Sporting Clays for a noob.

CHRIS_WNC

CHRIS_WNC

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My in-laws sponsor have been running a charity shoot and I haven't shot in it because I'm a total noob with shotguns and moving targets. Just never got in to it for some reason. Anyway, there was a trainer coming up to the local club and my MIL signed me up for an hour lesson. :) It was so much fun. I busted more clays today that I have my entire 41 year life!

My FIL brought a loaner gun and ammo for me to use. A 12 ga Browning O/U that's marked Sporter Ultra Plus. Long ported barrel with extended chokes. The instructor had me mount the gun a couple times as I would normally. He asked questions about eye dominance and such, then had me take a few shots at some clays. Misses, of course. He noticed some things and we discussed eye dominance again. I'm right handed but have a stronger left eye, so I've always shot long guns on my left shoulder. It works well for rifles. He said that I was central eye dominant and proved it by doing the pointing test. Ok. I'd never heard of that. He had me switch the shotgun over to my right shoulder and put a small sticker/tab thing on the left lens of my shooting glasses. Then he had me shoot several more clays. I was actually busting them this time. Huge smile on my face. The tab obscures my left eye just enough that my right eye kind of takes over. Peripheral vision is all there but I don't see the side of the barrel with my left eye when I mount the gun. Pretty cool.

We also worked on mounting the gun, feet placement, break point, and some other terms that I forgot. It was a good time. I was expecting to be sore from recoil, but that isn't the case. My left shoulder is freaking sore from holding the shotgun for an hour. Pretty embarrassing but I haven't shot much from my right shoulder and that side isn't used to holding weight that long. lol. I have some goals and training to do to get ready for the charity shoot, but I'll be ready for it.

I think this will be a fun little hobby. My inlaws (Father, Mother, and Brother) all shoot a lot. They do family shoots and such pretty often. They've been trying to get me to come and I always passed it up. Not anymore.

Oh, at the end of the lesson. My father-in-law was talking to me about the loaner shotgun and how he's busted a ton of clays and won a bunch of prizes with it. But, that he's moved on to a auto-loader Beretta and that he wasn't going to be using that O/U any more. He told me to keep it. My in-laws are pretty cool.

So...
I guess I have a question. Do you guys wear a shooting vest and dump shells into the pockets or strap on a belt/pouch thingy?

CHRIS
 
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When I shot I always wore a vest. I was borrowing dad's gear. Don't recall anyone using anything else.

Have a similar eye issue. Right eye dominant but better vision in my left, can cause them to struggle on left to right clays. I was never serious enough for it to be more than an annoyance.
 
Nice! Which course did you go to?

I've been wanting to take a lesson.
 
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I go just about every weekend to Deep River. I just started back last Fall and am completely hooked.

Some of the guys I shoot with use the side pouch and some use the vest. I made a cart out of a used jogging stroller I bought off Craigslist and put gun mounts on it like used on an ATV. That way I can carry my shells, have a towel to wipe my face and carry water too. Also no fatigue from carrying a gun around as I just lay it in the holders on the stroller (barrel pointed down). When I get ready to go up to the stand, I just put 4 shells in my pocket.

I tried the pouch and just did not like the added weight on my side. I may get a vest this Fall and try that out.
 
Took said:
I go just about every weekend to Deep River. I just started back last Fall and am completely hooked.

Some of the guys I shoot with use the side pouch and some use the vest. I made a cart out of a used jogging stroller I bought off Craigslist and put gun mounts on it like used on an ATV. That way I can carry my shells, have a towel to wipe my face and carry water too. Also no fatigue from carrying a gun around as I just lay it in the holders on the stroller (barrel pointed down). When I get ready to go up to the stand, I just put 4 shells in my pocket.

I tried the pouch and just did not like the added weight on my side. I may get a vest this Fall and try that out.
Click to expand...

I've already got a jogging stroller converted that I may use. We had a golf cart today. I was sweating like a pig though. The coach lent me his towel. :eek: I'll add that to my range supplies!

