Gun Fittings   I am a beginning shooter. How do I know if I need a gun fitting? How will I know if I need a custom stock or just an adjustable comb?   The fit of your shotgun is only as precise as the consistency of your mount and the quality of your stance. Most beginners tend to have an inconsistent mount, improper stance or both. As you gain experience, your mount and stance will evolve and become more consistent. As a newcomer to the sport in search of a well-fitting shotgun, you should focus primarily on comfort and visibility. There are two elements to comfort: length … [Read more...]

Course Recon   I sometimes see shooters riding around the course and looking at the targets before they actually shoot the course for score. I also see them watch shooters shoot the targets before moving on to spectate at another station. Do you recommend I do a recon of the course before shooting it?   I don’t have a strong opinion on this one. I neither recommend nor discourage my students and competitors from reconnoitering a sporting clays course before shooting it in competition. Taking a quick ride through the course can be helpful, as it will give you an idea of the … [Read more...]

Show Birds   While my squad is looking at the show birds, where should I stand? Why do the pro shooters all tend to point their arms at the targets?   During the show pair, if you are the first shooter at a particular station, the ideal spot for viewing the show pair is obvious. If you are this lucky first shooter, don’t forget that the rules entitle you to at least two pairs. If you are not the first shooter in the station, you should stand in a spot that provides you with the best visual perspective of the target presentation. Stand directly behind the first shooter or in a … [Read more...]