Lessons or Gun Fit

[bhaubold]

I've been trap shooting for about six months now. I would say that my average is about 17-18. Not real happy with that. On a windy day, like yesterday, I couldn't hit a big red barn!

I've been reading about gun fitting, and think that wouldn't be a bad idea. But, I'm also thinking a lesson may be in order before spending money on fitting. Question is: should I take a lesson before fitting, or fitting before the lesson. I've never had any instruction, just trying to figure it out for myself. That doesn't seem to be working.

Thanks for any comments you have,

Bob

[chayden]

Take a lesson. Even the best fitting gun is useless if you don't have the basics down. Sort of like buying a race car; it's built to perform but you can't just jump behind the wheel and expect to be the best ever.
A good lesson will teach/reinforce the basics as well as expose some potential issues you may not be aware of. Things like eye dominance and the side you shoot with. I've been in a few classes where people who have always shot with either their right or left found they should be shooting from the other side. Some it didn't help one bit, but most saw a marked improvement when they switched.
Luckily I'm neither right/left dominant so I didn't have to switch, but I couldn't blame my lackluster skills on it either.
Plus in a class you'll usually be able to share the other guys guns (if they are willing) and you may find one to your liking.

[CSACANNONEER]

Do both. Get your gun to properly fit you for your lessons!

[Captain Dick]

I've been trap shooting for about six months now. I would say that my average is about 17-18. Not real happy with that. On a windy day, like yesterday, I couldn't hit a big red barn!

I've been reading about gun fitting, and think that wouldn't be a bad idea. But, I'm also thinking a lesson may be in order before spending money on fitting. Question is: should I take a lesson before fitting, or fitting before the lesson. I've never had any instruction, just trying to figure it out for myself. That doesn't seem to be working.

Thanks for any comments you have,

Bob

Hi Bob, As a shooting instructor, I would advise you to take the lesson first. There are various good reasons for this. Just one is, having your gun fit first will be a waste if you change the way you mount the gun at the lesson.

Check out the stickys for the SoCal/NORCAL skeet clinics at the top of this forum, The clinics are a great way to get your shotgun shooting moving in the right direction whatever discipline you choose to shoot.

[Thefeeder]

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From your description, lesson first.

[CSACANNONEER]

Hi Bob, As a shooting instructor, I would advise you to take the lesson first. There are various good reasons for this. Just one is, having your gun fit first will be a waste if you change the way you mount the gun at the lesson.

Check out the stickys for the SoCal/NORCAL skeet clinics at the top of this forum, The clinics are a great way to get your shotgun shooting moving in the right direction whatever discipline you choose to shoot.

As a NRA certified shotgun, pistol, rifle instructor, I'll change my answer to:

Find the instructor/coach you want to use and get his/her advise about this. For me, an improperly fitting gun is much harder to shoot and I have to develop ways to compensate for the poor fit instead of working on proper techniques. I think it will depend on your instructor's teaching techniques and how well the gun fits you as it is.

[CzechSF]

Anyone know of any good instructors in the bay area?

[bhaubold]

I also would be interested in any instructor recommendations. Anyone familiar with the instructors that teach out of the Livermore Gun Club? Or, in the central valley area?

Thanks,

Bob

[ysr_racer]

In every shotgun lesson I've ever had, the first thing the instructor did was check "gun fit". If you take a lesson and that's not the first thing they do, find another instructor.

[chayden]

Lou aka thefeeder puts on a good clinic down at Metcalf. I'm going through his again later this month.

[Newshooter]

Talk to Dale Tate who has a shop at Camanche Hills Hunting Preserve in Ione. He originally trained at Purdey & sons of England before coming to the states. He builds custom guns, teaches gun mount, performs gun fitting and shooting lessons for all disciplines. You can find them on the web at www.camhills.com.

[Newshooter]

You can also talk to Kevin Atkinson at Atkinson Stock Works.

[softreset]

I also would be interested in any instructor recommendations. Anyone familiar with the instructors that teach out of the Livermore Gun Club? Or, in the central valley area?

Thanks,

Bob

Several of my friends have worked with Russ and absolutely loved the experience. I believe his home range is Livermore.

https://www.mobilemarksman.com