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Recommended Reading Material
I have no affiliation with A.I.M. Shooting School but are a huge believer in what Anthony Matarese has done for the sporting clays shooters by publishing all of his knowledge and experience for other to learn from. Every edge a sporting clays shooter or hunter can attain, I want to support. I own these books personally and appreciate the advantage they provide.
Two-time world champion and renowned instructor Anthony I. Matarese Jr. offers his complete guide to shotgun shooting, from your very first shot to the highest level of sporting clays. Beginners and experienced shooters alike will discover how to improve from one of the world’s most respected shooters and coaches.
An essential guide for hunters by two of the best in the business—outdoor media legend Will Primos and world champion shotgun shooter Anthony I. Matarese Jr.
No matter what you hunt—upland birds, ducks and geese, doves, deer, or turkeys—Straight Shooting for Hunters will show you how to pick the right gear, develop the right plan, and make the shot when it counts. In this game-changing book, world champion Anthony I. Matarese Jr., the most decorated sporting clays shooter in US history, teams up with Will Primos, a true pioneer of the game-call industry and one of the best-known figures in outdoor media, to offer a no-nonsense guide to everything you need to know to improve your shooting.
The Excitement of Shotgun Sports
Shotgun shooting is one of the most thrilling and dynamic activities in the world of sports. Whether you’re a complete novice or an experienced shooter, shotgun sports like Trap, Skeet, and Sporting Clays offer an engaging experience for all. These sports are designed to mimic the challenge of shooting a bird in flight, combining skill, timing, and precision. Some targets are launched from fixed positions and angles, while others can surprise you with unpredictable movements. Here’s a deeper look into these exciting shotgun sports.
Trap Shooting
Trap shooting is the oldest of the shotgun disciplines in
the U.S., and its name is derived from the "trap" mechanism that
propels clay targets into the air. Shooters take aim at these targets, which
are launched from a trap house positioned ahead of them. The targets are
released in a random sequence, presenting shooters with a variety of shots that
may veer to the left, right, or travel straight ahead.
Typically, a round of trap involves five shooters. Each shooter takes 25 shots, aiming at five different positions marked from left to right on the shooting field. Each position presents a series of five clay targets, with one shot per target. After completing one round, shooters rotate to the next position. Learn more about how you can get involved in trap shooting through the Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA), which also offers opportunities for young competitors through the AIM program.
Skeet Shooting
Skeet shooting uses the same clay targets as trap, but the
setup is different. It requires two trap houses—one high and one low—positioned
at opposite ends of the field. The targets from the high house are launched
from about 10 feet above the ground, moving towards the shooter’s right, while
those from the low house are thrown in the opposite direction from a height of
around three feet.
In skeet shooting, shooters typically participate in squads of five. The field has eight stations, seven of which form a semi-circle around the field. Station eight sits in the middle, directly between the two houses, offering a particularly challenging shot. A round consists of 25 targets, including singles and doubles. If a shooter misses their first target, it’s repeated as an "optional" target. The National Skeet Shooting Association is a great resource for getting involved, and the Scholastic Clay Target Program offers opportunities for young shooters to compete.
Sporting Clays
Sporting clays is perhaps the most versatile and challenging
of all shotgun sports. It is designed to replicate the varied shots that
hunters might encounter when pursuing game birds, such as crossing, incoming,
and angling shots. Shooters are presented with a range of targets, from the
standard clay birds to smaller targets like “midi” and “mini” clays or rolling
“rabbit” targets that mimic the unpredictable movement of game on the ground.
Sporting clays courses typically feature multiple shooting stations laid out in natural terrain. Like a golf course, participants move from one station to the next, shooting at targets in different formations—singles, simultaneous pairs, or report pairs. The round usually consists of 50 or 100 targets, depending on the course. The National Sporting Clays Association provides valuable resources for getting started, while the Scholastic Clay Target Program offers competitive opportunities for youth.
Shotgun Basics: Action Designs and Gauges
Understanding shotgun mechanics can significantly improve
your shooting performance. Shotguns come in various action designs and gauges,
each offering unique benefits for different types of shooting.
Action Designs
- Single-Shots:
These shotguns are simple, holding only one shell at a time. They’re
lightweight and inexpensive, making them ideal for beginners or for
specific tasks like farm work. The single-shot design is also commonly
used for home defense.
- Over/Unders
and Side-by-Sides: These break-action shotguns hold two shells—either
stacked vertically (over/under) or placed side by side. The advantage here
is the ability to shoot twice without reloading, a feature that's highly
favored in trap, skeet, and sporting clays competitions. These shotguns
tend to be more expensive, especially those crafted by renowned
manufacturers.
- Pump
Action: Known for its reliability, the pump-action shotgun features a
magazine tube that holds multiple shells. After each shot, the shooter
pumps the fore-end to load the next shell, making it an ideal choice for
home defense and hunting. While a bit slower than semi-automatics, it
remains a popular option for clay sports due to its affordability and
effectiveness.
- Semi-Automatics: Semi-automatic shotguns automatically load the next shell after each shot, making them fast and efficient for rapid shooting. They're particularly popular for competitive shooting sports, such as 3-Gun competitions, due to their quick follow-up shots. They are also considered to have less recoil than other action types, making them a good choice for new shooters.
Shotgun Gauges
The gauge of a shotgun refers to the size of the barrel, and each gauge has specific applications depending on the shooter’s needs. Common gauges include the 10, 12, 16, 20, and 28 gauges, as well as the smaller .410 bore.
- 10-Gauge:
Known for its powerful recoil, the 10-gauge is primarily used for hunting,
particularly in waterfowl or big-game hunting, and it typically uses
3½-inch shells.
- 12-Gauge:
The most popular and versatile gauge, the 12-gauge is used in almost all
shotgun sports and is available in a range of shell lengths, including 2¾,
3, and 3½ inches.
- 16-Gauge:
This less common gauge is valued for its balance between recoil and
pattern density, though it can be harder to find ammo for.
- 20-Gauge:
A smaller alternative to the 12-gauge, the 20-gauge is favored by newer
shooters, particularly women and youth, for its lighter recoil.
- 28-Gauge:
This small-gauge shotgun is ideal for upland bird hunting and sub-gauge
competitions, offering a light recoil and small payload of pellets.
- .410-Bore: The smallest and least powerful, the .410 is often used for specialized shooting, including home defense and youth shooting competitions. However, its small pellet count and low power make it a more challenging choice for beginners in sporting clays and other shotgun sports.
Conclusion
Shotgun sports provide endless fun and challenge, whether
you’re just starting out or you're a seasoned pro. With disciplines like Trap,
Skeet, and Sporting Clays offering varied shooting experiences, there’s
something for everyone. Additionally, understanding the different action
designs and gauges will help you choose the right shotgun for your needs. So
grab your shotgun, hit the range, and start enjoying the thrilling world of
shotgun sports today!
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