There have been endless discussions and debates over what you should see when looking down your barrel. Some say you should see the target…and only the target. I call this the “total focus on the target” method. For reasons that follow, I’ve found this method creates missing in our day-to-day clay target shooting. 

True…looking at the target with your primary vision is required. However, also seeing your muzzle in your peripheral vision (muzzle awareness) will allow you to confirm the actual spatial relationship between your target and the muzzle of your gun. Your muzzle is pointed where you think it is because you have visually confirmed it is. The “total focus” method (with zero muzzle awareness in the peripheral vision) too often doesn’t work because where the shooter thinks his/her muzzle is pointed, is not where the muzzle is actually pointed. Trusting what you can’t see is an open invitation to missing.

So it is understandable why a new shooter will question what a sight picture is…in other words, what should I be seeing? Here is a recommendation which greatly simplifies the answer, creating that aha moment and a more trustworthy swing.

I ask my students to point at the target with their index finger, preferably with the fore-end hand. This they do accurately. I ask if their finger was pointed at the bird? “Yes.” I then ask…”How do you know your finger was pointed at the bird?” Reply…”Well, in the beginning I was a little bit ahead of it. So I slowed down and then I saw my finger pointed right at the bird.” I explain…what you saw was your sight picture…your visual confirmation of where your finger was really pointed. 

I further explain…what you are seeing…the relationship between your finger and the target…that’s your moving “sight picture.” That’s the sight picture you will be looking for when pointing your shotgun at the target.  

Once the understanding is in place, muzzle placement during the swing becomes more accurate and the X count can rise. Seeing a sight picture is easy and uncomplicated. And why wouldn’t it be? You’ve been pointing your finger accurately since you were a little kid. Look Mommy…cookies!

 Thank you for stopping by!

Hope to see you out on the course.

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Paragon School of Sporting was established by Daniel Schindler in 1994. We've built our Sporting Clays Instruction, Wingshooting Instruction, and Performance Training business - student by student - on our unconditional promise to make sure each and every one of our clients exceeds their shooting goals. Dan Schindler teaches Paragon's step-by-step Sporting Clays and Wingshooting system that he created. This is a tried and true shooting system designed for shooting success. Using clear, concise language, Dan teaches his clients a shooting process that allows them to build consistency into their shooting. Teaching at Paragon is not "just a business." We are committed to making sure each student is treated with courtesy and respect. 

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.