Tom Gresham's GUNTALK: 9.27.15 - Part A

Published on September 30, 2015
Duration: 44:45

This episode of Gun Talk features an in-depth discussion on the critical importance of shotgun fit for wing shooting with expert Brian Balinsky. Balinsky emphasizes that unlike rifles, shotguns lack sights, requiring the gun to shoot precisely where the shooter looks. He explains how incorrect stock dimensions (length of pull, cast, comb height) can lead to significant shooting errors, such as missing targets or crippling birds. The conversation highlights that most production guns don't fit the average shooter perfectly, making professional gun fitting essential for improving accuracy and enjoyment in shotgun sports and hunting.

Quick Summary

Shotgun fit is paramount for wing shooting accuracy because shotguns lack sights, requiring the gun to shoot precisely where the shooter looks. Incorrect stock dimensions like length of pull, cast, and comb height can cause significant errors. Professional gun fitting adjusts these dimensions to ensure proper eye alignment with the barrel, improving hit percentages and reducing frustration.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Crimson Trace Ad
  2. 00:23Gun Talk Episode Intro
  3. 01:42Fall Hunting Season & Guest Intro
  4. 02:02Introducing Dr. Shotgun Brian Balinsky
  5. 03:45The Importance of Gun Fitting
  6. 05:07Shotguns vs. Rifles: Aiming
  7. 06:00Challenges for Production Gun Makers
  8. 06:59What is Gun Fitting?
  9. 07:36Impact of Stock Dimension Errors
  10. 08:05Gun Fit as an Anchor Point
  11. 09:04The Math of Gun Fit
  12. 09:47Break & Upcoming Topics
  13. 13:19Brian Balinsky on Field Sport & Schools
  14. 13:39New Upland Bird Hunter School
  15. 14:13Sporting Clays & Pre-Mounted Guns
  16. 15:27Value in Used Shotguns
  17. 16:07Vintage Shotgun Value
  18. 17:12Current Shotgun Market Conditions
  19. 17:49Real Value: One or Two Fitted Guns
  20. 18:26Gun Fitting: Chicken or the Egg?
  21. 19:08Low Percentage of Fitted Shooters
  22. 19:26Personal Experience with Poor Fit
  23. 20:03The 'Aha!' Moment of a Fitted Gun
  24. 21:36Contacting Brian Balinsky
  25. 22:23Open Lines: Range Reports & Politics
  26. 22:51Story Time & Gun Talk Updates
  27. 24:41Hunting Story: Packrat in a Lookout
  28. 26:40Discussion: .243 Caliber for Deer
  29. 27:58John Boehner's Resignation & Politics
  30. 34:37Open Carry Observation in Albuquerque
  31. 35:39Caller John: Tournament Shooting Speed
  32. 37:06Understanding Shooting Capabilities
  33. 39:44Caliber Discussion: .243 & Recoil
  34. 40:53Caliber & Self-Defense
  35. 41:199mm Popularity & Effectiveness
  36. 42:47Bigger Isn't Always Better
  37. 43:42Upcoming: Self-Defense Training Mindset

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is shotgun fit so important for wing shooting?

Shotgun fit is crucial for wing shooting because shotguns lack sights. The gun must instinctively shoot where the shooter looks. Incorrect stock dimensions, like length of pull or comb height, can cause the shot pattern to miss the target, leading to missed shots or crippled game.

What are the key stock dimensions to consider for a shotgun fit?

Key stock dimensions for shotgun fit include length of pull (distance from the trigger to the buttpad), cast (the sideways bend of the stock), and comb height (the height of the stock's top surface). These dimensions dictate how the shooter's eye aligns with the barrel.

Can most factory shotguns be a good fit for shooters?

While some shooters may be close to 'average' dimensions and find a decent fit with factory guns, many are not. The wide variation in human body types means that production guns often have stock dimensions that are too high, too low, too long, or too short for optimal performance.

What is the process of getting a shotgun fitted?

A gun fitting involves a professional measuring the shooter's physical dimensions and observing their shooting form. Based on these measurements, adjustments are made to the stock (bending, shimming, or replacing parts) to ensure the gun aligns perfectly with the shooter's eye and intended point of aim.

Are older, used shotguns still viable for shooting sports?

Yes, older, well-made shotguns can offer tremendous value. If they have been maintained and not altered incorrectly, they are often as safe and shootable as modern firearms and can be fitted to the shooter, providing a high-quality shooting experience at a lower cost than new bespoke guns.

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