Leading the Target

There are two common ways of leading. Both of the methods require practice. Experience will help your timing and accuracy. Swing-through is the best technique for the beginning student.

Swing-Through Lead

1. Point your shotgun just behind a moving target and swing with it.
2. Increase the speed of the gun so that the muzzle passes through the target and then fire. In other words, literally “swing through” the target and fire at a blank space in front of the target.

Sustained Lead

As you gain experience shooting, you eventually will be able to perform the sustained lead.

1. Point the shotgun ahead of the game as you swing.
2. Swing along the flight line of the target at the same speed it is moving, keeping ahead of it.
3. Fire, making sure to sustain the swing during and after the shot.