TIP OF THE MONTH......APRIL
As I sit here, watching the snow fall.............6" on the ground already, all I can say is.....THINK SPRING! March has been so bad, I am forgetting the entire month, and starting with April. To that end, with Easter............it is always time to think "Bunny's"
Now I have your attention. The rabbit.............the target that strikes fear into every shooters heart is today's topic.
Why does this happen..............couple of reasons. 1. Rabbit targets look fast on the ground but are actually slower than a target thrown in the air...........we think about a lot of lead, but for most rabbits the front edge is all we need. 2. Most rabbits are thrown very close, most no more than 20 yards. At that range, most patterns are pretty tight, so much room for error is not there. 3. Rabbits do not always do what you are expecting them to do.
So how do we attack these wily creatures. First, think slow, down. We use a technique, called, "Walk the Rabbit" for most rabbits. As the rabbit comes to our gun, at our hold point, we match gun speed, with rabbit speed, and keep the muzzle slightly in front of the rabbit's leading edge..........and "walk the rabbit" to our break point and pull the trigger. As we do this imagine a bunny, reaching out with his paws, as if the target was now running. Often I will tell my students............"Shoot the Paws", which give a visual of the gun being in front of the rabbit. You could even call this "Sustained Rabbit" if you want, but matching gun speed to rabbit speed is critical for success.
Last thing...........visual focus on rabbits is at the bottom of the front edge of the target. Example......a L-R Rabbit would have a visual focus of 5:00 on the target, and likewise, a R-L would be 8:00. We want our shot string to hit the ground at the rabbit, effectively "spraying" our shot, allowing a little more leeway in our accuracy.
Still having trouble hitting these "Wasscally Wabbits", give me a call..........I am sure I can straighten you out in no time. Till them................think nice weather, and more broken clays...................PULL>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Posted by Tom on March 19, 2013, 12:39 p.m.
Now I have your attention. The rabbit.............the target that strikes fear into every shooters heart is today's topic.
Why does this happen..............couple of reasons. 1. Rabbit targets look fast on the ground but are actually slower than a target thrown in the air...........we think about a lot of lead, but for most rabbits the front edge is all we need. 2. Most rabbits are thrown very close, most no more than 20 yards. At that range, most patterns are pretty tight, so much room for error is not there. 3. Rabbits do not always do what you are expecting them to do.
So how do we attack these wily creatures. First, think slow, down. We use a technique, called, "Walk the Rabbit" for most rabbits. As the rabbit comes to our gun, at our hold point, we match gun speed, with rabbit speed, and keep the muzzle slightly in front of the rabbit's leading edge..........and "walk the rabbit" to our break point and pull the trigger. As we do this imagine a bunny, reaching out with his paws, as if the target was now running. Often I will tell my students............"Shoot the Paws", which give a visual of the gun being in front of the rabbit. You could even call this "Sustained Rabbit" if you want, but matching gun speed to rabbit speed is critical for success.
Last thing...........visual focus on rabbits is at the bottom of the front edge of the target. Example......a L-R Rabbit would have a visual focus of 5:00 on the target, and likewise, a R-L would be 8:00. We want our shot string to hit the ground at the rabbit, effectively "spraying" our shot, allowing a little more leeway in our accuracy.
Still having trouble hitting these "Wasscally Wabbits", give me a call..........I am sure I can straighten you out in no time. Till them................think nice weather, and more broken clays...................PULL>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Posted by Tom on March 19, 2013, 12:39 p.m.
FEBRUARY TIP OF THE MONTH
Well................great news, Phil did not see his shadow..........so get out that gun, hop on the re-loader, and get ready for Spring. In the meantime........here are a few things you can do in the cold weather that will get you ready for the upcoming season.
1. Book an upland hunt. Getting outside with a good dog and shooting some Quail, Chukar, or Pheasant is a great day behind the trigger, and even better meal when you get home. Upland hunting keeps your skills honed, and is a wonderful day outside, especially with your children or good friends. Don't know where to go............? Give me a call and I can hook you up at some GREAT local preserves.