CHRIS
 
Sounds like I may have the same eye issue. It’s difficult to figure which one’s dominant. Eye Dr went back and forth, my rt is a little more dom, yet I do see better with my left.
You’ve clarified I need lessons before I sell the Citori.
 
I shoot in a charity tournament every year and it's always loads of fun. I've never actually gone ahead and purchased a shell caddy, so I usually keep my ammo boxes in a backpack with water and a towel. Thankfully I've got a place nearby to shoot five-stand so I can practice for much less money than shooting a bunch of sporting clays.
 
I have a belt/pouch that I got for cheap. I think it was 4 bucks on Clearance at WM, Caldwell maybe?
Anyway, its a dual pocket pouch and has a belt with it.

If money wouldnt have been a factor Id have gotten a vest...and I still might in the future.
But I didnt want to put a ton into this
 
Sweet. BTW, your wife have any sisters? Just kidding, married 30 years in May '19.

Nice instructional videos from Henry Baskerville of Cavalier Sporting Clays in Virginia.
 
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While I totally agree with old Henry, he doesn't mention head or body position which influences the mount and cheek weld. Maybe there's more to his series that addresses the "other" issues....
 
I use a half vest because I would sweat too much in a full vest. Also has a golf towel attached to it. At some point I'll probably make a leather shell carrier but just have not had the time to pattern one out yet. Or not one worth seeing.

BTW, we shoot sporting clays at Catawba Valley Wildlife Club in Vale on the 1st and 3rd Sat of the month. Depending on where you are coming from it might be another option for you. We have a group that comes from over that way at least once a month.

For the eye dominance, check these out. I have them on all my shotguns now and have finally moved to shooting with both eyes open. It blocks the sight from your vision without needing to put something on your glasses.

http://www.meadowindustries.com/sights.html#vari
 
As I keep telling people, if you're seeing the barrel you ain't seeing the bird....

See the bird.....
Swing and mount the gun....
Slap the trigger and keep the gun moving....
See the bird die!!! Dead birds are fun....

Holler when you guys are going, I'd love to tag along and maybe learn something...
 
CHRIS_WNC said:
My in-laws sponsor have been running a charity shoot and I haven't shot in it because I'm a total noob with shotguns and moving targets. Just never got in to it for some reason. Anyway, there was a trainer coming up to the local club and my MIL signed me up for an hour lesson. :) It was so much fun. I busted more clays today that I have my entire 41 year life!

My FIL brought a loaner gun and ammo for me to use. A 12 ga Browning O/U that's marked Sporter Ultra Plus. Long ported barrel with extended chokes. The instructor had me mount the gun a couple times as I would normally. He asked questions about eye dominance and such, then had me take a few shots at some clays. Misses, of course. He noticed some things and we discussed eye dominance again. I'm right handed but have a stronger left eye, so I've always shot long guns on my left shoulder. It works well for rifles. He said that I was central eye dominant and proved it by doing the pointing test. Ok. I'd never heard of that. He had me switch the shotgun over to my right shoulder and put a small sticker/tab thing on the left lens of my shooting glasses. Then he had me shoot several more clays. I was actually busting them this time. Huge smile on my face. The tab obscures my left eye just enough that my right eye kind of takes over. Peripheral vision is all there but I don't see the side of the barrel with my left eye when I mount the gun. Pretty cool.

We also worked on mounting the gun, feet placement, break point, and some other terms that I forgot. It was a good time. I was expecting to be sore from recoil, but that isn't the case. My left shoulder is freaking sore from holding the shotgun for an hour. Pretty embarrassing but I haven't shot much from my right shoulder and that side isn't used to holding weight that long. lol. I have some goals and training to do to get ready for the charity shoot, but I'll be ready for it.

I think this will be a fun little hobby. My inlaws (Father, Mother, and Brother) all shoot a lot. They do family shoots and such pretty often. They've been trying to get me to come and I always passed it up. Not anymore.

