TIPS

Tip from: Grant Boyd, Ballingers

Have your gun fitting so it shoots where you look. This test requires that you first have a consistent, well practiced gun mount. To test for gun fit, set up a pattern board at 16 yards. Fire several consecutive shots by mounting and shooting at a centre dot without aiming, but by merely pointing at the target. If the highest pattern density is off centre, take the target and your gun to a compentent gun fitter for adjustment.

Tip from: Grant Boyd, Ballingers

When pointing your gun, focus on the target and not the gun barrel or bead. Point, don't aim. Aiming slows your swing and causes you to shoot behind. Since a shot string is 10-14" long, use it to your advantage by pointing slightly more in front of a target. If you miss crossing targets, you are probably shooting behind. Try to "miss" in front by doubling your lead, and if still missing, try doubling the lead again.

Tip from: Grant Boyd, Ballingers

Learn to first swing the gun and then mount it. If we mount the gun as we swing to the target, the mount takes no time. Allow your pointing instincts to take over your swing. As you eyes become sharply focused on the target, finish the gun mount and shoot the instant the target is in sharp focus.

Tip from: Grant Boyd, Ballingers

When shooting (or practicing your swing/mount), position your feet so that a line extending from your rear heel to your leading foot points to where you will break the target. Keep your stance relatively narrow. This position encourages a smooth swing and a good follow through.

Tip from: Grant Boyd, Ballingers

Practice swinging and mounting an unloaded gun to your face in front of a mirror. Make sure you stand erect. Do not lower your face to the gun or tilt your head. Lift the gun straight up using a shot concise motion. Be sure to use both hands equally, as though they were connected by a steel rod. Mount the gun precisely from the same starting position each time. Always mount to the same place on your face each time. Mount the gun to the face not the shoulder. Do ten swings/mounts each day (the best shots make this part of their daily routine).

Tip from: Grant Boyd, Ballingers

In all shooting, practice safety first. Always wear hearing and eye protection. Keep your gun unloaded and the action visibly open until you're ready to shoot. Once you are finished shooting, make sure the gun is one again empty and the action is open. Alays keep the gun's muzzle pointed down range. Never point a gun muzzle backward over your shoulder.