A Heretic’s Opinion on Shotguns

Three goals: 1) Consistency; 2) measurable shooting improvement; 3) higher scores. Here’s Part 1 of 4 in a series on what we can and can’t depend on to reach those goals. Each Part in the series offers a short preview of what I cover extensively in my three books: Take Your Best Shot, To The Target, and Beyond The Target—the next best thing to taking a lesson.

Shotguns. Way more than just a tool, it proudly holds our trust, our confidence and, if we’re honest about it, our expectations of success. About those expectations.

Expecting our shotgun to accomplish those three goals will only work if one first applies a generous coat of MFD (Magic Fairy Dust) to the barrel. Folks, truth is, while they all do indeed work 24/7/365, no shotgun can guarantee you a better score or skill advancement. Promise maybe but not guarantee. Ultimately, every X and O comes down to the shooter’s knowledge, set-up and executing the correct swing. 

This is where owning a shotgun that holds our confidence does become important. Here are a few suggestions on that.

Take your time and pick the one that balances well and feels great in your hands. Gun weight? The lighter (7 lb) shotgun at the gun shop counter sure feels good. It’ll carry nicely, too. However, when Ranger goes on point or at the clay range, that gun will noticeably recoil more so consider that carefully. The slightly heavier gun (8 to 8.5 lb) has the advantage here, dampening felt recoil and helping with swing stability. Don’t underestimate those two considerations and especially when introducing new, often younger shooters to shotgunning. Semi or O/U? Both work very well in the field and the shooting box, the semi getting the nod on reducing felt recoil. Side-by-sides? They get ALL the style points, not to mention, every shooter gets better looking just by holding one. 

And finally, on that expensive, very special gun you don’t need but really, really want to purchase? The one with all the engraving. Buy it! Pride of ownership probably won’t raise your scores or put another Dove in your wingshooting vest, but who cares?  

Next, some interesting experiences with shotgun chokes. Stay tuned. 

Thanks for visiting with us today. If you wish to become more consistent in your shooting, I’ll be happy to chat with you and share what you can honestly expect from lessons.

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