| Trap · Skeet · Sporting Clays
 Interested in trap, skeet, or sporting clays? Qualification shooting can help you develop the shotgun shooting skills that lead to success in any one (or all) of these activities. Two courses of fire are available to choose from: Trap or Skeet and Sporting Clays. The Trap or Skeet, as well as the Sporting Clays courses of fire focus shooters on the whole (complete game) from the very beginning. In this way, shooters can develop their skills at the same time they participate in club shoots, leagues, and practice sessions. Any qualifying score fired in a club shoot, league, or practice session can be applied to the qualification rating the shooter is currently working on. Whichever shotgun event you choose, you can improve your shotgun shooting skills with the proportioned and progressive challenges offered in the qualification shooting program.
Shotguns
Any safe shotgun, 12 gauge or smaller, may be used. Different gauges and different guns can be used for any round or rating.
Ammunition
Any shotgun ammunition, factory or reloads, may be used.
Round
The term "round" refers to a single series of 25 targets.
Targets
Standard clay targets are used.
Position
Shooters have the option of mounting the shotgun on the shoulder before calling for the target.
Informal Field
Any hand, manual or automatic trap may be used.
Rules
Unless otherwise stated, Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA) rules apply for trap, National Skeet Shooting Association (NSSA) Rules apply for skeet, and National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) rules apply for sporting clays. To obtain trap rules, call ATA at (937) 898-4638. To obtain skeet or sporting clays rules, call NSSA or NSCA at (800) 877-5338.
Awards
Shotgun Qualification Patch. Blue/burgundy certificates. Medals, medal bars and skill rockers used in all courses. See qualification awards.
| Trap or Skeet Course of Fire |
| Rating |
Scores |
Repeat |
| Basic Practical |
This rating is achieved by completing the practical exercise conducted during an NRA Basic Shotgun Course. |
| Pro-Marksman |
11 or better out of 25 targets |
2 times |
| Marksman |
13 or better out of 25 targets |
4 times |
| Marksman 1st Class |
15 or better out of 25 targets |
6 times |
| Sharpshooter |
17 or better out of 25 targets |
6 times |
| Expert |
19 or better out of 25 targets |
10 times |
| Distinguished Expert |
22 or better out of 25 targets 10 times, or 84 or better out of 100 targets in 2 ATA or NSSA registered shoots. (See witness requirements) |
| Sporting Clays or 5-Stand™ Course of Fire |
| Rating |
Scores |
Repeat |
| Basic Practical |
This rating is achieved by completing the practical exercise conducted during an NRA Basic Shotgun Course. |
| Pro-Marksman |
10 or better out of 50 targets |
2 times |
| Marksman |
16 or better out of 50 targets |
4 times |
| Marksman 1st Class |
20 or better out of 50 targets |
4 times |
| Sharpshooter |
22 or better out of 50 targets |
5 times |
| Expert |
52 or better out of 100 targets |
3 times |
| Distinguished Expert |
60 or better out of 100 targets 3 times, or 57 or better out of 100 targets in 2 NSCA shoots. (See witness requirements) |
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