Gunfitting

Why is gunfit so important?

In shotgun shooting it’s imperative that the relationship between our dominant eye and the gun’s top rib be correct - this ensures the gun will shoot to where we are looking (so long as this relationship remains throughout the whole shot process). The combination of having a gun that fits (one which accommodates your physical build and facial characteristics), and the ability to mount it consistently allows the gun to be positioned “naturally” without referencing the rib and deliberately adjusting your head/eye to fit.

This is a key advantage because as shotgun shooters we are predominantly shooting at moving targets. The trajectories of such targets (clay or game) are never uniform and continuously alter, often very subtly in both speed and direction, by keeping our focus locked on to the target we are able to “read” this ever changing behaviour much more easily.

Virtually all production shotguns are designed and manufactured with standardized measurements – to fit the “average man” and indeed if you are lucky enough to match this description then you shouldn’t have any problems (providing you adopt the right technique and mount the gun correctly).

However if you do not conform to this stereotype and you’re struggling with your shooting consistency then your gunfit may well be hampering your performance - so why not come and get it checked. Ladies and juniors often have issues with gunfit, frequently their physical characteristics are not suited to “standard” shotguns.

Unfortunately gunfit cannot be looked at in isolation and must be considered along with other factors such as stance, posture, gun-mount and eye dominance, a professional coach is well placed to aid with any gunfit concerns. It’s also best carried out where any interim alterations can be verified through live firing.