2. Read..............yeah, does not sound like tons of fun, but honestly, if you love this game............learning never stops. Weather it be magazines like Sporting Clays, Upland Journal, Gun Dog, or books on Wing Shooting or Clays..........reading can get your "juices" flowing, and teach you along the way on those cold snowy days.........when pulling the trigger is not an option.
3. Go to a Gun Show or Sportsman's and Sportswoman's Expo. Both of these are great ways to spend a day.........(and some money), and have a ton of fun. Many have seminars, like Pheasant Fest, and events for the entire family. These events are not just for the "Good ole boys" anymore. You will have a blast.
4. Go out for a walk in your favorite hunting area...........or a local woods. Never know what you might see along the way. When I am really stressed or feeling pretty low, for whatever reason............I go out to our gun club preserve.........and just walk around. Might bring the pup, but never a gun. Being out there in the crisp air, gives you time to think, refresh, and recharge. I often used this time after I lost family members or beloved pets..........when you talk to them out there, no one is listening to you but them, and it made me feel tons better......like they were still here with us. As a bonus........I often see things I have never seen before.........so that is very very cool.
5. Introduce someone new to the shooting sports or outdoors. Ask your wife, girlfriend or daughter if they want to learn how to shoot. .22 or 12ga........makes no difference. It is great to have a shooting partner in close proximity when you really want to go pull the trigger. Take an adult friend along on your next clays adventure, or your buddy's children. Each new person we introduce to the shooting sports, is one more voice in keeping our freedoms intact, and their lives richer through the outdoors.
6. Take an NRA course. Shotgun, Rifle, Pistol, Hope protection, etc. Does not matter. The more things we learn about what we do with our firearms, the better we will be down the road. You can find out what courses our in your area by going to the NRA website, and clicking Education. And while you are there............become a member. Help protect our 2nd. Amendment rights we are fighting so hard to keep.
Lastly.........say a little prayer for all of the people killed by senseless violence with firearms. We as responsible citizens and gun owners are sickened and appalled by all of this, and the "bad guys" are severely impacting what we as responsible gun owners are not going to be able to do with firearms in the future
So there you have it...................let's hope Phil is correct, and we will be pulling the trigger in short sleeves very very soon..............KEEP BUSTIN' THEM UP
Posted by Tom on Feb. 5, 2013, 8:51 a.m.
1. Book an upland hunt. Getting outside with a good dog and shooting some Quail, Chukar, or Pheasant is a great day behind the trigger, and even better meal when you get home. Upland hunting keeps your skills honed, and is a wonderful day outside, especially with your children or good friends. Don't know where to go............? Give me a call and I can hook you up at some GREAT local preserves.
2. Read..............yeah, does not sound like tons of fun, but honestly, if you love this game............learning never stops. Weather it be magazines like Sporting Clays, Upland Journal, Gun Dog, or books on Wing Shooting or Clays..........reading can get your "juices" flowing, and teach you along the way on those cold snowy days.........when pulling the trigger is not an option.
3. Go to a Gun Show or Sportsman's and Sportswoman's Expo. Both of these are great ways to spend a day.........(and some money), and have a ton of fun. Many have seminars, like Pheasant Fest, and events for the entire family. These events are not just for the "Good ole boys" anymore. You will have a blast.
4. Go out for a walk in your favorite hunting area...........or a local woods. Never know what you might see along the way. When I am really stressed or feeling pretty low, for whatever reason............I go out to our gun club preserve.........and just walk around. Might bring the pup, but never a gun. Being out there in the crisp air, gives you time to think, refresh, and recharge. I often used this time after I lost family members or beloved pets..........when you talk to them out there, no one is listening to you but them, and it made me feel tons better......like they were still here with us. As a bonus........I often see things I have never seen before.........so that is very very cool.
5. Introduce someone new to the shooting sports or outdoors. Ask your wife, girlfriend or daughter if they want to learn how to shoot. .22 or 12ga........makes no difference. It is great to have a shooting partner in close proximity when you really want to go pull the trigger. Take an adult friend along on your next clays adventure, or your buddy's children. Each new person we introduce to the shooting sports, is one more voice in keeping our freedoms intact, and their lives richer through the outdoors.
