DIY Trap Shooting Range | Portable Gun Rack

[@jamesp739]

As an avid skeet/trap shooter, I'm green with envy! Couple things to consider - once you get the shooting basics down, consider a wobble trap as suggested in some of the posts. It adds a whole new dimension to your shooting. It's also good practice if you ever go afield. Look into and maybe consider using a phono-pull instead of a foot switch. The phono-pull will allow you to call for your target normally and without the foot switch, you can establish and keep a good foot position and stance. Be safe and have fun!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you for the input! Yes I'm thinking I'll have to make adjustments when I level up with a shot gun. I do have a remote but didn't install it thinking the foot pull was better, but I'll hook it up and give it a try! Thank you

[@mioffgrid4837]

Great tip, if you turn your hearing protection around, it makes it so you can hear people behind you better. I always do this at the range so I can hear if people are talking behind me or coming up behind me.

[@travisg1759]

Very cool! Get you a wobbler addon for your launcher to vary the left/right angle to vary your target path. you can even get a vertical one to vary the height of the trajectory.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Oooh cool, thanks for the input!

[@lovejones7545]

When you built this deck who knew it would be able to adapt to so many different applications and additions. Your creativity knows no bounds! This is very cool April and totally awesome🤙🏾💯

[@AprilWilkerson]

I've actually planned tons of activities for this from the get go. : ) I just need time to get to them all! Next up will be archery.

[@lovejones7545]

@@AprilWilkerson Sounds great, can't wait!

[@AB-nu5we]

Love when a project comes together like that. Flexible deck build and all. Looks like good fun. Nicely done.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you like it! I love this deck space so much.

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

This is a great addition to your beautiful deck! This really hits home with me and my family. My son was twice Tennessee State Youth Trap Champion and his team finished as high as 4th in the nation in Vandalia, Ohio! Plus, my wife coached trap at a local high school where she taught math. I hope you enjoy Trap and continue shooting! Thanks again and hope you’re having a great weekend! Keep on building!

[@AprilWilkerson]

How cool is that?! Congratulations to all! Thanks for Sharing and for watching.

[@frankw7266]

Nice! But now you need a launcher that has oscillation to it so you don't always know which way the clays are heading and more capacity so you're not constantly having to go down & reload it. I've got an Atlas AT-250 with the wobble base set up like this under my deck, but I don't have the automatic door... great idea!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Good input! I'm brand new to this so I'm sure I'll level up eventually and explore the advanced options!

[@jewdd1989]

Btw my Dad is a passionate gun owner, he worked in law enforcement, loves to hunt, etc. and he’s been desperate to get me to shoot. I don’t have a fear of guns whatsoever besides a healthy respect of them, I understand it’s humans who misuse them, etc. but for me it’s the sound! I’m incredibly sensitive to loud, unpredictable sounds which can be painful and startling and that’s what has got in my way every time. Do you feel these Isotunes Sport wireless/neckband and muffs block the harshest sounds or what do you hear and which one would you recommend or which one is more effective?! Of course I’d love wireless with a neckband but I’d rather learn to shoot so either one

[@jollyg83]

@@jewdd1989best thing for new shooters is to double up ear protection. First put in a pair of those disposable inside the ear plugs, then put on a pair of the mentioned over the ear protectors. Also start with small calibers like a .22. Work your way up. Of course you could also go all in and buy a suppressor right away depending on what state you live in too. But definitely double up ear protection if you’re noise sensitive.

[@TylerLukey]

I don't have a deck or a gun but I watched the entire video. I love how creative you are in builds and how they can adapt easily because you built them sturdy and correctly from the beginning. Too cool!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Yes, many of my Viewers are not Makers or Builders but enjoy my channel for the entertainment factor to see what I'm up to next. :) Thanks for watching.

[@hardcode57]

OK, you clearly need a a similar door in your deck that reveals a cannon. Every home should have one.

[@thoom42]

Consider painting one of the deck boards red or orange to make a line to keep people back from swinging golf clubs and rifles. Another nice project, thanks April!

