As you know, changing chokes from field to field is very common. And it can be to our advantage, depending on the reasons for changing and how the choke is being used.

         For example, a few years back in a match, I observed an elderly gentleman prepare for a crossing target under his feet, inbound across a ravine. The common breakpoint on this A target was under 25 yards. Visibly anxious, he was vacillating, unsure of what choke to put in. He stepped into the box less than confident. I was on deck behind him. He very clearly shot behind the first two A birds, stopping his gun each time because he incorrectly thought he was too far in front. He turned and said, “I knew I picked the wrong choke.” It is my policy never to offer unsolicited advice, however, he then asked me if I knew where he was missing. I said, “behind.” With a look of skepticism, he decided to open the gap and broke both remaining A birds.

Any choke from Cylinder to Modified would have handled that target nicely, provided the swing was handled properly. The truth is, chokes are designed to provide optimal patterns, which they do very well. But asking a choke to compensate for swing errors carries a lot of risk.

In our relentless pursuit of consistency and improvement, regardless of age, gender or skill level, it’s forever back to executing the swing basics correctly. I hope some of the above speaks to you and believe it can simplify your approach to the next target. Because, in order to find the perfect shooting formula, sometimes we have to subtract our belief to uncover the obvious.

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About the Author

Dan Schindler is one of only 55 worldwide members of the Guild of Shooting Instructors, U.K. and is one of the most highly respected Sporting Clays and Wingshooting Instructors in the US. He is a NSCA Level lll Instructor and has certified 230+ Instructors for NSCA and Paragon. Dan 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. We promise you an enlightening, memorable experience!

Books

Discover a clear, direct path to quickly shoot better or competing at a much higher level? Check out Daniel L. Schindler's three books written in concise, simple, plain language that helps every shooter build a solid foundation, compete at a higher level, and takes the mystery out of their shooting:

Take Your Best Shot (Book I) is all about the fundamentals, a requirement for good shooting. This manual is used by individuals and some of the most successful middle school, high school and college shooting teams across the US.

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. Excellent article in Clay Target magazine and other positive reviews

Beyond the Target (Book III) is for shooters of all levels and filled with valuable information, clay target myth crushers and truths. Entertaining and a culmination 3 decades of Dan' life's' work as a teacher, competitor, writers and much more. Released June 17, 2017. Excellent review from customers around the world! Shipped to 8 countries.

From the Editor . . . Beyond The Target captures the very soul of Dan Schindler’steaching - unvarnished observations, thoughtful training regimens, and a deft, student-centered style that invites learning at every turn. Schindler writes that this is not a book of addition to the musty orthodoxy of Sporting Clays instruction. Instead, this is a story of smart subtraction, slicing through the tried-but-maybe-not-so-true gobbledygook that keeps shooters forever mired in performance plateaus . . .