Oh, at the end of the lesson. My father-in-law was talking to me about the loaner shotgun and how he's busted a ton of clays and won a bunch of prizes with it. But, that he's moved on to a auto-loader Beretta and that he wasn't going to be using that O/U any more. He told me to keep it. My in-laws are pretty cool.

So...
I guess I have a question. Do you guys wear a shooting vest and dump shells into the pockets or strap on a belt/pouch thingy?

CHRIS
Click to expand...

I need to get over there and do this I have been meaning to go over to Cleghorn for a while but I never set it up. I am in the same boat you are . Not really a shotgun/clays shooter but I am interested in getting a lesson and learning. I sent you a PM to get the trainers info.
 
wvsig said:
I need to get over there and do this I have been meaning to go over to Cleghorn for a while but I never set it up. I am in the same boat you are . Not really a shotgun/clays shooter but I am interested in getting a lesson and learning. I sent you a PM to get the trainers info.
Click to expand...

One that is closer to you is @christyouthguy give him a shout and see what his availability may be.....

He's in Elkin....
 
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Bailey Boat said:
As I keep telling people, if you're seeing the barrel you ain't seeing the bird.....
Click to expand...

Personally, even when I realized I was aiming the shotgun too much trying to stop seeing 2 beads was a bit too much. Even if I mounted correct, as soon as both eyes were open there were 2 beads. It's distracting to say the least.

But to his point, my best feeling shots come when I don't notice the gun at all. It's hard to explain. You call the bird, start the swing, and the birds just break. And you have no idea where the gun or bead was. You just knew everything was right.
 
chiefjason said:
Personally, even when I realized I was aiming the shotgun too much trying to stop seeing 2 beads was a bit too much. Even if I mounted correct, as soon as both eyes were open there were 2 beads. It's distracting to say the least.

But to his point, my best feeling shots come when I don't notice the gun at all. It's hard to explain. You call the bird, start the swing, and the birds just break. And you have no idea where the gun or bead was. You just knew everything was right.
Click to expand...

THAT'S seeing the bird instead of the barrel. Remember, a shotgun is pointed, not aimed.....
 
The most helpful thing I've ever been told about shotgunning is this: the bead isn't there for aiming, it's there to put your head in the correct position.

My shooting benefited greatly from ceasing to look at the bead after getting the gun mounted.
 
CHRIS_WNC said:
My in-laws sponsor have been running a charity shoot and I haven't shot in it because I'm a total noob with shotguns and moving targets. Just never got in to it for some reason. Anyway, there was a trainer coming up to the local club and my MIL signed me up for an hour lesson. :) It was so much fun. I busted more clays today that I have my entire 41 year life!

My FIL brought a loaner gun and ammo for me to use. A 12 ga Browning O/U that's marked Sporter Ultra Plus. Long ported barrel with extended chokes. The instructor had me mount the gun a couple times as I would normally. He asked questions about eye dominance and such, then had me take a few shots at some clays. Misses, of course. He noticed some things and we discussed eye dominance again. I'm right handed but have a stronger left eye, so I've always shot long guns on my left shoulder. It works well for rifles. He said that I was central eye dominant and proved it by doing the pointing test. Ok. I'd never heard of that. He had me switch the shotgun over to my right shoulder and put a small sticker/tab thing on the left lens of my shooting glasses. Then he had me shoot several more clays. I was actually busting them this time. Huge smile on my face. The tab obscures my left eye just enough that my right eye kind of takes over. Peripheral vision is all there but I don't see the side of the barrel with my left eye when I mount the gun. Pretty cool.

We also worked on mounting the gun, feet placement, break point, and some other terms that I forgot. It was a good time. I was expecting to be sore from recoil, but that isn't the case. My left shoulder is freaking sore from holding the shotgun for an hour. Pretty embarrassing but I haven't shot much from my right shoulder and that side isn't used to holding weight that long. lol. I have some goals and training to do to get ready for the charity shoot, but I'll be ready for it.

I think this will be a fun little hobby. My inlaws (Father, Mother, and Brother) all shoot a lot. They do family shoots and such pretty often. They've been trying to get me to come and I always passed it up. Not anymore.

