Category: Shotguns

How To Shoot A Shotgun In Three Easy Steps

For those readers who are considering applying for a shotgun licence and getting themselves one from our huge and growing range, or those who already have, here’s a short and snappy guide to shooting correctly.

For those readers who are considering applying for a shotgun licence and getting themselves a shotgun for sale from one from our huge and growing range, or those who already have, here’s a short and snappy guide to shooting correctly.

1. Think Safety First: Treat All Shotguns As Loaded

President Barack Obama shoots clay targets on the range at Camp David, Md., Saturday, Aug. 4, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.
Responsible shotgun shooting looks like this. Here, President Barack Obama practices clay pigeon shooting at Camp David. Note the use of ear defenders and eye protection.

A shotgun is a powerful, and potentially lethal implement. That’s why it’s important to start from a place of treating it with great care. An oft-repeated rule is that you should always treat the shotgun as if it were loaded. It’s also important to use eye protection, and ear defenders. It’s vital to ensure the weapons is set to safety until in the firing position.

Vitally, you should make sure that the gun is never aimed at anyone, including yourself. It’s worth checking that a gun is not loaded or blocked when picking it up, putting it down or passing it to another person.

You should only touch the trigger if you are fully prepared to fire the weapon. Pointing it either up, or down will ensure no one gets hurt if the worst happens.

Source: Shooting UK.

2. Proper Form: Hold and Aim Correctly

Source: Wikiphoto http://www.wikihow.com/User:Wikiphoto
How To Hold A Gun. Source: Wikiphoto

The art of firing a shotgun is distinct and different from other projectile weapons. For example, some people say “rifles are aimed, shotguns are pointed”.

The essential grip involves holding the stock with one’s non-shooting hand, which should be placed around the middle. Make a V-shape with your forefinger and thumb, and sit the length of the gun firmly in this position.

Meanwhile, the hand with which you will fire the weapon should firmly hold the grip which is behind the trigger and guard of the shotgun. Your grip should be gentle but solid.

As for cradling the weapon, it should sit, in what has been described as the “pocket” of your shoulder. This will prevent the “kick” of the gun from causing bruising, etc., when fired.

Source: Gearpatrol, Wikihow

3. Fix Your Cheek To the Stock and Twist

A_typical_-American-_trap_shoot_scene
A typical US ‘Trap’ Shooting scene. Source: User: Jesrushton, Wikipedia.

In order to aim correctly, you will need to develop your cheek to stock aim. In other words, developing a level aim of the sight of the shotgun by keeping your cheek firmly and steadily next to the stock.

Once you have developed this through repetition and practice, when aiming at clays or birds, you will need to refine the “twist” of your waist as you follow your quarry.

These are, of course, just some of the starters for using a shotgun correctly. You will need to learn all about eye dominance, and the pros and cons of shooting “gun up” versus “gun down”.

You should also consider getting an instructor or attending a course to help you learn how to use your weapon accurately and safely. Check our our range of shotguns for sale to buy, and accessories. These include ear defenders and much more.

4 Top Accessories For Your Shotgun: Gun Cabinets, Bags and More

It’s a legal requirement of British Law that shotgun owners have a firearms certificate. Home Office guidelines go into detail, and suggest that owners keep their weapon stored in a safe. This keeps them away from children, and, potentially, from criminals would could break into your home.

Whether you’re an avid shotgun enthusiast or a beginner, there are some key accessories that are either vital, or a very useful addition to your weekends outdoors.

1. Gun Cabinets

It’s a legal requirement of British Law that shotgun owners have a shotgun certificate. Home Office guidelines go into detail, which insist that owners keep their weapon stored in a safe which is then secured to the floor or wall. This keeps them away from children, and, potentially, from criminals who might break into your home.

The standard to look out for is BS7558/92, as this means the cabinet has been tested rigorously, and weapons could not be removed within a set period of time. Thankfully, all of the cabinets we supply come from either Biometric, or Brattonsound, and both manufacturers conform to this high standard.

2. Bags

Bags can be both a status symbol, and a highly desirable accessory when out on a highland shoot with friends during hunting season. They’re also a practical way to keep your cartridges safe, clean and dry.

We stock some great bags to keep your cartridges ready for action, such as this beautiful Byland Leather Loader Bag by Croots. You can also check out our huge range of shotgun cartridges for sale.

3. Shotgun Cases

bisleyeconomyrifle
Bisley Economy Rifle Cover £17.99

Shotgun cases and slips come in a range of colours, designs and prices. They’re an essential piece of kit to keep your shotgun in peak condition, particularly if you’ve spent a considerable amount of money purchasing it. Here in the UK, it is also a legal requirement to keep your gun under cover when in public.

At the budget end of the market, you can purchase covers like Bisley’s Economy Rifle Cover. It’s black, robust and features a strap to help you carry your pride and joy.

If you’re in the mid range price bracket, in terms of what you can spend, then Uncle Mike’s Shotector II Cover is an example of a good quality weapon case which is waterproof, and floats, and has an LED Safe light to make it easy to find if dropped.

The breech, butt and muzzle have been reinforced to ensure your weapon is absolutely safe inside. The carry handle allows you to conveniently grip the bag, and there are pockets for storing shotgun accessories conveniently with the weapon.

Croots Malton Bridle Leather Slip £329.99

At the very top premium end of our range is the Malton Bridle Leather Slip by Croots, which is a thing of beauty. Tanned using traditional methods, processes, and materials, it is a great accessory for the hunting season, and comes in 30 and 32 inch lengths. Bags of this quality are rare, and while the price point reflects the quality of workmanship and materials, it’s also a once in a lifetime purchase that will give the careful owner years of pleasure alongside a quality weapon.

4. Recoil Pads

Microcell Recoil Pads £24.99

Shotguns deliver a kick upon firing which can cause flinching, sore shoulders and bruised cheeks. A recoil pad made from rubber and similar materials can be slipped on or attached to your weapon to mitigate this effect, and we sell a range of these in different types, colours and sizes.

These Microcell Recoil Pads by Cervalatti srl are a great example:

There are these and many other shotgun accessories in our store. And you can always give us a call for advice from one of our team of experts. If you want to check out our huge range of shotgun accessories for sale, head on over to the store.