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Half-Way Point (Gun Hold) by: Ken Branham
So important is the proper position to hold our gun as we prepare to attempt a new target! Yet as often as not, it’s very likely ignored. The following may just be the simple explanation that might help one hit a few more targets. As you already know, the key to breaking targets is visually focusing on it while it is vulnerable and still in what we call the “kill zone”. If we can see it sharply and mount on the object while it is still in the proper zone, we can easily establish or match the speed of the bird making it a much easier target. This is why gun hold is so critical! When you first view a target presentation, you should only need to establish two initial facts. First, where can I first see the target ? Next, where is that ‘kill zone’ or the area that you intend to shoot the target? This will be determined by finding the area the target is clear and crisply in focus. With these two simple yet very important points established all you now have to do is visualize them both in your mind and then insert a point halfway between the two. You have now established the proper hold position or hold-point. By holding your muzzle in this spot you will ensure that you have time to make a proper gun mount in the direction of the birds path. As your mount is now complete you should be approaching the ‘kill zone’ and should be on bird speed. All that’s left is to pull the gun ahead until the sight picture is correct and deliver the shot. Using the half way point will ensure that we never have to chase the target. This will keep one from going into the panic mode from where we very seldom seem to achieve success. It will also ensure that when our gun mount is complete, we are on speed with a target that is in sharp focus! I hope this theory helps you as it has helped me. It is up to you as you shoot a certain presentation to really think about what you are doing and replay in your mind what happened as you inserted your gun on the object. If your shot is unsuccessful remember where the bird was as you caught it with the muzzle. Did you have to chase it? Did you feel rushed or panicked? If your insertion point was improper you may need to re-evaluate your hold and look points. Don’t be your worst enemy, if you continue to miss the bird, stop and change something! Do not keep repeating something that isn’t working. Make some sort of adjustment! Go back and review the basics. You have to learn to recognize when you need to change your technique, shooting is not magic. It is basic procedures and concentration. As a good friend of mine, Dan Carlisle, once said “You have to hold the gun somewhere, why not hold it in a place from where we can achieve success”!
Good Shooting, Ken Branham
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