Oh, at the end of the lesson. My father-in-law was talking to me about the loaner shotgun and how he's busted a ton of clays and won a bunch of prizes with it. But, that he's moved on to a auto-loader Beretta and that he wasn't going to be using that O/U any more. He told me to keep it. My in-laws are pretty cool.

So...
I guess I have a question. Do you guys wear a shooting vest and dump shells into the pockets or strap on a belt/pouch thingy?

CHRIS
Click to expand...

Well a big thanks to Chris for posting this. I am not a shotgun guy at all. I am not much of a rifle gun either if I am being honest but clay shooting has always befuddled me. I had a good friend in KY who was into sporting clays. I had other friends who shot trap and skeet. I just never did it. Like many people I am too often too reluctant to do things I am not knowledgeable in. Being a noob admitting that you know nothing and asking for help is something that goes against my nature. It was easier to avoid the initial discomfort than omit ignorance. I often turn and through hard head determination teach myself. This makes for a much larger learning curve. When we were about to move to Rutherfordton, NC from KY and I had mentioned to my friend there was a new sporting clays course in town. He unbeknownst to suggested to my wife she should buy me an over/under for my birthday so I could learn to shoot sporting clays. She did. Well fast forward post more than a year after seeing Chris' I finally dragged my butt out there. I shot at the Cleghorn Gun Club in Tryon, NC.

I was able to get a 1 Hr lesson with their Pro Shop director Bob Standish who is a level II instructor. I wanted to get the basics down right like Chris. Going against my nature. Footing, mount break point etc... Drawing from my hard headed learning to shoot pistols I followed the advice I try to give new pistol shooters. Go and get training early in the process so you learn proper technique that you can build on so you don't train in bad habits that have to be trained out later. I explained to Bob that I am familiar with pistols and rifles but have only shot clays informally and that I had not idea what I was doing. I told him treat me like I know nothing.

He did an awesome job. I shot of the 5 stand for a bit. Shot from 3 of the stations there including a "rabbit" which was fun. He said now with one is going to be little different. Ran the "rabbit" so I could see its path. He then said say pull when you are ready. I said pull the rabbit ran and I hit it. Said pull again and out it rolled and bang destroy it. He looked at me and said Your a Rabbit killing machine. LOL We then moved on to some of the other stations. He had me shoot multiple different flights angles etc... It was great. We then got to a station and he said I am going to have you shoot a report pair and then if you can do that you will shoot it as a true pair. I asked "What's a pair?" Of course its 2 clays. So I called pull for the first one hit it he then launched the second and I hit that. I reloaded and he ask if I was ready. I said yes and got in my newly learned stance and said pull. He launched the true pair and I took the low one first and then the high one. Ejected the shells and Bob looked and me and said we are right about at an hour and I think thats the perfect way to end your first day of shooting clays. I agreed. It was a fantastic day and as I left the range I texted my wife "Honey, I'm really sorry but I just found a new very expensive hobby!"

I was surprised by how physical the activity was. Like Chris my left arm or supporting arm was much more fatigued while shooting and admittedly sore the next day. Bob gave me some "dry fire" type swing drills that should help me build muscle memory and strength. The other big obstacle was not aiming. I had to drown out the little voice inside my head saying "front sight....front sight..." I had to change it to watch the clay... watch the clay.

PS here is a pic of the reciever of the O/U she bought me. Bob asked me did I need to rent a shotgun when I got there. I said no my wife bought me one for my birthday which I have not even shot yet. I took it out of the box and he looked at it and said "You gotta good wife."

wBOc1D8.jpg
 
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Update.
I've been practicing mounting and holding my Browning "off handed" to get better used to holding a long gun that way. We've got a family practice time scheduled at the gun club on Saturday. And next week I do my first charity shoot. :) I talked them in to getting a little prize for low score so I could walk away with something. lol.

CHRIS
 
I've shot sporting clays 3 times now. Unfortunately, I shoot a lot of competition with other guns so can't really justify a shot gun for SC yet. And shotgunning of this sort is so much different than say, 3 gun shotgunning.