6. Take an NRA course. Shotgun, Rifle, Pistol, Hope protection, etc. Does not matter. The more things we learn about what we do with our firearms, the better we will be down the road. You can find out what courses our in your area by going to the NRA website, and clicking Education. And while you are there............become a member. Help protect our 2nd. Amendment rights we are fighting so hard to keep.
Lastly.........say a little prayer for all of the people killed by senseless violence with firearms. We as responsible citizens and gun owners are sickened and appalled by all of this, and the "bad guys" are severely impacting what we as responsible gun owners are not going to be able to do with firearms in the future
So there you have it...................let's hope Phil is correct, and we will be pulling the trigger in short sleeves very very soon..............KEEP BUSTIN' THEM UP
Posted by Tom on Feb. 5, 2013, 8:51 a.m.
TIP OF THE MONTH......DECEMBER
Well the winter weather is upon us...........and keeping the gun in our hands a few times over the winter will pay huge benefits at the start of next season, IF, you remember a few things:
1. FORGET ABOUT SCORE. Yes, forget about it. You will never shoot your best scores in wind, rain, snow, and cold. Just keep that gun in your hand, relax, and enjoy your time out.
2. More clothes means longer LOP, guns not fitting correctly, etc. Try to dress as light as possible for the temps, while still staying warm.
3. Use hand warmers. The $1.00 hand warmers work great............keep your hands warm, as they are they things that control your shot. If they are frozen, your shooting will suffer.
4. Try to frequent courses that keep their targets fair over the winter. Shooting a course that looks like the Nationals at 20 degrees is no fun for anyone. Getting a handle on targets that you SHOULD break, but everyone misses, is great to work on in the winter.
5. IF IT IS NOT FUN............STAY HOME. We all love to shoot, and just because the guys shoot every Weds., does not mean if the wind is blowing at 30mph, and it's 10 degrees, you have to shoot. Save the ammo, stay home in front of the fire, and go another day.
6. Change the game up.............instead of shooting 100 targets of Sporting.......Try 5 stand, Skeet, Trap or FITASC. They are only 25 targets, you stay out less time, and you still keep that gun in your hand. Or develop your own game....shoot 50 targets doing all reports on the first 50, warm up, and all true pairs on the 2nd. 50.
7. For Practice.........shoot single targets only. Shoot until you can break 5 singles in a row, or 10, or 3..........whatever is your level. Helps your practice and sight pictures......and you can do as many stations as you like.........then go warm up.
Anyway.........there are some suggestions for you to keep that gun in you hands when the weather is more for snowmobiling than shooting. Have a wonderful Holiday season.
Talk to you next month
Posted by Tom on Dec. 16, 2012, 8:27 p.m.
1. FORGET ABOUT SCORE. Yes, forget about it. You will never shoot your best scores in wind, rain, snow, and cold. Just keep that gun in your hand, relax, and enjoy your time out.
2. More clothes means longer LOP, guns not fitting correctly, etc. Try to dress as light as possible for the temps, while still staying warm.
3. Use hand warmers. The $1.00 hand warmers work great............keep your hands warm, as they are they things that control your shot. If they are frozen, your shooting will suffer.
4. Try to frequent courses that keep their targets fair over the winter. Shooting a course that looks like the Nationals at 20 degrees is no fun for anyone. Getting a handle on targets that you SHOULD break, but everyone misses, is great to work on in the winter.
5. IF IT IS NOT FUN............STAY HOME. We all love to shoot, and just because the guys shoot every Weds., does not mean if the wind is blowing at 30mph, and it's 10 degrees, you have to shoot. Save the ammo, stay home in front of the fire, and go another day.
6. Change the game up.............instead of shooting 100 targets of Sporting.......Try 5 stand, Skeet, Trap or FITASC. They are only 25 targets, you stay out less time, and you still keep that gun in your hand. Or develop your own game....shoot 50 targets doing all reports on the first 50, warm up, and all true pairs on the 2nd. 50.
