One at a time

In lesson four of a series of six transforming a novice shooter into an expert shot, Tony Bracci looks at how to successfully deal with pairs of targets

- Tony Bracci

We continue our work on gun down on suitable targets, going through a routine of picking the right break point, pick-up point and visual pick-up point. We are also building up confidence in the mount and its consistency, which should be done on a selection of targets with plenty of time for the mounting process.

The main push for this lesson is learning to deal with more than one target – to begin with on report, then simultaneous (sim) pairs. On sporting clays, this will mean having two break points, two gun hold points, and two visual pick-up points. This should start with two on-report targets that can be shot consistently as singles by the client; for example, a going-away target and a decoy. The process is discussed and then executed, making sure the method and process are followed.

Depending on the client’s ability, pushing forward with other familiar on report pairs, building up the confidence putting the processes in place. Faults are discussed and changes can be made to help. If all is going well, an introduction to sim pairs is another step forward. A gentle pair of targets that could be taken in any order are selected and the process is discussed: that is to say, which target will be shot first, its break point, gun hold point, and visual pick-up point, then assessing where the second target will be and where it will be shot and how to get there after shooting the first target. Again, discussion of outcomes following this helps the process.

Choices