Have Shotgun Will Won't Travel I know lots of shooters travel with their shotguns, but I've never traveled by plane with my gun. I've always been afraid of the hassle. What's involved in taking my shotgun on a plane? I often teach or meet shooters who have never flown with a shotgun. It's amazingly easy, even after 9/11. First, prior to departure day, check with the airline you'll be flying and the airports you'll be traveling through, as not all airlines and airports have the same restrictions and requirements. Having said that, the pointers outlined here are true for … [Read more...]
Picking a Squad for Nationals
Picking a Squad for Nationals I want to go to the National Championship but don't really know anyone else going. One of my shooting buddies went to Nationals by himself a few years ago and, while it was a great experience, his squad wasn't that great. Any tips on picking a squad since it will be my first time going to Nationals and don't know anyone else going? The National Championship is fast approaching and the squadding is definitely tightening up. As for selecting the right squad to shoot with at the National Championship, my advice is to start local. Inquire at your … [Read more...]
Ask the Instructor: Strategies for Chandelles
Strategies for Chandelles Chandelles are giving me trouble. I think I'm shooting over and end up chasing them. Can you give me advice on shooting chandelles? If you are having trouble breaking chandelle targets, or arcing targets, it is likely because of the unique characteristics of the chandelle that differentiate it from other target presentations: 1) it is showing either all belly or all face, which tricks the brain into believing that it is moving slower than it really is 2) it is arcing and thus changing trajectory throughout its flight path, and 3) it is in … [Read more...]
Ask the Instructor: New Gun, Low Scores
New Gun, Low Scores I recently bought a sporting clays gun with 32-inch barrels, and now my scores have fallen sharply. I started out with 28-inch barrels, then moved up to 30-inch, and now with the longer barrels, I can’t seem to catch up to the target. My previous two guns were Beretta 682, and this one is a 692. I’m 6’5? and 250 pounds, so the gun does not seem too big to me. I was pretty happy with the shorter barrels but succumbed to advertising, I suppose. A big part of this is seeing the top shooters in the country with the longer barrels and trying to duplicate what they are … [Read more...]
