Shotgun Shooting Tips: A Student's Guide to Effective Wing-Shooter Fundamentals
- Hootey Cline
- 3 days ago
- 8 min read
From the Bench: Learning the art of shotgun shooting
By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company
Originally published June 17, 2019 | Updated July 2, 2025
After years of working on shotguns and talking with countless hunters and clay shooters, I've learned that shotgun shooting is both simpler and more complex than most people realize. While the basic concept is straightforward – point and shoot – the nuances of proper technique, gun fit, and target engagement continue to teach me something new with every conversation I have with experienced shooters.
Let me share what I've learned about shotgun shooting fundamentals, always with the understanding that there's more to discover in this fascinating aspect of the shooting sports.
The Fundamental Difference: Pointing vs. Aiming
Sight Picture is Key, But Not What You Think
Most people mess up with shotguns because they try to aim them instead of pointing them. This is probably the most important lesson I've learned from working with struggling shotgun shooters.
What I've observed:
Rifle shooters often struggle initially because they want to line up precise sights
Successful shotgun shooters develop an instinctive pointing ability
The best wingshooters focus on the target, not the gun
Sight picture becomes about gun-to-target relationship, not precise alignment
The Pointing Concept
Think about pointing your finger at something – you don't consciously aim your finger, you just point naturally. Shotgun shooting works the same way when the gun fits properly and you develop the right muscle memory.
What this means practically:
Focus on the target, not the bead or rib
Trust your natural pointing instincts
Let the gun become an extension of your body
Practice smooth, flowing movements
Gun Fit: The Foundation of Everything
Why Fit is Critical
You cannot point the gun effectively if the gun doesn't fit correctly. This is something I see constantly – shooters struggling with technique when the real problem is gun fit.
What proper fit accomplishes:
Natural pointing without conscious adjustment
Consistent sight picture every time you mount the gun
Comfortable shooting without strain or awkward positioning
Better recoil management through proper gun-to-body contact
Length of Pull Considerations
The old "hold the gun 90 degrees toward the sky" method is largely ineffective for determining proper length of pull. This technique works for a very minimal average of people and still isn't perfect.
What I've learned about length of pull:
It's much easier to shoot a shotgun that's too short than too long
If in doubt, go a little shorter
Long guns cause you to bind up and lift your head to see
Proper length allows natural gun mount without strain
Cast On/Cast Off
Manipulating the stock left or right allows your eye to achieve proper sight picture naturally.
Factors that affect cast needs:
Thickness of the shooter's face and neck make a big difference
Dominant eye position relative to the shooter's build
Shooting stance and mount style preferences
Individual anatomical differences
Your Eye is the Rear Sight
Your eye is the 'rear sight' of a shotgun, and it MUST be in the same place every single time. This consistency is what separates good shotgun shooters from struggling ones.
What this means:
Consistent gun mount is absolutely critical
Head position must be repeatable
Cheek weld should be natural and comfortable
Eye alignment over the rib happens automatically with proper fit
Pitch Angle: The Overlooked Factor
Most shotguns have too much down pitch for the average shooter, and this is something I see frequently in guns that come through the shop.
Why this matters:
Modern chest cavity shapes differ from historical averages
Many new guns still use old specifications that don't match current shooters
Excessive down pitch causes guns to shoot low
Proper pitch helps direct recoil and makes the gun more comfortable
What I've observed: A lot of modern weapon designs still base their specs on old-school principles and measurements, resulting in guns that don't fit contemporary shooters well.
Sighting Systems: What You Need (and Don't Need)
The Basic Truth
You DO NOT need sights on a shotgun for most applications. The gun's rib and single bead provide all the reference you need for effective pointing.
The exception: Slug guns benefit from proper sights since you're shooting a single projectile at longer ranges.
When Sights Help
If you're going to use sights, fiber-optic is best because they:
Pick up ambient light effectively
Help with target acquisition in low-light conditions
Provide a bright reference point without being distracting
Work well in various lighting conditions
Mid-Bead Considerations
Mid-beads are used primarily in trap shooting and serve a specific purpose:
Help avoid canting (gun being tipped left or right)
Provide reference before calling for the bird
Useful for consistent gun mount in formal target shooting
However, there's no time to effectively utilize a mid-bead in field situations where targets appear suddenly and unpredictably.
The Two-Eye Advantage
Always Keep Both Eyes Open
ALWAYS keep both eyes open! This is fundamental to effective shotgun shooting.
Why both eyes matter:
Eyes can only execute effective depth perception when both are used
Focus and motion tracking work best with binocular vision
You don't drive with one eye – same principle applies to shooting
Peripheral vision helps track fast-moving targets
Addressing Vision Issues
If you're having trouble with focus or seeing double targets, talk to an eye doctor. There are different solutions available:
Shooting glasses with specific lens configurations
Eye dominance training techniques
Corrective lenses designed for shooting sports
Professional vision therapy for specific issues
Children and Shotgun Selection
First Shotgun Recommendations
Stick with break-open single shots, over-unders, or side-by-sides for children's first shotguns.
