I've shot one round of sporting clays in my life--and that was with a Ketland flint double I was using for upland game that year. I was there because the course owner had been asked if a shooter could compete with an ML shotgun, and I was the "test subject". No one was concerned by my score, they were just looking at my times, and any problems I had.
No mechanical problems with the gun or rig. I arbitrarily changed flints after 25 shots from each barrel, but still 100 shots with no ignition problems is pretty decent. I had my usual bag set-up, so everything was where I expected it to be. I did have extra powder/wads/shot in a box, but that was no more difficult to manage than the boxes of shells other shooters carry. (Actually, my shot pouch, etc and box of supplies was less than I've seen others haul in.)
I'm still not sure of all the rules and strategy. I just did what I was told, and focused on shooting. Then again, I seldom shoot trap or skeet so I have to do the same there. I think if I wanted to do sporting clays on a regular basis I'd go as an observer for a few rounds just to figure it all out.
As for the shooting, I loaded the way I always do. I averaged about 1:45-1:50 to load both barrels.
If I were going to do it on a regular basis, I think I'd want a bigger bore. For this game, I didn't like the patterns or payload from my little 20 gauge. I'd probably step up a size in shot, from #6 to # 7 1/2. And I think I'd want the gun either jug choked/backbored to give me Improved (or maybe Skeet 1) in the right barrel and Modified in the left. If I needed patterns spread more for close targets, I'd load spreaders. I'd probably also replace the tiny little bead with a larger (1/8" or larger) bead.
I'm baffled/befuddled/flabbergasted by the comments about spectatators/other competitors asking questions, taking pictures, etc. Why do you put up with that? If I'm shooting such a game (or on the line), I'm there to practice or as a competitor. I'm not there as "an ambassador of our sport". (Do I have to say that in a hushed and reverential tone of voice?)
Tolerating that nonsense creates an expectation that it is OK to interfere with people while they are shooting. It is going to get someone hurt or killed. WHERE ARE THE RANGE/SAFETY OFFICERS????? And if none are present, why aren't you pointing this out yourselves????? The time for that is after the match is over, when you can focus on explaining what you're doing and why.
There is no other venue of the shooting sports where competitors are expected to do PR while competing!
When necessary, I ask my fellow squad-members to hold questions til after the match, and explain that this is a gun. "Bad things come out of the holes on this end. A six foot blast of flame and ejecta come out the touchholes here, hot enough to gas-cut steel or cook an eye til it pops. Please don't stand in front of me, or beside me, when I shoot. "
