Many hunters will tell you nothing more thrilling than bringing down your quarry with a single shot. Yet hitting your target isn’t always easy, especially when using a shotgun.
While there’s no arguing that the massive spread of shots in a shotgun pattern adds some excitement to the hunting process, bad shots won’t always bring down your prey.
If you don’t want to sacrifice accuracy, you should learn a few tips on aiming with a shotgun before heading out on your next hunting trip. With some practice and expert guidance, you can master the art of precision shooting so you never miss your mark.
Read on!
Practice Proper Stance and Grip
Stance and grip are essential for improving shotgun accuracy. First, the shooter should stand with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart for balance and stability. The shooter should also bend slightly at the hips and knees in an athletic stance with the shotgun butt centered on the shoulder and the butt between the shoulder and the armpit.
The support arm should be bent and raised to shoulder level with the elbow at a 90-degree angle and the butt up against the side. The hand should be placed over the forestock with a firm grip. This proper stance and grip help ensure proper gun alignment, as the shotgun must be kept as steady as possible while aiming to ensure accuracy.
Also, the support arm should remain stationary while the trigger arm should move minimally. This will allow a more consistent target acquisition, especially when aiming at a moving target.
Invest in Shotgun Recoil Pads
If you want to improve your aim while shooting a shotgun, it is essential to invest in a shotgun recoil pad. Shotgun recoil pads help to absorb the recoil from shooting, which can throw off your aim. Properly fitted recoil pads can help keep the shotgun from jerking too hard in your hands, which results in better accuracy.
Other helpful tips for improving accuracy include mounting the gun firmly against your shoulder and mastering the gun’s sight picture and trigger control. Additionally, it’s important to practice slowly with your shotgun and achieve a smooth, consistent motion for the best shot accuracy.
It would be best to try various stocks and customization until you find the one most comfortable. With some patience, consistent practice, and the help of a gun recoil pad, you can vastly improve your aim with a shotgun.
Keep Both Eyes Open
One key aiming tip for improving accuracy when shooting a shotgun is to keep both eyes open. Both eyes will be able to help with peripheral vision. This provides the shooter with an increased understanding of their surrounding environment.
Keeping both eyes open allows for more excellent depth perception. It also allows for better visualization of the target’s positioning about the muzzle. Furthermore, having two sets of eyes increases the chances of detecting a fast-moving target and improving accuracy with lead and pattern placement.
Follow These Tips for Aiming With a Shotgun
In conclusion, aiming with a shotgun can be a more challenging and exhilarating experience than aiming with a rifle, but it’s still essential to ensure accuracy. Using the tips outlined in this article and proper firearm safety will increase your chances of a successful succession of shots and make for a rewarding hunting experience. Give it a try and practice for maximum accuracy!
For more articles aside from how to shoot a shotgun, visit our blog.
