Mastering Consistency

Shotgunning brings immense joy to many of us. Yet, there often comes a moment when we question our inconsistencies in hitting targets. Here are some essential truths about what actually determines an X or O.

“The musical instrument does not make the musician.”

Our previous article, “Swing, Swear, Repeat,” highlighted the importance of shooter skill over gear. This is an important message, and I believe it merits a second look from another relevant perspective.

The Real Cause of Missing and Inconsistency

An extensive library of shotgun calculations is available: shell load and fps, target speed, line and distance, swing speed, shooting method, and bird/barrel sight pictures. However, all these relevant calculations are rendered ineffective if swing precision is compromised.

Rifle and handgun shooters quickly learn that unintended movement leads to lost accuracy. For clay shooters, this translates to “missing.” Why? Because precision is non-negotiable across all firearms due to the math involved. Room for errors? Little to none. Swing movement errors lead to misses because the math dictates it, not because I say so.

Math and Shotgunning

Time out!! If you think math doesn't belong in shotgunning, I wholeheartedly agree! I don't teach math; I teach managing shotgun movements—controlling the swing—because precision matters. Every shell, every target, precision in the swing determines XXXXXX or OXXOOX.

Instinct vs. Precision

Many shotgunners rely on instinct to break targets. It works until it doesn’t. Try as we might with the best of intentions, instinct alone cannot provide the precision necessary for consistently breaking today’s clay target presentations. The absence of precision in the swing is the # 1 cause of inconsistency.

As for the shotgun pattern providing X’s—experience in the shooting box promptly shows us that we cannot rely on that pattern to compensate for set-up and swing errors. I’ve watched many a shot-string miss a target by inches, prompting me to teach specific set-up and swing steps to control my students’ movements. Proper swing control ensures the shot string hits the target. On time, dependably.

Done correctly: step + step = X

The specific set-up and swing steps are simple. Once learned—with the math being constant and consistent—a swing executed correctly guarantees an X. You read that correctly.

Consistency

Shooters, equipment, and methods vary, but the math involved in hitting a target does not. While understanding the math isn't necessary, controlling gun movements to ensure the shotstring hits the target is. Please remember, none of this implies using rifle and handgun aiming principles, which lead directly to missing.

Teaching Precision

My students learn basic steps to control their movements. With slower, smoother, controlled swings, mistakes are quickly seen and corrected, OXXXX. Swing “awareness” has increased, and X’s are much more easily repeated. Precision in the swing eliminates “random gun movement” (RGM).

Should RGM creep into your swing, the math will move your shot-string off target. Just as precision in your swing works in your favor and builds consistency. Proven time after time, executing the swing correctly assures us our shotstring will hit the target.

If you wish to break more targets and shoot consistently, you may wish to purchase Dan Schindler's books Take Your Best Shot and To The Target, available on the Paragon website. Unfortunately, Beyond The Target is currently out of stock. Schindler's books are an investment in good shooting and offer invaluable insights, serving as a roadmap for shooters of all levels. Take Your Best Shot and To The Target are available on the Paragon School of Sporting website and shipped worldwide. Schindler's 3 books offer a simplified and uncomplicated approach to shooting, laying a solid foundation for breaking more targets and achieving consistently higher scores. These books offer invaluable information and are the next best things to taking a lesson with Dan Schindler. There's a wealth of information and blog posts on the Paragon website. 

 "Dan Schindler is truly a world-class Sporting Clays and Wingshooting instructor capable of taking complex action and breaking them down into simple, repeatable pieces . . . and good heavens doesn't sport shooting need more of that!"

Michael Bane, Host of Outdoor Channel's Shooting Gallery

Dan moves shooters — all skill levels (Never touched a shotgun to Master Class) — forward fast. He teaches the step-by-step Paragon Shooting SYSTEM that he meticulously designed to take the mystery out of breaking targets consistently, providing shooters with the solid foundation to continue moving their game forward. Shooters leave their lesson with crystal clarity, which removes the mystery of why the target broke (or didn't break). No more feeling lost, confused and frustrated.

Thank you for being here and I look forward to seeing you out on the course.

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About Dan Schindler

Dan Schindler is one of only 60 worldwide members of the Guild of Shooting Instructors (UK) and is one of the most highly respected Sporting Clays and Wingshooting Instructors in the US. Dan is an NSCA Level III Instructor (since 1995) and founded the Paragon School of Sporting with one goal in mind. Whether it be for the advanced competitor or providing the basics to the entry-level shooter, Paragon provides the simplest, most practical and most effective Instruction, Coaching and Mental Training for the Sporting Clays & Wingshooting enthusiast. Dan Schindler helps shooters alleviate a lot of their frustration by taking the mystery out of breaking targets, calling their own misses, and make their own corrections. Lessons are fun, enlightening and our clients learn to shoot better in minutes!  

Dan Schindler's Books

"Recommended for shooters of all skill levels, Coaches, Instructors

and parents of youth shooters."

Take Your Best Shot (Book I), 3rd Edition is THE Gold Standard Primer It's all about the fundamentals, a requirement for good shooting. This book is used by high school and college shooting teams, recreational and competitive shooters from around the world. Solid, valuable, concise information that has helped thousands of shooters shoot more consistently with higher scores.

To The Target (Book II) Builds on the steps outlined in Book I. Emphasises Gun Management skills when the trap fires, creating a consistent, reliable, trustworthy swing.

Beyond the Target (Book III) is for shooters of all levels. It is filled with valuable information and clay target truths. It is entertaining and a culmination of three decades of Dan's life's work as a teacher, competitor, published writer, and much more.

Here's what Shooters, Coaches and Clay Shooting USA saying...

 Take Your Best Shot (Book I), 3rd Edition

To The Target (Book II)

Beyond The Target (Book III)    Currently Out of Stock