7. For Practice.........shoot single targets only. Shoot until you can break 5 singles in a row, or 10, or 3..........whatever is your level. Helps your practice and sight pictures......and you can do as many stations as you like.........then go warm up.
Anyway.........there are some suggestions for you to keep that gun in you hands when the weather is more for snowmobiling than shooting. Have a wonderful Holiday season.
Talk to you next month
Posted by Tom on Dec. 16, 2012, 8:27 p.m.
SEPTEMBER TIP OF THE MONTH...WINGSHOOTING
With the cooler weather, and the leaves changing, it could only mean one thing.............Watch out you upland game. Pheasants, Quail, Grouse, Huns, Chukar, and a ton more of the birds we love to hunt. I always get a question or two that says, " I can hit clay targets great.........how come I miss so may birds"? Well, the answer is not so simple, but I will give you some reasons for missing.
1. When the bird flushes, what do you look at? My guess, the end of the gun, where that bright bead is. WRONG! What are you trying to hit? The bird flying away. Shooting is an eye-hand coordination game. When catching a fly ball in baseball, what do you watch, the glove or the ball.........better be the ball......or you are in for a cold pack for your noggin. Same thing here.......let your eyes see the target, your brain process the info your eyes see, and send it to your hands which will move the barrel with the target. Look at the end of the gun.............THE GUN STOPS, but your target does not.
2. What does your brain say when the bird flushes. OMG, FAST, HURRY, IT'S GETTING AWAY, YOU'RE TO SLOW, RUSH RUSH RUSH. Think of this.....Bird 40 mph, shot charge of #5 Prairie Storm 12ga. 750 mph. Who wins...........? Not the bird. Slow down, you have more time than you think........see your target well, and get that gun to the position it needs to be to put that bird in your dogs mouth.
3. When that bird flushes...........what is the first thing you do? Pick your gun up right? Need that to kill the bird. Well, if the bird goes directly away from you, great, but, 90% of the time if goes left or right. If you pick the gun straight up, the bird has a head start on your gun, and you must chase the target, (bird), as if fly's away, wasting time, and getting further away from you. Try this.........when the bird goes left or right, turn from the hips as your gun comes up. When the gun finally hits your cheek, where is the target? Right at the end of your barrel, because you moved WITH the bird, not away from it, and then had to chase. Try it in front of a mirror at home. Trust me, it works like a charm.
So if you are missing a few birds.............try these tips. Still struggling, give me a call, and we'll help you out. Good hunting.
Posted by Tom on Sept. 19, 2012, 10:08 p.m.
1. When the bird flushes, what do you look at? My guess, the end of the gun, where that bright bead is. WRONG! What are you trying to hit? The bird flying away. Shooting is an eye-hand coordination game. When catching a fly ball in baseball, what do you watch, the glove or the ball.........better be the ball......or you are in for a cold pack for your noggin. Same thing here.......let your eyes see the target, your brain process the info your eyes see, and send it to your hands which will move the barrel with the target. Look at the end of the gun.............THE GUN STOPS, but your target does not.
2. What does your brain say when the bird flushes. OMG, FAST, HURRY, IT'S GETTING AWAY, YOU'RE TO SLOW, RUSH RUSH RUSH. Think of this.....Bird 40 mph, shot charge of #5 Prairie Storm 12ga. 750 mph. Who wins...........? Not the bird. Slow down, you have more time than you think........see your target well, and get that gun to the position it needs to be to put that bird in your dogs mouth.
3. When that bird flushes...........what is the first thing you do? Pick your gun up right? Need that to kill the bird. Well, if the bird goes directly away from you, great, but, 90% of the time if goes left or right. If you pick the gun straight up, the bird has a head start on your gun, and you must chase the target, (bird), as if fly's away, wasting time, and getting further away from you. Try this.........when the bird goes left or right, turn from the hips as your gun comes up. When the gun finally hits your cheek, where is the target? Right at the end of your barrel, because you moved WITH the bird, not away from it, and then had to chase. Try it in front of a mirror at home. Trust me, it works like a charm.
So if you are missing a few birds.............try these tips. Still struggling, give me a call, and we'll help you out. Good hunting.
