Becoming a better Clay Shooter ft. Ed Solomons

This guide, drawing on the expertise of professional instructors at TGS Outdoors, details how to optimize choke selection for close-range targets in clay shooting. It emphasizes understanding target distance, comparing choke effectiveness (Cylinder vs. 3/8), and developing a personalized shooting strategy. The advice highlights the importance of comfort, control, and consistent technique over speed, supported by analysis using ShotKam technology.

Gil Ash, a recognized expert from OSP Shooting School, explains the deceptive nature of curling targets in sporting clays. He advises treating these targets like crossers, aiming ahead of their perceived path (3-4 o'clock for right curlers, 8-9 o'clock for left curlers) and avoiding the common mistake of getting 'inside the arc,' which places the shooter behind the target. The key is to lead the target correctly, much like an outfielder tracking a fly ball.

This video demonstrates and discusses the 'collapsing lead' technique in clay pigeon shooting. The technique involves watching the target collapse into the barrel, requiring minimal gun movement and a quick trigger squeeze. While effective for certain target presentations, especially when time is limited, it's not universally applicable and requires practice to master. The instructors emphasize understanding when this technique is most beneficial versus traditional methods like swing-through or pull-away.

This masterclass from the Hull Pro One Challenge 2025, led by instructor Josh Brown, focuses on advanced clay shooting techniques. Key takeaways include mastering target transitions, understanding hold and visual pickup points, and applying controlled aggression. The instruction emphasizes working the gun effectively and planning shots for complex pairs, offering practical advice for intermediate to advanced clay shooters.

This video demonstrates the impact of different shotgun chokes on shot dispersion at 15 yards. It highlights how chokes, marked by stars or names like 'Full Choke' and 'Modified Choke', alter the spread of shot. The instructor shows that more open chokes result in wider patterns, while tighter chokes concentrate the shot, creating smaller, denser holes. This is particularly useful for varying target distances in clay shooting.

This video provides expert-level guidance on improving sporting clays performance, emphasizing the critical link between sound mechanics, visual focus, and mental strategy. Instructor Ed Solomons details techniques like soft and hard focus, the importance of 'quiet eye,' and how to approach practice with specific objectives. The content also delves into practical aspects such as ammunition selection for difficult targets and managing eye dominance, offering actionable advice for shooters aiming to elevate their game.

This guide details the operation of a classic American side-by-side shotgun, focusing on safe loading, firing at clay targets, and post-shot procedures. It emphasizes proper firearm handling and technique, as demonstrated by a high-authority instructor. The video showcases proficient clay shooting and safe gun manipulation on an outdoor range.

This video demonstrates advanced techniques for driven pheasant shooting, emphasizing the 'big swing' required for high-flying birds. Expert Jonny Carter showcases proper lead, follow-through, and rapid target transitions in a traditional UK game shooting environment. The footage highlights the precision and skill needed for successful wing shooting at distance.

This guide details techniques for indoor clay pigeon shooting, as demonstrated by a professional shooting sports content creator at the MSZU facility. It emphasizes safe firearm handling, fluid shotgun mounting, and accurate target lead/follow-through for breaking clay targets. The unique indoor environment of MSZU, featuring specialized acoustic walls and clay trap systems, is highlighted.

This video demonstrates advanced one-handed shooting techniques with an over-under shotgun, as showcased by Jonny Carter at Downlands. The expert-level instruction highlights maintaining balance and control during recoil, fluid reloading of a break-action firearm, and successful engagement of aerial targets. It emphasizes high dexterity and familiarity with the shotgun platform.