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Sgt. Glenn Eller – Shooting True Pairs

Today, we’re going to talk about what target you should shoot first in a true pair. I just chose to shoot them both at the same time. But on a sporting clays course, you won’t have the same luxury. I’m going to show you several variations of true pairs, so you will know which target to shoot when you’re on the course.    The first presentation we’re going to shoot is a pair of right to left crossers, traveling at about the same speed, very close to each other.  The most consistent way to approach this pair is to shoot the back target first, then continue on to the front target. Notice how I keep the gun at a constant speed, engaging the first target with a smooth transition through to the second target.  The reason for shooting in this order is so the gun keeps moving, and you don’t have to stop and start.      Next, we’re going to look at a pair when the targets are farther apart. I’m going to approach this like shooting singles.  I’m going to take the front target first, and then take the second target in about the same place as I shot the first target. You can see it is essential to shoot the front target first, then reset and shoot the second target in almost the exact same way. I do this to minimize gun movement for both of the targets.    On this next pair we have a slow, quartering away target and a fast crosser. We will not be able to shoot either target at the optimal place that we would if they were singles.  Although this pair can be shot in either order, I’m going to take the easier slow quartering target first. I will not move off this target until it’s hit, even if it takes two shots. This will ensure, even with a miss, I will put more X’s on my scorecards. You must engage the first target quickly, leaving yourself time for the second shot, whether it’s making up for a miss on the first shot, or moving on to the more difficult second target.    Not all the clays you will see on a sporting clays course will be exactly like the ones we showed you, but each of the pairs you’ll see on the course will be represented by one of the three types we’ve showed you today. Utilize these strategies, and you’ll put X’s on your scorecard. Until next time, Stay Army Strong. CLICK HERE FOR PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION