Lesson 3 with Tony Bracci
By this lesson, the third in a series of six, you should have a good foundation to progress, says Tony Bracci
“We want a connection with the target as we mount the gun, not disjointed see-sawing”
The first two lessons should have given you a foundation in gun safety and introduction to shotgun shooting. In lesson three we have different options: Trap, Skeet, Sporting clays or game shooting. As the choice is made by the client, it is a good opportunity to discuss their goals and ensure that the following four lessons are customised to fulfil that target. It is also a good opportunity to talk about specific guns and equipment that may be needed for the discipline they have chosen.
Game factors
Unlike clays, you won’t know exactly where your target is coming from and there will be long periods of inactivity on your peg. When you load your gun in the field, the gun must be closed with the muzzles pointing at the floor. The gun should then be brought up through a safe area so the barrels are directly up in the air. You can wait with the gun open.
On your peg have a look around and if you can see your neighbouring Gun or picker-up, raise a hand to them to acknowledge that you are aware of their presence. Can you see any gaps in the hedge or tree line in front or behind you, indicating where birds may flush from or to? Can you stand on a nice level bit of ground? It is important that in ‘waiting mode’ the gun is pointed directly up in the air for safety, but as soon as you expect something to happen you should get into ‘ready mode’. This will bring the muzzles down to where you are looking for a target to flush, which should still be a safe place to hold your muzzles, above the tree line.
We want a connection with the target as we mount the gun rather than a disjointed see-sawing – the gun starting up in the air, then down to the target, then swinging back up. Trying to mount the gun while it is pointed up in the air is inefficient and ineffective as this is your killing point. While waiting, it should be clear to everyone that your barrels are pointing in a safe direction, but you are ready for action.
I like to see the client shoot a variety of targets from a gun down position. A couple can be tried from a pre-mounted position first; then only just out of the shoulder; then a little more. This is all about building confidence in the new mounting skill. The client usually finds gun down the intuitive process rather than the gun pre-mounted.
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