Top tips to do yourself proud on beaters’ day Get your shooting kit ready the night before Practise mounting in the mirror 10 times Count 10 breaths in and out before the drive starts Point your leading foot where you’re going to shoot the bird Don’t lift your head off…
Improve your shooting
Want to improve your shooting? It is something we all aim for and every shooter could learn something new to refine their technique.
We asked Mark Heath, head instructor at West London Shooting School for some top tips. He has taught hundreds of people to shoot, both beginners and those who have been out in the field for years but who have fallen into bad habits along the way.
He says:
- Don’t underestimate the need for concentration when shooting, as opposed to aggressive speed and lack of focus. Lacking concentration will not get you anywhere.
- Shooting large amounts of cartridges can become expensive. Instead invest in a couple of lessons with an instructor who can analysis your faults and correct them for the future. This will result in less cartridges being used to perfect your shot.
- Having a well fitted gun is essential for this sport. If your gun is not shooting where you are looking you are playing shooting roulette. You may win and you may not.
- Follow a pre-shot routine that works for you, allowing you to build up your confidence and perfect your routine.
- Find a cartridge that you have confidence in and stick to it! If you keep changing and are swayed by the latest trend this will not help keep your consistency.
Read through the following articles for more tips on becoming a better Shot.
Are you having problems with high targets?
Love 'em or hate 'em - high birds can always pose a problem if your technique isn't up to scratch.
Cartridges for high pheasants
January has come round again and that means it’s high pheasant time. So we asked around some Guns and shooting instructors of our acquaintance to see what ammunition they used and for any tips they had to share. Concentration “Truly high pheasant shooting needs the right gun and cartridge combination.…
TOP TIPS: How to shoot a high bird
Many shooters, irrespective of whether they're into clays or game, often struggle to hit high birds
Which is the best shotgun cartridge for hitting high birds?
I noticed something last season. I saw some fellow Guns shooting birds at extreme range – higher than 60 yards – and I was also successful with some of my birds. What occurred to me was that a few years ago these birds would certainly have been out of range.…
Having trouble shooting high pheasants? Then read these expert tips
Chris Bird at Hollands offers some high pheasant shooting tips
How to shoot long range targets and high birds
Clay shooting lessons: How to shoot long range targets and high birds! Mark Russell looks at evaluating long range and high targets.
How tight must the stock and scope screws on my gun be?
I have finally, after much grunting and cursing, succeeded in loosening and removing the stock bolt from my Miroku 6000. When I re-assemble the gun after cleaning the action, must I put the bolt back as tight as it was?
What you need to do to get a clear view along your gun
In this article we take a closer look at the importance of comb height. In particular, how to assess a newcomer’s requirements and understand the relevance of the combination of correct comb height and stock length. Both will help a Gun shoot to a higher standard. What is comb height?…
Dealing with high birds – why you need to change your thinking if you want to be sucessful.
Lady’s Wood Shooting School provides the host setting for a masterclass on shooting high birds. As instructor Tom Payne advises: “I want to change your thinking on high birds – it’s not all about lead, it’s about what the bird is doing on the wing that matters.” In association with…
Could these be your best-ever shooting sunglasses?
Wear a pair of KomodoPro sunglasses and you’ll never be able to blame your poor shooting on bright light and glare again. That is because they include the latest technology in the form of a solar powered microchip which reacts to the light instantly. Guaranteed for life Buy a pair…
Five ways to be a better game shot
1. Have a relaxed and positive attitude Shooting requires what might be called relaxed concentration. According to psychologists, you need to be ‘aroused’ but not too hyped up to do your best work in most sporting tasks. Developing your natural hunting instincts can be helpful. The best shots have fun,…
Why should you move the gun with your whole body?
Why do you and other instructors make a point of stressing the gun should be moved by the whole body, particularly when shooting crossers and quartering birds?
What’s the secret to snipe shooting?
I had never come up against walked-up snipe until I took a shooting holiday to Ireland in December.
What are the best barrel lengths for different shooting disciplines?
In this article we look at the most suitable barrel lengths for shooting different types of clay target and live quarry, and how the appropriate choice can help or, indeed, hinder a shooter. This is intended to be a guide for newcomers to the sport, who often struggle to understand…
What to expect on your first day pheasant shooting
Wondering how your first day pheasant shooting is going to turn out? We asked some experienced shooters what novices should expect on their first day. An exciting buzz “All shoot day mornings are exciting. There is a buzz as you arrive for coffee and to draw pegs. Keepers, beaters, pickers-up,…
5 tips for airgunners
Mat Manning offers five key tips for airgunners to improve their fieldcraft 1. Go on a reconnaissance mission Reconnaissance around your shooting permissions will help you to target the right places at the right time but all wildlife observation is beneficial — whether in the field, car, park or garden. Observing…
Will professional gun fitting help my shooting?
I would like to have the stock on my new Beretta Silver Pigeon professionally fitted because I don’t feel as though I am shooting as well with it as I should. I have never had a gun fitted before and wondered if you can you recommend a fitter with a…
Your first day in the field
In the fourth part of our Shooting Times series on how to become the Shot you’ve always wanted, in association with Hull Cartridge, Tom Payne is looking at how to approach your first day in the field – from how to stand on the peg to the proper way to…