But dang, it is soooo fun. Getting out and either walking the course or riding in a cart is just a great way to spend a day. It is very challenging and I need a lesson. I've watched some videos here and there. At some point I am going to get more into this. Shotguns are just so satisfying. And hitting moving birds feels great.

If you like the idea of golf, but hate golf, this is like golf with shotguns. Redneck golf!

Good luck Chris and thanks for keeping us updated.
 
We have a Sporting Clay track at our club and I have only seen the first station. I have shot more skeet and trap than I can remember but not the first round of SC. We need some online lessons. What chokes do you use if you are using an OU and if you are using a auto?
 
Improved cylinder will get you around most any course. Personally I shoot skeet and IC in all of my O/U's on any course and haven't come across any birds I can't reach, so far.....
Who wants to shoot Hunting Creek this weekend??
 
Bailey Boat said:
Improved cylinder will get you around most any course. Personally I shoot skeet and IC in all of my O/U's on any course and haven't come across any birds I can't reach, so far.....
Who wants to shoot Hunting Creek this weekend??
Click to expand...

Would love to but got to work Saturday. I shot some five stand last weekend and loved it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Bailey Boat said:
Improved cylinder will get you around most any course. Personally I shoot skeet and IC in all of my O/U's on any course and haven't come across any birds I can't reach, so far.....
Who wants to shoot Hunting Creek this weekend??
Click to expand...
I'll go. Connie is out of town this weekend and I need something to do. I'll just have to knock the dust off the shotgun. Let me know when you nail down the day, I'm good Saturday or Sunday.
 
CHRIS_WNC said:
Update.
I've been practicing mounting and holding my Browning "off handed" to get better used to holding a long gun that way. We've got a family practice time scheduled at the gun club on Saturday. And next week I do my first charity shoot. :) I talked them in to getting a little prize for low score so I could walk away with something. lol.

CHRIS
Click to expand...
You may surprise yourself. First time I ever shot one of these,(never dove, duck hunted or shot skeet) I hit 75 out of 100.

Beginners luck though. Haven’t been able to do it since
 
Zbizzle911 said:
She said Sunday was fine. I don’t get off work until 0800 Sunday morning. What time were you looking at?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
They open at 1 on Sundays. I think we would need to be there near 1.
 
2slow said:
They open at 1 on Sundays. I think we would need to be there near 1.
Click to expand...

If we want a cart we should be there at 12:45. I like to shoot 100 but in 2 rounds of 50 each instead of standing there shooting 8 times at the same 2 birds, boring.......
I'll see if Jay wants to come so we'll have a foursome.... Any bets per bird difference??? Chris, you and I could ride together if you want??
 
Bailey Boat said:
If we want a cart we should be there at 12:45. I like to shoot 100 but in 2 rounds of 50 each instead of standing there shooting 8 times at the same 2 birds, boring.......
I'll see if Jay wants to come so we'll have a foursome.... Any bets per bird difference??? Chris, you and I could ride together if you want??
Click to expand...
Looking forward to it.
Yea we can ride together. I 'll get up with you later this week.
As far as bets go, you know how bad I shoot, however I don't mind a small contribution to the Bailey Boat fund.
 
Zbizzle911 said:
10-4 I wasn't sure I've never shot there or sporting clays for that matter. Hopefully I don't make an ass of myself lol
Click to expand...
Don't worry about it. Nobody cares. Just have fun.
I've shot 1000s of targets and still suck. I just like putting lead in the air!
 
I shot my practice round today. We skipped on station. I score 4th out of 4. :cool: I'm ok on the floaters or the ones that are lofted coming and going. The fast ones that fly across laterally stumped me. There were several stations that we all cleared, which was pretty cool. I goose-egg'd one station. I think my final score was 55 out of 94. I was better than 50% on my first time out, so I was happy with myself. And I had fun with my in-laws too. Win/Win!

The charity shoot is on Thursday. I'm looking forward to it.

CHRIS
 
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