Posted by Tom on Sept. 19, 2012, 10:08 p.m.
Tip of the Month: May
Chokes..............Good, Bad, or of no worry? I am asked about chokes for Sporting Clays all the time. Which are the best chokes, what choke should I use, should I be changing chokes for each presentation, etc. All are great questions. First let me say this.........Chokes are to the shooting Industry, what "The new Driver" is to the golf industry. They all work well........and better in the hands of an accomplished golfer or shooter. I personally am not a choke changer.....I run I/C & LM, almost 100% of the time. Why??? Because I want my mind on breaking the target, and don't want another thing to be thinking about when I see that targets. That being said.....using a full choke on a target that is 10 yards away is foolish........so the correct choke for the presentation is the letter of the day. Most courses will tell you what chokes you need for the targets they have out there. Trust that info......they know. If it a sight unseen target, here are some tips:
Up to 30 yards...Skeet will crush anything out there
31-40+ I/C will do nicely
45-out Light Mod or Mod
Targets on edge use larger shot, or one more choke
Here is one of the reasons I do not like changing chokes. At an Instructor Cert. course a few years back, an instructor buddy of mine named Bob and I got out on the practice field and began shooting crossing targets...........with a Cyl Choke. We started at 20 yards, and kept moving back until we could not break the target. I was stumped at 75 yards.....Bob kept moving back, and was still CRUSHING targets at almost 90 yards. So what does that tell you? It tells you, if the gun is in the correct place, choke does not matter.........the target will break. So here is my recommendation. Put one or two chokes in your gun you really comfortable with.................and stay with them. If you feel good about them, you will break targets..................and feel great doing it. Just don't get hung up on anything. Keep them in.
Here are the names of some reputable choke manufacturers:
Briley Mfg.
Pure Gold Chokes
Muller Chokes
Carlson Chokes
Comp n Choke Chokes
Trulock Chokes
Seminole Chokes
Extreme Chokes
Kick's Chokes
And Many Many more. Remember.........good equipment makes a difference, so a quality choke, either by the gun manufacturer or an after market company will make your shooting more enjoyable, BUT, like everything in sports we do, there is no magic choke, gun or load, that will make you go from E class to AA class, with a swipe of a credit card. That takes hard work on the range, and the assistance of a good coach. See ya on the course
. Got a question for Tom...email him. If he uses if for a monthly tip, he will treat you to a 50 target round at your local course.
Tom
Posted by Tom on April 16, 2012, 9:39 p.m.
Up to 30 yards...Skeet will crush anything out there
31-40+ I/C will do nicely
45-out Light Mod or Mod
Targets on edge use larger shot, or one more choke
Here is one of the reasons I do not like changing chokes. At an Instructor Cert. course a few years back, an instructor buddy of mine named Bob and I got out on the practice field and began shooting crossing targets...........with a Cyl Choke. We started at 20 yards, and kept moving back until we could not break the target. I was stumped at 75 yards.....Bob kept moving back, and was still CRUSHING targets at almost 90 yards. So what does that tell you? It tells you, if the gun is in the correct place, choke does not matter.........the target will break. So here is my recommendation. Put one or two chokes in your gun you really comfortable with.................and stay with them. If you feel good about them, you will break targets..................and feel great doing it. Just don't get hung up on anything. Keep them in.
Here are the names of some reputable choke manufacturers:
Briley Mfg.
Pure Gold Chokes
Muller Chokes
Carlson Chokes
Comp n Choke Chokes
Trulock Chokes
Seminole Chokes
Extreme Chokes
Kick's Chokes
And Many Many more. Remember.........good equipment makes a difference, so a quality choke, either by the gun manufacturer or an after market company will make your shooting more enjoyable, BUT, like everything in sports we do, there is no magic choke, gun or load, that will make you go from E class to AA class, with a swipe of a credit card. That takes hard work on the range, and the assistance of a good coach. See ya on the course
. Got a question for Tom...email him. If he uses if for a monthly tip, he will treat you to a 50 target round at your local course.
Tom
Posted by Tom on April 16, 2012, 9:39 p.m.
