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In this my next article on the basics of good shooting, I want
Instruction
to consider holding the gun. This may seem a subject so obvious that it is hardly worth considering in detail. Nevertheless, I would say that about 50% of shotgunners cost themselves targets by not holding the gun as effi ciently as they might. Poor hand position creates tension and may reduce purchase and control. It also hinders natural gun point and increases felt recoil.
Gently does it
I
t is amazing how many hold their gun in a way which impedes their shooting or is actually unsafe. Both hands must
work together, both must promote maximum control without undue muscular effort. The rear hand must not dominate the mount (if it does it will lead to poor muzzle control and ‘windmilling’ of the gun as it is mounted). The rear hand, nevertheless, plays an
important role. It must maintain a comfortable but effi cient grip. The web of the hand should be positioned just to the right of the centreline/topside of the grip (assuming a right-hander). A common error, is to adopt a rear grip with the web of the hand too high. This will hinder the mount. The base of the thumb, moreover, should be in comfortable contact with the nose area of the comb too (but not pushed forward uncomfortably by it). The base of the thumb must also be able to apply pressure to the top of the grip. Correct, comfortable, positioning of the
It’s all about good purchase and relaxed control
rear hand also ensures that the elbow of the rear hand falls into a good position – both should be at about 45 degrees, but with the elbow of the rear arm a little higher than the front. In this position, the trigger fi nger may be extended without strain or twisting if one adopts this. Some choose to raise the rear elbow – one hears talk of this ‘opening the shoulder pocket‘ sometimes. It can, however, create tension and impede the swing as well as trigger control. High elbows are an especially poor idea if one shoots gun down sporting or skeet. Even for gun up shooting, I would not, normally, advise raising the elbows (though it may be an established habit for some people). Here is my simple advice. If you’re a
right hander place the palm of your right hand on the right side of the butt of a proven empty gun (imagine you are
Slide the hand gently forward brushing the wood until it comes on the chequering, now just wrap
your fi ngers around the wood. You have just created a perfect rear hand hold. Remember, we’re trying to achieve gentle control. The grip pressure should be neither loose nor strained, you certainly must not adopt a white knuckle grip. If you want to see an example of a perfect relaxed grip, look at George Digweed. Big guy he may be, but he holds his gun with delicacy. You should too. Where should the trigger fi nger make
contact with the trigger? I usually prefer to use the pad of the trigger fi nger, rather than the fi rst joint as sometimes advocated (although I may adopt the latter technique if trigger pulls are too heavy). The pad is the most sensitive part of the fi nger and its use encourages a consistent pull rearwards
www.cpsa.co.uk PULL! September 2010 | 39
gently slapping the side of the stock).
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