mr_magicfingers Posted September 12, 2014 Report Share Posted September 12, 2014 Hopefully not as silly a question as it might at first sound. As a novice shotgun shooter, I'm looking for ways to practice. Going for coaching is quite pricey so I can't do that as often as I'd like. I practice doing gun mounts each day when I'm home (I work away a lot). I have a clay launcher but practicing alone is a bit more awkward with that. With rifles I can just set up a target and shoot, but it's not so simple with a shotgun. I just wondered what people might do to develop their skills. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loriusgarrulus Posted September 12, 2014 Report Share Posted September 12, 2014 (edited) I go for some lessons and also go to the clay grounds and shoot with OH. If you have a launcher and space to use it could you get a mate who wants to practice and take turns operating the launcher and shooting. Much more fun than on your own. Edited September 12, 2014 by loriusgarrulus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maldred4 Posted September 12, 2014 Report Share Posted September 12, 2014 I found clay clubs close to me that shot on different days of the week. For me I'm lucky that during the summer I have a Tuesday evening sporting/compak shoot, a Thursday evening compak, a Saturday all day open practise multi dicipline and a Sunday sporting/compak/skeet shoot. I benefit of loads of shooting with some good shots who assist guide and help all for a lot less than an hour or two coaching. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougall Posted September 12, 2014 Report Share Posted September 12, 2014 suppose you could do dry mounts to practice gun mount/muscle memory,but keep away from your windows! better answer is just go shoot......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loriusgarrulus Posted September 12, 2014 Report Share Posted September 12, 2014 Or close the curtains and aim at the curtain rings with snap caps in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muffin Posted September 12, 2014 Report Share Posted September 12, 2014 your coach should be able to tell you how to practice correctly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
victorismyhero Posted September 12, 2014 Report Share Posted September 12, 2014 how do I............carefully Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Posted September 12, 2014 Report Share Posted September 12, 2014 As other people have suggested, your local clay ground is the best place. If you don't know any experienced shots to go with, just join a group shooting a round and there will be someone to put to you right and give you a few tips. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Essex Hunter Posted September 12, 2014 Report Share Posted September 12, 2014 Hopefully not as silly a question as it might at first sound. As a novice shotgun shooter, I'm looking for ways to practice. Going for coaching is quite pricey so I can't do that as often as I'd like. I practice doing gun mounts each day when I'm home (I work away a lot). I have a clay launcher but practicing alone is a bit more awkward with that. With rifles I can just set up a target and shoot, but it's not so simple with a shotgun. I just wondered what people might do to develop their skills. Regarding the rifle.....A quarry will often move and change the conditions of the shot, ( back stop) also laying on the ground off the bi-pod/bench is no real test as the gun should be set up and you will do very little damage to the target if you clip the outer ring if you pull a shot....! For me, field conditions are a far greater test to trim your self up...a strong cross wind etc as if you wait for it to be as you want it then that might never happen. A second hand clay trap and a mate to work it, shoot out the shoulder, also with the gun broke will add a bit... Only have one shell in the gun and one in your hand and get him to let a second clay off while you are fiddling around trying to stuff one in the chamber.... TEH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted September 12, 2014 Report Share Posted September 12, 2014 I practice dry mounting my gun on a regular basis, but if you go to a clay ground you could practice on those birds you find difficult, and those birds only. When I first started shooting clays my bogey target was bouncing bunnies, so one day I rolled up and shot bouncing bunnies all morning, and no other targets at all. I did it the following time also. There is no reason why you have to shoot a full card; just shoot the targets you want to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr_magicfingers Posted September 13, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 13, 2014 Thanks for the replies, some helpful things to try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STOTTO Posted September 13, 2014 Report Share Posted September 13, 2014 (edited) To be consistently on the target you need to develop an established routine and as you mention cost as being an issue as it can be for many of us my first recourse for any new endeavour upon which I embark is to buy a book on the subject. The book that I purchased was ‘Breaking Clays’ by Chris Batha, I did this after many years of shooting and after developing a problem with some target presentations, and through reading discovered it to be an eye dominance issue. The book in my opinion gives, especially the novice a good overview of what is required to achieve success. And to your original post, I practice my dry routine every day, which is: In my lounge facing the garden, (mustn’t alarm the neighbours) Dress in what I normally shoot in, minus ear plugs. Gun, snap-caps, (check gun is clear, and that you have no live ammunition on your person) Act as if are actually on the shooting ground and in the shooting stand, (always be muzzle aware and observe normal safety procedures). (Build this aspect of your shooting into your routine). Then set yourself up as if you are going to shoot a stand, foot position, stance, gun broken and rested and you relaxed, check that the tubes are clear if so load the snap-caps and close the gun. Now read the book. Then when on the shooting ground put into effect what you have practiced at home! A tip, shooting with both eyes open is an acquired skill, to re-establish my master-eye dominance, initially when mounting and swinging the gun I blinked the non-master and over time this did the trick. Good luck with your practice. Regards STOTTO Edited September 13, 2014 by STOTTO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B725-chris Posted September 13, 2014 Report Share Posted September 13, 2014 (edited) Which discipline are you hoping to gain experience in mate? If possible, try to shoot at as many shoots as possible to gain experience with different targets and back grounds. Down the line for example may have an embankment for a back ground at one shoot where as another may have sky. Sporting may use the use of trees or ground topography. After a while you'll build up a picture as to what type of birds cause the biggest head aches, and that can be the starting point towards having the odd lesson. Club targets are generally less testing than registered, but not always, depending on how and who has the set the trap. Like others have said, look at your local grounds first. Chances are if you go often enough you'll get to know a few like minded shooters that will offer advice and point you in the right direction. ( pun intended haha ). In theory, the more shooting time you put in, the better you'll progress. Edited September 13, 2014 by B725-chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will Poon Posted September 13, 2014 Report Share Posted September 13, 2014 Shoot skeet, it'll teach you about lead you need to give for the clays. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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