How to Improve Sporting Clay Shooting
Shooting sporting clays shares some similarity to playing a round of golf. Sporting clay courses are designed around the available terrain, incorporating trees, hills, and other natural structures. Clay-target shooters fire shotguns at single, double or groups of clay targets which are flat and typically painted bright orange for easy recognition. Shooters either walk or ride between shooting stations.
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Things You'll Need
- Shotgun
- Sporting clay course or safe open area
- Ear protection
- Eye protection
Instructions
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1
Select a shotgun that is a good fit for you. There are shotguns made specifically for men, women and children. Some shotguns even allow for adjusting the stock length by means of spacers.
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2
Consider the type shotgun being used. Shotguns appropriate for sporting clays include pump, auto loading, double barrel and over and under. Select the gun that you are most comfortable using.
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Wear a shooting vest that provides recoil absorption and allows for quick and easy positioning. The vest recoil pad should be covered in leather or other non-restricting material.
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4
Use shotgun shells with lighter loads to reduce recoil. Oftentimes excessive recoil can affect shooting. Lighter loads can dramatically decrease recoil impact on a shooter.
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Consider changing the choke pattern of the shotgun. The choke in the end of the shotgun barrel can typically be changed to affect the spread of shotgun pellets as they move through the air.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice shouldering the shotgun to develop a smooth shooting motion.
Spend time on a shooting-clay range to improve accuracy and speed.
Make sure to follow firearm manufacturers' instructions and wear proper safety equipment.
