NARGC

History of Skeet
In 1920 in the town of Andover, Massachusetts, a small group of upland game hunters took to shooting
clay targets as a means of practicing their wing shooting. As friendly rivalries started to develop
amongst the group, a uniform series of shots was developed to keep the competition fair and even for
all. It was from this crude beginning that the modern day version of skeet shooting developed into what
is now an international sport practiced by hunters and non-hunters alike.
All About The Game Of Skeet Shooting
Skeet has developed into much more than just an aid to better wing shooting or a substitute for hunting.
It is now a competitive sport equaled by few in universal appeal. Matches are conducted for all gun
gauges, against others of like ability. While many skeet shooters never feel the need to own or use more
that one gauge of shotgun a registered skeet competition typically features the most popular three
gauges, 12, 20, 28 and the .410 bore (so named because it represents the bore diameter of the shot gun
and not the gauge).
The "Gauge" of a shotgun is a measurement whose origins date back to the days of black powder guns. It
was common for people to cast their own ammunition in those days and how many rounds a pound of lead
would produce was the gauge used to determine what you were buying in a gun. A 12 gauge meant that you
could produce 12 round lead balls (rounds) the same size as the bore of your gun from a pound of lead.
In 28 gauge you would get 28 rounds from the same pound of lead.
The rules allow for the use of any gauge 12 or smaller for shooting 12 gauge events. Examples of 12
gauge events would be league shooting recreational shooting and the 12 gauge or "all bore" event at a
registered skeet shoot.
Guns - Most people shoot skeet using either a semi automatic or an over / under. Guns must be capable of
firing two shots since four sets of doubles are included in the regulation 25-shot round. In addition,
competitive Doubles events are offered at many tournaments. The gun may be a double barrel (side-by-side
or over-and-under), a pump gun or a semi-automatic, depending on the shooter's preference. Major
manufactures offer specially made skeet guns, and you should consult them or a good gunsmith before
buying a shotgun for skeet. Details such as weight, choke, drop and pitch and fit of the gun vary with
shooters. It is actually better to try out several guns, all types if possible, before buying.
Ammunition - there is a wide variety of ammunition available to today's sportsman. Number 9 shot is the
preferred shot for skeet, although some shooters use number 8. No shot larger than number 7 ½ may be
used. (the larger the number the smaller the shot size and the smaller the number the larger the shot
size) Magnum shells may not be used.

NARGC Trap Chairman along with the Junior Membership Chairman Rob Embly would like to offer for the first
time, a youth trap shooting program organized under a Md. State Program called AIM, (Academics Integrity
Marksmanship). AIM is the official youth program of the Amateur Trapshooting Association. There are four
age group classifications ranging from 11 through 20 years old. The program would start with a few
interested youths teaching them gun safety and basic trap shooting techniques. At a later date there
would options of developing youth competition shooting squads with opportunities of competing at other
clubs. Parental consent will be required. Please call Trap Chairmen Dave Collins @ 301-797-7961 or Rob
Embly 301-992-9748 if interested.

TRAP
Registration for the 2009 NARGC Trap League competition is now open to all members and their
guests. The first league shoot will take place on Tuesday May 5th. @ 5:00 pm and shooting through
to September (every other) Tuesday. Registration cutoff one week prior to the first shoot date.
This is a handicap league consisting of several teams, shooters need not be an experienced clay
bird shooter to compete with experienced trap shooters. League shoots will comprise of 50 rounds;
25 birds at 16 yds. and 25 birds at your established handicap. Shooting fees for each 50 rounds
are $6.00 for members and $8.00 for guests, with a one-time registration fee of $20. All
interested members and their guests please notify Trap Chairman Dave Collins @ 301-797-7961 or
Ted Shaw @ 301-791-3357 by no later than April 28th.