Upping the game... Shoot pretty reliably in the mid-60% range. Up as high as mid-80's on a good day. What do I need to do, other than just shoot more, to up my game consistently into the mid-80s and an occasional 90+%? Thoughts? I have the fundamentals down, but I'm mercurial. For example, yesterday I hit 7/8 on two stations back to back (one's a HARD station and I usually don't hit more than 5 or 6). Then, I went 0/8 on the next, easy station (which I usually hit 6 or 7 on). Today, same thing. 7 of 8 on a couple of (different) stations and 3 of 8 on a few. Really, all over the place. I realize I need to focus on putting them all together in one round. Then, I will retire! Shooting a .12 gauge (Browning Citori XT Trap Gold) with improved modified chokes. I should probably make the investment in a sporting clays gun, but times are tight! CW
I had a Browning Citori trap (32") that i never could get used to. Bought a Rem. 3200 trap and instantly I was a better shooter. The gun just "fit" me better. Have you had your Citori "fitted" to you?
Not formally. A few of the shooters I go out with are on the Olympic team, and I've had them judge. They say it fits appropriately. But, that's a good suggestion and perhaps I should invest the time and $. Infinitely adjustable gun, too. Shot high 60's today. Went out strong, but fizzled on 3 of the last 5 stations. Thanks, CW
Don't laugh, but have you shot into a paper or cardboard target at distance to see if the shot is going exactly where you THINK it's going? I did that, and I was about 1.5' under where I thought I was.
You're right about focus and confidence being the issues. Sounds like you're stepping up your concentration on the stations that have historically given you the toughest time and then getting laxed after that. I suspect that you're also thinking about other stations (past or future) at times when you struggle. It's very difficult to keep your attention directed solely toward the present shot, but that's the difference between someone who can shoot in the 60s and one who scores in the 80s and above on a consistent basis. On a personal level, I wouldn't like shooting a trap gun on a sporting clays course. You didn't mention the barrel length, but I would suspect that it is long enough that some of the stations are harder for you than they need to be. With that said, you'll score a lot better with a gun you shoot well than one that is designed specifically for the intended purpose. I competed when I was in college and watched more than one kid with an old Wingmaster pump beat the pants off of people with dedicated trap and skeet guns.
Many good thoughts. The barrels are 30". On occasion I shoot with Bob Perigo (former Olympian). He's available for coaching, but I'm going to be traveling for a bit. There are a few REALLY good shooters around. I'm hoping they'll rub off on me! Thanks, CW
30" barrels are pretty long for a lot of stations on a clays course. If I were in your shoes, I'd be constantly picking the brains of the pros you are fortunate enough to shoot with. We're all a bunch of hacks compared to your crowd.
Yeah, they're pretty good. There were a couple of guys up from Boulder recently that hit 22s on the 5-Stand in HIGH wind. I'm lucky to his 18! Good point about the barrels. As I said, I'd like to buy a Sporting Clays gun. I had a 687 EELL Sporting all picked out... CW
At that price, it better be. Ought to hit everything in sight for me while I'm having a scotch in the clubhouse! CW
Here's a video of James Patterson, owner of Norwood Performance and me shooting a round of Sporting Clays. Tournament shooter verse the duck hunter. Who will prevail? FYI, James works 80 hours a week on your cars, this was a Sunday afternoon after church. Let James have a little bit of fun. [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMXufQqq2FI[/ame]
