If you're considering taking up clay shooting as a new hobby for the year, our beginner's guide will help you with everything you need to know to master this game. This blog covers some interesting tips, many you may not have not come across before.
Now let's begin our in-depth instruction in clay shooting to make the best use of your sporting clays in Orlando:
1. Incoming Clay Target
Clay target shooting involves a simple approach regardless of distance. Choose a kill point where the bird's trajectory is negligible. Start one gun-down to improve barrel vision. As the target approaches, mount the pistol to match the clay's final flight and squeeze the trigger. Improve barrel awareness and consider firing beneath the bird for a rifle shot-like target.
2. Going Away
Targets from behind are rare and can cause complications. Maintain a comfortable, balanced position and choose a kill point to maximize surface area. Remove your head from the stock to increase your field of vision. Hold the gun a third of the way back to the trap, focusing on the target and observing the bird approach. Fire at the kill point, reducing gun movement for a successful shot.
3. High Crossers
Clay target shooting involves various methods, including long, slow, quick, diving, ascending, and curling. To avoid being caught:
Be adaptable and choose the crosser's most breakable spot.
Maintain your lead by setting up feet to reach the kill spot and winding back halfway to the trap.
Match the target's pace and follow crosser speed for a better read.
4. Droppers
Dropping clay is useful for simo pairings and wind-affected teal. To shoot, take the clay late, allow time to read the target, and set a height reference. Position the pistol, reach the hold point, and maintain the lead until the kill. Examine the target carefully before entering the cage, as drop speed and angle can significantly alter the visual image.
5. Rising Loopers
Looping presentations involves the following stages:
Climb, peak, and decrease.
Strike the target at its apex for easy connection, but aim for the kill point.
Position yourself near the kill spot, then wind back a third into the trap.
Watch the target approach, contact, and accelerate through the line. If the target isn't looper, consider it a straight ascending objective.
6. Springing Teal
Teals are vertical but slightly inclined, requiring vigorous shooting on the rise. Lead application varies based on angle speed and severity. Three hold points are used for rapid or steep teal, average, sluggish, or shallow targets. A comfortable posture allows for swinging without rocking; soft focus is essential. The shot involves staying still until the target passes, then accelerating through the target line.
7. Rabbits
Rabbit clay is thicker and heavier than ordinary, making it hard to break but slowing down rapidly. To avoid missing in front, weigh your front foot more and set your feet comfortably to the kill spot. The point of hold varies by target angle, so start below the desired line. Call for the target and match its pace with your rifle. If you miss, try slowing your pistol and shooting dead, no lead.
Now that you know all these essential tips and tricks, take your clay shooting game to the next level!
