New shooters coming into our sport are often discouraged by their early scores on a Sporting Clays range. While out and about, I see and hear this many times. Our shooter is “only” breaking about 50% of his or her targets, maybe a few more, but always well below their expectations. This, of course, is completely understandable because they are comparing their scores to others who just shot in the 80’s or possibly a 90 something. What the heck is going on? Here’s the example of what’s going on. Hummelstown Field & Stream is a small gun club just minutes outside of downtown Hershey PA. I was there in the 1980’s when Sporting Clays was ...

Can you tell which foster kid had their friend die in their arms? In spite of their fear of guns, they voluntarily stood in line, waiting for their turn to break a few clays. And they did, surrounded by cheers and applause! Then walked to the back of the line so they could do it again!! For these kids, and their counselors and social workers, said humbly, this outing made a huge difference…an entirely new way to look upon guns and shooting…a positive, life-changing difference. This was a meaningful difference that not only included building self-confidence but visibly raised self-esteem. Spend some time with teenage foster kids and make a difference. Help them face their ...

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 ...

Target setters are a devious bunch and, have no doubt, we’re all the better for it. This particular true pair presentation can be shot either way and has us wondering which bird first, the A or B trap? Watching some of the shooters ahead of us hasn’t helped since there are just as many shooting the A trap first as there are shooting the B trap first and few are running this station. Choosing which bird first isn’t obvious but there is a way to untangle this and put the odds in our favor.         At the call, as a true pair, watch both birds carefully as they come into their last half or last third of their flight. Which bird do you ...