When shooting a shotgun, you have two options. One is to premount the gun in preparation for your shot. The other is to keep the gun at your side and mount the gun as your target presents itself. This latter technique is called low gun and is a preferred technique for many shooters. It especially lends itself well for bird hunters, who may be walking a field not knowing when the next opportunity may arise; hence, it would be impractical, and potentially dangerous, for the shooter to have the gun mounted as he or she walks.

Though an easy technique to learn, there are some key points to keep in mind. First, begin by carrying the gun in line with the direction you intend to shoot. If you intend to shoot a target that will be high, hold the gun pointed slightly up. However, if you expect the target at eye level, hold the gun more parallel to the ground. The idea is that you want to move the gun barrel as little as possible. Second, you will only be successful if you mount the gun correctly each time. Shooting a shotgun is a game of pointing, and the gun has to point where your eye is looking. Be sure that you put the gun in the same spot on your shoulder each time, and always set your cheek in the proper position to line your eye up with the barrel. This is best practiced outside of the heat of the moment to create some positive muscle memory. Finally, a great habit is to take your shot right as you mount the gun. To do this, you must smoothly raise your gun as you are following the target with your eyes. As soon as the gun is mounted, you should be pointing where you are going to take your shot, and you should pull the trigger. This forces you to slow your motion down, concentrate, and build consistency in your technique.

Happy Shooting.

Thomas Krajewski, Activities Manager