A Shooter’s Wish List
Whether you’re coming up with your own list or trying to figure out what to buy for a fellow shooter, following are some useful items that most shotgunners would enjoy receiving.
Chris Batha, <em>Shooting Sportsman</em>’s Shooting Editor, has more than 30 years' experience coaching, wingshooting and in competing in clay shooting. He has written extensively on all aspects of bird hunting, clay shooting and shotguns. In addition to being a member of the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers and serving as the National Director of The British Clay Pigeon Shooting Association, Batha conducts shooting schools in the US, Great Britain and Europe each year. Although these schools take up a considerable amount of time, he continues to enjoy competitive shooting whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Whether you’re coming up with your own list or trying to figure out what to buy for a fellow shooter, following are some useful items that most shotgunners would enjoy receiving.
The easiest and most accurate gunfittings are given to good shots who have mastered the fundamentals of “shooting straight,” including having a proper grip.
In order to prepare properly during the off-season, hunters should practice as much as possible on targets that simulate the birds they expect to encounter.
It’s hard to believe that a clay-shooting game that is now enjoyed around the world and has achieved the high bar of any sport—a place at the Olympic Games—was invented by a couple of grouse hunters in Massachusetts.
The challenging sport of Helice
The latest entry in the training-tool market provides near real-time feedback and detailed analytics of every shot.
Taking the mystery out of misses
Modern decoys, calls, guns and loads are certainly great assets, but waterfowlers need to do their part by practicing proper shooting techniques before the season.
Safety rules for any situation
The increasing number of women shooters has encouraged more firearms manufacturers to begin making ladies’ guns.
Lately there has been a resurgence in the popularity of small gauges among fine-gun enthusiasts and collectors, and now several bespoke makers are being commissioned to build these for discerning clients.
A library full of titles has educated the author about guns and gunmaking and would serve well those who thirst for knowledge on the subjects.