Rebroadcast: Tom Gresham's GUNTALK: 9.27.15 - Part A

Published on November 23, 2015
Duration: 44:45

This segment emphasizes the critical importance of proper shotgun fit for wing shooting, distinguishing it from rifle shooting. Host Tom Gresham and guest Brian Balinsky, a renowned shooting instructor and gun fitter, explain that a shotgun must shoot where the shooter looks. They detail how stock dimensions like length of pull, comb height, and cast significantly impact accuracy, often leading to misses if not properly fitted. Balinsky highlights that production guns rarely fit everyone perfectly and advocates for professional gun fitting to optimize a shooter's natural abilities and improve hit percentages.

Quick Summary

Proper shotgun fit is essential for wing shooting because shotguns aim where the shooter looks. Expert Brian Balinsky explains that stock dimensions like length of pull, comb height, and cast must align the shooter's eye with the barrel's point of impact. A professional gun fitting corrects these dimensions, maximizing natural hand-eye coordination and significantly improving accuracy for hunting and clay sports.

Chapters

  1. 00:40Introduction to Gun Talk Reloaded Edition
  2. 01:14Listener Range Reports and Contact Info
  3. 01:41Discussion on Political Changes and Gun Ownership
  4. 01:53Fall Hunting Season and Shooting Activities
  5. 02:17Introducing Dr. Shotgun Brian Balinsky
  6. 02:43Brian Balinsky's Background and Field Sport
  7. 03:02Fall in Northern Michigan and Shotgun Season
  8. 04:01The Importance of Gun Fitting for Shotguns
  9. 04:46Shotgun Fit vs. Defensive Use
  10. 05:24A Gun That Shoots Where You Look
  11. 06:00Variables in Human Body Type and Stock Dimensions
  12. 06:32Common Stock Dimension Issues (Comb, Length of Pull, Cast)
  13. 07:13What Gun Fitting Entails
  14. 07:34Countering the 'It Doesn't Have to Be That Close' Argument
  15. 08:00Impact of Stock Fit on Shotgun Patterns
  16. 08:20Gun Fit Defined by Two Words: Anchor Point
  17. 08:37Shotgun as a Tool of Movement
  18. 09:01Crosser Target Difficulty and Gun Fit
  19. 09:25The Math of Gun Fit: Cast Off Example
  20. 10:00Quick Break and Preview of Next Segment
  21. 10:27Brownells Trivia Question
  22. 11:18Liberty Safes Advertisement
  23. 11:53Mossberg Patriot Rifle Advertisement
  24. 12:20US Sportsman's Alliance Call to Action
  25. 12:59Ruger LCRx Revolver Features
  26. 13:27Continuing Conversation with Brian Balinsky
  27. 13:37Brian Balinsky's Wing Shooting School
  28. 14:48Critique of Pre-Mounted Guns in Sporting Clays
  29. 15:18Importance of Ready Position for Bird Hunters
  30. 15:36Value in Used Shotguns
  31. 16:01Joseph Lang Side-Lock Side-by-Side Example
  32. 16:28Durability and Value of Older Shotguns
  33. 17:06Finding Good Values in Used Guns
  34. 17:22Current Shotgun Market Conditions
  35. 17:32Impact of the Internet on Gun Sales
  36. 18:00Real Value: One Good Gun Fitting
  37. 18:17The Two-Part Process of Gun Fitting
  38. 18:39Chicken or the Egg: Skill Level vs. Fit
  39. 19:12Frequency of Gun Fittings
  40. 19:39Personal Experience with a Poorly Fitting Gun
  41. 20:09Falling in Lust with a Gun
  42. 20:16The 'Aha' Moment of a Fitted Gun
  43. 20:59Maximizing God-Given Gifts with a Fitted Gun
  44. 21:40Revelation of a Well-Fitted Gun
  45. 21:50Brian Balinsky's Website and Services
  46. 22:38Open Lines: Range Reports and Political Impact
  47. 23:06Story Time: Hunting and Shooting Anecdotes
  48. 23:26Alien Gear Holsters Giveaway Winners
  49. 23:47Gun Deal IO App Information
  50. 24:56Story: Packrat in a Lookout Station
  51. 26:46Discussion on .243 Caliber for Deer
  52. 28:10John Boehner's Resignation and Political Impact
  53. 30:31Lack of Leadership in the Republican Party
  54. 31:06Interest in Trump, Carson, and Fiorina
  55. 31:38Open Lines: Callers and Political Discussion
  56. 31:41Gallery of Guns.com Advertisement
  57. 32:11Gun Deal IO App Reminder
  58. 32:47Smith & Wesson Bodyguard Advertisement
  59. 33:12Crimson Trace Laser Sighting Systems
  60. 33:39Glock's Commitment to Safety and Reliability
  61. 34:10First Person Defender Series Promotion
  62. 34:51Observation of Open Carry in Albuquerque
  63. 35:54Caller John: Tournament Shooting Experience
  64. 37:09Discussion on Drawing and Shooting Speed
  65. 39:59Caliber Discussion: .243 and Recoil
  66. 41:08Recoil and Self-Defense Effectiveness
  67. 42:099mm Popularity and Ammunition Cost
  68. 43:49Bigger is Not Always Better: Caliber and Gauge
  69. 43:59Preview: Training, Self-Defense, and Mindset

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is shotgun fit so important for wing shooting?

Shotgun fit is crucial because, unlike rifles, shotguns are designed to shoot where the shooter looks. An improper fit means the gun shoots off-target, leading to missed birds. Professional gun fitting ensures the stock dimensions align the shooter's eye with the barrel's point of impact for consistent accuracy.

What are the key stock dimensions that affect shotgun fit?

Key stock dimensions include the length of pull (distance from the trigger to the buttplate), comb height (the height of the stock's cheekpiece), and cast (the sideways bend of the stock). Adjusting these elements is vital for proper eye alignment and consistent shooting.

Can a poorly fitting shotgun be corrected?

Yes, a poorly fitting shotgun can often be corrected through gun fitting. This process involves measuring the shooter's ideal dimensions and then adjusting the stock through bending, shimming, or even replacement to achieve a precise fit.

What is the 'anchor point' in shotgun fitting?

The 'anchor point' in shotgun fitting refers to the area under the shooter's cheekbone (zygomatic arch) where the stock rests. This point is critical for establishing consistent eye alignment with the shotgun's barrel, acting as the rear sight.

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