Sporting clays is a thrilling and challenging sport that calls for a blend of talent, endurance, and practice. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced shooter, there's always room for improvement.
In this blog post, we'll be sharing some expert tips to help you take your shooting to the next level and have more fun on the course. From selecting the right equipment to mastering the art of lead, these tips will give you the edge you need to hit more targets and enjoy the sport like a pro. So, grab your shotgun, and let's get started!
Essential Tips for Shooting Sporting Clays
Want to improve your skills and shoot more targets while at the clay pigeon shooting range? Here are a few tips that can help you:
1) Check Your Gun Fit
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To shoot consistently and accurately at clay pigeons, it is crucial to have a top-notch shotgun that fits you comfortably. To test if your shotgun is of the right fit, set up a bullseye shooting target like the one from EasyShot at about 16 yards. Next, with your gun unloaded, fire a couple of shots while pointing directly at the target. Make sure to get your shotgun fitted if the largest concentration point is off-center.
2) Work on Your Stance
A solid and stable stance is the foundation of good shooting. When clay shooting, you should have a forward stance with the majority of your weight on your front foot. Keep your knees slightly bent and your back straight to avoid swaying forward.
3) Focus on Your Target
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As you prepare to shoot, focus on the clay target and keep your eyes on it as it travels through the air. This will help you stay aware of the target's movement and make it easier to track and shoot.
When focusing, make sure to keep both of your eyes open but only concentrate with your dominant eye. You can take an eye dominance test if you're unsure which eye is your dominant eye.
4) Use the Maintained Lead Method
When attempting to break clays accurately, using the maintained lead method is crucial. With this technique, you must fire in front of the moving clay at the breaking point (where the target is the clearest). The amount of lead you'll need will depend on the speed and direction of the target.
5) Follow Through
Credit: Envato Elements/ karrasstock
After you've pulled the trigger, keep your eye on the target and follow through with your swing. This will help ensure that you're pointing the gun in the right direction and that your shot is accurate.
6) Stay Relaxed
Shooting clays can be nerve-wracking, but it's important to stay relaxed and focused. Take deep breaths and try to stay calm. A good shot is confident and fluid.
7) Keep Practicing
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If you want to become an accomplished clay shooter, you need practice and time. The more you shoot, the better you'll become. If you want to obtain a perfect shot, strive to shoot at least once every week, and if you can, take classes from an experienced instructor. To keep yourself safe during training, wear the appropriate safety gear, such as hearing and eye protection.
8) Have Fun
The most crucial thing to keep in mind is to enjoy yourself! Sporting clays is a great way to spend time outdoors and challenge yourself. So, enjoy the experience and don't take it too seriously.
Summary
Clay shooting is a difficult and demanding sport that calls for talent, endurance, and practice. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to becoming a better shooter and having more fun on the course. Remember to stay relaxed, practice regularly, and have fun!