Measuring Crossers   I keep fighting the temptation to look in front of a slow-moving crosser rather than looking at the target. Most times, I check the lead and miss. What can I do to reprogram my mind?   There are a couple of possible answers. You might simply need more practice to develop the confidence required to maintain focus and visual follow-through on crossing targets. It could also be that the technique you are using (sustained lead) is not the best fit for you on this particular presentation. While there is nothing wrong with sustained lead as a technique (I … [Read more...]

  New Barrels   I am swapping my K-80 barrels for a set of Parcours barrels and should have them in the next couple of weeks. I tried shooting my friend's Parcours and was quite impressed. I would appreciate your insight/opinion on how my current K-80 will handle with a 34-inch Parcours barrels.    Many Krieghoff shooters like the lighter weight of the Parcours barrels as compared to the K-80 barrels. That said, there are two potential issues you might run up against when you swap your K-80 barrels for the Parcours barrels (I consulted with Kemble duPont of … [Read more...]

  Different Strokes   I am a fairly new sporting clays shooter. I hear people talk about different techniques for breaking targets. Why do I need to use different techniques?   Sporting clays and other clay target sports evolved from bird hunting. Most live birds are engaged in mid-flight. In the early years of sporting clays, the trajectories and behavior of airborne clay targets were designed to mimic that of birds in flight. Arguably, a bird hunter needs only one or two “moves” or techniques to down most birds in flight. As our sport has evolved, so has throwing machine … [Read more...]

  Head Turner   I hear different things from different people. When I call for the target, should I be looking at the trap or should I be looking somewhere out in front of the trap?   You should never place your eyes on the trap. Putting your eyes on the trap arm as you call for the target runs contrary to the available research on sports vision, yet opinions to the contrary abound. We use two general types of vision: peripheral vision (or ambient vision) and central vision (aka, foveal focus or central focus). We must engage both to perform at a high level. Our peripheral … [Read more...]

Gun Fittings   I have a sporting clays gun that I have been shooting for about two years, and I'm not sure that it fits me. I'm thinking about ordering a custom stock or custom gun. What do you suggest?   If you have a gun that you love, except for the fact that it might not fit, visiting a gun fitter for a fit check would be the way to go. A good gun fitter can tell you whether or not your shotgun fits and, if it doesn’t, what modifications can be made to make your shotgun fit properly. Installing an adjustable comb, adding an adjustable butt pad, lengthening the reach or … [Read more...]