Visualization In a recent edition of “Ask the Instructor,” you talked about the mental process and the three elements of a pre-shot routine: (1) deep breathing, (2) visualization, and (3) a trigger thought. Can you describe visualization in greater detail? You have hit upon an important point. When we talk about “visualization” as part of a shooter’s pre-shot routine, we immediately think of “picturing” the pair you are about to break – visually imagining the targets launching and seeing the targets break at the break points. But there is an important distinction between … [Read more...]
Ask the Instructor: Books and Videos
Books and Videos What do you think of books and videos for learning how to shoot? Books and DVDs definitely have their place in the learning process of a shooter. With that said, however, there is no substitute for time behind the gun, pulling the trigger and breaking targets. The great majority of people, and therefore shooters, learn best by “feeling” the movement of a shotgun and the shot, not by seeing, hearing or reading about it. As an instructor, if I can get you to understand what a particular gun movement feels like as you execute a shot on a target, it is much … [Read more...]
Hartmann’s Hint #39: Ask Before Touching
Ask Before Touching A few years ago, I was at a gun club when I saw an unusual shotgun in the gun rack. The shotgun had a significant modification to the rib on the barrel. The gun turned out to belong to a member of the California Golden Bears Trap Club, a gentleman that I knew. He had lost the vision in his right eye, and he was right handed. He was in his early eighties and, rather than learn to shoot left handed, he chose what I called a canary ladder. That's what it looked like to me. He could still mount the gun to his right shoulder but use his left eye for alignment—an … [Read more...]
Ask the Instructor: Blue Skies
Blue Skies I’ve committed to my kill points, finally, and it has taken my shooting to another level! Thank you! One question: How do I address target kill points with no background reference? The short answer is, you need to “vector,” or triangulate, off of known reference points. You should always “plot” your kill points and hold points using available terrain features behind each target’s flight line. Trees, branches, bushes, rocks, trap machines or other identifiable terrain features will provide potential landmarks you can use to plot your kill points and hold points. … [Read more...]
Hartmann’s Hint #38: Test Shots
Test Shots Many times, a shooter needs—for one reason or another—to test fire their gun before a competition begins. This can also be the case after a gun malfunction during a round to ensure that the malfunctioning gun will fire as intended. If you find it necessary to test fire your gun on a competition field, always gain permission from the referee and inform the other shooters on your squad that you are about to fire your shotgun. In this way, everyone will make sure they have their eye and ear protection in place, and they won't be startled by the shot. Also, if you are on a … [Read more...]
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