“We do not see this as they are…
We see things as we are.”
Please allow me to say that not a single word in this article is meant to be disrespectful to any one individual or business. That said, in my humble opinion, there are certain hard truths that some shooters might want to consider if they are serious about improving their performances in the shooting box – and raising their scores. If the following does not apply to you, God bless, all the best and keep going. I’ve very respectfully written this because, during my tournament experiences, I see so many myths and untruths causing shooters one miss after another in the shooting box.
The following examples are just a very few of the many misbeliefs that lead directly to missing. Possibly you’ve read some of this before in my posts and articles? If so, thanks in advance for your patience here.
Let’s talk briefly about shotgun target ammunition. Years ago, for a very long time, 1,200 fps was the gold standard for successful clay shooting. It still should be, and rightfully so, but isn’t. Today, manufacturers push shell speeds of 1,300 fps, some exceeding 1,400 fps. Why? Because more has to be better, right? Truthfully – no, it definitely is not true. First, let’s establish a fact that has been proven one hundred gazillion times. Shell speeds from 1,150 fps to 1,230 fps will reliably and totally dependably break any fair Sporting Clays / Trap / F.I.T.A.S.C. target ever thrown – CONSISTENTLY – when the swing is executed correctly. So, why would anyone trade this reliability AND higher scores for a) painful recoil; b) the real potential for physical injury; and c) scores that fall well below expectations?? Good question. IMHO, those who make this trade do so for one of two reasons. 1) They are unaware of reality, the effectiveness of lighter loads; or 2) they have what I call a NASCAR mentality and depend on the increased shell speed to make up for current missing and low scores. That’s the perception. The simple and hard reality is this: less is more.
And then there’s choosing the right choke. First, chokes do work, are effective and “can” help raise an X count. Provided, (and you knew that was coming) choke selection isn’t used as a crutch to raise a score on this Station. What do I mean by that? Endless debating in the box on whether to choose IC or Light Mod on the A trap, now has a shooter’s attention in the wrong place. Both of those chokes “can” break the A trap target and do so very dependably. Both can. However, neither can make up for, can compensate for, a poor swing. Never will. Set-up and swing precision will always trump choke selection. Always. Here’s a good example worth remembering. A. J. “Smoker” Smith won multiple major tournaments using an IC choke in both barrels. When asked if he ever changed his IC chokes he replied, “Nope. Can’t. They rusted in years ago.” Smart man. It will always be the shooter who hits or misses the target, not the choke.
Now, I want to be very careful here as I bring up the subject of gun fit. Is it important? You betcha. However, and this is important, a gun fit that is reasonably close to correct can be shot very, very well. Not sure about that? Choose your favorite Big Dawg shooter. Hand her / him your personal gun. A correct gun fit? Seriously doubtful. Now, stand back and watch the show. XXXXXXXXXX. Wanna see it again? No problem. As many times as you want. Meaning? Unless there is a MAJOR gun fit problem, close enough is good enough. Said another way, fussing over a gun fit to make it absolutely perfect cannot and won’t ever compensate for a shooter’s set-up and/or swing errors. Can’t. None of which says that owning a gun that fits you perfectly won’t be an absolute joy to own. It will be. Mine is, as are many others. Can a professional, proper fit add X’s to a score sheet? Most certainly yes, PROVIDED gun fit is not used as a crutch to make up for poor shooting.
I hope the above sheds some light on a few misconceptions, some personal perceptions that might, may be hurting your shooting? I say that because learning and executing all the set-up and swing Basics – the Fundamentals – are in fact non-negotiable when it comes to adding more X’s to a score card “consistently.” Additionally – when used correctly – so can the right loads, chokes and a proper gun fit.
Thanks again for visiting. Your presence here is always appreciated. Take good care and we hope to see you out on the course.
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About Dan Schindler
Dan Schindler is one of only 60 worldwide members of the Guild of Shooting Instructors (UK) and is one of the most highly respected Sporting Clays and Wingshooting Instructors in the US. Dan is an NSCA Level III Instructor (since 1995) and founded the Paragon School of Sporting with one goal in mind. Whether it be for the advanced competitor or providing the basics to the entry-level shooter, Paragon provides the simplest, most practical and most effective Instruction, Coaching and Mental Training for the Sporting Clays & Wingshooting enthusiast. Dan Schindler helps shooters alleviate a lot of their frustration by taking the mystery out of breaking targets, calling their own misses, and make their own corrections. Lessons are fun, enlightening and our clients learn to shoot better in minutes!
Dan Schindler's Books
"Recommended for shooters of all skill levels, Coaches, Instructors
and parents of youth shooters."
Take Your Best Shot (Book I), 3rd Edition is THE Gold Standard Primer It's all about the fundamentals, a requirement for good shooting. This book is used by high school and college shooting teams, recreational and competitive shooters from around the world. Solid, valuable, concise information that has helped thousands of shooters shoot more consistently with higher scores.
To The Target (Book II) Builds on the steps outlined in Book I. Emphasises Gun Management skills when the trap fires, creating a consistent, reliable, trustworthy swing.
Beyond the Target (Book III) is for shooters of all levels, filled with valuable information, clay target truths. Entertaining and a culmination of 3 decades of Dan's life's work as a teacher, competitor, published writer, and much more.
Here's what Shooters, Coaches and Clay Shooting USA saying...
Take Your Best Shot (Book I), 3rd Edition
To The Target (Book II)
Beyond The Target (Book III)
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