap Skeet & Trap Rules New Shooters

Skeet and Trap Rules

  • Keep the muzzle of your gun pointed in a safe direction at all times
  • All firearms will be unloaded and open except when on the station
  • Eye and ear protection must be worn at all times
  • Do not proceed to the next station until all shooters have finished
  • Only firearms designed for clay target shooting are permitted on the fields
  • Only ammunition (#9,#8 or #7 1/2) light or heavy not to exceed 3-dram eq. in powder is to be used
  • No more than 2 rounds are to be in a gun at anytime, except when shooting trap load one shell per target
  • No firearm will be carried closed from the rack
  • No horseplay or interference with shooters permitted
  • No alcoholic beverages allowed
  • The range officer is absolute law on these ranges, violators of regulations will be held answerable to the executive board
  • Use common sense and show shooting courtesy
  • Be ready for your turn to shoot
  • Illegal firearms prohibited
  • Sign up for skeet or trap rounds with the range officer on duty
  • Unorthodox or trick shooting will require the strict supervision of at least one range officer and be subject to immediate VETO
  • Hand thrown clay targets are allowed on 2 lower fields only
  • No lead shot allowed
  • Turn off your cell phone!


Skeet Etiquette

In addition to safety rules, common sense and courtesy should prevail while shooting. The National Skeet Shooting Association provides a list of shooting etiquette that if followed will enhance everyone's shooting experience:
  • Skeet Shooting is a sport. Have Fun. Enjoy. Relax
  • Always try to make new shooters/members feel welcome
  • Don't handle any else's gun without asking
  • Use only factory ammunition in a borrowed gun
  • Never be late arriving at the field
  • Always introduce yourself when shooting on a new squad
  • Extend professional courtesy to the referee
  • Don't put hold point markers on a competition field
  • Don't fire unannounced test shots
  • Don't subject other people to your bad reloads
  • Don't waste time and targets
  • Don't call too loudly
  • Don't ask for the trap to be cleared unnecessarily
  • If you eject spent shells from your over/over, always watch them land
  • Do not pick up your hulls during a round
  • Don't coach your squad mates unless specifically requested
  • Always stand out of sight of the person shooting
  • No talking while someone is shooting
  • Try not to distract shooters on adjacent fields
  • Try never to be late for a shoot-off
  • Be careful carrying your gun on your shoulder
  • Be reasonably quiet behind the shooting fields
  • No spectators on a shooting field


5 Stand Rules

Safety Rules Specific to 5 Stand

In addition to the Riverside Gun Club skeet and trap safety rules, 5 stand shooters must follow the NSCA safety rules specific to 5 stand, including:
  1. Guns must be open and unloaded while changing stands.
  2. Guns must be pointed in a safe direction at all times.
  3. If two shells were loaded to shoot a single target, and the target was broken with the first shell, the unfired shell must be unloaded from the gun.
  4. You may only load 2 shells at a time.
  5. Shells may be placed in a gun when the shooter to your left is shooting.
  6. Your gun must not be closed or charged until it is your turn to shoot.
  7. You may not change chokes after the round has begun. Failure to comply will result in loss of all targets attempted (in that round) after choke change.
  8. If you require assistance, raise your hand to signal the trapper or referee.
  9. Misfires are not to be placed in the bucket with empty shells.
  10. You may not leave your station until instructed to do so by the referee or until the last shooter has fired their last shot.
  11. Target sequence menu cards must be posted
NOTE: To allow for broken targets and firing twice at single targets, it is recommended that shooters begin the round with 35 shells.

Target Presentation and Scoring - As Defined in NSCA Rules

Single Target
  • Two shots are allowed, but not required. A target will be scored dead if broken by either shot.
Pairs
  • Only two shots are allowed. Pairs may be presented as report, following or simultaneous (true pair)
  • In simultaneous pairs (true pair) the shooter has the right to shoot either of the targets first. A shooter may shoot twice at the same target. Regardless of the result, the other target will be scored as lost.
  • When shooting report or following pairs, the shooter will have the right, to shoot twice at the same target. Regardless of the result, the other target will be scored as lost.
Scoring Pairs
  • Should the shooter break both targets with either the first or second shot then the result will be scored as two hits.
  • In the event of a no Bird on a simultaneous pair (true pair) or following pair, nothing can be estab­lished. Two good targets must be present to record the score. This will also apply for gun/ammunition malfunctions while shooting pairs.
  • In the event of a NO BIRD on the second target of a report pair, the first bird will be established as dead or lost and the shooter will repeat the pair to establish the result of the second target. When repeating the pair, the shooter must make a legitimate attempt at the first target.
  • In the event of a .shooter malfunction. on the first bird of a report pair, the first bird will be established as lost and the shooter will repeat the pair to establish the result of the second target. When repeating the pair the shooter must make a legitimate attempt at the first target. The first target has already been established as lost and the result of the second target will be recorded.
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(978) 562-2404
Mailing Address:
PO BOX 152
Hudson, MA 01749
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