Skeet Shooting Gun Tips

The sport of skeet shooting began as a way to practice and improve grouse hunting skills. As the years progressed, the sport grew in popularity, eventually culminating in national championships and even a earning a spot in the Olympics. If you're interested in skeet shooting, contact a local club devoted to skeet.

  1. Your Shotgun

    • Choosing the right shotgun is essential in the sport of skeet shooting. You cannot use a shotgun larger than a 12-gauge. In addition to a 12-gauge, you can use 20-, 28- and .410-gauge shotguns. If you dislike heavy recoil, opt for a 20-gauge or smaller. In skeet, as long as your shotgun is not a single-shot, you may use a pump action, auto-loader or double barrel. You can fire a maximum of two shots at an individual target. Also, keep in mind the length of your shotgun's barrel--a longer barrel will allow you shoot targets at greater distances but these shotguns are more difficult to maneuver. Short-barrel shotguns, on the other hand, are fast and easier to handle. Use a shotgun that fits your preferences and that feels comfortable in your hands.

    Your Ammunition

    • A vast array of ammunition is available for shooting skeet. You cannot use shells that are longer than 2 3/4 inch. However, with a .410, you are only permitted to use 2-1/2-inch shells. The size of the shot is also important--don't use anything larger than 7 1/2. Shot loads larger than this are ineffective when shooting skeet. Such loads, travel further than smaller loads, and are a danger to other shooters on the range. You can also use No. 8 and 9 shot when skeet shooting. Smaller loads produce less recoil.

    Your Choke

    • Most shotguns today are capable of being fixed with varying chokes. The choke on your shotgun determines the range at which you can accurately strike a target and still be lethal. For example, if you want a wide shot pattern, good for shooting targets up close, you want a cylinder or skeet choke. A tighter choke means that the shot is grouped closer together, but is lethal at greater distances. It also means you need to be a more accurate shooter. If a tighter choke fits your style, opt for a full choke. A beginner in the sport of skeet shooting should start out with a modified choke, as it falls in the middle.