[@cayminlast]

Fantastic build, attention to the small details make the whole project look amazing. You could also set up a rimfire range and have fun plinking all sorts/types of targets from the deck area.

[@AprilWilkerson]

What is a rimfire range?? I will eventually incorporate archery into this tee box as well. It's all just so much fun!

[@jeffh4505]

@@AprilWilkersonrimfire is a type of cartridge where the firing pin hits the outer rim of the brass, as opposed to a centerfire where the pin hits the primer in the center of the cartridge (if you look at your shotgun shells, you'll see the circle in the center, that's the primer). The most common rimfire is the .22 long rifle (.22LR for short). It's what most people learn to shoot with as it's fairly quite, little to no recoil, and it's cheap to buy (500-1000 rounds are less than $50)

[@DavidDavis-fishing]

Gooood afternoon from central Florida! Hope everyone has a great afternoon!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Same to you! Thanks for watching.

[@bobp3738]

Whoa, now you’re talking! My two favorite hobbies - clays and woodworking. Very cool! And Nolet’s gin, too! 🙌

[@evelynpasqua6968]

I love the door open for lawn mower to park there instead of the shed.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Yes! I love it too! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@evelynpasqua6968]

That’s a clever way to nailing the outside woodwork before cutting it. 😊

[@sgoossen856]

Hello April, I'm very impress of how well you set up your sporting recreation area. I like the way you construct the shooting range with the motion moving door. You got a lot of talents within your woodworking skills. Keep up with the good work.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Glad you enjoy my channel. Thanks for watching.

[@VCGConstruction]

Slick, thanks for sharing! 👍🏻

[@christinawyckoff2164]

Oh my God I love it awesome job we're all hunters ❣️

[@amats3]

10 stars! Congrats on the new hobby. 👍Mount the gun! Head on stock!

[@AprilWilkerson]

I don't know what that means yet! Haha. But I'll learn!

[@LordNelsonkm]

@@AprilWilkerson Means mount/bring up to your shoulder and keep it in there. It's now part of you. You also want a good cheek weld with your face to the 11 o'clock area of the stock. At 9:57 you also need to lean forward more in your stance so you don't get pushed back off balance when firing. 20GA is pretty forgiving, but build good habits now.

[@geoffreyrussell660]

I just LOVE your glee and laughter when a plan comes together!! I can SO relate. Really enjoy your content - thanks so much.

[@AprilWilkerson]

You are so welcome! I'm glad you enjoy my channel. Thanks for watching.

[@worstworkshop]

What a great project! I love that gun rack too.

[@jewdd1989]

That is rad and looks like a blast to practice shooting! Especially with a view and sunset like you had that night. Anyways love both projects, love the lift mechanism, it would be a pain to have to go down the steps to open the gate essentially so this is an amazing alternative to that

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Yes, I love it. Thanks for watching.

[@Dan_1764]

Be a good idea to add two limit switches. One for door open, and one for out of clays.

[@davethepak]

Great video! As a woodworker, love this (and all) of your videos! As someone who loves shooting trap (sporting clays are my fav) - this is AWESOME. As someone who works with video and audio - your production quality continues to impress. Great lighting and camera work (as always) - but noticed just how clean your audio was in this - very impressive. thanks for making the video and sharing.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@markgilles-ih8go]

Sweet idea and hidden away like a pair of socks in the dresser drawer! Very slick!!

[@gusswenson7811]

Wow.. That is an ingenious idea… I have the space in my backyard but… Here we can’t shoot that close to a house… But I love the idea. Thank you for sharing another project with us. Cheers

[@bigchew3149]

I gota Say This is by Far my Favorite Video Ever..Just Wish they Was Longer !

[@VAXHeadroom]

The door opener is a really slick install. I need to find a use for that!!

[@sophiapardue171]

This is an awesome build. Have you thought of building a trap door to reload the clays from the deck instead of someone having to go under it to reload it.

[@65cbtengr]

You could add some small buckets for the empty shells, and maybe a voice activated setup for the launcher!

