In contrast to rifle or sniper shooting, fast reflexes and flexibility are essential for shotgun shooting. We have only one most common shotgun shooting position and stance for hunting among all kinds of shooting positions and stances.
Yes, the most common way to shoot with a shotgun is standing because hunting with a shotgun is only for short-range. This means that your prey can be out of your range at any time, and you need to catch up as soon as possible.
What Are The Common Shotgun Shooting Stances For Moving Targets?
Swing-through shotgun shooting technique
If you’re new at shotgun hunting, swing-through is the best technique for you. Because it is easy to follow and lets you have more extra times to aim and figure out when you should take the shot.
Point your shotgun at a moving target and take a swing. Increase the gun's speed such that the muzzle passes the target before firing. In other words, "swing through" the target and shoot at a blank spot in front of it.
Sustained lead technique
Sustained lead is an advanced technique that only an experienced hunter can use for specific types of prey (or target). For example, some shooters will use sustained lead for more extended crossing targets or a duck flying in the straight line.
The key here is to raise your shotgun barrels correctly to the target, then swing at the same speed as the target moving while maintaining the correct lead as you fire. Of course, you must resist the urge to stop swinging as you fire, or you will miss.
Because your shotgun swing has the same speed as the target, most hunters who practice this method claim it is possible to be more consistent.
Pull away method
Clay shooting instructors frequently teach this method because it is widely regarded as the best foundation for good clay shooting techniques and is suitable for most Sporting clays.
In this case, we want to mount the gun on the target, then pull ahead of it and fire. Again, don't let your swing come to a halt as you shoot.
Some other methods
Those are the two main types of technique, but we still have some more others like “ambush,” “spot shooting,” and “swing-to”... It's not common because that technique is specialized for some specific targets.
How To Practice Standing As The Common Shotgun Shooting Position?
Now you want to know how to shoot with a shotgun commonly, so here are all the things you need to keep in mind to increase your result with a shotgun while hunting:
Stand correctly
While hunting with a shotgun, you’re most likely to shot at a moving target from a standing position. As a result, the place you stand in must allow you to swing freely across a large arc while maintaining control. This requires a comfortable, balanced stance.
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and your knees slightly bent to provide ideal balance. Bring your left foot forward slightly (if you're right-handed) and lean in the same way. The location of your feet is critical. Your front foot's toes should point at roughly 45 degrees toward the target. Even if you're taking a rapid shot, take the time to position your feet correctly.
Swinging with a moving target is easier if your knees are slightly bent. The bent leg to the back supports the hip motions, allowing you to swing easily.
To help you visualize more easily how to stand correctly with a shotgun, here is a video from Mossberg:
Hold a shotgun properly
- Hold the standard grip with your preferred hand and place your other hand on the fore-grip.
- When you lift the shotgun to your shoulder, the stock should be brought to your cheek first and then back to your shoulder.
- A typical mistake is to descend the head and cheek to the stock rather than to take the stock to the cheek. When done correctly, the shotgun butt should always be on your shoulder in the same place as your head naturally.
Aim with a shotgun
While hunting with a shotgun, targets usually appear suddenly or run away quickly, so if you try to aim with a shotgun, your prey can have more time to recognize you and then escape out of your range. That’s why the shotgun is designed to point at the target, with the eyesight sit at the top of the barrel or rib.
The sight is usually a little plastic head on the front of the gun. To shoot more accurately when using the sight, your eye must be in line with the barrel, so you need to put your head correctly on the stock.
When you raise the shotgun to your face, the stock should sit snuggly against your cheek, with your eye on the side above the shotgun's centerline. If you cannot take that position comfortably, you may need to readjust the position till you feel confident the most.
Take your shot
When shooting with a shotgun, speed is more important than accuracy. So the quick trigger action is a key to bring better results while hunting with this gun. To take a shot, your primary hand must rapidly slap the trigger decisively while your secondary hand maintains a firm grasp on the shotgun while pushing the stock back.
You don’t need to use breath control skills while shooting with a shotgun because the while you raise your gun into the spot, you will eventually take a shot as soon as the stock sits comfortably in your cheek. The range is not so far, so you don’t need to use your breath control skills.
If you are hunting duck or flying object, check out some best shotgun chokes for hunting small, fast close birds.
Conclusion
Shotguns are used primarily for hunting animals and other small games and for sport like clay shooting. Knowing the most common shotgun shooting position and stance for hunting will increase your hit rate for better results.