Shotgun Life | The Best in Wing and Clays Shooting

Briefs

A series of brief articles cataloging the sport and gear for wing and clays shooting.

The Knockdown Power of Waterfowl Duplex Shotgun Loads

Saturday, March 30, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: duplexshotgunshells, waterfowlhunting, waterfowlshotgunshells

Waterfowl Duplex Shotgun Loads, often referred to as duplex loads, are a type of shotgun shell designed to facilitate effective waterfowl hunting. They consist of two or more different sizes of shot layered or mixed together within the same shell. This combination allows the shooter to benefit from the characteristics of both shot sizes simultaneously. Typically, the larger shot is used to maintain lethal energy at longer ranges, while the smaller shot provides a denser pattern for close-range shooting.

Read More

Are Shotgun Palm Swells Worth the Hype?

Saturday, March 30, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: palmswellgrip, palmswellstock, shotgunpalmswell

Shotgun palm swells have long been a topic of debate among shooters. Some swear by them, claiming they improve their accuracy and control, while others argue that they have little to no effect on shooting performance.

Proponents of palm swells argue that they provide a more ergonomic grip, allowing for better control and shot placement. The larger grip surface area can help to distribute recoil more evenly, reducing felt recoil and allowing for quicker follow-up shots. Additionally, some shooters find that the palm swell fills the hand more completely, resulting in a more secure and stable grip on the shotgun.

Read More

The Legacy of Hunter Arms Shotguns

Monday, March 25, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: hunterarmsshotguns, lcsmithshotguns, vintageamericanshotguns

In the late 19th century, the small town of Fulton, New York, became the birthplace of Hunter Arms Company. Created by a pair of ambitious individuals, John and Andrew Hunter, the company started its operation in a modest foundry. The brothers’ vision was to craft a line of shotguns that would be unrivaled in quality and craftsmanship, making the name “Hunter Arms” synonymous with excellence in the field of firearm manufacturing.

By the late 1930s Hunter Arms’ survival was in question. It filed for bankruptcy as World War II was coming to an end. The business was subsequently sold to Marlin Firearms in 1945, and management ran it as the L. C. Smith Gun Company. By 1950 the Fulton plant was closed and the L.C. Smith Gun Company was fully integrated into the Marlin factory in Connecticut.

Read More

Choosing the Perfect Clays-Shooting Instructor for You

Sunday, March 24, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: clayshootinginstructors, shotguninstructors, wingshootinginstructors

Before you start your search for a clays-shooting instructor, it’s important to identify your goals and expectations. Are you looking to get started with clays-shooting as a beginner? Or are you an experienced shooter looking to improve your skills or compete at a higher level? Establishing your goals will help you find an instructor who specializes in your area of interest and can provide the targeted coaching you need.

Consider your learning style and what type of instruction you respond to best. Some people prefer a more hands-on approach, while others might benefit from a more theoretical style of teaching. Understanding your personal needs can help you choose an instructor who is best suited to your style of learning.

Read More

A Brief Explanation of Shot Strings

Monday, March 18, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: shotgunshells, shotgunshooting, shotgunstring

Shot strings refer to the formation and spread of the pellets after they are fired from the shotgun. When a shotgun is fired, multiple pellets are propelled in a cluster, with the formation and spacing of these pellets forming the shot string. The concept of shot string is crucial in shotgun shooting as it influences the shooting pattern and the subsequent damage on the target.

The length and spread of the shot string can depend on several factors. These include the type of shotgun used, the kind of ammunition, and the barrel choke. Moreover, external factors such as wind speed and direction, the distance to the target, and even the shooter’s technique can drastically affect the shot string. Therefore, understanding these variables is key for any shooter looking to enhance their shotgun performance.

Read More

How to Shoot the Different Sizes of Clay Targets

Saturday, March 16, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: claytargetshooting, claytargetsizes, differenttypesofclaytargets

When it comes to clay pigeon shooting, one of the critical components that can affect your performance is the size of the clay targets. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned shooter, understanding the different sizes of clay targets can make a significant difference in honing your shooting skills and your overall shooting experience. Let’s embark on a journey to learn about the various clay target sizes, how they impact shooting techniques and their role in competitive shooting.

Read More

The Important Aspects of Shotgun Fit

Friday, March 15, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: fittingashotgun, shotgunfit

To both novice and experienced shooters alike, the fit of a shotgun is paramount to accuracy, comfort, and safety, and can greatly impact the overall shooting experience. Whether for game shooting or clay pigeon shooting, a well-fitted shotgun can be the difference between successful shooting and missing your target. This article aims to delve deep into the importance of proper shotgun fit, the basics of shotgun fit, how to achieve the perfect shotgun fit, and potential issues with an improper shotgun fit.

A shotgun that fits properly will feel comfortable, natural, and almost an extension of your body. Essentially, it becomes a part of you, ensuring accuracy and control. The way a shotgun fits your body can have a significant impact on your shooting performance. It affects how quickly you can shoulder the gun, acquire the target, and fire accurately; all of which are crucial elements in clay shooting or hunting.

Read More

Revealing the Impact of the Anson & Deeley Hammerless Gun

Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: ansonanddeeleyshotguns, boxlockshotguns, hammerlessshotguns

The world of firearm technology has seen numerous revolutionizing inventions, but few have stood the test of time as firmly as the Anson & Deeley hammerless gun. First introduced in the late 19th century, this innovative firearm has made a significant impact on both firearm design and usage, shaping the trajectory of firearm technology. In this article, we delve into the intricate design, revolutionary contributions, historical significance, and functionality of the Anson & Deeley hammerless gun.

Read More

Looking Back at the Sears and Roebuck Shotguns

Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: searsandroebuckshotguns

Sears and Roebuck have been an iconic name in the American domestic scene for over a century. Among the numerous products that this retail giant sold, their shotguns have left an indelible mark on the landscape of American firearms. The legacy of the Sears and Roebuck shotguns, their evolution over the years, their standing in the collector’s market, and their future prospects form an intriguing tapestry of American history and culture.

Read More

Cleaning Shotgun Barrels: Bronze Brushes vs. Nylon Brushes

Sunday, March 10, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: cleaningyourshotgun, shotgunbarrelbrushes, shotguncleaningbarrels

When it comes to maintaining your shotgun, one of the most important tasks is cleaning the barrel. Two popular options for cleaning shotgun barrels are bronze brushes and nylon brushes. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand the differences between the two before deciding which one is best for your cleaning routine.

Read More

Shotgun Life Newsletters

Join an elite group of readers who receive their FREE e-letter every week from Shotgun Life. These readers gain a competitive advantage from the valuable advice delivered directly to their inbox. You'll discover ways to improve your shooting, learn about the best new products and how to easily maintain your shotgun so it's always reliable. If you strive to be a better shooter, then our FREE e-letters are for you.