trap shooting question

DancesWithGolf

I haven't shot a shotgun for over 50 years and have been invited to shoot trap.
1. Any recommendations for ear protection?
2. on an over/under shotgun, does the lower barrel shoot first? (its been 50 years).
3. The butt pad on the shotgun is 50 years old, stored in temperate housing. Should it be replaced?
4. Do you really need a trap shooting jacket with big pockets or can you just take the box of shells to the firing line?

My trap shooting story. The only time I shot trap, my dad and brother and I went to a range. We didn't know what we were doing. Pointed the gun to the ground kinda like we were hunting pheasant, had to raise the gun and shoot. My dad and brother hit some, maybe 5-8. I hit somewhere in the 12-15 range. When we were done, a member at the range told my father that he wanted to coach me (I was about 12). He bought a box of shells and gave me some instruction. I was so nervous that I only hit about 5. He walked off without a word after I had shot about half the box of shells.

jbuck31

it depends on what you're comfortable with. I use the "in the ear" style plug because of comfort. The over the ear muff style works very well also.
Top barrel typically shoots first.
If it is not dry rotted and hard, does not need replaced.
4.Depends on the range. Most ranges will allow you to carry the box to the line with you and leave the empty hull at the line during the round as long as you go back and retrieve the empty after the squad finishes.The vest and or pouch is convenient to access the shells and keep the empty hulls. The pouch can be picked up rather inexpensively at Wally world or Dicks.

kelco9

Oh, I came here to offer some suggestions like "Open the face and then open your stance until the face is pointing just right of the target" and "Hit behind the ball about inch or so and when gauging how hard to hit the shot, think of trying to hit the ball about 10 feet past the hole." But I guess that doesn't help you much.