Want To Shoot Clay Targets? Get Your Eyes Right!

One of the most challenging parts to nail when shooting clay targets is positioning your eyesight. Beginners often struggle to get their eyes in the correct place when they shoot clay targets. However, you can’t enjoy a successful shooting streak until your eyesight and body position are not in sync with the moving target.

In today’s blog, we will provide tips and tricks on correctly positioning your eyes when clay shooting.

So, continue reading!

Tips To Position Your Eyesight When Shooting Clay Targets!

Eye dominance: Firstly, you need to determine your dominant eye. Most people assume their right eye is dominant because they are right-handed. However, that’s not the best way to judge a dominant eye.

Instead, you can try the triangle over the eye trick. You will focus on an object while making a triangle with your hands. Then, you will slowly pull the hands back to your face while keeping the object in focus. Whichever eye the hand goes back to is your dominant eye.

It’s common for some people to not have a dominant eye. They often bring back the hand to their nose.

Once you have determined your dominant eye:

• Try to always shoot clay targets on the side of your dominant eye.

• Consider switching your mount if you have been shooting on the wrong side. Obscure your vision of the opposite eye to maintain the focus.

• Practice mounting on your dominant eye side.

Proper mount: To adequately mount your weapon, position your dominant eye right over the rib. Your focus should not be too high or too low.

• If you struggle to get the height of your head correct, get shims and spacers for the gun. It will allow you to adjust the drop at the comb.

• Look for models that support your preferred positioning if you are left-handed. Ensure there’s enough space between the cast and your face to create more headroom.

• Getting a gun with customisable fitting options can be incredibly helpful when you shoot clay targets. However, if you can’t find a gun with a customisable fit, try fitting yourself to the gun. Mount the gun to your cheek, position your eyes over the rib and pull it back to fit your body.

Focus on the target: Coordinate your hands and eyes and stay focused when you shoot clay targets. If you are a beginner, don’t hesitate to take guidance here. Focusing on a moving object is much more difficult than most anticipate.

Keep both eyes open: This ultimately comes down to what you prefer. However, most experts suggest keeping both eyes open when you shoot clay targets. You have to remember that shooting with a shotgun is different from shooting with a rifle. Closing one eye will only limit your vision.

Why Do People Close One Eye?

While guides often advise to keep both eyes open, you will notice that many still shoot clay targets with an eye closed.

Here are some popular reasons behind it.

• If one experiences cross dominance, they may feel inclined to close one eye to focus better. For instance, you can be right-handed with left-eye dominant, and to be comfortable with the gun, you may close one eye to let the other take over.

• Also, people often close their eyes when their gun does not fit them well.

• Some shooters are, however, used to shooting with one eye closed. It’s their comfort zone. Moreover, it doesn’t prevent them from shooting their target.

Final Thoughts

So, do you prefer to shoot clay targets with both eyes open or one closed? Hopefully, these tips will help you figure out what works for your eyes. If you need more clay shooting guidance, consider getting in touch with a licensed coach.