I Shot 100,000 Shotgun Shells... Here's What I Learned
Lena Miculek, with over 100,000 12-gauge shells fired, shares critical lessons on shotgun handling and recoil management. Key takeaways include ensuring the shotgun pushes rather than punches by maintaining a tight gun mount and a firmly pressed face against the stock. Proper thumb placement during loading, using the tip instead of the flat, prevents painful bites. Shotgun fit, particularly length of pull, is crucial; ill-fitting guns, often designed for taller individuals, hinder recoil control. Understanding shell velocity is vital, with a recommended range of 1200-1300 ft/s for reliable function and manageable recoil. Effective recoil mitigation involves aggressive body mechanics and a proper cheek weld, where the face acts as the rear sight, emphasizing the need for precise stock fitment through adjustments like shims or pads. Choke selection significantly impacts pattern density, and a quad-loading technique can impress.











