Target shooting has been around for over 100 years. In its earliest forms, enthusiasts stuffed glass balls with feathers and then waited as their friends tossed them in the air to be blown apart mid-flight. Since then, it has evolved from a leisurely day of hunting practice to a highly competitive international sport. Unfortunately, the feather-filled balls are a thing of the past. Now, clay pigeons are the preferred target.
Resembling a pigeon about as much as a cat resembles a TV, clay pigeons look more like thick little Frisbees than real birds. But that disc-like shape allows them to glide through the air quickly and consistently. If it’s your first time on the range, make sure to wear proper eye and ear protection, and take time to get familiar with the gun and its safety features before you load a round. Finally, before your first clay pigeon is thrown, figure out which of your eyes is dominant. Once you’re shooting, you’ll keep one eye closed while aiming. To determine your dominant eye, extend your arm and point, covering a distant object with the tip of your finger while keeping both eyes open. Keeping your finger over the object, close your left eye. If your finger continues to obscure the object, you are right-eye dominant. Otherwise, use your left eye to aim.
The gun stock should be set firmly against your shoulder and your cheek should and your cheek should be pressed against the top as you look down the barrel with your dominant eye.
Train your gun on the day pigeons as soon as it’s thrown, then pull away and aim slightly ahead on the pigeon’s flight path before firing. Keep the gun moving through your shot.
The pigeon’s flight path will remain consistent, so practice several shots with varying lead times until you get a hit.
Use low recoil loads in your shotgun for less shoulder fatigue and faster shots.
Keep your back leg straight bent, with your leading foot pointed toward the target area.
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Submitted by: Phillip Peters in Bakersfield
