Shooting Tips from the Pros - Episode 1
In our first episode of Shooting Tips from the Pros, Emily interviews professional trapshooter, Kayle Browning.
In this episode, Kayle answers our customer's most frequently asked questions about trapshooting.
What is the difference between American trap, Bunker trap, and International trap?
K: "Bunker" trap is a nickname for International trap, so those are the same thing. In Bunker trap, there is an underground bunker with 15 different machines, and the angles are a lot harder (compared to American trap). The targets can variate 45 degrees left or right, and can go up to 3 meters high. In American trap, there is only one machine that isolates, and the height of the targets are the same.
The targets in American trap come out at about 42 MPH, but in Bunker trap, can be about 68 MPH (depending on where you are).
Do you clearly see the target from the beginning of the trap house to where you broke the clay?
Kayle uses her ShotKam video to explain her focal point, hold point, and to analyze one of her shots.
By watching Kayle's ShotKam video, we see that once the target comes out of the trap house, her gun (represented by the ShotKam's reticle) does not move. When the target gets above the gun barrel, her eyes go to the target, but the target is not yet clear. As soon as Kayle feels like she's got a clear visual connection, then she'll start her gun moving straight to the target. (See 3:39 in the video to hear the full explanation from Kayle.)
Do you prefer fixed or interchangeable chokes? What is your favorite choke size?
K: When shooting competitively, I like to use a sporting barrel, as it allows me to interchange my chokes. I use Improved Modified on the bottom for my first shot, then a Full Choke on my top barrel.
When hunting, I like to use fixed barrels, particularly the Parcours from Krieghoff. I like to use the Parcours when shooting Sporting Clays and FITASC as well.
What are the best ways to practice at home?
K: If you've got a trap machine at home, then that is a great option. If you don't, then there are a few drills you can do at home to practice.
You can practice your gun mount in a mirror so you can watch yourself. For example, if you are canting your gun when mounting it, then you will be able to catch this when watching yourself in a mirror.
Then, there is the indoor eye drill. You can put different "targets" up on a wall, and mount your gun. When you call "pull", move your eyes to the target first, then move your gun.
The last way (and my favorite) I'd recommend is if you've got a ShotKam - video analysis at home is a great way to "practice". Watch your videos and analyze yourself. Did I make a good move? Did my eyes lead first? The ShotKam is a great way to diagnose yourself while you're at home.
To Learn More About Kayle:
Visit Kayle's website here: https://www.kaylebrowning.com/
Subscribe to her podcast "Beyond the Podium" (with David Radulovich, World Champion) here: http://beyondthepodiumpodcast.com/
For Apple devices, subscribe to "Beyond the Podium" on Apple Podcasts here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-podium/id1508428247