[@CarlosTorrez-x5v]

April, been following you for a while, since you made that metal shade at you parents' house, to you work with Tim Allen and Richard Karn (who growing up shaped a lot of my interest ins cars and construction on Home Improvement) on Assembly Required. And now that you have taken up a hobby that I have fell in love with and have dedicated every weekend to perfecting, I cannot wait to see what other builds come with this new hobby. Hopefully I can Incorporate them into my club who I am the Handyman for (pays $0.00 a year!) building and fixing machines and facilities along with projects to better the club. Keep up the awesome Work and soured of the success you have achieved!!!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! That's awesome you're the Handyman of your Club. I'm glad you enjoy my channel. Thank you for your kind words and thanks for staying along for the ride.

[@leftyo9589]

you could probably find someone with experience to help you with your gun fit, and your form. get your cheek down on that stock (put the wood, on the wood), and a good consistent/repeatable gun mount will have you breaking targets much more often then just pointing the gun in their general direction. its all a learning curve, but gun mount, and gun fit are critical if you want to be serious. as a bonus, a properly fitting gun wont hurt you!!

[@TheRich4187]

What the hell!? I'm only 15 seconds into this video and I'm ready to move into a tent in the woods and hang out on your deck when allowed! Lol!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Haha, I love that my deck seems that cool to you. I love it as well.

[@wolfgangschmidtke8023]

Hallo April und danke für deine Einladung und thüss aus Düsseldorf Germany 🇩🇪👍👍🇺🇸🛠️🛠️🎁🎁🌴🌲🌲🌲🤵

[@BearCreekWoodworking]

That’s a Cool Folding Gun Rack you designed April! Well Done!!! 👍👏😃

[@lovermansmith9082]

Don't mess with April 😊 You go Girl 😊

[@you166mhz]

here's an idea --- built a carousel for the launcher that moves only about 15-20 degree either direction -- left / right .... this way you won't get the same location of the disk .. .BTW -- you're the greatest ...

[@BearCreekWoodworking]

Only you would think of mounting a launcher under your deck with an awesome opening door April! Clever Idea Indeed!!! 💡👏😃

[@ghmichel72]

Great project ✊🏾 Now you'll need to make another door to setup double launchers for when competition gets to the next level.

[@jaygreen4526]

I love it! Now you need to figure out a way to keep the hopper filled without having to go down below!

[@johntalbot119]

So great to see you shooting!!!

[@gordonmiles9995]

You now need a good quality over and under. Forget those heavy semi-automatics

[@jefflop]

You may want to check the lead content of the vegetables in the garden. LOL. Very cool project!!! as someone who is never happy unless I have a big project going on, I truly enjoy your channel.

[@AprilWilkerson]

It doesn't reach the garden but thanks for watching.

[@andrewalexander9492]

@@AprilWilkerson Are you sure about that? #8 shot (the most common size for target loads) will travel as far as 230 yards .. depending on the elevation angle of the shot. While it can be tough to estimate distances from a video, that sure doesn't look like your raised garden is more than 200 yards away.

[@5.56Media]

Now THIS is my cup of tea! Awesome!

[@rossfudd256]

Did You Know that if you tuck the stock up to your cheek and sight down the barrel you can hit more targets?

[@Odin31b]

Whaaat!? Literally lol amazing idea. If you made your own Gonzalez come and take it cannon you could stick it put of that port hole as well.

[@BearCreekWoodworking]

I always LOVE your laugh of SUCCESS April! 😃😉

[@billytyson1748]

You have entirely too much fun. Great video.

[@AprilWilkerson]

This is true, but why have it any other way. ; )

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Awesome set up April. Stay safe and have fun . Keep up the great videos. Fred.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@richardheilman4602]

Keep your cheek on the stock, and you will hit more birds. Nice job on the build.

[@boblangenberg7859]

Hidden liqueur cabinets, hidden trap range, one wonders where she keeps the minions…🤣

[@mitzibud6908]

Rock-on, mama! Another awesome video!! Thank you!!

