Shotgun (clay shooting) Instruction

[El Bishop]

Sorry if this belongs in another section.

I'm a pretty new shooter looking to develop good habits to practice before I develop bad ones that I have to work to get rid of. Can anyone recommend someone in eastern MA who knows shotguns and gives instruction on the basics. I plan to shoot clays (skeet, sporting, five stand, trap to a lesser extent) but would like to learn the "Churchill"/move-mount-shoot method as I think it makes most sense and is most useful across multiple disciplines. I know I could go to Orvis and drop $1k+ for a two day course but I'm also saving to buy a first, decent quality, gun. So I'd prefer to pay for an hour or two of private instruction, which will likely serve me better anyway.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[MisterHappy]

Well, you certainly have a plan.

My primary expertise is in Trap, so please bear that in mind.

SOme observations:

Shotgun shooters tend to gravitate to one game in perference to the others - Trapezoids and Skeeters are different, in outlook and equipment, for instance.

The most important factor is fit - "No fit, no hit." You'll become "one with the gun" moreso than with a rifle - your eye is the rear sight, and if you have an ill-fitting gun, you'll have a tough time.

A "good" skeet gun will be differnet from a "good" trap gun. That being said, the "wetware" is the most important second factor. MY 11 yo has an ATA (trap) average of 90+% ; he generally shoots 80 - 85% on the Wobble Skeet field ( don't have an exact number - Skeeters don't keep score! ). This is done with his grandfather's full0size Winchester autoloader field gun. He changes the choke form full to skeet, and he's good to go. I believe that this is becaue he's better able to change his "programmed" timing than his old dad....

Bottom line - a gun that fits you will be more than adequate for all-around shooting, for quite a while than a more-specialized gun that fits less well.

Try, try, try until you find one that "feels right" - many of the better shooters in a given discipline have very strong ( and often conflicting) opinions, and since much is mental, most of them are right - for them. Only experimentation will tell you what's right for you. Ask to try differnet action types, makers, etc. DON'T buy a gun because it works for your buddy. I draw an anaogy between shotguns and boots - fit is the important factor. You;d not buy a pair of boots until you've had them on your feet, unless you've had that brand and style before.

Have fun, and good shooting!

 

[Guntrainer]

I'd be glad to help. I am an NRA certified Level 2 Shotgun Coach. MetroWest. PM me for more details.

 

[b79holmes]

The gunsmith in Chelmsford, Joe Dee (-desantis, -demonics, something like that) told me he teaches at the Lowell Sportsman's' club. He like to teach skeet first as he thinks it's harder.
Bill

 

[wahsben]

Wallum Lake Rod & Gun club has an intro to skeet shoot on most friday nights. Also you can usually find someone shooting trap that will help you.