Skeet Shooting
Skeet shooting uses two trap houses (high and low) positioned at opposite ends of a semicircular field. Targets cross in front of the shooter at the center of the field.
01 // LEARN
What is Skeet Shooting?
Understanding this shooting discipline
Skeet shooting uses two trap houses (high and low) positioned at opposite ends of a semicircular field. Targets cross in front of the shooter at the center of the field. Shooters move through 8 stations arranged in an arc, engaging singles and doubles from each position.
A round consists of 25 targets. The NSSA (National Skeet Shooting Association) governs American skeet, while Olympic skeet follows ISSF rules with faster targets and unpredictable delays. The 4-gauge program (12, 20, 28, .410) adds variety for experienced shooters.
Types & Variations
02 // START
Getting Started with Skeet Shooting
Equipment, costs, and tips for beginners
Getting into skeet shooting doesn't require starting with top-tier gear. Focus on safety fundamentals, basic equipment, and finding welcoming places to learn. The community is generally helpful to newcomers who show up prepared with the right attitude.
Essential Equipment
What you need to get started
Safety & Rules
Know these before your first shot
Pro Tips for Beginners
Advice from experienced shooters
What Does Skeet Shooting Cost?
Realistic budget expectations
$600-1,000
Basic equipment to begin
$1,500-4,000
Quality gear for serious shooters
Hidden costs to consider: Same shotgun works for skeet, trap, and sporting clays. Many clubs have loaner guns for beginners.
Skeet Shotgun Options
Compare your options
| Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Over/Under Two barrels, clean sight picture, traditional choice for clay sports. | Serious competitors who want reliability and resale value |
| Semi-Automatic Reduced recoil, quick follow-up shots for doubles. | High-volume shooters and those sensitive to recoil |
| Side-by-Side Traditional style, wider sight plane. | Upland hunters who want to practice with their field gun |
03 // ASK
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about skeet shooting
New to skeet shooting? These are the most common questions from shooters exploring this discipline. The shooting community is generally welcoming and happy to help newcomers.
Find answers to common questions about skeet shooting. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us and we'll help you out.
Skeet uses two houses throwing targets that cross in front of the shooter. Trap uses one house throwing targets away from the shooter. Skeet stations form a semicircle; trap stations form a straight line.
Any shotgun holding 2+ shells works. Use Skeet or Improved Cylinder chokes rather than Full. Pump actions are legal but slower for doubles.
A round has 25 targets. Bring 30-35 shells to cover misses and the option shot. At roughly $10-15 per box of 25, budget accordingly.
Yes. Olympic skeet has faster targets, random 0-3 second delays after calling, and mandatory gun-down position. Perfect scores are rare in Olympic; common in American skeet.
12-gauge. Most forgiving, cheapest ammunition, and you can progress to sub-gauges (20, 28, .410) as skills develop.
04 // FIND
Upcoming Events
Find skeet shooting events near you
5-Stand Fun Shoot
Back 5-Stand Fun Shoot Start 8 Feb 2025 End 13 Mar 2027 Schedule 25 sessions #1. 8 Feb 2025, 8:00 AM 3:30 PM (EST) #2. 8 Mar 2025, 8:00 AM 3:30 PM (EST) #3. 12 Apr 2025, 8:00 AM 3:30 PM (EDT) #4. 10 May 2025, 8:00 AM 3:30 PM (EDT) #5. 14 Jun 2025, 8:00 AM 3:30 PM (EDT) #6. 12 Jul 2025, 8:00 AM 3:30 PM (EDT) #7. 9 Aug 2025, 8:00 AM 3:30 PM (EDT) #8. 13 Sep 2025, 8:00 AM 3:30 PM (EDT) #9. 11 Oct 2025, 8:00 AM 3:30 PM (EDT) #10. 8 Nov 2025, 8:00 AM 3:30 PM (EST) #11. 10 Jan 2026, 8:00 AM
Skeet Practice
Skeet features two trap houses -- a high house and a low house -- that launch targets on crossing flight paths. Shooters rotate through eight stations arranged in a semicircle, taking singles and doubles from each position. | Detail | Info | |--------|------| | Targets per round | 25 | | Stations | 8 | | Gauge | 12, 20, 28, and .410 | | Skill level | All levels welcome | Shotgun (12, 20, 28 gauge, or .410) Ammunition (target loads) Eye and ear protection (required) Contact Cocalico Sportsmens Association directly for current fees, start times, and any pre-registration requirements.
Skeet and 5 Stand Fields Open 10am-1pm Saturday
Recurring weekly event held on Saturday. Sessions run from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Series runs from November 2024 through December 2026.
Skeet Practice
Range: Skeet Field Contact: Kevin Champion, Phone 719-276-6521
Skeet, open to public
Skeet features two trap houses -- a high house and a low house -- that launch targets on crossing flight paths. Shooters rotate through eight stations arranged in a semicircle, taking singles and doubles from each position. | Detail | Info | |--------|------| | Targets per round | 25 | | Stations | 8 | | Gauge | 12, 20, 28, and .410 | | Skill level | All levels welcome | Shotgun (12, 20, 28 gauge, or .410) Ammunition (target loads) Eye and ear protection (required) Contact Horseshoe Fish & Game Club directly for current fees, start times, and any pre-registration requirements.
Sunday Afternoon Open Trap Shoot
Recurring event running from November 2025 through December 2026. Sessions typically start at 10:00 am. Category: Open Shoot Upcoming Dates.
05 // LOCATE
Where to Shoot
Ranges, clubs, and shops for this discipline