[@garychaiken808]

Awesome. Great job. Thank you😊

[@AprilWilkerson]

Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@WreckDiver99]

isn't that your garden there April? Just saying...LOL... Oh the fun of finding the 4 shot in your pheasant...LOL...that's fun too. Haven't done skeet/trap/sporting clays in years. Always loved it, but the sportsman clubs are so "good old boy" around me that nobody new wants to go to them. :( Sad really...kind of like fishing, when the old timers ask "Why doesn't anybody want to learn to fish", and you ask "Hey, I'm interested in fishing, can you show me some things"...with their response if "I Ain't telling you no secrets, get away"...yea...a big chunk of the shooting community is the same way and that is sad.

[@johannsen4171]

Totally rad you are awesome woman!!! Love it.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you so much!!

[@garynagle3093]

Nice add on to the deck. Great project

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks!

[@petera1117]

just a "like" is not enough for this video. I LOVE this. Shame I live in SoCal and could never do this lol.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Yes, living in Texas is great. Thanks for watching.

[@mdh1974]

U always have the coolest projects!!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Glad you enjoy my channel. Thanks for watching.

[@burkharts1]

Needs a rotating base for the launcher so the targets don't always go in the exact same direction

[@chicagorandy]

Excellent mod to your amazing home. Kudos

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you very much!

[@alaskankare]

the portable rack is VERY cool. awesome idea. ❤

[@AprilWilkerson]

I think so too! Thanks for watching.

[@mrxmry3264]

it would be a good idea to add some kind of switch that only powers up the launcher when the door is fully open. without it you might end up breaking something.

[@mikebrigman30]

Make a magnet on a stick for cleanup of the empty shells and a box on the side to deposit them in.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Love that, thanks!

[@LordNelsonkm]

Brass and plastic are non magnetic, so... But, she could do a sand chicken rake.

[@grntitan1]

@@LordNelsonkmNo, but the primers likely are. Plus very few shot shells are made from brass anymore. Most are steel with a brass over coloring.

[@LordNelsonkm]

@@grntitan1 With my neodymium HD magnet, I could pick up three hulls total by the primers but it was picky. Federal is still brass though looks like. Still thinking sand chicken rake with a gutter on the side of the deck would be faster.

[@RightNowPowderCoating]

This is amazing.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks!

[@roqford]

Real American dream and spirit, its your land and your rules!!!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Yep! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@80zbabyz]

That is awesome great job April !

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you!!

[@robertjosephmurphyii4947]

So cool April. I thought you were going to use the hole in the attic for this kind of thing. LOL Keep up the great work.

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Nice video April! Thanks for sharing it with us!💖👍😎JP

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

@@AprilWilkerson Your very welcome April! Have a wonderful weekend and soon to be a Merry Christmas!😎

[@NTycingProductions]

What a very cool idea and build. I hope the remnants of your clay targets, aren't ending up in your garden down below? With some lessons on how to shoulder, and point a shotgun, I have no doubts you will be hitting many more targets. Great job on setting everything up, and getting it to look hidden when not in use. 😁👍🏾😁

[@AprilWilkerson]

I can't wait to learn more technique! This was only day two of ever shooting a shotgun so I have much much to learn but am looking forward to it. Glad you like it!

[@jeffh4505]

Most clays are biodegradable, so while a bit of an annoyance, shouldn't hurt anything longterm.

[@NTycingProductions]

@@AprilWilkerson Your build was amazing. Glad to hear you will get some shooting tips, they will save you bruised shoulders and give you much better aim. 👍🏾

[@NTycingProductions]

@@jeffh4505 I haven't looked at how long it takes them to break down, I still wouldn't want to be shooting over my garden with them. They will pile up fast if you shoot a lot.

[@bradnoyes7955]

@@NTycingProductions I'm more concerned about peppering the garden with lead. When they shutdown a shotgun range near my parent's house, they had to bring in a company to do lead abatement before the site could be built on.

