Teals   Teal targets cause me more problems than any other type of target. What's the key to shooting teals?    I divide teal targets into two distinct types: one that is within range at the peak (i.e., the point at which the target reaches its maximum height), and one that is outgoing and out of range at its peak. For a target that is within range, I recommend a “cut-off and collapse” or “catch move” technique. Your break point is immediately after the target reaches its peak. Initiate your move as the target is launched. Move the gun along a line that is slightly offset from … [Read more...]

Good Gun Mount   What's the best way to perfect my mount?   The best way to perfect your mount is to practice to perfection, but first let me share with you my five rules of movement: 1) Keep the weight of the gun in your hands and lead with the front hand, 2) Keep the head still, 3) Move at a comfortable pace, 4) Mount to the cheek, not the shoulder, and 5) Commit to the finish (i.e., commit to your break point and watch the target break). Never forget that a good gun mount starts with a proper stance and ready position. The following are the most common flaws I see in a … [Read more...]

High or Low Gun   I'm a new shooter and I'm confused about if I should be shooting mounted or low-gun. I see different shooters shooting in all different ways. What do you recommend?    The only technique that is wrong is the one that doesn’t work. Conversely, the right technique is the one that yields a consistently positive result. What we are really speaking of here is “draw length” — the distance between the comb of the stock and the cheek when a shooter is in the ready position and calling for a target. There are a number of top shooters who are pre-mounted shooters and have … [Read more...]

Focus in Front   When I miss, I usually miss behind, especially on crossing targets. Recently, I have been trying to focus my eyes on a spot in front of the target, and it seems to help. Does this make sense?   I think you will find that your “new technique” is fraught with inconsistencies. When you call pull, your most important job is to feed the brain high-definition target information. To successfully and consistently intercept a moving target, regardless of the object being intercepted, you must apply acute visual focus on the target immediately prior to, and through, the … [Read more...]

Nose-to-Knuckle   Correct length of pull has the shooter's nose one to two fingers from the thumb knuckle. However, I noticed most top shooters have their noise very close to, if not touching, their thumb knuckle. I have a customer stock on my gun, but if I force my face forward to get my nose to touch my thumb knuckle, it's uncomfortable and I get a totally different sight picture to the target. Should I consider shortening my stock?   To a certain degree, the proper shotgun dimensions for a given shooter will depend on the shooter’s body type, stance and shooting style. An … [Read more...]