Sporting Clays Tip, February 2009

Shooting Methods - Wise Choices - 3 of 4

February 2009 Sporting Clays Tip

by Dan Schindler

We're here again, talking about shooting methods. We've previously covered Maintained Lead and Swing-Through. This month we'll cover Churchill, an old and controversial shooting method.

Few have been able to accurately describe this method and how it works. But it does work and it has its advantages.

Churchill, like swing-through, relies on increased gun speed. Some proponents and teachers of this method will tell you to shoot right at the target. Which, of course, we know won't work. But, strangely, it does! Because of the gun speed in the swing. While others may disagree, experience has shown me that Churchill is a reliable close range method, often ideally suited to flushing game like grouse, quail, woodcock and some pheasant situations. There is a sense of touching the target or shooting right at it when you pull the trigger. That very real sense of touch, however, begins to leaves us as the target distance crosses the 30 yard line. Inside 30 yards, fine. Over 30 yards and the instinctive, more intuitive strength of this method begins to break down - quickly - with shotstrings disappearing behind the target.

I recommend Churchill when the distances are closer, and when you have minimal time to shoot, like a short-window shot. Want to take a rabbit right off the trap? Consider this method. Facing an incoming that you can't see until it clears the branches and quickly disappears over your head behind you? Churchill works!

It is better suited to be a specialized method considering we have many targets beyond the 30 yard mark requiring a bit more precision than instinct. But Churchill is a highly enjoyable shooting method and it does have its applications. You won't be disappointed if you use it sparingly and on the right presentations. Knowing how to use it just might save that long run as you walk onto the last field. You never know.