Shotgun Basics

I know most of this is pretty obvious to most, but the amount of times some of these terms were used in the early days .... and I had to use them, was surprising so I thought I would just add this since if you are reading this site you are probably a complete novice like me

Shotguns obviously vary quite a bit in terms of the action, whether or not they have ejectors, single and double trigger versions (mainly side by sides)

Parts of the gun

The pistol grip can be a different shapes and widths, some have comb raisers and rib raisers to help with aim and specific targeting etc. Stocks come in different lengths and are cast left or right  ldepending on how you shoot.  The amount of cast varies from gun to gun, the optimum cast you need depends on your personal shape and can be altered later if the need arises.

Gun Types (in brief)

Don't be confused with the varying gun types, here is a brief overview followed by and interesting video demonstrating that the gun type is not necessarily limiting.

Sporting Guns

Sporting guns are intended to be a good all-rounder for the varied targets, often are multi-choked and the weights vary.

Trap Guns

Trap guns are usually mounted 'gun up', shot over long distances and don't require all the swinging around so are often heavier, have tight chokes, a raised rib, raised comb and longer barrels.

Skeet Guns

Skeet guns usually have shorter barrels, are lighter and have open chokes due to the targets being close and fast.

Game Guns

Game guns' usually have automatic safety, shorter barrels and are generally lighter, the reason being that you need to be able to carry the gun loaded, you need to be quick and maybe need to carry it around for a long time ready for that unexpected 'feathered' bird...(Your friendly gunsmith can easily change your safety to manual)

Trap gun versus Skeet gun for Skeet and Sporting?

Jonny and Dave from The Gun Shop shooting at Southdown Gun Club

Gun Mount

Consistent gun mount is my nemisis so I choose to share with you here, all the little gems I have been given to help me by various instructors - everybody shoots differently but we all have to start somewhere.  

Shoulder Pocket

I'm told you have a natural shoulder pocket where the gun sits happily when you mount it... I'm not so sure this applies to us all as I was told I have a funny shoulder and my gun mount appears inconsistent (I'm wondering if having extra lumps in that area are the cause of my problem but nobody is brave enough to have a probe around to help me )  Either way mounting the gun in the same position is vital for consistent shooting I'm told, so a lot of practice getting this right is critical in my opinion.

What you see when you mount

I was advised that when you mount the gun you should only be able to see a small amount of rib - what is a small amount??? - absolutely no idea because aparently you should be looking at the clay and NOT the rib lol.  I also found that when I could see any rib at all when mounting the gun, I was shooting high consistently!

Pattern plates and Shotkams can help you resolve this but for me it is still a bit of a mystery and an ongoing project. 

Comb raisers and adjustable butt plates can help you get this right with your particular gun.

Feet

Your leading foot (left if you shoot right handed) should point toward the place you intend to actually fire the gun and your other foot should be slightly back and at around 45 degrees.  This apparently means that you have maximum swingability when you pick up the clay in your sights and when you follow the shot through.

If you are shooting low targets such as rabbits (clay ones of course) your feet should be side by side and slightly appart - this is because when you swing the gun pointing down it draws a curve because of the way your torso moves.  I have to say this seems to work as rabbits are my best shots at the moment.

Posture

I was advised that your centre of balance should be forward and you should lean into and hold the gun tight into your shoulder so that when it fires it doesn't knock you backwards. Also the leaning into the gun gives a slightly aggressive posture ... KILL THAT CLAY!