In 1920 in the town of Andover, Massachusetts, a small group of upland game hunters took to shooting clay targets as a means of practicing their wing shooting. As friendly rivalries started to develop amongst the group, a uniform series of shots were developed to keep the competition fair and even for all. It was from this crude beginning that the modern day version of skeet shooting developed into what is now an international sport practiced by hunters and non-hunters alike.

Skeet is a recreational and competitive activity where participants attempt to break clay disks flung into the air at high speed from a variety of angles. For the American version of the game, the clay discs are 4 and 5/16 inches in diameter, one and 1/8 inches thick, and fly a distance of 60 yards (+/- 2 yards). The international version of skeet uses a target that is slightly larger in diameter (110mm), shorter in cross section (25mm vs. 1 1/8 inches), and has a thicker dome center, making it harder to break. International targets are also thrown a longer distance from similar heights (over 70 yards), resulting in a faster target speed.

To get involved with the sport of skeet shooting, you will need to purchase a shotgun, ammunition, and safety gear, such as a shooting vest and safety goggles. If you have never done shooting of any kind before, you should also enroll in a gun safety course, which will teach you about proper use and storage of your shotgun. If you have children in the home, or ever have children over to visit, such a course is essential to keep your house safe.

Generally, beginners to the sport tend to miss behind the clay target. Unlike pistols or rifles, the muzzle velocity of a shotgun target load is fairly low; ergo, the shooter must lead the target by a varying amount at each station. It is very important to keep the gun swinging; rather than following the target, try to start behind it and swing past it, firing when the requisite lead has been achieved. After firing, make sure to continue the swing; this prevents you from ‘jerking’ the trigger or spoiling your aim due to stopping your motion and either delaying the shot or pulling the gun off target with the effort.

—————

The Truth About Cat Food Nutrition – An informative story of the pet food industry and what to look for when choosing a cat food.