Gun Fit
- Thread starter Tjstewart
- Start date
I am really interested in than last point. Having not picked up a shotgun in 4 years I struggled on pigeons last week and was all over the shop on clays today. Although I did get better towards the end.
I had seen red dots on shotguns but presumed they were for driven days in Europe or practical shotgun.
Would they fit an over and under?
Ok tips from the top i.e. not me but the guys who tried to teach me !
Your best possible start is to buy a shotgun with an adjustable stock ie the cheek piece. Personally I think everyone should have one as things change and it's an easy way to keep the sight picture correct. Get a coach to help you set it up then leave it alone until he tells you it needs changing.
You are starting out, your mount will be highly inconsistent so what is a 'smith fitting the gun to exactly? Get an adjustable.
The gun trade loves to tell you there is a perfect gun fit 'cos they can sell you that service. I can give you a list of serious shooters and several sponsored shooters who have had their gun fitted and when they get it home have to get the file out 'cos it's not right. The issue with fitting (and pattern plates) is that it is an artificial process. You don't do the same thing as you do when you shoot. So it takes a very aware shooter to ensure that their body and facial pressure is the same when fitting as it is when shooting.
Most of the top coaches will not go near a plate for the same reason. Shooting a shotgun at a plate like you do a rifle is not representative of how you shoot a moving target. Most of them will put you in front of a hanging teal or something and get you to shoot that. You are doing what you normally do, you are focussing on the target not trying to hold the gun on a cross on a plate.
Your best investment is to find a guy called Stewart Cumming, I am sure he is on Facebook somewhere. Top10 World Fitasc regularly etc etc. Coaching is not cheap but it's cheaper than wasting shells.
+1 for Dicksons at Dunkeld. If you can't mount the gun, they won't take your money until you can
I would also suggest that you need to think about gun dynamics as well. Nobody talks about that 'cos its not an aftermarket service and they want to sell you what they have but there is no point having a heavy 32" gun if you are 4' 11 in your heels nor a 26" skeet gun if you are Ben Husthwaite. Most guys will shoot 32" for clays these days but many would be better off with a 30"
Yes that's what they are designed for. Some tout them as a "solution" for eye dominance issues.
Some top coaches sell 'em, some top coaches tell you they are a distraction and don't work.
I have used them but it is now off the gun. Really the issue is complete focus on the target so they can be a distriaction. If the problem is eye dominance then closing one eye at the point of shot (guaranteed to be consistent) or a spot on the glasses are the two most reliable routes.
When I couldn’t see the clay I was hitting it and I really didn’t like it
I’ve got a lesson on Friday and a simulated game day at the end of September. Hopefully I’ll get my eye in without the need to buy more kit. The rifles are a money pit as it is
An adjustable stock did the trick for me. On my ATA sporter you can adjust pretty much any dimension and cast you need to get it fitting nicely. It’ll never be as nice as a fitted stock but it also means you can sell the gun on or adjust it as you get ‘stouter’ with age as I plan to.
Crows need only a little lead (just a brush) but you did get some
Similar threads