Why these work better:
Forces kids to slow down and learn proper techniques
Teaches the complete shooting process from loading to firing
Better balance point for smaller shooters
Simpler operation reduces confusion and mistakes
Fit Considerations for Young Shooters
Shorter guns make it easier for children to learn proper technique:
The balance point on many long guns is too much for kids
They often have to lean back to hold standard-length guns
Proper fit makes shooting more fun and encourages continued participation
Good habits learned early carry forward throughout their shooting career
Gauge Selection for Youth
Children should NOT use .410 on anything but stationary targets:
The .410 is considered an expert's gun due to its limited payload
They should stick with 28-gauge or 20-gauge for moving targets
Larger gauges provide more margin for error while learning
Success builds confidence and enjoyment in the sport
Practical Shooting Techniques
Target Acquisition
Get sighted in on target ASAP and make all adjustments while maintaining target focus.
What I've learned about target engagement:
Focus on the target, not the gun
Start your swing before the gun reaches your shoulder
Maintain smooth gun movement throughout the shot
Follow through is critical for consistent hits
The Follow-Through Problem
Often people shoot behind targets because they stop swinging the gun after they shoot. This lack of follow-through is one of the most common mistakes I hear about from instructors.
Proper follow-through means:
Continue the swing after the trigger breaks
Keep your head down and eyes on the target
Don't immediately look for results – trust your technique
Smooth acceleration through the shot
Choke Selection
With most modern rounds, Improved Cylinder is usually the best starting point for general shooting:
Provides good pattern density without being too tight
Works well for most hunting situations
Forgiving for developing shooters
Effective range matches most shooting scenarios
Action Types and Shooter Considerations
Men vs. Women: Different Considerations
Most men can handle most actions, but there are exceptions:
If you have shorter arms, a pump may not work due to reach requirements
Longer length of pull can make cycling difficult for some shooters
Women usually have an easier time with semi-automatics:
They kick less because gas is redirected through the frame
Reduced felt recoil makes shooting more comfortable
Faster follow-up shots without manual cycling
Less physical effort required between shots
Action Selection Factors
Consider these factors when choosing an action type:
Physical build and arm length
Shooting experience and comfort level
Intended use (hunting, clay sports, etc.)
Maintenance preferences and mechanical aptitude
Safety Considerations: Damascus Barrels
Critical Safety Warning
NEVER fire modern smokeless powder in Damascus barrels – this cannot be overstated.
The only maybe but still not a recommendation exception: British-made Damascus barrels:
Incredibly strong construction methods
Many examples of them surviving modern pressures
Extremely valuable ($30,000-$40,000 range)
Should still be professionally inspected before use
Why this matters: Damascus steel construction methods varied widely, and most cannot safely handle modern smokeless powder pressures.
Modern Developments Since 2019
Equipment Improvements
Shotgun technology has continued evolving:
Better recoil reduction systems in semi-automatics
Improved choke tube designs for better patterns
Enhanced ergonomics in stock design
Better trigger systems for improved consistency
Training Methods
Shooting instruction has become more systematic:
Video analysis helps identify technique issues
Laser training systems for dry practice
Better understanding of eye dominance issues
Improved youth programs with proper equipment
Ammunition Advances
Modern shotshell technology offers:
More consistent patterns with improved shot and wads
Reduced recoil loads for training and comfort
Specialized loads for specific applications
Better ballistic performance across all gauges
Practice Recommendations
Dry Practice at Home
Safe dry practice helps develop muscle memory:
Gun mounting drills for consistency
Swing practice following imaginary targets
Trigger control exercises
Balance and stance work
Live Fire Training
Structured practice sessions should include:
Basic gun mounting and sight picture work
Stationary target practice for fundamentals
Moving target progression from slow to fast
Various angles and target presentations
Professional Instruction
Consider working with a qualified instructor:
Proper technique is easier to learn than to correct
Gun fit assessment from an experienced professional
Personalized training based on your specific needs
Faster progress with proper guidance
Common Mistakes and Solutions
Aiming Instead of Pointing
Problem: Trying to use rifle-shooting techniques
Solution: Focus on target, trust natural pointing instincts
Inconsistent Gun Mount
Problem: Different cheek weld and head position each shot
Solution: Practice consistent mounting until it becomes automatic
Stopping the Swing
Problem: Decelerating gun movement at the shot
Solution: Emphasize follow-through in all practice
Poor Gun Fit
Problem: Fighting the gun instead of working with it
Solution: Professional gun fitting or stock adjustment
Final Thoughts
After years of working with shotguns and talking with shooters of all skill levels, I've learned that shotgun shooting success comes down to fundamentals: proper gun fit, consistent technique, and understanding the difference between aiming and pointing.
What continues to impress me is how individual these guns are – what works perfectly for one shooter may not work at all for another. This is why proper fit and personalized instruction are so valuable.
The key lessons I keep coming back to:
Gun fit is foundational – everything else builds on this
Pointing is natural when the gun fits and you trust your instincts
Both eyes open provides the best target tracking and depth perception
Follow-through is as important as the initial swing
Practice with purpose – random shooting doesn't build skills
For new shotgun shooters: Don't get discouraged if it feels awkward at first. Shotgun shooting is a learned skill that improves with proper practice and good instruction.
No matter your era, we got your six – whether you're shooting a classic side-by-side or a modern semi-automatic, the fundamentals of effective shotgun shooting remain constant.
Questions about shotgun fit, technique, or equipment selection? Blue Coat Arms Company provides comprehensive shotgun services including stock fitting, choke work, and performance optimization. Contact us at 217-416-5962 or BlueCoatArms@gmail.com.
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