Shotgun Diagnosis please

[Okotokian]

Need a little advice...

I've noticed at the range when shooting trap that I do a little better when I aim slightly to the right of where I think I should. If I can see the clay a tiny bit to the left of the barrel, even if it's moving left, I'm likely to hit it. However, getting used to this adjustment seems a little stupid. I'd rather shoot correctly in the first place.

Additional info... I may not be mounting my gun properly. This showed up in my search for ear protection.. I went through a number of muffs that seemed to always bang into the stock and get knocked up off my ear when I bent my head over to aim (right handed, use right eye to aim). I finally found a very thin pair that don't do that.

I shoot a Berretta 391 semi-auto. It came with extra shims, two butt pads of different thicknesses (I use the thicker one as I am 6'3" with long arms) and has an adjustable butt stock (up, down, side to side). I have never adjusted it though... I just use it as it came out of the box.

So fire away! Thoughts? Solutions?

[aulrich]

I would say pattern it shooting it like you would sight in a rifle shoot it off a rest and see if the patter is actually centered over you aim point.

If it is actually off center I don't know what to do I am out of my depth here.

My guess would be operator error but as aulrich suggested, patterning would determine that. If it is indeed operator error, do yourself a favour and spend an hour or two with a good coach. I know a couple hours with one of the U.S. Olympic team coaches rectified a great deal of the bad habits I'd acquired over a lifetime of shooting. One of the best and most patient guys I know in Donny Day at Silver Willow in Carstairs. I've sent numerous people to him over the years and all have walked away better shooters and thrilled with the experience. His rates are very reasonable and it would be money well invested.

[Outdoor_Ed]

Here's a thought.
This is to see if your gun fits you and to see if your mounting it correctly.

Disclaimer: Do this in a safe place, gun empty blah blah blah. You get my point.

With you eyes closed, bring your gun up and mount it. If your doing it right and the gun fits when you open your eyes you should be looking down the bead.

Good luck with your shooting.

Ed S.

[Mintaka]

*

[ABDUKNUT]

I'd suggest longer shells. Those extra pellets and longer shot string will make your pattern slightly bigger to the left.

[Jamie]

Oko...
If you shoot at the AHEIA range, just get Gert to help you.
BTW what are you doing shooting with one eye???
Its 2 eyes to get the job done.

Jamie

I'd suggest longer shells. Those extra pellets and longer shot string will make your pattern slightly bigger to the left.

Think it was my mom that said "if you don't have something constructive to add, don't say it at all" BTW, that was meant constructively.

She had some other say about spoiled brats not getting their way but not sure how that went.

Thanks for chiming in with the info DUK...I'm sure Oko found it most helpful.

[ABDUKNUT]

Originally Posted by sheephunter

Think it was my mom that said "if you don't have something constructive to add, don't say it at all" BTW, that was meant constructively.

She had some other say about spoiled brats not getting their way but not sure how that went.

Now now, that was a joke there, bub.

No attempt to veil useless drivel with pseudo-knowledge... just a little sarcasm, that's all.

Please see above post!

[209x50]

Jeez Sheep haven't you learnt yet that people like the Nut don't like to let things like science cloud up their vision of the world?

I'm starting to learn that.....

[ABDUKNUT]

C'mon guys, none of that in here please... Group hugs are via PM and email only.