Here’s exactly why you, I, and everyone else miss. No mystery, no confusion, just one correct answer.My message here can be easily misunderstood. To prevent that, remember, in all the clay target sports, there can be NO aiming of the shotgun. Please read that again and hold onto that as we move forward. Rifle and handgun shooters fully understand and respect this immutable fact: any gun movement that compromises precision will result in a miss to some degree. Maybe a little, maybe a lot, but the miss will be certain. What guarantees this is the science and the math involved in precision. That math is non-negotiable, regardless of shooter age, weapon, skill level, etc. Mistakes at ...

 It’s human nature to leap to methods that promise quick and convenient ways to improve. From Tom Fiumarello, Paragon Senior Instructor: “It seems we as Americans have to have a hook. If we didn't, the golf industry would never exist. Instead of buying the latest and greatest driver, accurate golf ball or the "wonder wedge," everyone should take a few lessons and learn how to correct a swing.” The fact that a great many people are told something is no guarantee of it being correct.Measuring leads?The curse on good, consistent shooting.A while back, I read an article on why you should “calculate lead” by measuring. So, how do you measure lead? You ...

As our Fall wingshooting season approaches all too slowly, I thought you might enjoy a true story.  My good friend’s name was Dave Miller. It was October in PA and Dave’s client wanted to go pheasant hunting. Dave set it up. Knowing I was very experienced in this, Dave called me and asked if I would please join them to back up the client’s shooting. Of course Dave, and thanks.  Saturday morning found us overlooking the Fall countryside in glorious splendor. Dancing with anticipation, Dave’s older Lab Sally was showing us her impatience, her anticipation contagious. I loaded 2 shells and placed the open Model 21 over my shoulder. Glancing ...

Some advice sounds helpful—until it costs you targetsFor those of you on a path to improve your consistency and scores, consider what can help you avoid two rough, time-consuming detours.Way back, in my US instructor certification classes, I was taught to visually “focus hard,” to see ONLY the target’s rim, shoulder, dome or bottom. Nothing else. Then, trust the swing to break it. It worked in our cert class because our targets back then were indeed a lot closer and easier. Certified, I began to teach this around the US. Successfully? Yes. Sometimes. The more important question being, were my students improving? No, time showed they weren’t and I promptly ...