[@اشرفسالم-ت2ح]

مشاء الله ،تبارك الله ،اتمنى لكى مزيد من التقدم التكنلوجى ،والاستمتاع مع العائله والاصدقاء(فى عيد الميلاد) وكل الاوقات،وللامه الامريكيه مزيد من الامان من الهجمات المسلحه الطاءشه فى مدينتكم الجميله تكساس وكل الولايات.❤

[@manstuff612]

Texas for the win !

[@danielbarrett1368]

April love you are so versatile a builder a golfer a trap shooter I’m wondering what is the next new and innovative project for you

[@AprilWilkerson]

Right now I have a library loft idea kicking around in my head. : ) But. You never know with me. It really could be anything.

[@pileofstuff]

That's about the most Texas project ever.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Sounds funny but a lot of States enjoy Trap Shoot. Thanks for watching.

[@TheJttv]

It would work great for hiding a outdoor TV. With slight weather proofing

[@vicrivera2834]

Awesome April! Great work, have a Merry Christmas!!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. Same to you.

[@ringerson4x4]

You have to get your cheek bone down on the stock for proper sight alignment.

[@briand8934]

That is pretty cool!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@mdp308]

Awesome idea

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@xmassan20906]

Anyone seen the neighbor's frisbee dog? Cool build! 👍

[@timmywarren2349]

Very good Video 👍 👍

[@AprilWilkerson]

Great! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@mikecurtis2585]

Very nice that's going to be fun!!!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Yes absolutely!

[@G.S.W.SewmesomeMusic]

What’s in the fenced area in the distance?…lunch😂 very cool setup!

[@AprilWilkerson]

That is my fenced in, raised garden. Thanks!

[@اشرفسالم-ت2ح]

مشاء الله تبارك الله .

[@ptousig]

New hobby huh? Let's see... this is hobby number... at least 11, right? We have: woodworking, ATV, knife throwing, chainsaw carving, metal foundry, golf, kayaking, chicken farming, guitar, gardening, and all the others I forgot.

[@AprilWilkerson]

I like keeping people on their toes. :)

[@gailgilley781]

Love it!!!!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! I do too!

[@ΓΕΡΑΣΙΜΟΣΣΤΡΑΓΓΑΣ]

So perfect project 🤠

[@rmd9032]

Maybe you can rig something up so the trap will somehow randomly throw in different directions each time you step on the pedal. How cool would that be?

[@Mrfrerob]

This was awesome!!!!!! Thanks for the inspiration!!!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@vernsteinbrecker3759]

Very nice, do you ever take time to relax?

[@ronyoung3623]

Love it, enjoy

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! I love it! Thanks for watching.

[@ronw8628]

5:18 That is so april. Wooden expect anything less!

[@AprilWilkerson]

I just love it when things go as planned! Nothing better! Thanks for watching.

[@ronw8628]

@@AprilWilkerson btw, I'm a carpenter. I'm not just kissing es. Later.

[@rongrose3746]

Pretty cool !!

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks!

[@lja4429]

Now you are ready for little PRS long distance shooting off that deck. About how much distance, in yardage, can you get from your deck to the hills?

[@3Dgifts]

Great Projects! What part of the country are you guys in? Looks like a great place to live 😃

[@jmert_5859]

Will the clay fragments affect the soil in the garden?

[@AprilWilkerson]

They do not land in the raised garden but this side of it. Thanks for watching.

[@jmert_5859]

@@AprilWilkerson Okie dokie.

[@Trapbnker321]

Hey you need to take some lessons on how to hold the gun!! And WTH is a trop launcher?

[@HeyMichaelLeo]

Very cool

[@glencrandall7051]

Annie, err April, get your gun.

[@maineoutdoors8227]

Awesome!

[@stuartjohnson8171]

Looks like fun but probably puts and end to the deer coming around for a little snack.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Actually, I have tons of footage of the deer milling around in the open area to the right of the garden for 25 mins while we were all shooting. They could care less.

[@johnhamilton9229]

Amazing