If you’ve made plans for an afternoon of shooting sports, congratulations, you’ve just joined millions of Americans participating in one of the fastest growing hobbies in the country. You’ll soon see how enjoyable shooting can be and how it can even deliver a Zen-like experience as you block out the world to focus on your target. And if you’re headed to the course soon, you’ll be glad to have a few expert tips for skeet shooting.
The skeet shooting stance
Skeet shooting is like golf in many ways including the layout of the course and the mode of transportation used on most courses. It’s also like golf in that the stance is critically important. Your stance is your foundation and you’ll want to shift a little more than half of your weight to your front foot for two reasons: to brace yourself for the recoil, and to quickly adjust your aim when the next target flies.
Aim with your eyes for skeet shooting
Skeet shooting involves shooting clay pigeons out of the sky while they’re in flight. While it might be tempting to try aiming the barrel of your gun at the quickly-moving targets, experts recommend that you aim with your eyes instead, allowing the gun to follow your gaze. Don’t leave home without eye protection too.
Practice your shot
If it’s your first time on the Okeechobee skeet shooting course, the rhythm of the shot might not feel completely natural. But it will over time. Your stance and swing will become part of muscle memory over time and one less thing to focus on when you step up to the shooting station. Before you even start the course, most facilities have practice stations where you can warm up your gun and practice your mount and swing. Take advantage of this space until you feel comfortable and confident.
Use the right size gun
Skeet shooting is done with shotguns, sometimes 12-gauge and sometimes 20-gauge depending on your preference. The right gauge is important and will make all the difference in the recoil you experience when you shoot. Many ranges allow you to rent a shotgun for skeet shooting and chances are there will be plenty of experts on hand to outfit you with the perfect one. If you’re considering buying a shotgun, take heed to their guidance and advice and buy the size and type of gun they recommend.
