The Wing and Clay Flyer:  Summer 2005

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Beginners Corner

As a beginning shooter, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the large amount of well intended advice from squad mates and friends on what to do and what not to do when shooting.  “Keep the gun moving”, “Keep swinging”, “Don’t stop”, “Don’t look at the barrel” and “Follow through” are probably some of the things beginning shooters hear from their shooting peers.  These five pieces of advice (and probably others) can be largely solved by simply keeping your eyes on the target.

Since we shoot a shotgun by pointing, we need to be able to see the target at the
earliest possible time through the execution of the shot.  How can we point at
something we cannot see?  While this sounds simple enough, there are some systematic ways to make sure we keep our eyes on the target.  Before heading out to shoot, you should make certain your gun fits you properly.  It is difficult to focus on, or even see the target if the comb of your shotgun is too low.  The following is a short, simple list you can use at the range for each and every shot to make your focus more consistent.

1. Identify your hold point and/or gun insertion point

2. Once the gun is set at your hold point, move the eyes away from the barrel (usually back toward the target release point).

3. Set your eyes to a soft, or “fuzzy” focus (i.e. seeing everything in general, but nothing in particular).

4. Once the eyes are still and set to soft-focus, call for the target.

5. Look for the target and try to establish hard, or “laser” focus on the target.  Try to see the rings of the target, the contrast of black and orange, watch it spin, watch the front edge, etc.  Note:  If bird hunting,

Target Focus

5. focus on the bill, beak or other distinguishing feature on the bird’s head.

6. Take the shot and watch the target break.

At no time during the shot should the eyes come back to the barrel.  The human eyes are only capable of focusing at one object at a time, so if you look at the bead and/or barrel, the target will be out of focus and will be ‘lost’ (both visually and on the score sheet!).  If your gun fits, your head stays on the gun and you point the gun in the correct place (proper lead), the target will break.  Think of it like pointing your finger...you do not need to look at your finger to know where it is pointing...why should your shotgun be any different?      BSB

Above: ‘Laser’ focus on the target.  Note the rings and target definition.  Below: Focus on the barrel/bead.